Isthmian Premier League 2024/25 Team of the Season

With promotion, heartache, and history etched into another dramatic Isthmian Premier Division campaign, the time has come to spotlight the standout performers who defined the 2024/25 season. From Horsham’s unforgettable title win to Chichester’s unlikely maiden Step 3 season, this was a year marked by consistency, class, and no shortage of unforgettable individual displays. Featuring seasoned leaders, breakout stars, and moments of brilliance across all positions, this piece is one celebrating those who not only delivered for their clubs but shaped the narrative of a compelling campaign.

ISTHMIAN PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE SEASON

GOALKEEPER – LEWIS CAREY (Horsham)

An ever-present figure in Horsham’s title-winning campaign. Carey played every single minute of the season, a feat that ultimately outlines his importance to Dom Di Paola’s side. The 31-year-old finished the season with a league-high 18 clean sheets, anchoring the best defence in the division. While others impressed individually, Carey’s consistency and leadership from between the sticks made him the clear choice for the number one shirt in this Team of the Season.

RIGHT-BACK – ROMAN CHARLES-COOK (Dover Athletic)

At just 21, Charles-Cook delivered a breakout season at The Crabble, showing maturity and quality far beyond his age. A constant threat going forward and defensively dependable, he embodies the modern full-back - energetic, smart in possession, and tactically sound. Trusted to feature in 41 games of Dover’s promotion-winning campaign, he also showed remarkable discipline, picking up just two bookings all season. The Grenadian international fully merits his place as the league’s standout right-back and looks set to make the leap to Step 2 with ease.

CENTRE-BACK – JOSH HILL (Dartford)

Back for a third spell at Princes Park, Hill brought calm, leadership and experience to a young Dartford side. The 33-year-old, signed from Hemel Hempstead, quickly became a defensive linchpin, wearing the captain’s armband and making 42 appearances. His leadership was instrumental in Dartford’s resurgence, and his thunderous strike against Whitehawk in January will live long in the memory for those in attendance. Hill’s partnership with Josh Whitefield was the bedrock of Dartford’s recovery in the second part of the season, and his inclusion here is fully deserved.

CENTRE-BACK – LUCA COCORACCHIO (Dover Athletic)

An ever-present across Dover’s promotion-winning season, 23-year-old Cocoracchio was a model of consistency and resilience. Signed from Whitehawk last summer alongside goalkeeper Mitch Walker and defensive partner Joe Tennent, he proved to be an outstanding addition to Leberl’s squad. Blending traditional defensive solidity with the attributes of a modern centre-half, Cocoracchio earned the trust of Leberl from day one, and repaid his manager’s faith with immense consistency throughout the season. His standout performances in the play-offs, nullifying two of the league’s most dangerous attacks, were instrumental in Dover’s return to the National League South.

LEFT-BACK – HARVEY SPARKS (Horsham)

No player embodies Horsham’s journey to the title quite like Harvey Sparks. The long-serving left-back, who joined the club back in 2018, crossed the 250-appearance mark this season and once again proved indispensable to Di Paola’s plans. Bringing consistency and dependability in defence, Sparks also offered an offensive threat, notching four crucial goals in the latter stages of the season to edge Horsham over the line. At 28, his experience at the level proved irreplaceable, and will no doubt hold his own a division above. Minimal fuss and maximum efficiency – Sparks earns his place as the league’s top left-back.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER – DANNY WALDREN (Cray Valley Paper Mills)

At 36, Waldren rolled back the years to become the anchor of Cray Valley Paper Mills’ remarkable debut campaign at Step 3. A classic midfield general, Waldren’s combative nature and fantastic leadership made him indispensable to Steve McKimm’s side. He featured in 39 league matches, providing that experience and grit needed to turn the newly promoted club into genuine top five contenders. ‘Waldo’ offered more than just experience, as he contributed eight goals from midfield, including a brace in the playoff semi-final. A true warrior and standard setter, his inclusion is recognition of both his individual impact and The Millers’ excellent season.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER – JACK PAXMAN (Billericay Town)

Back for a second spell at New Lodge, Paxman delivered a standout season that underlined his class and importance to Billericay. The 31-year-old topped the club’s assist charts with 13, despite missing over two months through injury. Technically gifted and intelligent on the ball, Paxman brought much-needed creativity and composure to Gary McCann’s midfield. But his game wasn’t just about flair - he showed clear improvement in his defensive work, often operating in deeper roles and excelling in his off-the-ball responsibilities. His set-piece delivery was a constant threat, creating numerous chances from corners and free-kicks, and with a contract already secured for 25/26, Paxman is set to be a central figure once again in Billericay’s promotion push next season.

CENTRE-MIDFIELDER – SAMIR CARRUTHERS (Dartford)

A marquee re-signing in the summer, Carruthers added a touch of elegance to Dartford’s midfield. The 32-year-old brought Premier League pedigree to Princes Park and showed it in bursts of game-changing brilliance throughout the season. While some fitness complaints held him back a notch, Carruthers dictated the tempo of games and carried real offensive threat, chipping in with 11 goals, and also developed a notable partnership with forwards Callum Jones and Olly Box. Whether dictating play from deep or injecting creativity higher up the pitch, Carruthers consistently stood out in key games, proving himself one of the league’s most technically gifted midfielders.

