Where will we finish?

[griff]

Well the local paper tried it (second in case you're wondering) so I thought it was worth a go. All depends on the question asked with AI.

Based on all available information about the squad sizes and strengths, and the quality of recent signings, of clubs in the National League, who are likely to finish first down to seventh at the end of the 2025-26 season?




Heres a likely ranking for the National League 2025?26 based on current squad strengths, recent signings, and expert projections:


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Predicted Top 7 ? National League 2025‑26

1. Carlisle United

Returning from League Two with strong backing and a notable signing in David Ajiboye .

Early betting odds in their favour (5/2) reflect external confidence .



2. York City

Narrowly missed promotion last season with 96 points. Strong spine retained?including prolific striker Ollie Pearce?and key defensive pillars .



3. Forest Green Rovers

Came third last season and have made promising additions including winger Jayden Clarke from Gillingham .

The managerial appointment of Robbie Savage adds intrigue to their campaign .



4. Rochdale

A transfer window ?stacked in all departments,? per analyst Thomas Greenow .

Significantly bolstered: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, David Tutonda, Bryce Hosannah, among others .



5. Southend United

Finished runners-up in recent predictions and maintained squad core while adding quality signings like Harry Boyes, Ben Goodliffe, Slavi Spasov, and Sam Austin .



6. Brackley Town / Boreham Wood (Tie for this spot)

Brackley Town: Former League One midfielder Jack Price joins?a strong addition to midfield .

Boreham Wood: Manager Luke Garrard retains defensive spine and brings in several reinforcements . Promoted last season, familiar with the level.



7. Southend United (if we rank them alone) or Forest Green/Fourth‑place challengers like Rochdale?depending on form and momentum in early season.




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Summary Table

Rank Club Reasoning Highlights

1 Carlisle United Relegated from League Two, strong squad build, market confidence (odds 5/2)
2 York City Consistent high performance, retained top players, promotion push
3 Forest Green Rovers Strong transfers, experienced management, playoff contenders
4 Rochdale Major summer reinforcements across lines
5 Southend United Retained core squad, added proven National League talent
6 Brackley Town Experienced mid‑fielder?s arrival adds solidity
7 Boreham Wood Promotion momentum, solid spine, strong leadership



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Final Take

Expect a tight race for the title among Carlisle, York, FGR, and Rochdale. Southend, Brackley, and Boreham Wood are strong contenders to complete the top seven. Early form, injuries, and managerial stability will be decisive?keep an eye particularly on how Carlisle and Forest Green adapt post-relegation and promotion, respectively.

Let me know if you?d like predictions for playoffs or relegation battles too!

[kel_]

“ keep an eye particularly on how Carlisle and Forest Green adapt post-relegation and promotion, respectively.”

When did Forest Green get promoted to the division? Most of these ‘experts’ have no idea why they’re talking about, especially the ones on X who try to tell people about their own club like that Gab Sutton clown who does the EFL.

[griff]

Nobody takes these seriously, it’s just an exercise in embarrassing people/AI/search-engines at the end of the season.

[kel_]

Aye. Where do you reckon you lot will finish, Griffie?

[griff]

Seriously, I reckon we have an OK squad, without being outstanding. Playoffs probably but without bothering the top spots. Possibly 7th.We still need to clear out dead wood (and we have a LOT of dead wood) and see who we bring in on loan because we haven’t borrowed anyone yet. I hoped we would have prepared better than this, though it may be that we can get a better performance out of some of the old lot that let us down last season. Oh, and the season before that. It’s about attitude any Hughes may be better at managing that.

Game on.

Your lot?

[kel_]

I’m quietly confident we’ll do as well as last season but not sure we’re ready to win the league. Some serious points have been accrued by teams going up in the last few seasons and that will be hard to get near.

We have a lot more strength in depth this time around and apparently this French midfielder from Hartlepool is sh*it hot when he’s not injured (which is regularly apparently). I’m a fan of McNulty but he’s lacking in nouse when it comes to defending late on in games - his substitutions in winning positions are sometimes quite bizarre.

I’m a bit worried about our number one being a 17 year old on loan from City but by all accounts he’s had a decent pre-season so we’ll see.

[chaincey.ncfc]

I will have my fingers crossed for both Carlisle and Rochdale to go up this season,I don't like the playoffs as clubs like Oldham get promoted over York who finished 23;points ahead of them last season,seems a bit unfair to me but I suppose it's all about tv rights now even five leagues down

The top half of the National League is easily on par with the bottom half of League Two and the sooner that they make it three up and three down the better

It will be interesting to see if Hughes is still in charge by week 46 of the season but fair play to him giving it a go

[Blackdogblue]

We are going up 😎

Hope we both are tbh