Isthmian Premier League 2025/26 Predictions

Well, here we are again! Less than a week out from another eight months of elation, deflation, and everything in between.

The 2025/26 Isthmian Premier League campaign promises to be another blockbuster season, and with a summer full of managerial changes, squad overhauls, ambitious signings, and some returning names, here’s how I predict the final table to look come April 25^th 2026.

1st – BILLERICAY TOWN

After falling just short of promotion last season, the Blues have only sharpened the focus ahead of 2025/26, with Gary McCann determined to get his side over the line. The intention was clear from the outset with recruitment and retentions that signal a gulf in quality compared to others in the division.

Despite losing key personnel like Jack Paxman, Bradley Williams, and Decarrey Sheriff, the Blues have kept a strong core, including goalkeeper Sam Donkin and captain Matt Johnson, both named in last year’s Team of the Season. At the other end of the pitch, Elliot Long, Frankie Merrifield, and Femi Akinwande all stay on and are capable of prolific seasons at this level.

The new arrivals also raise eyebrows. Liam Nash, Ryan Scott, Ryan Blackman, and Jack Evans are all among the best in their respective positions and bolster an already strong core, while a permanent move for Alfie Cerulli is sure to add further goals to an exciting forward line.

Expect the Blues to be hard to beat and to score plenty of goals. If they can find early consistency, they’ll be the side to beat this year, and will be keen to bounce back quickly following a disappointing Charity Shield defeat to last year’s champions Horsham.

2nd – DARTFORD

After a remarkable turnaround last term under Ady Pennock, the Darts led the table for some time before faltering late on and losing the playoff final to Dover. They’ll be among the favourites again, with a battle-hardened squad and a clear identity on the pitch.

Although defensive rock Josh Hill has retired, the spine of the team remains in north Kent. Key defensive retentions include George Whitefield and Sam Odaudu, while midfielders Denzelle Olopade and Samir Carruthers, the latter named in last season’s Team of the Season, bring plenty of energy and creativity to the middle of the park. Perhaps most importantly, Olly Box and Callum Jones are staying at Princes Park, with the pair notching 24 goals between them last season.

Recruitment has been quietly excellent. Jonny Henly puts to bed any goalkeeper issues that plagued the start of last season, and Dan Smith also arrives from Folkestone, a fantastic addition to the forward line after his 18 goals last term. Ben Frempah provides an excellent replacement for Hill, while Sammie McLeod and Ikechi Eze are exciting midfield additions.

This is a well-oiled machine that displayed immense consistency for months last time out, and that consistency should have the Darts challenging at the top once more.

3rd – ST ALBANS CITY

Following last season’s relegation, St Albans find themselves rebuilding under experienced boss Ian Culverhouse. Despite last season’s struggles, they remain a heavyweight in the non-league landscape, boasting big crowds and a strong squad heading into the new season.

A relegation rebuild is always difficult, but the Saints have retained a young defensive core, keeping James Sweet, Jack James, and Kieran Gauthier at Clarence Park. The retention of Zane Banton is a huge boost, he’s certainly a forward who could put up prolific numbers at this level.

Recruitment has leaned on experience, with Culverhouse bringing in plenty of established names to complement the younger players in the squad. Michael Bostwick is perhaps the headline arrival, followed by veteran centre-half Jamal Fyfield and midfielder Alex Dyer. Ryley Scott is also a good pickup from Dulwich, while further forward, Jasper Mather should add goals after two impressive seasons at Bognor Regis.

With quality in key areas and Culverhouse at the helm, they’ll have too much for most teams. Expect them to push for an immediate return to Step 2 and finish inside the top three.

4th – FOLKESTONE INVICTA

Big changes have swept through Folkestone after an underwhelming 12th-place finish in 2024/25. New boss Jay Saunders, a Kent football stalwart, is tasked with igniting the club’s promotion hopes. Early progress may be complicated by ground delays, as their new 3G pitch won’t be ready until October at the earliest, meaning home games will be played at Margate for the first two months.

