National League

Latest updates

  1. Hornchurch re-sign Welch after Orient releasepublished at 12:40 BST

    Makai Welch in red and white striped Hornchurch shirtImage source, shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Makai Welch came through the youth ranks at Arsenal

    Hornchurch have re-signed defender Makai Welch on a permanent basis as they prepare for their first season in the National League.

    Welch, 20, had loan spells with the Urchins in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons during his time with Leyton Orient.

    He was released by the O's last month and has now completed a move back to Hornchurch.

    "He has done fantastically for us on loan and [is] another young player with huge potential. He adds athleticism and quality," manager Daryl McMahon said.

  2. Skipper Wraight signs two-year Hornchurch dealpublished at 08:47 BST

    Hornchurch's Tom Wraight, in red and white striped kit, lifts the National League South play-off trophy, with his team-mates around himImage source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Tom Wraight's Hornchurch beat Torquay in the National League South play-off final

    Hornchurch captain Tom Wraight has agreed a new two-year contract with the National League newcomers.

    The midfielder, who turns 32 later this month, joined the Urchins in December 2021 from Chelmsford City.

    He has since made more than 200 appearances, scoring 47 goals, and been part of two promotion-winning teams, leading the one that beat Torquay United in the National League South play-off final in May.

    Wraight's previous clubs include Maidstone United, East Thurrock and Witham Town.

  3. Barrow bring in Marriott and Crankshawpublished at 08:36 BST

    Isaac Marriott in action for AltrinchamImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Isaac Marriott made 51 appearances in all competitions for Altrincham in 2025-26

    Barrow have signed midfielder Isaac Marriott and forward Olly Crankshaw from National League rivals Altrincham.

    Marriott, 26, made 148 National League appearances for Alty after joining in December 2021.

    Meanwhile, Crankshaw, 27, scored 10 goals in 30 appearances for Altrincham last season and previously won promotion from the National League with Stockport County.

    "[Marriott] is somebody we know we can rely on week in and week out," boss Adam Murray told the club website., external

    "[Crankshaw] had options to go into the English Football League but he decided he wanted to jump into our journey here at Barrow. He doesn't just bring a lot of creativity, he's also a big character who wants success."

    Barrow, relegated from League Two last season, have not disclosed the length of the deals Marriott and Crankshaw have signed.

  4. Yeovil sign ex-Cardiff centre-back Kingdonpublished at 17:28 BST 17 June

    Yeovil Town have signed centre-back Jack Kingdon on a one-year deal following his departure from Cardiff City this summer.

    The 20-year-old, who was formerly part of Manchester United's academy, made three appearances for the Bluebirds during last season's EFL Trophy and has also had a spell on loan at Rochdale.

  5. Kidderminster sign striker Walker from Braintreepublished at 15:59 BST 17 June

    Lewis Walker controls the ball on his chest during a game for Woking. He is wearing a yellow shirt.Image source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Lewis Walker is Kidderminster Harriers' third signing of the summer transfer window

    Kidderminster Harriers have signed striker Lewis Walker following his release by Braintree Town.

    The 28-year-old scored 10 goals in 35 appearances for Braintree who finished next to bottom of the National League table and were relegated.

    His move to Aggborough, which will be finalised on 1 July, will see him return to the top flight of non-league football after Harriers' promotion via the play-offs last season.

    Walker began his career on the books at Derby County and has had experience in the English Football League with Queens Park Rangers and Gillingham.

    He is Harriers' third signing of the summer - after midfielders Callum Dolan and Max Brogan - since new boss Paul Wotton was appointed at the end of May.

  6. Forster-Caskey agrees new Woking dealpublished at 10:07 BST 17 June

    Jake Forster-Caskey in yellow Woking away shirt playing in a night matchImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Jake Forster-Caskey is the son of former Spurs and Reading midfielder Darren Caskey and the stepson of ex-Brentford and Brighton striker Nicky Forster

    Woking midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey has signed a new contract with the National League club.

    The 32-year-old played 34 times for the Cards last season, having joined from Stevenage in August 2025.

    Forster-Caskey has played in all three divisions of the English Football League (EFL), during spells at Brighton & Hove Albion, Oxford United, Rotherham United, MK Dons, Charlton Athletic and Stevenage.

    Last season was the first he had played in non-league football.

    Woking have not specified the length of Forster-Caskey's new deal.

  7. Scunthorpe sign Buxton winger Brennanpublished at 09:06 BST 17 June

    Scunthorpe United have signed winger Luke Brennan on a three-year contract from National League North side Buxton for an undisclosed fee.

    The 24-year-old came through Blackburn Rovers' youth setup and subsequently joined Wigan Athletic in 2022.

    Having spent time on loan with Welsh side The New Saints and AFC Fylde, he then went on to join Buxton where he made a total of 85 appearances.

