Non-league 2026/27 preview: The stories to watch this season

Three years ago, Hednesford Town stood on the brink of extinction. Now they are just two promotions away from the Football League.

It has been a remarkable transformation under owners Craig and Amanda Gwilt. The Pitmen have surged through the divisions at extraordinary speed.

Kelvin Davis guided Hednesford to back-to-back play-off promotions and into the National League North. But there is little appetite for standing still.

The club has embraced full-time football, overseen a major squad overhaul and embarked on another new chapter, determined to continue one of non-league football’s most compelling success stories.

“We’re excited about the future, not just the immediate future but the long term,” Davis told the Express & Star ahead of the new season.

“We can’t deny or hide that Hednesford is a club with ambition. You want players with that same ambition, but that doesn’t guarantee you anything other than a group that wants the same thing.

“It’s now about whether we can put that talent on the pitch and produce performances the club can be proud of. Hopefully, that brings success.”

Davis is relishing the new campaign, and supporters will be too as they prepare to pack out Keys Park with hopes of another promotion push.

To give themselves every chance, the Pitmen have assembled an impressive squad. Summer arrivals have come from the EFL and the National League, with goalkeeper Sam Hornby arriving from Walsall in one of several eye-catching pieces of business.

Former Gillingham defender Lenni Cirino, ex-Salford City midfielder Jai Curran-Nicholls, Aaron Hayden from Carlisle United, striker Aaron Jarvis following his spell at Yeovil Town and highly rated Bolton Wanderers youngster Sonny Sharples have also strengthened the squad, among others.

Meanwhile, Jamie Cooke has caught the eye throughout pre-season after arriving from Halifax Town, with Davis tipping the forward to become a firm fans’ favourite.

On recruitment, Davis said: “It’s been a big transition. A lot of the lads have played at a higher level and understand what it takes. A few have won promotions before. You’re trying to bring in characters who understand what winning looks like.”

And while most managers prefer to keep expectations in check, Davis was refreshingly candid about what he believes it will take to top the table.

“There are probably 10 other clubs looking to finish at the top,” he said.

“I think you’ve got to get 100 points to win this league. That is very difficult and will take a lot of strong performances.

“Hopefully we can create a group that goes into the season full of confidence, backed by a fan base that is hugely supportive. Let’s see how far we can go.”

Elsewhere, Kidderminster Harriers begin life back in the National League under new manager Paul Wotton. Promotion was secured through the play-offs under Adam Murray, who left for Barrow just days after the triumph.

Several key players have departed, but Wotton has overseen a busy recruitment drive this summer.

Rushall Olympic consolidated their place at step three last season after adapting to life in the Northern Premier League following relegation. This summer, they have been switched laterally into the Southern League Premier Central - a move the club welcomes - and Ian Long’s side will hope to challenge near the top. Popular forward Luke Benbow is among the new arrivals.

Stourbridge will be aiming to build on Scott Adey-Linforth’s remarkable turnaround. The Glassboys were seven points from safety when he arrived in December but climbed to a 15th-place finish.

They have strengthened their attack with the signings of former Aston Villa loanee Charlie Pavey and ex-Walsall striker Charlie Wragg.

Local rivals Halesowen Town will hope it is third time lucky after consecutive play-off disappointments under Russell Penn. Former Walsall defender Matt Preston is among their eye-catching summer additions.

Meanwhile, Stafford Rangers are targeting promotion from Northern One West under ambitious new American ownership.

Graham Deakin guided Rangers to safety last season, but attention has now turned to mounting a promotion challenge. Fan favourite Tom Tonks is among the headline signings after returning from Tamworth.

Former Dudley Town boss Matty Lovatt takes charge of a new era at Lichfield City after they were moved laterally from the Northern One Midlands, and following the departure of Ivor Green who oversaw the club’s remarkable rise to step four.

Chasetown have also entered a new chapter under former Stoke City defender Carl Dickinson, who won the Walsall Senior Cup shortly after his appointment and is now targeting a promotion push with the Scholars.