Only a handful of players remain from last season, with Saunders opting for a significant overhaul. Jack Jebb, Brad Walledge, Dean Rance, and Ade Yusuff remain on the Kent coast — the latter a proven goalscorer at Isthmian Premier level.

Invicta were quick to secure the services of defender Kevin Lokko from Maidenhead, an outstanding addition for the division, while Montel McKenzie showed his prowess on both sides of the back four at Billericay last term. Ollie Black’s arrival is also noteworthy, not just for his defensive ability, but also for his incredible long throw, which will no doubt cause chaos this season.

Other additions are more speculative, but Saunders is a top operator and will make Invicta one of the toughest sides to face. The playoffs are a realistic target, and if things click, very achievable.

5th – CRAY WANDERERS

Tim O’Shea has been handed the reins full-time after an encouraging stint as interim boss. His Cray side play with bite and steel but also pack a punch going forward, and they look like one of the better-balanced squads in the division.

Their business has been sharp. Tom Bonner, Remi Sutton, and Frankie Raymond provide immense experience and leadership within the group, and Josh Williams is the headline forward retention and no doubt attracted attention from higher up the pyramid.

Recruitment has blended Step 3 experience with lower-league standouts, a strategy that usually works well at this level. Prosper Keto and Frankie Morgan are tidy full-back additions from fellow Isthmian Premier sides, while striker Alex Hernandez arrives after top-scoring for Tilbury, a very shrewd attacking option. Ashley Nzala also joins after an impressive first half of 2024/25 at Billericay.

The Wands have all the makings of a classic ‘dark horse’. They’ll be a nightmare to play against, particularly at home, and have the tools to make a genuine playoff run under O’Shea and co.

6th – CHATHAM TOWN

One of the division’s most ambitious clubs, the Chats are moving to a full-time programme ahead of the new campaign. However, Kevin Hake has lost a number of big names over the summer.

They’ll be without former captain Jack Evans, and last season’s electric front three of Jamie Yila, Freddie Sears, and John Ufuah, who move to Maidstone, Maldon & Tiptree, and Welling respectively.

That said, Chatham finished last season strongly and retain key pillars like Simon Cooper, Sid Nelson, Reece Butler, and Jordy Robins, alongside exciting young talent in Sam Sene-Richardson and Kofi Anokye-Boadi, who had a strong loan spell at Hendon last term.

The rebuild has focused on players under 23, but with some savvy additions. Keeper Henry Molyneux arrives permanently from Sheffield United, an excellent move after a good loan spell last term, and Alex Giles, Ralfi Hand, and Adam Leathers are among the other notable additions. There are still questions up top: new signings Tope Fadahunsi, Harvey Walker, and Sam Folarin will need to improve on previous returns but should have plenty of chances in Hake’s expansive system.

Chatham’s full-time setup gives them an edge, but there’s still some gelling to do. A playoff spot is possible, though they may fall just short.

7th – CRAY VALLEY PM

One of last season’s surprise packages, Cray Valley came within a whisker of a second straight promotion before falling to Dartford in the playoff semis. Under Steve McKimm, they remain a disciplined, hard-to-beat outfit.

The loss of Freddie Parker and Danny Waldren will hurt, as will Dan Bowry’s departure to Lewes, but they’ve retained a strong spine at The Artic Stadium. Barney Williams, Cem Tumyaka and Arthur Lee are top Isthmian Premier defenders, and midfielders Tom Beere and Sonny Black were among the best in class throughout last season’s promotion charge.

Up front, Marcel Barrington is back for another season, while new signings Luke Holness and Ibby Akanbi could offer serious firepower if they find consistency in front of goal. Daniel Ajakaiye arrives from Horsham and is one of the league's most exciting wingers, and Shaun Rowley’s arrival from Cray Wanderers is a superb pick-up in goal – he’s among the division’s best.

