National League returns - how can it live up to last season's drama?

What the report says

The BBC Sport Football preview says the National League begins its 2026-27 season on Saturday after one of the most dramatic finishes in the competition’s recent history. Rochdale and York City went into the final day level on the title race, before late goals and a tense run-in decided both the league championship and the single automatic promotion place. Rochdale then went up via the play-offs after another comeback-filled Wembley final, leaving several rivals to reset for a new campaign.

The article highlights Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Southend United, Hartlepool United, Forest Green Rovers and Scunthorpe United among the teams expected to contend again, while noting a number of managerial changes. Rob Elliot has taken over at Carlisle, Lee Cattermole is in charge at Gateshead, Kieron Dyer has his first full-time senior role at Southend, and Lee Clark has joined Hartlepool. Robbie Savage continues at Forest Green, and Adam Murray has arrived at Barrow after their difficult 2025-26 season.

BBC Sport also points to several clubs trying to rebuild after setbacks, including Barrow, which endured a poor season, and Woking, who remain without a permanent manager after parting with Jermain Defoe. New entrants Worthing and Hornchurch arrive in the fifth tier for the first time, adding unfamiliar opponents to the division.

Beyond the club-by-club changes, the piece places the wider promotion debate in context. The National League’s ongoing “3UP” campaign for a third promotion place remains unresolved, so only two spots are available again. The preview suggests the standard at the top remains high and the division is likely to produce another long, tightly contested season.