National League 2019-20: every club ranked in order of finishing position

1 Wrexham

There is clear evidence of improvement from Wrexham, whose fourth place last term was their best effort since 2011-12. They were the lowest scorers among the top eight but have added some talented attackers to turn them into serious title contenders.

2 Solihull Moors

Finishing second and failing to win promotion was a blow for Solihull Moors but the club keep moving forward. Signing prolific striker Paul McCallum is a massive statement of intent from the Moors, who should be in the thick of the promotion race.

3 Chesterfield

It has taken a while for Chesterfield to adjust to the culture shock of National League football but they should have a far better second season in the fifth tier. They finished strongly last term and have added better quality players this summer.

4 AFC Fylde

The 2018-19 National League playoff final was a massive anti-climax for Fylde, who lost 3-0 to Salford while barely laying a glove on their opponents. But the FA Trophy winners remain ambitious to take the next step and can post a third successive top-seven finish.

• National League title contenders

5 Notts County

A summer of turmoil has made it tough for Notts County to return to the EFL at the first attempt although the long-awaited takeover by Danish brothers Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz has been completed. The much-changed Magpies may take time to gel but could reach the playoffs.

6 Harrogate

Harrogate won plenty of respect by finishing sixth in their first National League campaign and will be looking to do even better in 2019-20. The Yorkshire club remain ambitious and have caused a stir by signing former top-flight striker Jon Stead from Notts County.

7 Dover

Going back to a former club can be risky but Andy Hessenthaler's second spell at Dover is off to a stunning start. He lifted them from 23rd to 14th after his appointment last October and could be targeting the playoffs this season.

Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler will be targeting the playoffsCredit: Jordan Mansfield (Getty Images)

8 Torquay

Experienced manager Gary Johnson has a great record in the National League, winning titles with Yeovil and Cheltenham, and has turned around Torquay, who won the National League South last term. The Gulls face a big step up but are targeting a promotion push.

9 Barnet

Darren Currie starred for Barnet as a player and his first full campaign as their manager should be an enjoyable experience. Currie led Barnet to a 1-0 FA Cup third-round win at Sheffield United in January, but this season will be about pushing for promotion.

• National League handicap

10 Sutton United

Sutton are starting a new era after their long-serving manager Paul Doswell stepped down, citing travel difficulties as the decisive factor. He leaves a strong squad behind and his successor Matt Gray can lead them to a top-half finish.

11 Boreham Wood

Improvement is on the cards for Boreham Wood, who have added significant quality to all areas of their squad. Manager Luke Garrard was unhappy with last season's 20th place and has been given excellent support from the club's owners.

12 Eastleigh

Eastleigh reached the playoffs last season despite a negative goal difference but they may have to settle for mid-table in 2019-20. Goalscoring is likely to be more difficult without Paul McCallum, who has left for Solihull Moors.

13 Bromley

Neil Smith has led Bromley to three successive top-half finishes but he has had to deal with the departures of some key players this summer. It may take a while for his new-look squad to gel, but Bromley have sufficient quality to nail down a mid-table position.

14 Hartlepool

Hartlepool have found it difficult since their relegation to the National League in 2016-17 and could finish in the bottom half for a third successive season. Craig Hignett has overhauled the squad but may miss reliable goalkeeper Scott Loach, who has left to join Barnet.

• National League relegation candidates

15 Yeovil

A transitional season is likely for Yeovil, whose squad has been gutted since their relegation from the EFL. Straight-talking manager Darren Sarll looks the right long-term appointment but will need time and patience to get the Glovers back on track.

16 Ebbsfleet

Off-field issues dogged Ebbsfleet for much of last season with players and staff often not receiving their wages on time. A summer of change has brought a new manager, Garry Hill, and several new players and Ebbsfleet should have enough to steer clear of relegation.

17 Dagenham & Redbridge

Last season's 18th place was a decent effort for cash-strapped Dagenham but it will take time for them to return to being a force in the fifth tier. Manager Peter Taylor knows the non-league scene inside out and should keep the Daggers out of trouble.

Peter Taylor: Dagenham & Redbridge manager should keep the cash-strapped club out of troubleCredit: James Chance (Getty Images)

18 Woking

Woking are back in the fifth tier after just a season away and are likely to consolidate their position. Alan Dowson did a great job in his first year at the helm and has added prolific striker Dave Tarpey from Barnet.

19 Barrow

Barrow used the loan market well last season and finished 11th. They have been busy plugging the gaps in their squad but the departure of centre-back Dan Jones to Salford is a blow and could see them take a few steps back.

• National League top-scorer tips

20 Stockport

It took six years for Stockport to work their way back to the fifth tier and their priority is to make sure they stay there. County will be craving a return to the EFL but are not flush with cash and must absorb the loss of top scorer Matty Warburton.

21 Halifax

It has been a disruptive summer for Halifax, who had to deal with the resignation of manager Jamie Fullarton less than three weeks before the start of the season. Key players have departed and there is a big risk of them being dragged into a relegation scrap.

22 Aldershot

Aldershot were reprieved when Gateshead were demoted for breaching financial rules but it may have only been a temporary stay of execution for the Hampshire side. Many of Aldershot's better players have moved on, putting manager Danny Searle in a difficult position.

23 Maidenhead

Alan Devonshire is one of the better lower-league managers but even he may struggle to keep Maidenhead out of trouble this season. The Magpies finished 19th last season and are weakened by the departure of top scorer Adrian Clifton to Bromley.

24 Chorley

Chorley are eagerly anticipating their first season in the fifth tier since 1991 but they may struggle to cope with the step up. Key striker Josh Wilson has left to join Northern Premier League side Ashton United and not enough has been done to improve the squad.

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