Replicating last season will be difficult, but McKimm’s side will remain a pain to play against. A playoff push is more than possible again.

8th – CARSHALTON ATHLETIC

Peter Adeniyi’s side continue to punch above their weight, with an attractive, high-tempo style that caused problems for even the league’s big guns last season. They finished 7th, just six points off the playoffs, and look poised for another strong campaign.

Keeping their two top scorers from last season, Fabio Saraiva and David Smith, was a major coup. Bryan Ifeanyi, one of the most exciting wingers at the level, also stays, alongside club stalwarts Tommy Bradford, Luke Read and Mason Saunders-Henry, bringing important continuity in south London.

The loss of club legend Paris Hamilton-Downes is a blow, but they otherwise retain a solid defensive foundation, with Aziz Sankoh returning at full-back after an impressive season.

Recruitment news is still limited, but the retained core is strong nonetheless. If their new additions match the quality already in place, they’ll be a handful, especially at Colston Avenue. A playoff push is well within reach, but whether they can match the top sides' overall quality remains to be seen.

9th – AVELEY

A complete overhaul is underway at Parkside following Aveley’s relegation from the National League South. New boss Brett Munyard has wasted no time putting his stamp on the squad – none of last season’s players have been retained, and a raft of arrivals have come in.

The Millers were always punching above their weight at Step 2, and bouncing back at the first attempt will be no easy task, especially with a brand-new squad and a manager untested at this level.

Munyard is well respected in Essex circles and has made some eye-catching additions. Joe Wright is an excellent pick-up between the sticks, bringing both Isthmian and Step 2 experience, arriving with players with title-winning credentials in Ryan Henshaw, Ollie Peters and Ryan Charles who offer valuable know-how.

The attack is stacked with proven quality: George Saunders arrives from Hornchurch, while Charles and Rowan Liburd bring goals and experience after years at various levels. Signings also arrive via Munyard’s Brightlingsea links, among those are Harry Critchley and Jayden Robinson who compliment the squad's older players well.

Although there’s experience throughout, some of the younger additions may need time to adapt to the level. With the squad still bedding in, consistency might be elusive early on, but there’s enough quality here to push the playoff pack.

10th – HASHTAG UNITED

After a mixed 2024/25 campaign, the Tags enter their third season at Step 3 still searching for that elusive playoff spot. Goals came freely last term, but so did defensive lapses, something manager Jay Devereux will be desperate to fix if his side are to mount a serious push for the top five.

The loss of key creator Sak Hassan to Wealdstone will be felt, but they’ve retained a strong, experienced core. Jack Giddens, Tom Anderson, Nathan Smith and Max Cornhill all bring the experience, while fan favourites like Misha Djemaili and Toby Aromolaran provide the more eye-catching skill sets the fans at Parkside adore. The standout retention is teenage striker Luke May-Parrott, a genuine talent who, if he stays fit, could challenge for the Golden Boot.

New additions are sensible. Jason Ring is a tidy left-back signing, and striker Bradley Sach brings a more traditional No.9 presence up top. At 35, winger Evans Kouassi offers goals and Step 3 know-how, and could help fill the Hassan-shaped void if he hits form.

The Tags will remain entertaining, but with stronger sides around them, a slight dip from last year’s 7th-place finish seems likely. Mid-table feels realistic.

11th – WINGATE & FINCHLEY

Under Ahmet Rifat, Wingate have developed into a stylish, technically sound side capable of beating anyone on their day, exemplified with away wins at last season’s top two, Horsham and Billericay.

While top scorer Ogo Obi has moved on, the core remains. Keeper Charlie Grainger, centre-back Billy Cracknell and utility man Camilo Restrepo are all solid Step 3 operators, and the club have recruited well from below.

