Football Season Guide

National League

England

National League

2014/2015

Alfreton

In

Duane Courtney (def), Tamworth), Nathan Hicks (mid), Leamington), Jon Stewart (gk), Burnley), Jake Sheridan (mid), Lincoln), Luke Graham (def), Hereford), Jordan Keane (def), Stoke), Lathaniel Rowe-Turner (def), Luton), Chris Smith (def), Halifax), Dan Gray (def), Lincoln), Lee Stevenson (mid), Mansfield), Anthony Howell (mid), Mansfield)

Out

Godfrey Poku (sp)(mid), Mansfield - end of loan), John Akinde (k)(att), Barnet), Josh Law (r)(mid), Motherwell), Connor Franklin (sp)(def), Nuneaton), Jon Worsnop (r)(gk), Chester), Darran Kempson (sp)(def), Danny Meadows (sp)(mid), Chris Westwood (r)(def), Alastair Taylor (sp)(mid), Shaun Harrad (r)(att), Nick Fenton (r)(def), Michael Wylde (sp)(def), Daniel Wishart (sp)(att)

Alfreton enjoyed a superb last season for the most part and were in the play-off places for almost the entire campaign, exceeding any expectations along the way. Yet, just when it looked like they will really challenge for improbable promotion, the wheels came off and the Reds collapsed in the final month of the season, getting only a mid-table spot. It was still their best ever finish and a genuine progress over the previous campaigns but there was a real sense of missed opportunity. Nicky Law had been able to attract some very good players last year and that was really the one chance that this small club from Derbyshire had to make it to the Football League. The majority of this impressive squad is now gone and Law is undergoing the creation of basically a new side over the close season. John Akinde, one of the best players in the entire league last season, joined league rivals Barnet while the manager’s son, Josh Law, secured a move to the Scottish Premier Division. A host of defenders and the keeper have also left as well. But Nicky Law has also recruited quite well and brought in experienced and quality players like Chris Smith, Dan Gray, Jake Sheridan and Luke Graham. They all know what the Conference is all about and their presences will ensure that Alfreton stay competitive over the coming season. Moreover, Anthony Howell and Lee Stevenson will boost the midfield after returning from Mansfield. Yet, there is still a gap to be filled up front after Shaun Harrad has left alongside Akinde. Paul Clayton is not really a natural striker but is the only one left at the moment. Overall, Alfreton will be nuisance to play against and are expected to stay somewhere in mid-table over the coming season.

Target

Likely to be in mid-table despite the loss of a number of quality players