Interviews & Features
‘I thought my time to turn pro had probably gone’ – One-on-one with FC Halifax Town’s Matt Warburton
Matt Warburton's move to the EFL with Northampton Town two years ago came as he was riding the crest of a wave. Two seasons at Stockport County saw him notch just shy of a half-century of goals for the club, culminating in the Hatters' National League North title...
‘I felt like we could do a lot more’ – Behind the build, with Buxton chairman David Hopkins
Mention of the town itself might prompt some familiarity, but while part of the furniture in non-league, its football club has never really found a way into the wider limelight. Buxton FC, though, is a name you might finally start to hear more of in the...
In depth with Manchester Evening News’ Stockport County reporter Sam Byrne
It's a full decade since Stockport County and League football went from 'it's complicated' to not even 'staying together for the kids'. Even in the relative wilderness of non-league, the backing for the Edgeley Park side has been obvious. When a club are languishing...
Guts and the glory – The show goes on for Damien McCrory
The years across the water have brought their share of magic for Irishman Damien McCrory, though the more recent instalments have been mettle-testers to say the least. It owes to the former Burton Albion and Notts County man’s fortitude that he is back on the pitch...
Hornet to hotseat – Management calls for ex-Watford winger Anthony McNamee
Promotions, a taste of the top level, plus a fair few thousand who will testify to his undoubted talent. Anthony McNamee had an inkling early on that there was more beyond football, but the game still gives him something nothing else can, which brings the one-time...
Just a little Mo faith – Enfield Town star Muhammadu Faal back to fire it up again
By his own admission, Muhammadu Faal has encountered an arduous past year-and-a-half. His January 2020 move to Bolton Wanderers after a red-hot spell with Enfield Town meant a leap of four levels, from Isthmian Premier to League One. Following a brief taste of match...
Are some EFL clubs too eager to discard their signings from non-league?
By Chris Brookes A move into the EFL for a non-league player is a moment to savour. A landmark reward for potential and/or accomplishment, though it often isn't the dreamland ticket it appears to be when the 'new signing' announcement is made and the good will and...
Set it off Sesay – One-on-one with new Tooting & Mitcham hotshot Andrew Sesay
There have been new horizons in store this summer for Andrew Sesay, as the attacking performer links up with Tooting and Mitcham United for the upcoming Isthmian South Central campaign. After a season punctured by pandemic and injury alike, the 24-year-old wants to...
‘It feels like home’ – Lee Dovey out to help keep the Ridge on the rise
By Steven Oldham Longridge Town goalkeeper Lee Dovey has experienced the club’s rapid rise through the divisions from the start – and expects his team to be challenging again this season. Now entering his sixth season at The Mike Riding Ground, he has helped the club...
Ready to roll with the Stones – Getting to know Wealdstone’s Nikola Tavares
Wealdstone’s summer addition of Nikola Tavares marks the capture of a young player with everything in front of him, but he links up with the National League side carrying some significant pedigree already. Turning professional at Crystal Palace, he was named in the...