Striker Ada Okorogheye enjoyed a breakout year with Uxbridge and looks to be a classic nuisance forward this season, and Caoilan McGettigan lit up the wings at Hadley – he arrives alongside forward partner Isaac Stones, Hadley’s top scorer for the last two seasons. In midfield, Sam Cornish, Alfie Cutbush and Adam Lovatt should form a well-rounded engine room around Restrepo and co.

Wingate’s ceiling may depend on how quickly the new signings settle, but they’ll be a tricky opponent for anyone. If they find consistency, a playoff push isn’t out of the question, but a top-half finish feels more likely in 2025/26.

12th – RAMSGATE

Promotion at last. After a couple of near misses, Ramsgate make their Step 3 return following a successful 2024/25 campaign, but they’ll have to do it without talisman Joe Taylor, who has moved on to Hornchurch. Other key individuals such as Joe Ellul and Lee Martin have also left for pastures new, but despite those losses, optimism remains under manager Ben Smith.

Key retentions include new captain TJ Jadama and defensive duo Tom Clifford and Aaron Barnes, while midfielder Benedict Bioletti is sure to light up the division in the forward areas. Alfie Paxman also remains up top, offering some much-needed familiarity at the top end of the pitch.

Recruitment has been quieter than in previous windows, but it’s been sensible. Aidan Prall arrives from Sheppey and is a reliable keeper who’ll compete with Tom Hadler. Jerome Binnom-Williams adds EFL experience to the group, and Sittingbourne trio Donvieve Jones, Mitchell May and Ryan Kingsford are astute additions, and all players Smith will know well from last season’s title race.

Ramsgate may look to Cray Valley, Chichester and Chatham as recent blueprints following Isthmian South East promotion, and if the chemistry is right, a top-half push is possible. More likely, though, is a steady mid-table finish, which would still represent a solid first season back at this level after a 16-year absence.

13th – WELLING UNITED

After dropping from the National League South, Welling are the third relegated side undergoing a total rebuild. New boss Lee Martin, embarking on his first managerial job, faces the daunting task of turning a fractured squad into a promotion contender. Expectations are high, but question marks remain.

Only one player has been retained from last season, young midfielder Cameron Andrews, with the rest of the squad built from scratch. Some of the headline signings are impressive: former Billericay midfielder Jack Paxman joins and immediately takes the armband, while wide forward John Ufuah arrives from Chatham with proven Step 3 firepower.

The Leahy brothers, Tom and Jack, are also standout and add versatility and experience, but much of the business has focused on standout Step 4 players – a gamble that often doesn’t pay off without senior heads around them.

There’s talent in the mix, but also risk. A youthful back line and a bumpy pre-season suggest teething problems could emerge, with players coming and going throughout July. If Martin gets it right, Welling could push up the table, but more realistically, a season of consolidation beckons in mid-table.

14th – BRENTWOOD TOWN

After sealing the Isthmian North title last season, Brentwood return to Step 3 for the first time since 2016. Manager Keith Rowland masterminded the club’s rise, aided by the installation of a new 3G pitch at the Brentwood Centre Arena. Expectations are high, and there's enough in place to suggest they’ll handle the step up.

Key to that is the strong retention of the title-winning core. Keeper Melvin Minter and a plethora of defensive and midfield options stay on, including key players in last year’s success — Matt Cripps, Andy Freeman, Shad Ngandu, and Ade Cole are among the headline retentions.

This has been complemented with some stellar additions, including Aron Pollock, who, if he can stay fit, could be one of the division’s top defenders. Max Hudson also strengthens the full-back ranks.

The front line is largely untested at this level, but Charlee Hughes and Manny Ogunrinde bring experience from Step 2. The jewel in the crown is Daniel Ogunleye, scorer of 43 goals in all competitions last season, a player many expected to move up the levels. If he can lead from the front and with a solid spine behind, Brentwood should steer well clear of relegation, and a top-half finish is not beyond them.

