The National League South kicks off its eagerly anticipated 2023/24 season this weekend, with 22 clubs vying for promotion and glory. Matches commence on Saturday, 5 August, with standout fixtures including Chelmsford City hosting Chippenham Town and Taunton Town facing Weymouth.
The league, which sits at the sixth tier of English football, promises a thrilling campaign as teams battle for the two automatic promotion spots to the National League. The season will also see the return of fans to stadiums after last year’s successful campaign, with clubs hoping to capitalise on increased attendance and commercial revenue. The National League South remains a hotbed for talent, with several teams boasting strong squads and ambitious plans for the new season.
National League South Season Commences This Weekend
The National League South kicks off its 2023/24 season this weekend, with 22 teams vying for promotion and glory. The league, which sits at the sixth tier of English football, promises a thrilling campaign ahead.
Defending champions Bath City will begin their title defence against Chippenham Town on Saturday. The Romans finished the previous season with 88 points, securing the championship by a comfortable margin.
Among the promoted teams, Taunton Town and Truro City will make their National League South debuts. Both sides have been busy in the transfer market, strengthening their squads for the challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, former league champions Woking will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2022/23 season. The Cards finished in 12th place, well adrift of the promotion places.
The opening weekend also sees a mouth-watering clash between Eastleigh and Weston-super-Mare. The two sides met in the play-offs last season, with Eastleigh emerging victorious.
Fans can expect a competitive and entertaining season, with the league’s top three gaining promotion to the National League. The bottom four teams will be relegated to the Southern League or Isthmian League.
As the new season begins, excitement is palpable among players, managers, and supporters alike. The National League South is set to deliver another memorable campaign.
Teams Prepare for Inaugural Matches Across the South
The National League South kicks off its inaugural season this weekend, with 22 teams set to compete across the southern regions. Clubs have been preparing rigorously, with pre-season training and friendly matches completed ahead of the opening fixtures.
Excitement builds as fan bases rally behind their teams, eager to witness the start of a new era in non-league football. The league promises to showcase thrilling matches and foster local rivalries, according to league officials.
Among the standout fixtures, Woking faces Chelmsford City, while Torquay United takes on Chippenham Town. These matches are expected to draw significant attention from both local and national football enthusiasts.
Teams have made strategic signings and investments in infrastructure to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Managerial changes and new tactics are also anticipated to play crucial roles in the competition’s outcome.
The National League South aims to provide a platform for emerging talent and a stepping stone to higher divisions. Clubs are optimistic about the opportunities this new league presents for both players and supporters.
With the first matches scheduled for Saturday, the football community anticipates a season filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and support their teams as the National League South embarks on its inaugural journey.
New Faces and Familiar Rivals Set to Clash
The National League South kicks off its new season this weekend with a mix of fresh faces and familiar rivals. The league welcomes three new teams: Chippenham Town, Hungerford Town, and Taunton Town, who have all been promoted from the Southern League.
Defending champions, Weymouth, begin their title defence against East Thurrock United. The Dorset side finished last season 12 points clear at the top, with 93 goals scored in 44 games. Manager, Sean Rutter, expressed confidence ahead of the new campaign, stating, “We’ve worked hard in pre-season and the lads are raring to go.”
Meanwhile, Torquay United, who finished as runners-up last season, start their season against Chelmsford City. The Gulls were promoted to the National League last season but will be looking to make an immediate impact in the higher division.
Other notable fixtures include the clash between Eastleigh and Weston-super-Mare, with both teams aiming to build on their performances from last season. Eastleigh finished in 11th place, while Weston-super-Mare were 16th.
The season also sees the return of some familiar names to the league. Former champions, Bath City, return after a season in the National League. They start their campaign against Truro City, who finished last season in 18th place.
With the new season underway, fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama. The National League South promises to deliver another thrilling campaign, with promotion and relegation battles set to keep supporters on the edge of their seats.
Excitement Builds as National League South Kicks Off
The National League South kicks off its latest campaign this weekend, with 22 teams set to battle across 42 exhilarating fixtures. The league, which sits at Step 2 of the National League System, promises a thrilling season ahead.
Wrexham AFC, newly promoted from the National League North, will make their debut in the division. The Welsh side, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, will face Dover Athletic in their opening fixture on Saturday.
Eastleigh FC, who finished last season in third place, will begin their campaign against former champions Chelmsford City. Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens expressed optimism ahead of the new season, stating, “We’ve had a good pre-season and the lads are raring to go.”
Meanwhile, Chippenham Town, who narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, will take on Truro City. Chippenham’s manager, Mikey Harris, emphasised the importance of a strong start, “We know how crucial the early games are, and we’re focused on getting off to a good start.”
The National League South will see familiar faces in Weymouth and Bath City, who both secured promotions from the Southern League. Weymouth will kick off their campaign against Braintree Town, while Bath City will face Hungerford Town.
Fans can expect a season filled with drama, as teams vie for the two automatic promotion spots and the chance to compete in the play-offs. The National League South promises to deliver excitement, with every match potentially pivotal in the race for glory.
Fans Gear Up for Thrilling Season Ahead
The National League South kicks off its thrilling new season this weekend, with 22 teams set to battle it out over 42 exhilarating matchdays. The league, known for its competitive spirit and passionate fanbase, promises another season of intense action and unforgettable moments.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favourite teams, with many clubs reporting record-breaking season ticket sales. Eastleigh FC, for instance, has sold out its season ticket allocation for the third consecutive year, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among supporters.
The season opener sees Aldershot Town host Cheltenham Town on Saturday, a fixture that has historically delivered nail-biting encounters. Meanwhile, fans of Weymouth and Dartford will have to wait until Sunday for their teams to commence their campaigns.
Several new faces have joined the league, including former Premier League players, adding an extra layer of excitement. Former West Ham United striker, Junior Hornby, has signed for Chippenham Town, while ex-Crystal Palace defender, Jonathan Williams, joins Hungerford Town.
Managers across the division have expressed their optimism for the season ahead. “We’ve worked incredibly hard in the pre-season, and the lads are raring to go,” said Steve King, Eastleigh FC’s manager, ahead of their away fixture against Bath City.
With the new season just hours away, the National League South is poised to deliver another memorable campaign, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable football.
As the National League South kicks off its new season this weekend, fans across the region are gearing up for an exciting campaign ahead. With several teams making significant summer signings, the competition is set to be fierce, promising thrilling matches and unpredictable outcomes. The league will continue to serve as a crucial stepping stone for clubs aiming to climb the football pyramid, with promotion to the National League at stake. Meanwhile, relegation battles will add further drama to the season. As the new campaign unfolds, supporters can look forward to a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
