Non-League and Academy football writer

On Friday the 24th of July, the new Thurlow Nunn League First Division South season will begin, when NW London face London Harts United at Coles Park. A long season will start later on this month, but one in which will be fascinating to follow. In fact I think that this could be one of the most competitive and unpredictable Thurlow Nunn League First Division South season’s yet. 

Departing the league at the end of the previous 2025/26 season, were promoted league champions, Hutton FC, play-off winners Clapton Community, relegated Barkingside, and FC Romania, who would later sadly fold. Joining the league this season, are East Thurrock Community, who were promoted from the Essex & Suffolk & Border League, as well as Hertford Heath, who were promoted from the Herts Senior County League. Also, London Fennecs, much deserved winners of the Middlesex County Football League Premier Division, and unbeaten Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division champions, London Harts United, also won promotion to this very good step 6 league, for this season.

I don’t know a lot about both East Thurrock Community and Hertford Heath, having not watched them play yet. However, London Fennecs, a club with roots in London’s Algerian community, are a really good footballing side. Zack Bettache’s side (they play their home matches at The Terence McMillan Stadium) will add a lot of quality to this league, having watched them many times in the Middlesex County Football League before. As will London Harts United, who are another very good footballing side. Relegated from the Essex Senior League (step 5) were Athletic Newham, who I personally think will be one of the title contenders this season. They have made some really good signings so far this summer, and Francesco Zabotti’s side will, in my opinion, be a side to really watch out for this season.

A team who finished in third place in this league with 85 points last season, with a very effective style of play, Coggeshall Town will be a side to be respected again this season. As will last season’s fourth placed side and very unfortunate beaten play-off finalists, Rayleigh Town. Rob Hodgson’s side gave a great account of themselves in that play-off final away to Clapton Community last season, and they are a talented team who I enjoy watching.

One of the stories of the 2025/26 Thurlow Nunn League season, was step 6 debutants Lymore Gardens, who as well as doing so well to reach the fifth round of the FA Vase, they would also make the league play-offs, having finished in fifth place in the league table. They will look to improve further for season 2026/27. Last season’s sixth place side, Newbury Forest, are now called Marcelona, and they will be playing their home matches at Burnham Ramblers FC. They narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season. As did a youthful Brimsdown side last time out, who are now under new management for this season.

Stansted, Hoddesdon Town, Basildon Town and Burnham Ramblers finished not very far away from the play-off positions, in order. And then in 12th place last season were Cannons Wood, who have made some great signings so far this summer. Both AS London and FC Baresi are under new management this season. AS London’s manager for this season is Ernest Eghan, who won promotion from this league with Hackney Wick a couple of seasons ago. FC Baresi’s new manager is vastly experienced former professional footballer Yannick Kamanan.

Just below AS London and FC Baresi in last season’s league table were Enfield Borough, Dunmow Town, Southend Manor and May & Baker. NW London finished in the relegation zone last season, but they got a reprieve from relegation. I’m really looking forward to this season beginning, and of course covering as many games in this league as I can. All the very best of luck to the teams who will be competing in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South during season 2026/27.

The teams who are participating in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South (2026/27 season): AS London, Athletic Newham, Basildon Town, Brimsdown, Burnham Ramblers, Cannons Wood, Coggeshall Town, Dunmow Town, East Thurrock Community, Enfield Borough, FC Baresi, Hertford Heath, Hoddesdon Town, London Fennecs, London Harts United, Lymore Gardens, Marcelona, May & Baker, NW London, Rayleigh Town, Southend Manor, Stansted.