15th – CHICHESTER CITY

Few predicted Chichester’s rise to 6th last season, but a late slip on the final day saw them just miss out on the playoffs. Now entering 2025/26, they'll do so without star striker Jimmy Wild, who faces a long spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

The approach remains steady. Miles Rutherford has kept the core intact, as 11 players retained from last season made 40+ appearances, including Isaac Bello, Lloyd Rowlatt, keeper Kieran Magee, captain Rob Hutchings, and forward Ethan Pritchard. It’s a settled, hardworking group that knows its strengths and proves tricky to compete against for even the division’s best.

Replacements for Wild will be key. Jake Scrimshaw and former Arsenal man Billy Vigar arrive, but goals may be harder to come by this time around. The remaining recruitment is typically low-key, focused on local and affordable talent.

They should be more than safe from any relegation scrap, but with firepower lacking and the element of surprise gone, a mid-table finish seems the ceiling this time around, although a late surge could be on the cards if and when Wild returns to the side.

16th – DULWICH HAMLET

New manager Mark Dacey arrives with no Step 3 experience but a growing reputation as a modern, progressive coach. After a dismal 2024/25 campaign that saw Hamlet finish 18th, a climb to mid-table would mark a step in the right direction.

Dacey has surprisingly retained much of last season’s ageing core, with seasoned figures like Danny Mills, Michael Chambers, Jordan Wynter, Sean Bonnett-Johnson, Anthony Jeffrey, and talisman Luke Wanadio all staying on. The emphasis seems to be on stability and experience, though Hamlet fans will hope Wanadio can rediscover his form in a more expansive system.

The signings speak to South London roots: goalkeeper Toby Bull suggests a shift to a more modern style of play, while returning favourites Nyren Clunis and Anthony Cook bring familiarity and crowd appeal more than guaranteed quality. Centre-backs Geoffrey Okonkwo and Tom Chambers bolster the backline with Step 3 know-how, Amadou Kassarate arrives off the back of a strong finish with Folkestone, and Lonit Talla impressed in Hendon’s poor season last term, so there is most definitely something to build on at Champion Hill.

Dacey has stated a top-half finish is the target, but in a stacked league, that may be overly optimistic. The lack of an out-an-out goalscorer is a worry, so a year of consolidation and upward momentum is more realistic for the Hamlet.

17th – POTTERS BAR TOWN

Back at The Lantern Stadium after a year of playing at Kings Langley during 3G pitch upgrades, the Hertfordshire side did well to stay well above the drop zone amid difficult circumstances. Manager Max Mitchell continues to favour a blend of youth and experience, typified by the retention of 41-year-old Ronnie Henry — the league’s oldest player — alongside key midfielders Joe Re and Leigh Rose, who returns to action after a long injury layoff.

Recruitment leans heavily on those identified through their summer trial programme, although attacking additions Reece Beckles-Richards, Lindell Stewart and Jack Munns add proven pedigree across various levels. Many of the new additions are debuting at the level and may take some time to adjust to the demands of Step 3, but under Mitchell they have every chance of doing just that. The decision to sign three goalkeepers is certainly unconventional, but may reflect internal competition or injury concerns.

Despite the home comforts, the Scholars are likely to be in the bottom half again, simply outmuscled by clubs with bigger budgets and deeper squads, though they should have enough to stay up.

18th – CHESHUNT

Mel Gwinnett remains in charge at Theobalds Lane and takes charge of his first full season at the club. The Ambers are looking to rebuild around a younger core, though several key players from last season have been retained, including midfielder Sam Granville, centre-back Raul Da Silva, and top scorer Vas Vasiliou, along with regulars at the back Lordon Alkolbire and Darion Furlong.

Beyond that, this is a green squad. The forward line is a gamble, and Vasiliou will likely lead the line alongside new signings Jesse Effa, Stefan Vukoje, Connor Kurran-Browne, and ex-Chelsea academy forward George Nunn — all of whom remain untested at in the division. It’s a group with potential, but experience is limited, and the margins at this level can be punishing.

