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Six to watch: The National League stars set to shine in 2025-26
The 2025-26 National League is almost upon us and it promises to be another thrilling campaign as several big clubs – armed with some big-name signings – bid for promotion in another hugely competitive division.
DAZN is the home of the National league, streaming live matches from every round of the competition and highlights of every game in the league.
Here we pick out six players to watch from the fifth tier ahead of the new season.
Ollie Pearce (York City)
The Minstermen fell just short of winning promotion last season – but Pearce could not have done any more.
The striker scored 31 goals in 47 appearances to become the division’s leading scorer during a hugely successful debut season at National League level.
Pearce had plundered an incredible 46 goals in 51 appearances for National League South Worthing the previous campaign to earn a move to York last summer.
The striker’s exploits for the Minstermen saw him named the Vanarama National League Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season.
The 29-year-old was largely unstoppable for much of the campaign and his achievements were recognised with a string of accolades.
Pearce won the Keith Walwyn Memorial Golden Boot, a spot in the Vanarama National League Team of the Season and the National Game Awards Player of the Year.
He looks certain to be a key figure once again for Adam Hinshelwood’s side as they look to win promotion to the EFL.
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Regan Linney (Carlisle United)
As Mark Hughes bids to guide the Cumbrians back to the EFL at the first attempt, he will do so bolstered by the summer acquisition of the prolific Linney.
The 28-year-old, whose 25 goals for Altrincham earned him a place in the 2024-25 National League team of the season, has joined Carlisle on a three-year deal.
Preston-born Linney started his career at Bamber Bridge where he broke into the first team aged just 17.
FC United of Manchester signed him for an undisclosed fee in 2019, where he went on to make 97 appearances and scored 40 goals.
In his two-and-a-half seasons with Altrincham, Linney made 93 appearances and scored 44 goals.
Carlisle boss Hughes said: “We're really impressed with Regan as a player, he obviously had a big season last year and scored a lot of goals.
“We like the way he goes about his business, he's got flexibility which is important and he can play down the middle or from the left, and he scored a lot of goals from that position last season.
“We're getting him at the right time in his career, he's got real drive to continue his progression, we're excited that he is joining us on our journey.”
Joey Dawson (Scunthorpe United)
Scunthorpe welcomed back their former academy product this summer following his departure from Scottish Premier League side Celtic.
Dawson signed for the Iron at Under-8s level and came through the whole academy system, making his first team debut in the 1-0 defeat against Derby County in the Carabao Cup on August 13, 2019.
In doing so, he became the youngest footballer to play professionally in the club’s history at just 16 years and 75 days old.
Now 22, the versatile attacker, who can play as a midfielder or a forward, made his debut for Celtic under Ange Postecoglou on Boxing Day 2021 against St Johnstone and was a regular for their B side.
In total in the Lowland League for the side, he made 21 appearances, scoring 20 goals, providing three assists.
Dawson – the nephew of former Spurs star Michael Dawson – cost Celtic a six-figure sum in 2021.
He said: “I'm buzzing to be back, this is my home and it's where I grew up so to finally be back is just an amazing feeling.
“I can only say good things about my time at Celtic. I feel like I've come back a better player, bigger and stronger so I'm just looking forward to hitting the ground running.”
Jayden Clarke (Forest Green Rovers)
New boss Robbie Savage is determined to lead a promotion charge at Forest Green this season – and new-boy Clarke could play a key role.
The 24-year-old winger was Gillingham’s top goalscorer last term having scored seven times in 33 appearances during the 2024/25 League Two season.
The wideman arrived at the Priestfield Stadium back in January 2023 and went onto make 81 appearances, scoring nine goals.
Clarke came through the ranks at Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and has also had spells with Dulwich Hamlet, Bedfont Sports and Hendon.
Savage, appointed as Rovers boss earlier this summer, said: “Jayden is exactly the profile we really want.
“He is exciting and dynamic – with dynamism being something I want to instil in my team. Jayden will certainly enhance our squad.”
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Slavi Spasov (Southend United)
The highly-rated forward became the Shrimpers’ first summer signing after arriving at Roots Hall from Slough Town on a two-year contract.
The 23-year-old moved to the UK from Bulgaria aged 12 and came through the ranks at Oxford United.
He netted a penalty in a 3-0 win over Fulham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy to become the Yellows’ youngest ever goalscorer at 16 years old.
Loans at Woking, North Leigh, and Banbury United followed before Spasov left Oxford in July 2023, heading to Southern League Premier Division outfit Hungerford Town prior to being snapped up by Slough.
He found the net 18 times in all competitions last season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Season award and establishing himself as a firm fan favourite during his 18-month stay at Arbour Park.
Spasov is a player tipped to shine this season as Kevin Maher’s side look to erase the pain of last season’s play-off final defeat to Oldham.
Spasov said: “I came to Wembley and saw all the fans there.
“Although it wasn’t an ideal end, the atmosphere they created and the football the boys were playing - that’s what attracted me to the club.
“I score goals. I like to get people involved and make things happen. I’m positive and I like to entertain.”
Ollie Whatmuff (Rochdale)
Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty describes the Manchester City prospect as an “elite young goalkeeper” – and it is easy to see why.
The England Under-18 international has joined Dale on a season-long loan as he bids to gain regular first-team experience.
Whatmuff’s pedigree is clear to see, having joined City at Under-8s level before progressing his way through the Academy ranks at the Etihad Stadium.
Described as a commanding shot stopper by the Citizens, the highly-rated youngster has been a regular in the England setup throughout the age groups, featuring in the Under-18s win over Morocco in May.
He also played regularly in City’s Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League team towards the back end of last season.
Whatmuff said of his loan switch to McNulty’s promotion hopefuls: “I wanted to move into men’s football – I think I’ll gain a lot of experience.
“Rochdale came in a while ago and it’s been a long process, but I knew straight away that I wanted to be here.
“Hopefully, it will be a great club for me, they can help and I can help the team this season.”
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