The race for the National League playoffs is getting interesting and in this article I will predict who I believe will finish inside the playoff positions.
Just Missing Out
Hartlepool United – I Believe Hartlepool United would have been finishing in the playoffs if they sacked John Askey sooner. since the arrival of Kevin Phillips, Pools have been one of the most inform teams in the league and their is no doubt in my mind that they will be able to achieve a playoff spot next season.
Halifax Town – I think Halifax will be proud of their efforts this season even if they don’t finish in a playoff spot this season. Under the management of Chris Millington, Halifax will once again be targeting a playoff spot next season.
Altrincham – Altrincham will feel unlucky that they haven’t been included in the playoffs this season but I do believe that they should be proud of what they’ve achieved. A team that I predicted to go down in the summer have proofed me wrong massively and Phil Parkinson has done a remarkable job at the Manchester club.
The Top Seven
7th Aldershot Town – A team that narrowly avoided relegation last season, Aldershot Town have had a remarkable season, under the guidance of Tommy Widdrington, The Shots have massively improved from last season and are now close to a EFL return for the first time since 2013. Aldershot also enjoyed a FA Cup run earlier in the season where over 4,000 fans travelled to West Brom to see their team lose 2-0. Overall a good season for Aldershot and despite what happens in the playoffs, their fans will be proud of the season their team has had.
6th Gateshead – Despite a season of turmoil, Gateshead have been one of the best footballing sides this season. Their beautiful style of play didn’t go unnoticed as in November previous manager Mike Williamson was stolen Milton Keynes. However new manager Rob Elliot has continued the Gateshead success and they are on track to finish inside the playoff spots for the first time since 2014.
5th Oldham – Oldham fans wouldn’t have been expecting to see their team inside the playoffs in September, when David Unsworth was sacked on the 17th September, Oldham were 22nd in the table and were 15 points away from the playoffs. Since Micky Mellon has taken over, Oldham have been one of the best defensive sides in the league and have been a tough team to beat. if I was to predict a team who I believe would win in the playoffs then it would be Oldham has they look like the real deal heading into these final games.
4th Solihull Moors – Solihull are another team who shouldn’t be in the playoffs but have overachieved this season. Under the guidance of Andy Whing, Solihull have also been a team who have been defensively solid and have been hard to beat. Whing has got his side playing some nice football however but I think EFL promotion is not on the cards yet.
3rd Bromley – Bromley have been a team who have been punching above their weight for the past few seasons. Andy Woodman is one of the best sides in the league and he’s got his team playing some physical but effective football. Woodman will surely be getting a better job in the future but at this present moment his sole focus will be getting Bromley into the Football League.
2nd Barnet – Barnet have taken a huge step up this season and have been the best of the rest this season. Despite not being able to keep up with run away leaders Chesterfield, Barnet have improved from previous seasons and that’s down to the impressive management of Dean Brennan who will be hoping to take his side to the EFL this season.
Finally Thoughts
Overall this season has been very tight and close. I think every team mentioned in this article could go on and win the playoffs and get their place in the EFL. It will be an interesting watch to see who escapes out league and gains promotion into professional football.