  8. Barrow bring in four defenders in one daypublished at 19:08 BST 16 June

    Marcel Oakley in action for Birmingham CityImage source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Marcel Oakley made eight appearances in all competitions for Birmingham City

    Barrow have signed Peterborough Sports right-back Marcel Oakley and former Glentoran left-back Danny Amos on two-year deals as well as fellow defenders Kennedy Digie and Xavier Benjamin.

    Amos, 26, left the Glens last month after making 81 appearances over two seasons.

    Digie, 29, joins having spent two seasons with Tamworth and made 44 league appearances for the Lambs last term.

    Benjamin, 22, has previously played for Cardiff City and Dunfermline, and spent last season with Enfield Town in National League South, making 43 league appearances.

    Oakley, 23, started his career with Birmingham City and had loan spells in Scotland with Queen's Park and Arbroath.

  9. Sutton sign Folarin after Hartlepool departurepublished at 18:57 BST 16 June

    Sam Folarin celebrates a goal for Hartlepool, clenching his fists and screamingImage source, Getty Images

    Sutton United have signed forward Sam Folarin on a permanent deal following his departure from fellow National League side Hartlepool United.

    The 25-year-old made 18 appearances for Pools last season, either side of a loan spell at National South side Chelmsford, where he scored twice.

    Folarin told the club website, external: "I've been speaking to the Gaffer for quite some time now and it's good to finally get things moving.

    "The project he was telling me about, trying to get back into the EFL and things like that, was really exciting to pursue and move forward with."

    Folarin's signing follows the arrivals of Temi Babalola and Charlie Carter as head coach Chris Agutter looks to build a promotion-chasing squad.

    "I'm so excited with the addition of Sam to the football Club, he has the potential to be one of the most effective and exciting attacking players in the National League," Agutter said.

    "Any coach worth their salt will be able to help this young man be an electric centre-forward and winger option – he is direct, technically tidy, and outrageously fast – I mean lightning fast."

  10. Hartlepool goalkeeper Smith signs new contractpublished at 18:47 BST 16 June

    Adam Smith looks on before a Hartlepool United game in August 2025Image source, Getty Images

    Hartlepool United goalkeeper Adam Smith has signed a new deal to remain with the National League side next season.

    The 33-year-old will continue as both a player and first-team goalkeeping coach, with a club option for a further year.

    Having joined Pools in August 2024, Smith has since made 33 appearances.

    "Since arriving at Pools, I've built a real connection with the football club both on and off the pitch and it was important for me to continue that journey," he said.

  11. Hornchurch bring in Barnet defender Kizzipublished at 12:32 BST 16 June

    Joe Kizzi in Barnet's amber and black kit grapples with an attacker in all blueImage source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Joe Kizzi (left) played for a host of non-league clubs before spells at Bromley, Sutton United and Barnet

    National League newcomers Hornchurch have signed defender Joe Kizzi from League Two club Barnet.

    Kizzi, who turns 33 before the start of the new season, had one more year on his deal with the Bees, but it has been mutually terminated to allow him to join the Urchins.

    Hornchurch manager Daryl McMahon said:, external "I'm delighted to be able to welcome a player of Joe's quality, experience, and leadership skills to the club.

    "He comes with a wealth of experience in both the National League and the Football League."

  12. Clayton reunited with Clark at Hartlepoolpublished at 17:47 BST 14 June

    Adam Clayton captaining Bradford City towards the end of his playing career in 2023.Image source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Adam Clayton in action for Bradford City

    Adam Clayton has been reunited with Lee Clark at Hartlepool United after signing a two-year deal to become his number two.

    Clayton, 37, featured under Clark at Huddersfield Town following their promotion to the Championship in 2012.

    The former midfielder also had spells at Leeds United and Middlesbrough during a playing career of more than 500 games.

    Clayton had his first managerial role in charge of non-league Matlock Town for 12 months until March and he told the Hartlepool website:, external "I've spent a long time in football and have been fortunate enough to work at some excellent clubs throughout my career.

    "You get a feel very quickly for the direction a club is heading and I was hugely impressed by the plans that have been put in place here."

    Clark, who became head coach at the National League side last month, said: "We worked together at Huddersfield and I've followed his career closely ever since.

    "He will be a huge asset for us on the training pitch and in the dressing room."

  13. Halifax sign centre-back Maltby from Sheff Wedpublished at 19:48 BST 13 June

    Mackenzie Maltby, in a blue tracksuit top, sitting on a green pitchside seat.Image source, Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Mackenzie Maltby made his Sheffield Wednesday debut in the Championship last season.

    Halifax Town have signed centre-back Mackenzie Maltby from Sheffield Wednesday.

    The former Wednesday Under-18 captain made his debut for the Owls last season, after spending part of the 2024-25 season at Scarborough Athletic in National League North, where he was named the club's young player of the year.

  14. Hartlepool bring in McKeown from Spennymoorpublished at 18:18 BST 11 June

    Hartlepool United have brought in Corey McKeown from National League North side Spennymoor Town.

    The winger, 22, has signed a one-year contract, with the club having the option to extend it to a second year.

    McKeown is the fourth player signed by Pools already under their new boss Lee Clark.