It’s set to be another fast and furious season in the National League, with big guns Carlisle United installed as the bookies’ favourites but much-fancied Southend United, Forest Green Rovers, Boreham Wood, Hartlepool United and Barrow all expected to be there or thereabouts in the promotion race.
Scunthorpe United, Harrogate Town and, hopefully, FC Halifax Town could also be challenging for a coveted top-seven spot in what promises to be another ultra-competition campaign in the fifth tier.
We take a look at how every club in the division is shaping up ahead of the new season.
1. AFC Fylde
MANAGER: Craig Mahon. LAST SEASON: 1st in National League North. PROMOTION ODDS: 50/1. KEY MAN: Forward Luca Thomas scored 22 goals as Fylde earned promotion last season, and has the ability to carry that form into this campaign at a higher level. PREDICTION: Mid-table. Photo: subm
2. Aldershot Town
MANAGER: Scott Davies. LAST SEASON: 20th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 100/1. KEY MAN: Striker Marcus Dinanga scored 20 goals for Gateshead in his most recent National League season and the 28-year-old could prove a terrific addition for The Shots. PREDICTION: Relegation battle. Photo: subm
3. Altrincham
MANAGER: Neil Gibson. LAST SEASON: 13th in National League. PROMOTION ODDS: 100/1. KEY MAN: Winger Aidan Barlow was a first-team regular at Rochdale over the last two seasons and will bring creativity and dynamism to the Altrincham attack. PREDICTION: Relegation battle. Photo: subm
4. Barrow
MANAGER: Adam Murray. LAST SEASON: 24th in League Two. PROMOTION ODDS: 10/3. KEY MAN: Attacking midfielder Olly Crankshaw has shown enough of his ability at the likes of Stockport, Bradford and Altrincham to prove he can excel at this level if he stays injury-free. PREDICTION: Play-off contenders Photo: subm