The “silly” off-season is out in full force, with clubs already making moves in this summer period, with new faces aplenty at clubs.
The Non-League circuit is no exception to this, with FOUR players catching the eye already having moved on to pastures new.
A six-foot-six, giant of a central defender, Hunt was confirmed as Andy Preece’s first summer signing and joins a Chorley squad who will be looking to improve defensively for next season.
65 goals conceded and a 15th placed finish sits well below the bar that the Magpies have set themselves in recent years and Hunt will add experience of playing in the North, and National League in years prior, as well as a huge set-piece threat. It will be interesting to see how Preece sets up his side with Scott Wilson, Sam Bird, Harvey Smith and of course, Mark Ellis all apt central defenders as well as Hunt.
25-year old Dolan, a product of Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers as a youngster, the central midfielder has a number of clubs to his CV by now, but, albeit hampered by injuries in 2025/26, managed over 20 games at Torquay United in this campaign.
Dolan is “relishing” his chance to return to the National League under Paul Wotton - also becoming Harriers’ first signing of the summer, and Wotton’s first as manager, having come in as Adam Murray’s successor. Alongside the experience of David Davis, who recently signed a new contract with Kiddy, those two, could well prove a fantastic partnership in the heart of midfield.
Alex Reid, well, some say he can’t train on Christmas Day, but, he can certainly find the back of the net. Having had success in the North, South, and National League, the 30-year old hit double figures last season for Hartlepool United and now joins up with Adam Murray as his first signing of the summer, where Barrow will be hoping to bounce back into the EFL at the first time of asking, and Reid could well be the man tasked to help them get there with goals aplenty.
Well, this isn’t a move that many would have expected. Marsh, an experienced goal-getter, netted 26 times for Bedford Town under Lee Bircham, and, ultimately without those goals, The Eagles were probably down and out of the National North in their first campaign since being promoted. When Bircham departed for Hemel Hempstead, with Harry Smart coming in as his successor, you’d expect change, but more than anything, a case of, where to? Well, Oxford City is the answer, for another side who struggled in 2025/26, DJ Campton-Sturridge (cousin to Daniel) the only player for the Hoops to hit double figures (10). Oxford were in a relegation dogfight for the majority of the campaign, ultimately, getting themselves out of it to finish 17th, however, with Marsh upfront, I’d expect them to fair a whole lot better in 2026/27.
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