NEW TO THE NLS FOR 25/26 - Dover Athletic, Horsham, Maidenhead Utd

Written by Ollie Heathcote

1. Dover Athletic

The Key Info

Founded: 1983

Nickname: The Whites

Manager: Jake Leberl

Stadium: The Crabble Stadium

Capacity: 5745

The History

Founded in 1983, Dover Athletic came into force, replacing Dover FC who had gone through financial difficulties. Whilst the first few seasons proved to be a struggle for Dover, they were able to find success as they won the Southern League in both the 1989/90 season and 1992/93 season. This saw the Whites gain their Conference status in 1993, before later returning to the Southern League and then the Isthmian League. Dover did achieve promotion into the Conference again in the 2009/10 season, but continued to float between Step 1 and 2 until most recently. It has been a tough few years for the Whites, who suffered two relegations in three seasons, ending up in Step 3. However, this gave Dover the

opportunity to rebuild, and a playoff final victory against Dartford confirmed an immediate return to the National League South ahead of this season.

The Manager:

Following retirement of his playing career in 2009, JAKE LEBERL has been a loyal servant to Dover Athletic, joining the club as assistant manager in the 2012/13 season. Since then, Leberl has built up his coaching experience, with opportunities of being caretaker manager and assistant manager before he was appointed manager during the 2023/24 season. His leadership was key to Dover’s success last season, Achieving promotion back to the

National League South.

One to Watch:

Dover Athletic boasted an extremely clinical strike force, as RUBEN SOARES-JUNIOR played an integral role in achieving promotion for the Whites. Having experience at non-league clubs has been key, as Soares-Junior has represented Tonbridge Angels, Billericay and Folkestone Invicta prior to his arrival at the Whites. His pace, quality and composure made him a force to be feared, recording 25 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, as well as

being named the Manager’s Player and Player’s Player of the Season.

Played for both: 

ALFIE MATTHEWS is a name which is recognisable for many Tudors’ supporters, having played for the club during the 2023/24 season. During his time at the club, Matthews picked up 23 appearances and showed glimpses of quality whilst he played. Despite statistics only recording 1 goal for the Tudors, Matthews poses a key threat on the ball and scored 13 goals last season, including goals in both the Playoff Semi Final and Playoff Final.

How they got promoted: Despite finishing in 5th position at the end of the regular season, Dover Athletic entered the playoffs with nothing to lose, showcasing the quality of their team throughout the season.

The playoff final saw the Whites head to second-placed Billericay, who had missed out on winning the league only by goal difference. A 1-2 victory for Dover set up a tie away to Dartford in the final. Despite the Darts having the home advantage, Dover remained organised throughout, winning the game 0-2 in front of a sold out Princes Park.

2. Horsham

The Key Info

Founded: 1871

Nickname: The Hornets

Manager: Dominic Di Paola

Stadium: Fusion Aviation Community Stadium

Capacity: 3000

The History

Horsham FC’s history can be traced back to 1871, despite their reformation in 1881. The Hornets contain a rich history, being founding members of both the Sussex County FA and the West Sussex Senior League. After winning this division on three occasions at the turn of the century, the future looked bright for Horsham. They moved into Queen Street, playing their games there until 2008. Throughout their history, Horsham have experienced both promotion and relegation, most notably after joining the Athenian League in the 1960s. Most recently, Horsham FC have been known for their FA Cup run in the 2023/24 season, reaching the Second Round - equalling the furthest they have gone in the competition after the 2007/08 season. Having been promoted to the National League South, Horsham will

look to establish themselves within the division, whilst continuing to write more history into their record.

The Manager:

DOMINIC DI PAOLA is a name which will be well-known to the Horsham faithful, having been in charge of the Hornets for a decade heading into the season. After just three months in his first job at Hastings United, Di Paola joined a Horsham side who had been relegated to the County Leagues for the first time since 1956. Having the task of rebuilding this side, Di Paola has been exceptional throughout his time as manager, guiding the Hornets back up the non-league pyramid, whilst also helping to advance the club in the FA Trophy and FA Cup to their furthest progressions in history. Di Paola will Look to build upon his hard work ahead of this season, having recently been announced as Manager of the Season for last season’s Isthmian League Premier campaign.

One to Watch:

REECE MYLES-MEEKUMS was a key asset in

Horsham’s Isthmian League Premier Division triumph, contributing with some important goals. Having originally signed for the Hornets on a dual-registration from Worthing, he has grown into life as a Horsham player and is just 7 appearances away from 100 appearances. Last season’s outstanding effort was rewarded with a clean sweep of all the team’s Player of the Season awards, which makes him a player to watch as he enters the National League South.

How they got Promoted:

Last season ended in dramatic fashion for Horsham, as they secured the league title on the final day with a 5-1 victory over Hashtag United. Whilst Billericay had been at the top of the league for the majority of the campaign and heading into the final day, it was going to be a tough test for the Hornets. After Hashtag broke the deadlock, Horsham remained focused and continued to push. Momentum turned heavily in the Hornets’ favour as they were 5-1 up in the 65th minute. That was how the scores stayed, meaning that both Billericay and Horsham were level on points, but Horsham had a +1 goal difference better, giving them the league title.

3. Maidenhead United

   
   

The Key Info

Founded: 1870

Nickname: The Magpies

Manager: Alan Devonshire

Stadium: York Road

Capacity: 4500

The History

Founded in 1870, Maidenhead United contains a rich history and is one of the oldest football clubs in England. The name Maidenhead United was adopted following the merger between Maidenhead FC and Maidenhead Norfolkians, with the Magpies competing in many different divisions throughout their time as a football club. As a founding member of the Corinthian League, Maidenhead were successful throughout their time in this division, winning the league on 3 occasions. Following this they have been members of the Athenian League and

the Isthmian League, and have competed in the National League since 2017, before relegation to the National League South was confirmed last season. The Magpies look to be rebuilding a strong side ahead of this season, as they eye an immediate return to the National League.

The Manager:

ALAN DEVONSHIRE is a manager who has shown an immense sense of loyalty throughout his time as a manager, spending two spells with the Magpies. after a playing career, which saw him representing West Ham and Watford, Devonshire landed his first managerial job at Maidenhead United at the Beginning of the 1996/97 season where he spent 7 years at the club. He joined Hampton & Richmond, where he went on to serve 8 years, before departing to Braintree. Following a 4 year spell at the Iron and 186 games managed, Devonshire returned to Maidenhead United for the 2015/16 season, and has been in place ever since.

One to Watch:

JORDAN RAGUETTE was announced as a Maidenhead United player recently, following their relegation to the National League South and showcased his talents in this division as a Salisbury player last year. With it being Salisbury’s first season in the National League South, Raguette played an integral role on the left hand side to keep his side in the division. After scoring 2 goals against the Tudors in Salisbury’s 5-0 victory last season, Raguette is a player that will be on the radar for teams in this division.

Last Season:

Despite a strong finish to the season with 3 wins in their last 5 games, Maidenhead United were eventually relegated to the National League South on the final day, finishing just a point adrift of Wealdstone. With a tough beginning of the season for the Magpies, they achieved their first victory in a 3-1 win over Barnet, who went on to become league champions. After a spell unbeaten, Maidenhead struggled to find a consistent run of form, but continued to pick up points in some fixtures. Whilst these points proved important, consistency looked to have come too late as they ended the season on fantastic form. However, the Magpies will look to regather themselves after a tough 2024/25 campaign as they strive to finish as high as possible in a competitive division.