The defence is solid enough, and on their day, the Ambers can pull off results, but over 42 games they’re more likely to be glancing nervously over their shoulders.

19th – LEWES

It’s another rebuild at The Dripping Pan. Craig Nelson’s departure to Tonbridge brought the appointment of untested manager Bradley Pritchard, and with none of last season’s squad remaining, the Rooks face a daunting challenge. While their footballing philosophy, focusing on possession-heavy, progressive play, remains a core principle, execution will be difficult with an almost entirely new group.

Centre-back Dan Bowry and full-back Clem Asiedu arrive from Cray Valley PM, offering some cohesion from a well-drilled backline. Ian Gayle adds more defensive nous, having played regularly for Folkestone, and teenage midfielder Jabari Christmas is one to look out for after departing Chatham and will be hoping for a breakout season, and Jordan Maguire-Drew will add further quality in the middle of the park.

Financial limitations continue to impact planning, and for all the goodwill that surrounds the club, results must come early to avoid sliding into trouble. Pritchard may grow into the role in time, and there are flickers of potential in the squad, but there’s a strong chance this reset season becomes a survival battle, and one the Rooks aren’t guaranteed to win.

20th – WHITEHAWK

A tale of two halves last year: Whitehawk were languishing in the relegation zone before Shaun Saunders returned and masterminded a gritty revival in the second part of the season. The Enclosed Ground remains one of the most awkward away days in the division due to it’s infamous sloping pitch, and Saunders knows how to coax big performances out of modest groups, but this squad will again be stretched.

There’s strength in continuity though. Andrew Briggs is a solid midfield anchor, the two Charlies — Lambert and Walker — form a reliable frontline, and keeper Bailey Vose offers safe hands at the back and adds experience at both higher and lower levels. Joel Daly returns with a title medal from Horsham, probably the pick of the new additions.

But outside those few names, depth is lacking, and new additions haven’t stirred much excitement. Expect another nervy campaign on the south coast, and in a stronger league this time around, another scrap near the bottom looks likely for the Hawks.

21st – BURGESS HILL TOWN

After a dominant promotion campaign in the Isthmian South East, Burgess Hill return to Step 3 for the first time in six seasons. Jay Lovett and Gary Mansell led the charge last term, though Mansell has stepped back to a Director of Football role. They’ve retained the spine of last year’s 90-point team.

Among the pick of the retainees are club captain Brannon O’Neill and veteran Chris Whelpdale, both of whom offer experience in midfield, while Player of the Season Kieran Rowe has signed on for another year. Rocco Rees is an exciting addition in goal, a young keeper with National League South experience, while Jaden Perez bolsters the midfield after 43 appearances for Salisbury last term. Their new 3G surface at Leylands Park should help promote an attractive playing style.

But for all that positivity, much of this squad remains untested at Step 3. While they can take heart from 2023/24 playoff winners Chichester’s sixth-place finish last year, replicating it will be difficult. The Hillians will have to punch above their weight to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

22nd – CANVEY ISLAND

One of the most surprising appointments of the summer saw ex-England manager Peter Taylor take charge at Canvey. But Taylor’s arrival has been accompanied by a ruthless rebuild, as almost the entire squad has been released, including stalwarts like Conor Hubble, Jamie Salmon, and Toby Tinubu. In their place comes a raft of young, largely untested signings from Step 4.

Goalkeeper Bobby Mason is an excellent base to build from, and is arguably one of the league’s best. Club captain Elliott Ronto is another important retention and remains popular with supporters, as does the returning Michael Finneran, who arrives as player-coach from Grays.

However, recruitment has been unremarkable. Park Lane will be home to a thin squad lacking in proven Step 3 performers, and there are valid questions over Taylor’s recent track record – especially at non-league level. In a stronger division and with the departure of so many key players, the Gulls could struggle badly unless things click fast.