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Radcliffe have signed experienced centre-back Michael Nottingham on a one-year deal at the Neuven Stadium. The 37-year-old arrives with extensive Football League experience, including spells with Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra and Accrington Stanley, alongside a career featuring four promotions.
Nottingham, also capable at right-back, joins from Brackley Town, where he was a standout performer despite the club’s relegation, winning Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Darlington have signed winger Max Howells on a one-year deal, subject to FA and National League approval. The 21-year-old returns after an impressive loan spell last season, where he made 26 appearances and scored five goals, including a standout volley against FC United of Manchester in the FA Trophy. He also scored on his debut against Southport.
A former Middlesbrough academy graduate, Howells gained senior experience with Whitby Town and Stockton Town before his move to the Quakers. Assistant manager Terry Mitchell praised his pace and energy, saying securing him permanently was a key summer priority.
Spennymoor Town have signed striker Aiden Marsh on a permanent deal, subject to FA and National League approval. The 23-year-old joins from Harrogate Town when his contract expires in July, having come through Barnsley’s academy and made nearly 50 senior appearances for the Championship side, scoring on his debut.
Marsh has also gained experience on loan at Scunthorpe United, York City and Raith Rovers, with a recent spell at Truro City before his move to Harrogate in January. Moors boss Tommy Miller said the forward is “sharp, clever and hungry” and believes the club can help relaunch his career.
Brackley Town have confirmed that right-back Tyler Lyttle and attacking midfielder Morgan Roberts will leave the club following their relegation back to the National League North.
Roberts, who joined in 2023, made 153 appearances and scored 25 goals during a spell that included promotion success and play-off disappointment. Lyttle also arrived that summer and went on to enjoy a strong stint at St James Park, featuring in FA Cup runs and the club’s title-winning campaign.
Spennymoor Town boss Tommy Miller says it has been a “little tricky” so far this summer as the club continues to work behind the scenes on recruitment for the 2026/27 National League North campaign.
Aaron Skinner at Spennymoor Town last season
In his latest update to supporters, Miller admitted the early stages of building the squad have been challenging, but insisted progress is being made as Moors look to strengthen key areas ahead of pre-season.
“It’s been a little tricky so far this summer, but the work continues behind the scenes,” he said, confirming the arrivals of Aiden Marsh, Louis Stephenson and Frankie Whelan.
Miller praised Marsh’s potential and believes the forward is at a key stage of his development. “Aiden has a good pedigree and he’s at a great age to really kick on in his career now,” he added.
He also highlighted the competitive nature of the transfer market at this level, with Spennymoor often in direct competition with several other clubs for the same targets.
“We’re speaking to players all the time, we’ve met with quite a few now and it’s just about trying to get the deals over the line,” Miller explained. “It can be quite challenging because if we’re in for them, there’s a chance there’s another three or four clubs in for them as well.”
Despite that, Miller stressed the importance of selling the club’s ambition and long-term stability in the division, where Moors have now been established for a decade.
“Our mission is to sell them the club and the ambition we have here,” he said, as he reiterated the aim of building a squad capable of challenging for the play-off places.
With pre-season fast approaching, Miller says attention is now turning to getting players back in and preparing properly for the new season ahead.
Worksop Town have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Sam Essien on a permanent deal ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 22-year-old joins after spells with FC Halifax Town, Boston United, Matlock Town and Ilkeston Town, gaining valuable experience across the non-league pyramid.
Tom Handley is leaving Merthyr
He also impressed during a loan at Golcar United, where he won Young Player of the Year. Essien made his senior debut at Halifax in 2021 and has steadily built a reputation for energy and work rate. Manager Craig Parry praised his “tough-tackling” style and athleticism in midfield.
Marine have appealed to fans to support defender Adam Anson, who is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hip condition requiring surgery. The club shared a message on social media asking supporters to get behind a crowdfunder set up to help cover the £8,000 operation needed to get him back to full fitness.
