Southend United’s past two seasons have both ended at Wembley, with play-off defeat to Oldham Athletic in 2025 and FA Trophy glory over Wealdstone almost three months ago.
They are used to drama in Essex, but club legend Kevin Maher has departed the managerial hot-seat to be replaced by ex-Newcastle and England midfielder Kieron Dyer for his first full-time manager/head coach position.
The fact that the Shrimpers dispensed with Maher only two days after that Wembley success suggests that a sixth-placed finish, albeit 27 points behind champions York, was not good enough for a club averaging a league-best attendance of 8,103, so Dyer will need to hit the ground running.
As Southend begin their sixth season at this level since EFL relegation, it is a fourth for Hartlepool United.
The previous three have been the height of mediocrity in terms of finishes (12th, 11th, ninth), but there is genuine optimism for the new season.
After a long sought-after takeover by American Landon Smith in January, Pools have appointed Lee Clark as manager and have busily brought in proven National League performers as they aim to challenge for the play-off places and higher.
Forest Green Rovers have been play-off losers for the past two seasons and Robbie Savage will again bring his colour to the touchline as he looks to build on a solid first campaign at the club, finishing seventh last season.
Scunthorpe United showed they are going in the right direction again in claiming fifth place after promotion back from National League North. Those two clubs will expect to be in the mix again come April.
