Despite the National League season finishing less than four weeks ago, a number of clubs have been quick off the mark to bring in new players from all levels of the non-league pyramid.
Whilst the likes of Barnet and York have set the pace, others such as Tamworth have re-invested in players that won them promotion to the top division but have begun to sprinkle a few new signings into the mix.
The Bees have looked below their level to bring in some upcoming talent, notably Jermaine Francis and Finley Wilkinson and have arrived from Chelmsford City and Hitchin Town and they aren’t alone in looking for gems away from the Football League.
The Lambs have signed Miracle Okafor from Southern League Halesowen Town. The striker notched 17 times last season as the Yeltz just missed out on a play-off place. Finding a goalscorer who can keep a club from avoiding relegation is the hardest piece of business to do.
Not having a huge budget to compete with ex-Football League clubs some have to look outside the box to get the best talent at a fraction of the price. Both Altrincham and Aldershot have added to their ranks from even further down the levels.
The Robins have picked up Lucas Weaver from Colne FC who scored a remarkable 42 goals in 43 games, The young winger was playing park football only two years prior and makes the step up to full time football on the back of an impressive season despite his side finishing mid-table.
Arriving at the EEB Stadium is Pat Nash on a 12 month deal, a goalkeeper who won promotion with Farnham Town into the Isthmian League. The nineteen year old kept 31 clean sheets as his side finished the season as the only unbeaten side in England across the campaign.
Two signings that have gone a little under the radar are that of Dillon De Silva and Ben Wynter.
The former left Wealdstone recently where he was highly thought of in his short spell and was hoped by Stones supporters to re-sign for the upcoming season. However, the Sri Lankan international winger has moved across the capital to Sutton Utd as Steve Morrison revamps his squad following relegation from League Two.
Wynter found himself surplus to requirements at Barnet but has a new home at Woking. The defender suffered an injury hit 2023-24 season as the Bees hit the play-off’s but was an integral part of the previous campaign contributing five goals.
Whilst some of these signings represent a gamble, the lesser outlay in wages is rewarded if one of these players turns into a healthy profit when moving on.
With so few clubs having made any movement yet as the close season turns to June much is expected in the coming weeks.
The battle for signatures is likely to be hotting up as the summer begins to arrive and EFL contracts come to an end, but failure to look below the National League as well might well miss an opportunity for the next big star.
