Billy Sharp returns to AFC Rushden & Diamonds after 21 years

The headline move of the past two days sees Billy Sharp rejoin AFC Rushden & Diamonds, returning to the club after 21 years away. At Billericay Town, manager Danny Scopes and assistant Adam Drew have extended their contracts to the end of the 28/29 season, while the club have also brought in Jamie Mauge on loan from Ipswich Town.

A flurry of loan arrivals from the professional ranks saw Darlington bring in goalkeeper Shea Connor from Middlesbrough on a month-long deal until 28 November, subject to National League and FA clearance. Buxton have taken 19-year-old Max Murray from Huddersfield Town, Salisbury have Noah Dupont from West Brom on a 28-day loan, and Stamford have Joe Bailey from Nottingham Forest. Bury Town have signed 18-year-old midfielder Alfie Wellens from Leyton Orient for an initial month, Maidstone United have Noah Nzuzi from Sutton for the next month, and Bedford Town have Balu Makumbi from Slough Town until 28 November. Real Bedford took three at once: Billy Burrell and Will O'Sullivan from Birmingham City, and Kyran Wiltshire from Hemel Hempstead Town on an initial three-month loan.

On the managerial side, Darren Moore has stepped down as joint manager of Runcorn Town after three seasons, and Lingfield manager Charlie McCarthy left last week, according to the club chairman's explanation. Gosport Borough's Glen Callum began his reign as manager with a win, while Southport have confirmed Calum Mcintyre as their new manager. Workington have appointed Carl Short as Head of Youth Development, and Braintree Town have brought in Ryan Clampin in a player/coach role for 2026/27.

Among permanent signings, Farnborough added 23-year-old centre-back Jaden Warner, formerly of Norwich City and Newport County, while announcing that defender Duncan Idehen, 24, has left by mutual consent. Dulwich Hamlet signed Jamie Splatt from Kingstonian, and Spennymoor Town signed Nelson Digbeu on a contract until January 2027. Whitby Town brought back goalkeeper Henry Popple from Guisborough Town, and Hyde United signed Tino Ashagre and re-signed Antoine Makoli. Carshalton Athletic added Lui Edwards, Tyler Hayles and Jordy Mongoy, and Welling United announced Micah Anthony, who made his debut and provided an assist.

At Emley, Joe Stacey has left after an increased offer from another NPL club, and midfielder Coban Bird has returned to parent club Leeds United. Canvey Island saw Freddie Price, Michael Bareck and Jaylen Jones depart.

Further down, Nantwich Town recruited forward Harvey Sample from Atherton Laburnum Rovers, Chatham Town brought in 22-year-old defender Mark Chidi from Bray Wanderers, while Histon picked up Sam Bayly from Stamford and Uxbridge secured forward Owen James from Stratford Town.