Non-league 2025/26 season preview: New eras begins at clubs including Kidderminster Harriers who will eye promotion
Promotion back to the National League was within Kidderminster Harriers’ grasp - and is sure to be their goal this season.
Harriers agonisingly missed out last season where they were top of the standings ahead of the final game. They suffered a gut-wrenching defeat at Southport that condemned them to the play-offs where they lost to Chester.
Manager Phil Brown departed, and a new era under Adam Murray has begun.
The loss of star striker Ashley Hemmings who netted 33 goals last season is a blow, and leaves a big hole to fill. But, Murray moved quickly to secure the signatures of Jason Adigun and forward Tobi Sho-Silva.
There’s no doubt that promotion will be Kidderminster’s goal and they’ll be fancied by many to go on and achieve that feat. They welcome Scarborough Athletic on August 9.
Despite Rushall Olympic’s best efforts during their second season in the National League North, they were relegated back to step three.
Richard Sneekes made way for new boss Ian Long, who has a track record of building competitive teams. The project is one that he is excited by, Long once played at Rushall himself under owner John Allen, and said that he is “hoping to put smiles on faces”.
But, the immediate goal is to stabilise in the Southern Central Premier.
League-rivals Stourbridge have experienced one of the toughest periods in their history.
The Glassboys faced potentially being homeless for this season after they were ordered to take down a number of stands and floodlights that are close to banking surrounding the War Memorial Athletic Ground.
The club was told that it can remain at its home, but boss Liam McDonald stepped down amid the “difficult situation” the club finds itself in.
Last season was a rollercoaster for the Glassboys, but new manager Darryl Knights said he is looking to return the good times.
Stourbridge begin their season hosting Bury Town, and will hope for a fruitful campaign on the pitch.
Rivals Halesowen Town will look to build on a strong first full season under Russell Penn where they finished fourth in the Southern Central Premier before losing to AFC Telford United in the play-off semi-finals.
The Yeltz will want to build on this solid foundation and challenge at the top end of the table in what is a competitive league again. They recently welcomed back teenage striker Charlie Wragg on loan from Walsall.
Hednesford Town will seek back-to-back promotions as they continue their journey under new ownership of Craig and Amanda Gwilt.
Hednesford were 14th when boss Gavin Hurren stepped into the hot seat in November last year. But, a superb run with just one loss in 20 Northern One West league games saw the Pitmen finish second before they secured play-off glory and promotion to the Northern Premier League.
This summer has seen several impressive and statement signings, adding to an already strong squad.
Neil Kitching has spoken of trying to shift the mentality from surviving to challenging at Stafford Rangers.
After returning to the club in late-January, Kitching led the Boro to a 12th-place finish.
Stafford have retained 15 players from last season’s squad and welcomed several signings including returning winger Joe Cuff. Finishing in the play-offs or achieving promotion is their ambition.
Chasetown have consistently shown that they are capable of competing at the top end of the Northern One West, and they will aim to challenge for promotion again.
Mark Swann’s side dismantled Rushall Olympic to win the Staffordshire Senior Cup last season and will be eying further silverware.
Meanwhile, Darlaston Town and Sporting Khalsa are stepping into the unknown this season having been moved into the Northern One West from the Midlands division.
Both competed for play-off positions last season, with Dean Gill saying his Darlaston side punched above their weight, but there is no reason why they can’t do the same in their new division under their long-serving managers.
And Lichfield City will be buzzing to begin life at the highest level in the club’s history in the Northern One Midlands.
After previously missing out, Ivor Green’s side stormed the Midland Premier League to secure promotion and will be relishing the chance to make their mark in their new division.
