Hartley to Spennymoor, Duffy to Southport in week of change

Managerial turnover ran through the pyramid this week. Spennymoor Town appointed Peter Hartley as first team manager, with Ryan Cresswell named assistant and a new management team due to be welcomed at The Brewery Field on Saturday. Southport named Mark Duffy as manager alongside assistant Craig Noone, with owner David Cunningham welcoming the new management team. Warrington Town said Noone is leaving his role there after an approach from a National League North club.

At Whitby Town, manager Lee Bullock resigned for health reasons, though the club did secure Leon Parker permanently after his release by Middlesbrough. Ilkeston Town released Head Coach Tristram Whitman and assistant coach Aaron Large, with Colin Daniel and Ashley Hunter taking interim charge. Chorley saw Christian Hughes depart, and Leighton Town announced Paul Reed will resign after Saturday's home game against Peterborough Sports.

Further down, Sheffield replaced Vill Powell with Craig Denton, Grimsby Borough appointed Ricky Ravenhill with Martin Woods as assistant, and Aveley named Alex Akrofi. Histon appointed Chris Nunn. Avro confirmed manager Grant Shenton is leaving after an approach from a Conference North side, and first team coach Mark Dickinson is going too. Harborough Town appointed Ricky Marheineke as Director of Football.

Maldon & Tiptree brought in Steve Butterworth from Brentwood Town as manager, quickly following up with signings Jesse Olukolu and Aron Pollock from his former club, plus Enfield Town's Finlay Corrigan and midfielder Ade Cole. Brentwood Town in turn took Ollie Peters, George Saunders and Jayden Robinson from Aveley, and goalkeeper Jack Giddens.

Among the more recognisable names, Oxford City signed Fernando Forestieri subject to international clearance, Slough Town added Dennis Adeniran, and Gosport Borough signed Billy Bodin, available for that night's game. Stafford Rangers brought back Luca Navarro from Bury, and Farnborough signed centre-back Jaden Warner, formerly of Norwich City and Newport County. Southport also completed the signing of Harry Flowers from Ashton United for an undisclosed fee.

Loans from professional clubs were plentiful. Truro City took Zyan Blake from Nottingham Forest until 1 January 2027, and Spennymoor Town signed Finlay Holcroft from Sunderland for a month. Spalding United signed Oli Rose ahead of their FA Cup tie against Bury Town.