Ben Griffiths-Trevor takes a look at Wrexham’s rivals in the National League this season.

---

Aldershot Town

New Signings

• Danny Searle- Manager from Braintree
• Mitch Walker- Goalkeeper from Dover
• Kodi Lyons-Foster – Centre Back/Holding Midfielder from Braintree
• Harry Panayiotou- Striker from Greek League (ex Barrow)
• Aaron Eyoma- Right Back from Derby County
• Ethan Chislett- Midfielder from Met Police
• Alefe Santos- Midfielder from Yeovil
• Dean Rance- Midfielder from Ebbsfleet
• Connor Shields- Striker from Sunderland
• Robbie Tinkler- Midfielder from Gateshead

Departures

• Nick Arnold- Right Back
• Scott Rendell- Striker
• Luke Howell- Midfielder
• John Goddard- Midfielder
• Jake Cole- Goalkeeper
• George Elokobi- Defender
• Adam McDonnell- Midfielder
• Jake Gallagher- Midfielder
• Luke Wanadio- Winger
• Reece Grant- Striker

Pre-Season Results

• Badshot Lea (A)- W 3-0
• Haringey Borough (A)- W 4-0
• Wingate & Finchley (A)- W 3-0
• Portsmouth XI (H)- W 4-0
• Chelmsford (H)- L 1-0

Potential XI

4-2-3-1

GK- Mitch Walker

RB- Robbie Tinkler

CB- George Fowler

CB- Alex Finney

LB- Lewis Kinsella

CM- Dean Rance

CM- Alefe Santos

RAM- Harry Panayiotou       

LAM- Connor Shields

CAM- James Rowe

ST- Shamir Mullings

Summary

A summer of change at the EBB Stadium could spark a change in fortunes for The Shots. After the disappointment of last season finishing in the relegation places and losing fan-favourite manager Chris Waddock, the introduction of Danny Searle and his new signings have boosted fans’ hopes for the new season ahead. In the previous season Danny Searle had the impossible job of keeping Braintree Town in the National League: he wasn’t able to keep The Irons up, however they did pull off some good results in the latter stages of the season including a 0-0 draw against league champions Leyton Orient.

The signings made by the new manager show his intent on bringing in National League experience, and with these signings I can see The Shots being nowhere near relegation, sitting comfortably in mid table.

Mitch Walker boasts tons of National League experience with Dover, helping them reach the play offs back in 2016 and narrowly missing out in the next two seasons. With the departure of 5 midfielders, Searle has recruited well in this department bringing in Dean Rance, who had an excellent season with Ebbsfleet, Alefe Santos from recently relegated Yeovil Town, and Kodi Lyons-Foster, the only player following Searle from Braintree.

However, in the forward line The Shots have lost fan favourite Scott Rendell to fellow National League side Eastleigh and have replaced him with Connor Shields, who has come from Sunderland’s youth ranks and is inexperienced at this level, as well as Harry Panayiotou who has more experience in the lower leagues after his release from Leicester City back in 2016. However his lack of goals will not replace the impact of Scott Rendell. The Shots seem to have a solid back line and a solid midfield, but could their fans see a lack of goals from their side this season?

Predicted Finish- mid table