At the conclusion of the season, we sat down with Alfreton midfielder George Cantrill, discussing all things Non-League football, from future ambitions to an unwanted (for some) record.
A small town in Derbyshire, Alfreton ply their trade in the National League North – a level they have played 17 of the last 21 seasons at. The other four (2011-2015) were played in the Conference Premier League (now National League) – a level Cantrill believes his side can reach again.
“I can definitely see Alfreton progressing. They have always been a solid National League/National North team.
“Last season we underachieved by not making playoffs. It’s where we want to be. It’s always going to be a tough, competitive league to get out of, but the National League is definitely not out of reach.”
While only one of the sides relegated from the National League were northern (AFC Fylde) the league continues to get stronger and more competitive. Kidderminster will be looking to avenge missing out on the title on the last day; AFC Fylde will be looking to bounce straight back up and heavily backed Macclesfield will be looking for back-to-back promotion. Chester went close to promotion, while Buxton will fancy their chances of challenging towards the top again.
With so many professional sides in the league, expectations for Alfreton are naturally low from outsiders. However, the 25-year-old says his side are ambitious and that everyone connected with the club was disappointed with last seasons ‘underachievement.’
“The ambition is certainty playoffs again. We may have a smaller budget than a lot of the professional teams, but we want to be up there competing with the best. Our mentality is to finish as high as possible and we believe we can – we do not think it is overachieving as it’s where we should be”
Over the last eight years under the steady guise of Billy Heath, The Reds have developed a reputation for being hard to beat. The team is packed with physicality and hard workers, something that suits Cantrill.
“The way Billy [Heath] sets us up suits me to a tee. I don’t have to be tidy on the ball, I’m never required to have more than two touches of the ball. It’s all about percentages, tackling and putting it in areas to compete – it certainty elevates my game.”
Alfreton’s physical playstyle does come at a cost though for Cantrill. The all-action midfielder’s 17 yellow cards are a league record, but he is unapologetic in his ways.
“It’s just the way I play. Obviously, you see the standard of refereeing is inconsistent at the top level and that seems to filter down to our level. I also think the way the game is played has changed over the years.
“With the increase in professional teams, we are seeing more academy players given the chance at Step 1 or 2 and I think that is factored in too. They are being brought through in a different manner and some of them tend to be softer. Maybe I need to adapt to it as a player but we as a team certainty aren’t going to change our ways.”
The final statement certainly rings true. Alfreton’s style of play works for them – evident in two playoff finishes in the last three years. With a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams in the National League North, some teams may be tempted to switch up their style based on their opponent – not Alfreton.
“Obviously you can tell the difference between some of the pro teams and the semi pro teams. It’s clear when you play the pro teams that they get more time together on the training pitch, they are slightly sharper and more cohesive than us lads who come to the games after working during the week.
“However, the game plan doesn’t change, and we play the same way week in week out. We believe in our ability and don’t need to adapt regardless of who we are playing.”
One team in the National League North that stands out to many from a footballing perspective is Buxton. John McGrath has The Bucks playing easy-on-the-eye football and is backed by a relatively hefty budget thanks to the benefit of being full-time.
“They are brilliant but so, so frustrating to play against. They are so patient in build up, you just have to sit back and let them pass you to death and hope for a turnover. I also like playing Scunthorpe – it’s always a fun game and they’re a big team for this level.”
The rise and prominence of non-league football has led to more teams higher up taking a chance on semi-professional footballers. When asked who stood out this season, two names sprung to mind for the Alfreton midfielder.
“Morgan Roberts of Brackley blew me away, he was a very talented player, and he certainly won’t look out of place in the National League. Scunthorpe’s captain [Michael] Clunan also impressed me. He’s got bags of experience, and I always relished a battle against him.”
Cantrill’s endeavour, grittiness and passion make him a firm favourite amongst supporters, players and his coaches. In his final season at Guisley he won the Players Player of The Year Award, Supporters Player of The Year Award and Coaches Player of The Year Award –a feat he repeated in 2024 at Alfreton.
With the abundance of talent and admiration from fans and peers alike, it is only natural that teams up the pyramid would be keen on signing him. The 25-year-old, however, is happy at his club and sees no reason to leave.
“I’ve got a year left of university until I’m fully qualified. After that I wouldn’t mind staying in my job while playing at this level. There are a lot of factors when it comes to deciding your football career. I love playing for Alfreton – I don’t have to travel far, I’m comfortable at this level and want to stay here as long as I can. My work, life and football balance are perfect.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of ambition; I just love it here and it’s right for my career. Who knows, a few years down the line, things might change, and I might fancy a crack at going professional but it’s not something I’ll think about for a while.”
Cantrill reaffirmed his admiration for the club and reeled off some memories from his stint so far, with two standing out.
“I know we ended up losing 5-1 but going 0-1 up away at Notts County was quite surreal. Having friends and family in the away end was a nice moment and one that will live long in the memory. Holding Walsall to a draw in the FA Cup live on television was a highlight too, especially given that we could have nicked a win.”
With Cantrill on board for 2025 and with lofty ambitions of a playoff finish, don’t be surprised to see Alfreton challenging towards the top end of the table this campaign.
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