BOSSES UP, OLD TEAMS SEEK TO FOLLOW

IT’S GOOD to see National League managers getting the chance to step into the EFL.

Pete Wild has made the move to Barrow after the fantastic job he did at FC Halifax, while Notts County have had their head coach Ian Burchnall plucked by League One Forest Green.

Halifax have gone for continuity and handed the keys to Wild’s assistant Chris Millington.

The achievements of last season have also seen some vital players move on. Billy Waters, who has followed Wild to Barrow, was a pivotal part of how they played.

Niall Maher, another crucial player, has joined Grimsby Town and fellow defender Tom Bradbury has earned a move to League One side Cheltenham Town.

I wouldn’t be so quick to count them out, however. We see time and again they prove their doubters wrong. If they replicate fourth place that will be some achievement. They’ll need to get in the right players to hit the ground running.

Notts County have a strong club philosophy and Luke Williams will have been appointed to continue that and the way they want the game to be played.

They’ve made some good signings by dipping into the level below. Macaulay Langstaff and Cedywn Scott scored bundles for Gateshead and I was really impressed with Sam Austin when I covered Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup. He’s arrived along with team-mate Geraldo Bajrami.

Williams will be taking charge of a far more settled club than when he was at Swindon Town so he will be determined to prove himself.

This will be Notts’ fourth season in the National League. That just shows how hard it is to get out of.

It’s not for want of trying! They were 30 seconds from beating the team that went on to win last season’s playoffs, Grimsby.

Striker Kyle Wootton (Stockport) has moved on. Keeping hold of Ruben Rodrigues and Callum Roberts will be huge.