Enterprise National League Table Prediction for 2025/26 season: Winners, Playoffs, and Relegation Picks

The 2025–26 National League season is just around the corner with the first matches kicking off on Saturday 9 August 2025. With several clubs aiming to secure a return to the Football League and others fighting to maintain their status, the league once again promises to be one of the most competitive in English football.

This campaign features a number of quality sides expected to challenge for promotion, including Carlisle United and Forest Green Rovers following relegation from League Two, as well as York City, who came close last term.

Southend United, Rochdale and newly promoted Scunthorpe United will also be looking to contend, while clubs such as Wealdstone, Braintree and Boston United face the prospect of a survival battle.

The following is a club-by-club breakdown of the key contenders and relegation candidates, with analysis based on managerial appointments, transfer activity and current outright odds from leading bookmakers.

Title Challangers & Play-off Contenders

York City

Manager: Adam Hinshelwood continues for a second full season after guiding York to a second-place finish in 2024–25.

Transfer Business: The club retained its central spine and added selective free transfers in midfield and attack to enhance depth and flexibility.

Assessment: Hinshelwood’s tenure has been defined by structure and results, most notably earning consecutive Manager of the Month awards in September and October 2024 thanks to a series of dominant performances.

The coaching staff have maintained a possession-oriented style supplemented by strong wing play and high-pressing, while reinforcing the defence to avoid the late-season fading that undermined previous campaigns.

Importantly, the summer’s restrained recruitment underscores a strategy of gradual development rather than wholesale change, reinforcing existing tactical frameworks.

Bookmaker Insight: 3.75 to win the title; 2.1 for promotion

Carlisle United

Manager: Mark Hughes stays on after taking charge in February, despite relegation from League Two.

Transfer Business: An aggressive rebuild has seen eight senior players depart and experienced recruits such as centre-back Kyle Cameron and forwards Ajiboye and Linney arrive.

Assessment: Hughes has repositioned Carlisle as a dominant force in the division, prioritising organisation. With Cameron providing defensive leadership and pace in the front line, the side operates fluidly with overlapping full-backs and structured pressing.

Cohesion is aided by the retention of much of Hughes’s backroom staff. Early form suggests a team ready for sustained challenge, reinforced by significant infrastructure and the advantage of managerial continuity.

Bookmaker Insight: 3.5 for the title; Evens for promotion

Forest Green Rovers

Manager: Robbie Savage was appointed on 1 July 2025 following the departure of Steve Cotterill.

Transfer Business: Savage has initiated a recruitment campaign focusing on athleticism and adaptability, bringing in a blend of younger defenders and creative midfielders aligned with his fast-paced philosophy.

Assessment: A decorated former Premier League player with managerial momentum after delivering three promotions in four years at Macclesfield, Savage offers a progressive and ambitious blueprint. Supported by director Mark Bowen, he plans a high defensive line, aggressive pressing, and quick transitions.

While Forest Green’s off-field sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly kits, continue garnering attention, Savage must balance innovation with results in order to restore FGR to League Two.

Bookmaker Insight: 7.0 for the title; 4.0 for promotion.

Southend United

Manager: Kevin Maher leads the side into 2025–26 after steering them to the playoff final in June.

Transfer Business: Recruitment has been strategic, adding wing-backs Ben Goodliffe and Harry Boyes (loan), alongside midfielders including Cav Miley, while retaining key forwards such as Charley Kendall.

Assessment: Maher’s 5–3–2 system has given Southend defensive solidity and attacking balance. Cav Miley’s midfield control, paired with Kendall’s pressing and link-up play, provides a sturdy foundation.

The squad’s retained core has established chemistry and fitness, and the board’s financial commitment post-takeover enhances stability. With their playoff experience, Maher’s men are poised to convert near-misses into tangible success.

Bookmaker Insight: 11.0 for the title; 6.0 for promotion.

Rochdale

Manager: The permanent appointment of Jimmy McNulty who has taken charge following relegation from League Two.

Transfer Business: The club focused on retaining its best performers, adding minimal external staff to maintain a settled squad.

Assessment: Rochdale enter the campaign as a disciplined side known for their resilience. With recruitment centred on continuity, they are well-prepared to avoid an early-season adjustment period and mount a concerted playoff bid. Their blend of League Two experience makes them reliable challengers.

Bookmaker Insight: 8.5 for the title; 4.33 for promotion.

Scunthorpe United

Manager: Andy Butler remains as the manager after National League North promotion.

Transfer Business: Modest, focused on strengthening the spine without disrupting team unity.

Assessment: Riding the momentum of promotion, Scunthorpe arrive with confidence and an EFL-style squad structure. Though budget constraints exist, the club’s infrastructure and experienced coaching staff should sustain a top-seven push. Their physical approach and organisation are likely to cause early-season surprises.

Bookmaker Insight: 21.0 for the title; 11.0 for promotion

Tamworth

Manager: Andy Peakes continues following promotion from National League North.

Transfer Business: Minimal; squad largely unchanged.

Assessment: With continuity and early-season form on their side, Tamworth have defied expectations before. Their compact defence and attack-minded approach have suited the division’s dynamics. A dark-horse for the playoffs, the challenge lies in sustaining form and managing squad strain through an extended campaign.

Bookmaker Insight: 51.0 for the title; 26.0 for promotion

Relegation Favourites

Wealdstone

Manager: Sam Cox has replaced Neil Gibson.

Transfer Business: Squad turnover began amid budgetary limitations.

Assessment: Transition under new leadership carries risk. Wealdstone’s late adaptation and reduced quality suggest vulnerability. Without rapid cohesion, they face a season-long relegation tussle.

Bookmaker Insight: Among the favourites for relegation; odds often exceed 125/1.

Boston United

Manager: Graham Coughlan remains in charge after positive results since his tenure started.

Transfer Business: Minor additions to support the requirements to stay in the National League.

Assessment: Boston may struggle to match the pace or physicality this season. Their focus will be on early-point accumulation to avoid being drawn into a survival battle.

Bookmaker Insight: Considered a relegation candidate.

Braintree Town

Manager: The manager is Steve Pitt. He was appointed to the role in December 2024, succeeding Angelo Harrop. Pitt was previously an assistant manager at the club under Harrop.

Transfer Business: Small-scale signings to inject regional experience.

Assessment: Braintree face a significant step up in quality. While cohesion and momentum remain positives, their lack of League-level depth poses serious risk. Early-season form will likely determine their fate.

Bookmaker Insight: Among relegation favourites.

Brackley Town

Manager: Gavin Cowan remains in charge after guiding the club to promotion from the National League North.

Transfer Business: Recruitment has been modest, with a focus on continuity and a small number of additions from lower divisions to increase competition in key areas.

Assessment: Brackley return to Step 1 with a reputation of strong home form. Cowan’s pragmatic style has delivered consistent results over several years While the squad lacks the individual star power of their new league rivals, it remains cohesive and well-drilled.

The key challenge will be whether their familiar structure can hold up against sides with greater depth and attacking quality over a long season. Their margin for error is slim, and survival may depend on turning St. James Park into a fortress once again.

Bookmaker Insight: Widely priced among relegation favourites.

Football Park's Overall Predicitons

• York City are the strongest title candidates
• Carlisle possess the resources, experienced leadership in Mark Hughes, and tactical versatility to gain promotion.
• Forest Green remain in the mix.
• Southend and Rochdale offer longstanding playoff credentials.
• Scunthorpe and Tamworth may surprise, benefitting from momentum.
• The four newly-promoted and lower-budget clubs will confront serious gaps in strength and squad depth.