Another week closer to the start of the season, and we’re starting to see clubs put the final pieces of their jigsaws together. Similarly, EFL clubs are beginning to ramp up their transfer activity, leaving many National League clubs as victims. A few star players have departed the league this week; conversely, new stars have been added too. Here’s my assessment of the week’s transfers.
Winners
Woking
Woking have had a brilliant window, as has been well documented, and they continued it this week with the addition of Sid Nelson. A centre half with a wealth of experience in the EFL, Nelson represents yet another coup for the Cards, following the signing of fellow EFL stalwart Padraig Amond. Nelson found games hard to come by at promotion hopefuls Northampton last season, but at 26 Nelson certainly has time on his side.
Despite not being the tallest defender at 6ft1, Nelson is decent in the air, winning 62.79% of his aerial duels in League One in 19/20. He fared slightly worse in defensive duels, winning 59.29%, but when you consider he was playing in League One against attackers such as Ivan Toney and Siriki Dembele, this figure seems a lot more impressive. Woking seem to have done well yet again, luring Nelson into non-league.
Woking also added energetic midfielder Jim Kellerman to their squad last night, assessing another key area in their squad. Kellerman joins from Chesterfield, where he gained rave reviews from the fans for his commitment to the badge. Kellerman played in both playoff games and all 3 FA Cup games, including the tie against Chelsea, such is the high regard he was held at Chesterfield. He will also add some grit to Woking’s midfield, as he received 12 yellow cards in just 30 league games. Clearly a good signing for the Cards, who look to be building a very accomplished squad this season.
Boreham Wood
Boreham Wood are another side who have added an experienced EFL operator to their ranks, with the signing of Welsh international George Williams being quite a high profile one. Williams has made 7 appearances for the Wales national team, and he will add some quality to Wood’s side. Williams has only ever made more than 20 league appearances once in his career (in 18/19 for Forest Green) but nevertheless he represents very smart business; versatile and with bags of quality, Williams is a good athlete too. Williams also possess a good set piece delivery, and likes to strike the ball from range; he may pose a decent threat from free kicks next season. Garrard has once again added real quality to his side.
Torquay
Torquay fans might be surprised to see me praise their side, but I believe their re build has grown even stronger this week. Perhaps most importantly they filled the vacant goalkeeper spot with the signing of Rhys Lovett, a keeper who has National League experience with Maidenhead. Another former Magpie who joined this week was Shaun Donnellan, a 26 year old midfielder who has a wealth of experience at this level, making 43 appearances for the side.
Earlier in the week Torquay also added defender Ollie Tomlinson and forward Corrie Andrews, bolstering both Johnson’s squad, but also adding real quality to it too. Andrews in particular is an exciting addition; the 24 year old striker scored 9 goals in 20 for Aldershot in 21/22, showing he knows where the back of the net is at this level. The more business I see Torquay make, the more optimistic I become for their chances this season.
Losers
Halifax Town
Last night Grimsby Town confirmed their inevitable capture of one of the finest midfielders in the National League, Kieran Green. The 25 year old sat in front of the back 4, and was one of the few remaining pieces of the Halifax defence which conceded just 35 goals, the best in the division. I cannot stress how much of a blow to Halifax this is. Here’s what I wrote about Green in my season preview, which will be released in a few weeks time:
‘The defensive shield to the division’s best defence last season, 24 year old Kieran Green will look to continue his good form in order for Halifax to replicate their heroics of 21/22. Halifax are a victim of their own success, with much of their side joining former manager Pete Wild at new side Barrow, but Green remains and will likely be key if Halifax have any hopes of back to back play off campaigns.
A defensive stalwart, Green wins 61.82% of his defensive duels and wins a massive 7.29 interceptions per 90, 4th highest in the National League. Green is no slouch with the ball either; 14th for passes per 90 with 47.25, Green is a well rounded midfielder who is at the foundation of his Halifax play. If Halifax are to bounce back from their play off disappointment, they will need to keep hold of Green, a robust midfielder who is in demand this summer.’
Keep hold of Green they did not, and I really do think this could be a big blow to whatever hopes they had this season.
Wealdstone
The other big departure from the National League this week was Josh Umerah, who left the Stones for EFL football with Hartlepool. Umerah was Wealdstone’s top scorer last season with 17, and he would have been vital to whatever chances they had this season. Umerah is a powerful forward, who likes to face goal, one who scored 7 of his 17 goals with his head, the most in the division.
To Wealdstone’s credit, they have swiftly replaced the front man with new signing Jordy Mongoy, who will be tasked with replacing Umerah’s goals. His quality at this level remains to be seen however, and in a week where their club was mired with controversy over the Ashley Charles legal incident, Wealdstone will perhaps not look back to fondly on these 7 days in the clubs history.
Chesterfield
Had the Spirerites got the signing of Toby Mullarkey over the line this week they would certainly be in the winners bracket; however, at the time of writing, frustrations are growing as Altrincham stand firm on their valuation of their vice skipper. Mullarkey would be a fantastic addition, and Chesterfield’s failure to land him thus far contributes to their position on the losers bracket.
They also lost Saidou Khan this week to Swindon Town, and whilst there is no ill will towards the Gambian from Chesterfield fans, he is still a significant loss. Chesterfield fans will be quick to point out the wealth of options they now have in midfield with the additions of Dobra and Oldaker, but I am of the opinion that Khan gets into most sides in the division, and a player of his quality would be a big loss to any side. He also greatly weakens their squad depth, something which fellow leavers Scott Loach and Jim Kellerman also damage. Cook is building a squad that looks capable of promotion, but any side which wants to move up to League 2 needs good depth, and Chesterfield’s squad looks to have weakened this week.
xN: Expected Nonsense 