Imported Article – 2026-08-16 13:20:45
August16August 16, 2026

Imported Article – 2026-08-16 13:20:45

By In
world cup 2026

  • Michael Clarke, BBC Radio Manchester

  • Manager: Ian Watson

  • Last season: 2nd in the National League, promoted via the play-off final

  • Key arrivals: Laurence Maguire (MK Dons, free), Sam Sherring (MK Dons, free), Zain Silcott-Duberry (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Dajaune Brown (Derby County, loan), Jonny Smith (Wigan Athletic, free), Kaiden Wilson (Chelsea, loan), Nils Ramming (Brighton, loan), Cian Hayes (Peterborough United, undisclosed), Sam Waller (Harrogate Town, free), Jake Spaven (Wigan Athletic, free)

  • Key departures: Kyron Gordon (Stockport, free), Liam Humbles (Altrincham, undisclosed), Aidan Barlow (Altrincham, free), David Tutonda (Accrington Stanley, free), Tarryn Allarakhia (Boreham Wood, free), Tyler Smith (Derry City, free)

  • Season outlook: Expect a battle to stay up. With a new boss, fresh ideas and several additions, the main aim is to establish themselves in League Two—though there’s quiet optimism for a bit more.

  • Context: They racked up an eye-catching 106 National League points last year, narrowly missed the title on the final day, then regrouped, reached Wembley, and clawed back a 2-0 deficit in the play-off final before beating Boreham Wood on penalties.

  • Strengths: A youthful, ambitious group built on pace and width, looking to feed Mani Dieseruvwe—who hit 28 goals in all competitions last season.

  • Weaknesses: Early signs point to defensive frailties, with individual mistakes gifting goals in pre-season and their first two EFL Cup ties. That said, Watson’s preferred XI hasn’t been fully available due to injuries and players still building fitness.

  • One to watch: Zain Silcott-Duberry. He scored off the bench on debut against Tranmere in the EFL Cup preliminary round and has the tools to excite. If he finds consistency, the ex-Bournemouth attacker could cause plenty of problems for League Two defences.