A separate fundraising page explains that without the procedure, Anson faces a long and uncertain recovery away from the game he loves.
Merthyr Town have confirmed that Tom Handley, a former Hartpury student, will depart the club after four memorable seasons, making 191 appearances, to take up an opportunity with a National League side.
Handley, who also captained the Martyrs at times, said it was “never easy to leave somewhere that has meant so much”, but feels the move is the right step for a new challenge. He thanked staff, teammates, volunteers and supporters for their backing, adding he is “proud to have worn the shirt” and be part of the club’s journey and success.
Radcliffe have strengthened their defence with the signing of experienced centre-back Tom Davies on a one-year deal with an option at the Neuven Stadium. The 34-year-old brings extensive Football League experience, with over 250 appearances for clubs including Fleetwood Town, Accrington Stanley and Portsmouth.
Davies also impressed during a loan spell at Chester last season, scoring three goals in 14 matches and helping secure five clean sheets, including a late winner against AFC Fylde. He said talks with the manager and positive feedback about the club made the move an easy decision, and he is now focused on helping Radcliffe push towards their aims for the 2026/27 campaign.
New Hereford FC signing Danny Waldron says the club's ambition and support were key factors in convincing him to move to Edgar Street.
The experienced striker became the Bulls' latest summer recruit after helping Kidderminster Harriers secure promotion through the National League North play-offs last season.
Waldron revealed discussions with manager Aaron Downes and assistant Harry Pell played a major role in his decision.
“After speaking with the gaffer and Harry, I liked the vision they brought, which was to really compete next season, so it seemed like a no-brainer,” he told the club's official website.
The 30-year-old arrives with a strong goalscoring pedigree at this level and says he is eager to rediscover the form that earned him a move to Southend United in 2024.
“I’m familiar with this league and I want to get back to the standards I set with Rushall,” he added.
Waldron also highlighted Hereford's fanbase as one of the biggest attractions of the move.
“It was good to play in front of a big crowd every week while I was at Southend, and a big reason why I wanted to come here was the supporters.
“Once you’ve experienced it you don’t want to stop, so I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone.”
The striker enjoyed National League football with Southend before spells at Tamworth, Brackley Town and Kidderminster, and now hopes to help the Bulls challenge at the right end of the National League North table.
His arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment for Downes and Pell as they prepare for their first full season in charge at Edgar Street.
Hereford FC have continued their summer recruitment drive with the signing of experienced striker Danny Waldron.
The 30-year-old arrives at Edgar Street boasting a proven goalscoring pedigree and a wealth of experience across the upper levels of non-league football.
Waldron made his mark with Alvechurch, where he scored 26 goals across two seasons and earned national attention by netting twice in a memorable FA Cup victory over Cheltenham Town in 2022.
His form prompted a move to National League North rivals Rushall Olympic, where he enjoyed a prolific first half of the 2023/24 campaign. Waldron scored 16 goals before Christmas, including four in a comprehensive win over Chorley, attracting interest from higher up the pyramid.
That led to a January switch to Southend United, where he made 26 appearances in the National League. Further spells followed with Tamworth and Brackley Town before he joined Kidderminster Harriers last season, helping the Worcestershire club secure promotion through the play-offs.
Waldron becomes the latest addition to Aaron Downes and Harry Pell's growing squad and says the management team's ambitions played a major role in his decision to move to Edgar Street.
While most Hereford fans are supporting England at the World Cup, Herefordshire’s own Jarrod Bowen isn’t part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Should our second team be Portugal?
Let me explain.
Portugal are managed by Roberto Martinez (the ex-Swansea, Wigan, Everton and Belgium manager). When Martinez was made Swansea manager in 2007, the club physio was Richie Evans, a former Swans player. Evans followed Martinez to Everton, and then Belgium, and he is now head of performance in Martinez's backroom team for Portugal.
Evans' dad was Brian Evans, a former Swansea player who joined Hereford in 1973, and he earned the last of his seven Wales caps (against Poland) while a Hereford player.
