Five reasons to be excited for the new National League season on DAZN

The new National League season kicks off this weekend, and once again, DAZN is the home of the division, as well as the National League North and South. 

This season promises to be another rollercoaster of a campaign across all three divisions, with some of the biggest-ever names set to feature both on the pitch and from the touchline. 

Here are five reasons you need to be watching the National League on DAZN in 2025-26. 

Biggest-ever names in the dugouts 

One of the charms of the National League is its breeding ground for young managers, but in recent years, it has seen a mix of both up-and-coming bosses and some veterans of the game. 

This season, that mix has never been bigger and more apparent. Not only does the league boast those managers in their first forays into the hotseat like Kalvin Davies, Alun Armstrong and Andy Butler, but it also now boasts some heavy hitters. 

None more so than at Carlisle United, where former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes is still in charge after their relegation from League Two. 

He'll be joined by his former Wales teammate Robbie Savage, who has taken over the reins at Forest Green Rovers following a successful stint at Macclesfield. While Simon Grayson brings a wealth of experience and promotions to the league, as he looks to lead Hartlepool to glory this season. 

Add those names to the likes of Neal Ardley, Kevin Maher and Luke Garrard, it gives the National League a real eclectic mix of managers. 

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An open title race 

The debate over the National League being as good as League Two will only intensify this season, with some big clubs looking to show they belong back in the Football League and vying for those promotion spots. 

York City will need to pick themselves up after their 96-point haul wasn't good enough to see them get over the line last season, but Adam Hinshelwood's team will be favourites to go one better in 2025-26. 

Competition will be fierce, however, and none more so than from Carlisle, who haven't been at this level for two decades and plan on not sticking around. They'll be led by Hughes and have the firepower to go straight back up. 

Forest Green were also in the hunt last season only to fall away, but Savage's arrival could give them fresh impetus, while Southend will look to go again after their play-off disappointment.

Want a dark horse? Scunthrope United are fighting their way back up the league and could cause a stir in the promotion conversation as well. 

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The Golden Boot chase 

There's plenty of goals on display in the National League, and scouts may want to keep a close eye on the golden boot battle if they want to unearth another gem.

Leading the pack will be Ollie Pearce of York, following his 31-goal haul last term, which almost fired City to promotion. 

However, Carlisle will be hoping the arrival of Regan Linney will help their cause in bouncing back to the football, and also look out for Daniel Creaney at Solihull and Rochdale duo Devante Rodney and Mani Dieseruvwe.

Ben Holmes

Truro train to keep on going 

One of the biggest surprises of last season was Truro City's National League South win and means they are now in England's fifth tier for the first time in their history. 

In doing so, they've become the first-ever team from Cornwall to turn professional and the sole objective of the season will be making sure they stay in the National League. However, they'll face some of the most mammoth away days the division has ever seen, with a 914-mile trip to Gateshead and just the 878 miles to play Carlisle. 

It's a brand-new era for John Askey's men, and one that has got the whole area buzzing. 

Colin Bradbury

More big names in the North and South 

It's not just in the National League where there's excitement; both the National League North and South promise another fascinating season. 

Dagenham and Redbridge have stolen the headlines for the South with the addition of former England striker Andy Carroll. Carroll has returned to the area he made home at West Ham following a spell in France and will make Lee Bradbury's side ones to watch in 2025-26. 

They aren't the only club splashing the cash, though, with Salisbury's new Kuwaiti owners making a statement of their own with the signing of Matt Taylor. 

Over in the North, can John Rooney help Macclesfield get over the loss of Robbie Savage and mount another promotion charge, while Adam Murray has been tasked with getting Kidderminster Harriers going once again. 

Dagenham and Redbridge

Watch National League football live exclusively on DAZN

You can watch the 2025-26 season with a National League TV DAZN subscription - and sign up before August 31 with a new season special offer! 

Every game in the National League, and selected matches in National League North and National League South, is available on DAZN. That's over 600 games to watch live or on demand catch-up, all in one place.

NLTV on DAZN is available on any device, including Smart TV’s, mobile devices, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles, and, for viewers in the UK, your Sky box.

For more information and to sign up, head here now.