The National League is back, or at least a new version of it is. It's not a version any of us particularly wanted, but such is the desire for the return of football in any capacity that it will be gratefully lapped up nonetheless. This weekend's curtain-raiser will set the tone for an unorthodox season. The grounds will lie eerily empty, devoid of the supporters for whom live streaming will have to become the norm until it is deemed safe enough to return. Yet despite all this, what will remain consistent is the drama that epitomises the National League's unpredictable nature. There will still be goals, there will still be moments of celebration, there will still be moments of inexplicable despair. Hopefully, from a Dagenham perspective, the season will be far better than the one that preceded it. Our summer recruitment has seemed decent on the surface as we've attempted to assemble a side strong enough to deliver our ambitions of attaining a play-off place. McMahon appears to have a distinct vision and identity, unlike his predecessor, which will hopefully translate into success on the pitch. Assessing our squad as a whole, there aren't many overwhelming weaknesses within it. We've added some much-needed quality in crucial areas, while retaining the majority of our most influential players including Justham, Deering and Balanta. Losing Gordon and Onariase was a blow, but their replacements - ex-Barnet duo Johnson and Reynolds - seem like they will be able to fill the void adequately enough.
The shape and system we've deployed both throughout the majority of pre-season and also the early months of McMahon's reign is a 3-5-2 with energetic wing-backs. Balanta has been the crucial cog to that system in the past, as the most advanced of three midfield players, and while he's proven he can make decisive contributions on his own in the past, this year he will be aided by strike partners who are at least on a similar wavelength. The three centre halves virtually pick themselves: Croll, Clark and Reynolds. It's not an amazing backline, probably average at this level, but it's certainly workable. Croll could have an important role to play, his composure on the ball and ability to pass out from the back potentially vital to the fluent system we'll be trying to implement. The other two are both very experienced in the top tier of non-league football, though in Clark's case there needs to be a higher level of performance this year. Another factor which could prove vital is the amount of leadership we've brought through the door. The additions of Reynolds and Rance mean we now have four players at the club who have assumed the role of captain at some point in the past five years - Clark and Brundle being the other two. Add Justham and Robinson to the mix, then there's a solid foundation of strong characters in the building, which could prove the difference between a good season and an average one. Though there is cause for immense optimism ahead of a new season, which also marks something of a new era for us with McMahon taking charge of his first full season, there's also the recognition that there are several strong sides we'll be competing with. Stockport and Notts County have rightfully been installed as the bookies' favourites for the title, us not too far behind, while Solihull, Boreham Wood and Hartlepool have made a number of astute additions. Anything can happen. Another key component to the season is the congested schedule teams are going to have to endure. Playing several times within a short window of time is commonplace at this level, but that's going to be taken to new levels this year. Having a large squad and strength in depth could be vital, with endurance and stamina proving just as valuable as quality. Looking at our squad, we're certainly fine in that department, with no shortage of options in our attacking areas. We start away at Halifax, a notoriously tough hunting ground for us, with the Shaymen so often coming out on top. However, barren spells are there to be broken and a win would be massive. In the past two campaigns, opening-day defeats have set the tone for underwhelming campaigns. It really can play a big part in determining your fortunes. Of course, returning from West Yorkshire with no points wouldn't be the end of the world, it wouldn't scupper our hopes and ambitions for the season, but it would be glorious if we could get off to a decent start, because that could pave the way for a successful year. Supporters won't be in attendance, but the nervousness and apprehension will still be just as prominent wherever they're watching it. This is a season that has been eagerly-awaited like no other. An excruciating near seven-month wait for competitive football comes to an end this weekend. The National League is back in our lives, and hopefully we'll never have as lengthy a spell without it again. Now it's down to the players and coaching staff to deliver. I'll round this off with a round-up of each team's summer transfer business, as an enthralling campaign beckons for us all. Optimism will dissipate, dreams will be made and hopes will be shattered. There will be rapturous scenes of ecstasy, moments of sheer despair and slammed fists of frustration; at the end of it, two teams will soar into the promised land of the Football League. Hopefully we will be one of them.
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WRITERArchives
January 2024
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