For many years, he was the only Hereford player to earn an international cap while on the books at Edgar Street.
Given Jarrod’s not in the England setup, is Hereford's best World Cup 2026 connection with Portugal?
Saying that, if there’s an England v Portugal match later in the tournament, I know who I’m backing!
Chester have signed 21-year-old centre-back Jack Kenny on an initial one-year deal from Oldham-based Avro. The defender captained Avro last season as they won promotion from the NPL Division One West for the first time in their history, making over 50 appearances in a standout campaign.
A Stockport County academy graduate, Kenny previously had spells at Stockport Town and Chadderton before returning to Avro. Manager Phil Parkinson praised his leadership, aggression and composure on the ball as Chester continue squad building for 2026/27.
Chester have also signed winger Jefferson Abreu on an initial one-year deal following a standout season with Northwich Victoria in the Midland League Premier Division. The 21-year-old scored 20 goals in 39 appearances from wide areas as he collected both the club’s Manager’s Player of the Season and Golden Boot awards, as well as being named Midland League Player of the Season.
A former Macclesfield youth player, Abreu has also featured for Colne, Longridge Town and Darwen. Manager Phil Parkinson praised his attacking quality and potential, while the winger says he is ready to “score some goals and help the team.”
Scarborough Athletic have moved quickly to secure the core of their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with a string of key players committing their futures as excitement builds around a return to their home ground.
Luca Colville leads the group after passing 200 appearances, with the winger among several senior figures expressing their enthusiasm for getting back in front of the Scarborough support. Harry Green, Alex Purver Hannan and Lewis Maloney all highlighted the importance of returning home, with Maloney pointing to the squad’s togetherness and the lift of playing in front of bigger crowds again.
Defender Michael Duckworth, long-serving centre-back Kieran Weledji and goalkeeper Ryan Whitley also signed on for another year, bringing experience and continuity to the group, while captain Will Thornton enters his sixth season at the club, praising last year’s resilience and urging the squad to go one better.
AFC Telford United have added experience and depth to their squad with the signing of right-back Matt Curley ahead of the new season.
The 31-year-old joins from National League side Tamworth, where he played a key role in their recent success, helping the Lambs secure back-to-back promotions and establish themselves back in the top tier of non-league football.
Curley made 24 appearances last season and was named Players’ Player of the Season in 2023/24. He has also played for Buxton, Chasetown, Sutton Coldfield Town, Rugby Town and Hednesford Town, bringing strong non-league experience to the Bucks.
Hereford fan and football vlogger Jon Warren has put together a review of Hereford's 2025/26 season.
From an underwhelming summer, to a run of form that resulted in Paul Caddis being dismissed as Hereford manager, and new boss Aaron Downes coming in with the Bulls 11 points adrift of safety - the 2025-26 National League North season had it all.
"I've put together a compilation of all of the best and worst bits of what turned out to be probably the most stressful season I've ever experienced as a Hereford supporter," he said, adding: "How stressful was that season as a Hereford fan?"
Promoted Hednesford Town have continued to flex their muscles ahead of life in National League North by signing experienced goalkeeper Sam Hornby from League Two side Walsall..jpg)
Sam Hornby. Picture: Timmy96/Wikimedia
The 31-year-old arrives at Keys Park with a wealth of Football League experience, having represented Burton Albion, Port Vale, Bradford City, Colchester United and Walsall during his career.
Hornby becomes Hednesford's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jamie Cooke and former Chester winger Dylan Mottley-Henry, with the Pitmen showing little sign of slowing down after securing promotion through the Southern League Premier Central play-offs.
The goalkeeper spent the last two seasons at Walsall, making 22 appearances in all competitions after joining the Saddlers on a free transfer from Colchester United in 2024.
His move marks a return to familiar surroundings, having spent time at Keys Park as a youngster before embarking on a professional career which has spanned more than a decade.
Speaking after completing the switch, Hornby said Hednesford's ambitions had been a major factor in his decision.
