National League...things to know

[Jassyd]

I will explain the main things that' are different in non league football. Poor away support from most clubs, plastic pitches allowed, no transfer window, FA cup, start in the 4th qualifying round, FA Trophy, one route to a Wembley final. It's a physical league and won't be easy, the smaller clubs will raise their game, as Southend will be seen as a big fish.
The National League is littered with ex- league clubs, the key is to get out quick, otherwise you could end up like another Wrexham.

 

[Supershrimper]

When are the fixtures released?

 

[Stuart W]

I will explain the main things that' are different in non league football. Poor away support from most clubs, plastic pitches allowed, no transfer window, FA cup, start in the 4th qualifying round, FA Trophy, one route to a Wembley final. It's a physical league and won't be easy, the smaller clubs will raise their game, as Southend will be seen as a big fish.
The National League is littered with ex- league clubs, the key is to get out quick, otherwise you could end up like another Wrexham.

Surely there are two routes to a Wembley final. The FA Cup and FA Trophy.

 

[overseas shrimper]

Surely there are two routes to a Wembley final. The FA Cup and FA Trophy.

I think he meant that the FA Trophy is a 'realistic' route.

 

[Stuart W]

I think he meant that the FA Trophy is a 'realistic' route.

Well if that's the case, we only had one realistic route to Wembley before.

 

[Stuart W]

Well if that's the case, we only had one realistic route to Wembley before.

Actually there is another one still (which we had before)......a playoff final.

 

[LBBlue]

There’s only 5 possible substitutes instead of 7.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

At least we get to see this guy...

Apparently, Wealdstone have a tidy little ground and a good set up.

 

[Tinks]

NL will not be as easy as some think.
It is very physical in that league and some of our players (if staying) will have to toughen up and it will be a fight for a survival.
I do think though with good planning and structure and with a cohesive squad it is doable

 

[JB Shrimper]

I will explain the main things that' are different in non league football. Poor away support from most clubs, plastic pitches allowed, no transfer window, FA cup, start in the 4th qualifying round, FA Trophy, one route to a Wembley final. It's a physical league and won't be easy, the smaller clubs will raise their game, as Southend will be seen as a big fish.
The National League is littered with ex- league clubs, the key is to get out quick, otherwise you could end up like another Wrexham.

Another Wrexham? I would love us to be bought by Ryan Reynolds

 

[FitzMK]

Another Wrexham? I would love us to be bought by Ryan Reynolds

The other big difference as far as I know is that FFP doesn’t apply so we will in fact be competing in a league with some rich owners who like to throw their money around.

 

[NZamba Legend]

When are the fixtures released?

You get a call on the Friday night telling you if there is a game and if it's away you get some vague directions to where the park is.

 

[NZamba Legend]

Seriously though, has anyone ever managed at this level on Championship Manager so they can give us a heads up about what to expect?

 

[rigsby]

Another Wrexham? I would love us to be bought by Ryan Reynolds

Why?

 

[Richard Hearn]

I do think though with good planning and structure and with a cohesive squad it is doable

I am already spotting a few potential flaws in your recovery plan.

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

I think he meant that the FA Trophy is a 'realistic' route.

What! You mean we can't be a Lincoln and reach the sixth round.
Who was their match winner? Oh yeah, Theo.
Maybe not...

 

[Whispering Bob]

Just had a peep at Sutton United, average age 26 and about half of the squad have EFL experience, including Rob Milsom - remember him?

 

[norman the baker]

When are the fixtures released?

the season starts on 21 august fixture release no idea

 

[BARNETBLUE]

Apparently, Wealdstone have a tidy little ground and a good set up.

Lol...Its small and pretty poor TBH and in Ruislip....Been a few times..They used to have decent ground back when welast met them i the FA Cup

 

[rigsby]

Lol...Its small and pretty poor TBH and in Ruislip....Been a few times..They used to have decent ground back when welast met them i the FA Cup

Didn't they lose their old ground when they tried and build a new stadium and it failed halfway through?

Glad we have never been in that position.