National League South 2019-20: who wins the title? Best bets for the new season

Maidstone finished bottom of the National League after a horrendous season last term, but there is reason to believe they can bounce straight back.

The Stones lost 13 of their final 18 games and had by far the worst goal difference in the division, but they have been busy over the summer and the addition of George Elokobi and Gavin Hoyte should bolster their defence significantly.

• National League title contenders

The loss of star striker Blair Turgott to Ostersunds is a notable blow, but 20-year-old Ibrahim Olutade is an an interesting replacement. Olutade was a hotshot forward for Leatherhead in the Isthmian Premier last season.

Furthermore, they have John Still as their head of football and Mr Non-League knows what it takes to be successful at this level.

Arguably their biggest challenger will be Billericay, backed by controversial chairman Glenn Tamplin.

Despite his riches, Tamplin has consistently made the headlines for all the wrong reasons, having previously sacked himself twice and been involved in a number of disagreements with players.

They do, however, have a manager with a strong pedigree in Harry Wheeler, the youngest person to gain a Uefa A-licence, but even he was sacked at the end of August last year before returning 147 days later following a dismal time in charge of Maidstone.

Matt Rhead has signed from Lincoln and there are rumours Wes Thomas will be next. Billericay have brought Jake Robinson back for another season and Jordan Parkes is a fantastic addition, but they are a difficult side to trust.

• National League North
• Non-league lower divisions

After a busy summer following relegation Havant & Waterlooville head the market thanks to the arrival of notable recruits Jonah Ayunga and Roarie Deacon, but Paul Doswell’s side look a little short with questions to be answered as to whether the players will gel.

Weymouth secured promotion from the Southern Premier South last term but they could find life difficult without talisman Brandon Goodship, who notched 77 goals in the past two years and has since moved to Southend.

Similarly, Chelmsford went close in the playoffs last season but the loss of Rhys Murphy to Yeovil is likely to have a negative impact.

Recommendation
Maidstone
1pt each-way 12-1 bet365, RedZone, Sky Bet

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