"I'm delighted, it's nice to get it sorted," he said.
"The ambition of the football club matches my drive and where I want to go now in my career.
"I've spoken to the chairman, I've been around the ground and I've seen everything here from when I was a 16-year-old boy to now at 31. It's a really exciting time and a really exciting opportunity to come to this football club."
The signing is another indication of the growing ambition at Hednesford under chairman Craig Gwilt, who recently outlined plans to continue investing both on and off the pitch following the club's return to National League North for the first time in a decade.
The Pitmen are preparing to move towards a full-time environment as they look to establish themselves at Step 2, while substantial investment is also being made into facilities at Keys Park, including stadium improvements, upgraded supporter areas and the creation of a new fan zone.
Director of Football Andrew Reed admitted the club had been tracking Hornby for some time and believes his experience will be invaluable as Hednesford take on the challenge of National League North football.
"I'm really pleased to bring Sam to the football club," he said.
"His experience, professionalism and leadership qualities will be invaluable both on and off the pitch.
"He shares our ambition for where we want to take this football club, and we're excited to welcome him to Keys Park."
For a club determined to make an impact rather than simply survive, Hornby's arrival looks another significant statement of intent.
South Shields have appointed former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson as their new head coach following the departure of Ian Watson and assistant Carl Magnay to League Two side Rochdale.
Williamson steps into the role with immediate effect, having already established himself as an influential figure behind the scenes at Mariners Park since joining the club in January. Initially arriving on a voluntary basis to assist Watson and Magnay, he later took up a full-time position as the club’s Director of Performance and Culture.
The 42-year-old now returns to frontline management for the first time since leaving Carlisle United in March 2025. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously managed Gateshead, MK Dons and Carlisle, while also spending time as a first-team coach at Rangers under Russell Martin.
Best known for his playing career with Newcastle United, where he made more than 150 appearances, Williamson enjoyed notable success at Gateshead, guiding the Tynesiders to the National League North title in 2022.
His appointment comes at a significant moment for South Shields following a historic campaign that saw the Mariners finish second in National League North with a club-record 95 points before suffering defeat in the play-off final against Kidderminster Harriers.
Club chairman Geoff Thompson believes Williamson is the ideal candidate to build on those foundations.
“Mike has quickly become a valued and influential figure within the football club,” said Thompson. “His leadership qualities, knowledge of the game and understanding of what we are trying to achieve made him the outstanding candidate for the role.
“We are excited to see him lead the team into this next chapter and wish him every success.”
Williamson will now begin preparations for the 2026/27 season, with further announcements regarding his coaching staff expected in the coming weeks.
Chester supporters have already contributed more than £95,000 to the club's Boost The Budget campaign as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.
Hereford at Chester last season
The latest update from the Deva Stadium confirmed that £95,250 has now been raised towards the club's ambitious £125,000 target, with fans once again digging deep to support new manager Phil Parkinson's promotion push.
Boost The Budget allows supporters to make one-off or monthly donations directly towards the playing budget, helping the Blues strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.
When the initiative was launched, Chester officials described the £125,000 goal as their most ambitious yet, following another season which ended in play-off heartbreak.
The campaign remains well on course to surpass last year's total of £106,000, with supporters continuing to respond in impressive numbers.
Chester's efforts follow another remarkable fan-funded campaign at fellow National League North side Darlington. The Quakers recently smashed their £180,000 target, eventually raising a staggering £188,320 through 730 pledges, taking their overall Boost The Budget contributions since 2017 beyond £1.3 million.
Closer to home, Hereford supporters have also demonstrated their backing for manager Aaron Downes this summer. More than 1,200 season tickets were sold during the early bird period, while the club's Squad Builder initiative has already generated more than £14,000 for the playing budget.
Downes recently described the response from Bulls supporters as "heart-warming", thanking fans for their continued support as he and assistant manager Harry Pell assemble their squad for the new season.
Chester's campaign remains open until July 5, with the Blues now less than £30,000 away from their target.