Solihull Moors finished 14th in the National League last season. They started the campaign as the seventh favourites for promotion, at odds of around 12/1, so this was generally considered an underachievement, albeit with significant caveats, such as a mid-season managerial departure. Matt Taylor’s appointment in January has yet to pay dividends, however, the former winger will look to utilise the summer break to overhaul his squad and reignite Moors’ promotion bid.
Getting out of the fifth tier is far from a straightforward task. Many of the best sports betting sites have already started to price up the National League promotion market tentatively and it appears the odds are firmly stacked against Taylor’s team this time around. At 33/1, the bookmakers aren’t expecting a promotion push, however, several stronger sides will be fancied to challenge at the top of the table.
Carlisle
With vastly experienced coach Mark Hughes remaining in charge of the club, it isn’t unexpected to see the Cumbrians priced up favourably by the bookmakers. The owners have struggled to meet the expectations of supporters, however, they have plenty of money and would be willing to spend their way back to the EFL.
They have already poached Altrincham’s free-scoring striker Regan Linney and have had a decent summer clearout. Although further departures are expected, they still possess a talented and experienced squad with Charlie Wyke, Cedwyn Scott, Stephen Wearne and Elliott Embleton all currently on the books.
York City
Losing play-off semi-finalists often tend to bounce back the following season and York are expected to be there or thereabouts. Contrary to reports at the end of May, Adam Hinshelwood will remain in charge of the Minstermen next season and their squad is likely to remain largely intact. They have also raided Altrincham, snapping up the impressive Alex Newby, although keeping hold of the National League’s Player of the Year Ollie Pearce is likely to be their biggest challenge.
Forest Green
Forest Green were fairly unfortunate to lose out in the National League play-offs last season and are expected to challenge once again in 2025-26. There has been a reshuffle behind the scenes with former Reading boss Mark Bowen appointed as director of football and he will be looking to use his contacts to help recruit players capable of guiding the Gloucestershire-
based club back to League Two. Forest Green conceded just 44 goals last season, a total which was only bettered by title winners Barnet, and they will need to maintain their defensive resilience if they are to end their two-season spell in the fifth tier.
Rochdale
Rochdale were one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the National League last season and should be able to fire themselves into the promotion mix once again. Dale has added former Leeds United player Bryce Hosannah to their squad and most of their off-the-field issues now appear to be firmly behind them.
Jimmy McNulty remains in charge, and although some fans have questioned his tactical ability, his motivational skills could be enough to guide the Greater Manchester outfit back into the playoff picture.
Southend United
Following their Wembley heartbreak, Southend United were always likely to be priced up favourably by the bookmakers ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Under Kevin Maher’s inspiring and dedicated leadership, the Shrimpers are likely to be tough opposition and with the club chairman having offered reassurances to the fans that everything is on track, they are predicted to be firmly in the mix once more.
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