WINGER – REECE MYLES-MEEKUMS (Horsham)

Creative, consistent, and operating at a level above, Myles-Meekums was a constant threat and a key figure in Horsham’s attacking identity. Signed permanently from Worthing last summer, the 26-year-old wide man delivered 11 goals across 39 league games and relentlessly tormented defences up and down the division. His impact was reflected in a clean sweep at the club’s end-of-season awards, earning the Managers’, Players’, and Supporters’ Player of the Year honours. Quite simply, the league’s best wide player, and a strong contender for Player of the Season.

STRIKER – JIMMY WILD (Chichester City)

Chichester’s stunning run to the top six owed a lot to the red-hot form of Jimmy Wild. The forward led the line superbly, finishing as the division’s top scorer with 25 goals, despite making just 33 league appearances. A classic target man with outstanding hold-up play and a real presence in the box, Wild proved a handful for even the most experienced defenders. Few strikers at this level combine physicality with such a clinical edge, and in a side many tipped for an immediate return back to Step 4, Wild’s goal haul defied expectations and made him the clear pick as the league’s best centre-forward.

WINGER – RUBEN SOARES-JUNIOR (Dover Athletic)

A summer switch from Billericay to Dover sparked a career-best campaign for Soares-Junior. The 25-year-old was unstoppable at times, scoring 22 goals across 44 appearances, a remarkable return for a wide player. His leadership was equally noticeable, wearing the armband for much of the season and driving Dover’s promotion charge with relentless energy and quality. Blending pace, power, and flair with a cool head in front of goal – evidenced by his audacious Panenka in the play-off final – Soares-Junior was a nightmare for defences, and his chemistry with Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj gave Dover the league’s most feared frontlines. The forward certainly looks more than ready for the step up under Jake Leberl next season.

MANAGER OF THE SEASON

DOM DI PAOLA (Horsham)

There could only be one. After a decade of building and progression, Di Paola finally led Horsham to the promise-land of the National League South, a historic promotion that capped off one of the most compelling long-term projects in non-league football.

A tactically flexible, possession-based, attacking brand of football was partnered with defensive discipline and solidity, earning widespread respect throughout the division.

But this was no overnight success. Di Paola’s journey began in the grassroots, transforming Clymping from a West Sussex League side to County League Division Two in just three seasons. He repeated the trick at Worthing United and then truly announced himself at East Preston, where he won back-to-back league titles, reached five county cup finals, and made a run to the FA Vase last 16.

A short stint at Hastings United followed before he took the reins at a relegation-threatened Horsham in 2015. What followed was a complete rebuild: Southern Combination champions in 2015/16, promotion to the Isthmian Premier in 2018/19, and then steady year-on-year progression culminating in this historic title win.

Di Paola’s Horsham have delivered silverware, cup runs, and record-breaking finishes, all while sticking to a clear philosophy. Ten years, one vision, and now promotion to Step 2. It’s not just a personal triumph, it’s a blueprint for success in non-league football.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

SAM DONKIN (Billericay Town)

A classic modern goalkeeper, Donkin played every minute of Billericay’s campaign, recording 16 clean sheets and winning Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season awards. Lightning quick off his line and outstanding with the ball, the shot-stopper was invaluable to Billericay’s title push. Still just 27, many would argue he is the division’s best, and remains contracted for next season.

MATT JOHNSON (Billericay Town)

Converted from midfield and now a defensive rock. The Billericay captain brought grit, leadership, and no-nonsense defending to the heart of the league’s second-best backline. Chipped in with four goals and led by example throughout, earning the Managers’ Player of the Season accolade in the process.

SAM ODAUDU (Dartford)

A breakout campaign for the 22-year-old academy graduate. Odaudu made 42 appearances and scored five goals, including a last-minute equaliser in the play-off semi-final. Strong in the tackle, quick on the overlap, and composed in possession, he’s emerged as one of the most promising full backs at this level.

DENZELLE OLOPADE (Dartford)

Olopade seamlessly stepped up to Step 3 after his move from Erith & Belvedere. The 23-year-old played 42 times, scored seven goals, and brought control, intelligence, and bite to Dartford’s youthful midfield. An exciting talent with a big future ahead.

SAKARIYA HASSAN (Hashtag United)

A constant menace for defenders. Hassan racked up 30 goal contributions across all competitions, combining his frightening pace with quick feet and trickery. The 24-year-old Somali international was integral to Hashtag’s play-off challenge and looks ready to test himself at higher levels.

TOMMY-LEE HIGGS (Bognor Regis Town)

A shining light in a tough season for Bognor. Despite their relegation, Higgs struck 20 league goals and 24 in all competitions, backing up an impressive 23/24 season. With a natural eye for goal and at just 20 years old, a step up seems inevitable.

GEORGE NIKAJ (Dover Athletic)

Burst onto the scene with eight goals in his first five games and never looked back. Nikaj ended the season with 23 goals, featuring in 43 of Dover’s 44 league matches. A relentless runner with an eye for goal and massively popular among fans, he was a key figure in their promotion-winning frontline alongside Soares-Junior and Baptiste.