Southend United’s past two seasons have both ended at Wembley, with play-off defeat to Oldham Athletic in 2025 and FA Trophy glory over Wealdstone almost three months ago.

They are used to drama in Essex, but club legend Kevin Maher has departed the managerial hot-seat to be replaced by ex-Newcastle and England midfielder Kieron Dyer for his first full-time manager/head coach position.

The fact that the Shrimpers dispensed with Maher only two days after that Wembley success suggests that a sixth-placed finish, albeit 27 points behind champions York, was not good enough for a club averaging a league-best attendance of 8,103, so Dyer will need to hit the ground running.

As Southend begin their sixth season at this level since EFL relegation, it is a fourth for Hartlepool United.

The previous three have been the height of mediocrity in terms of finishes (12th, 11th, ninth), but there is genuine optimism for the new season.

After a long sought-after takeover by American Landon Smith in January, Pools have appointed Lee Clark as manager and have busily brought in proven National League performers as they aim to challenge for the play-off places and higher.

Forest Green Rovers have been play-off losers for the past two seasons and Robbie Savage will again bring his colour to the touchline as he looks to build on a solid first campaign at the club, finishing seventh last season.

Scunthorpe United showed they are going in the right direction again in claiming fifth place after promotion back from National League North. Those two clubs will expect to be in the mix again come April.

England footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault at a nightclub in central London.

The 30-year-old, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, was charged on 31 July and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 September following an incident on Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December.

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BBC Sport NI has agreed a new three-year broadcast deal with the Irish FA and Northern Ireland Football League to ensure the continuation of extensive free-to-air coverage of international and domestic football across BBC iPlayer, online, radio and TV.

The new deal means BBC Sport NI will show 30 live Boyle Sports Premiership streams per season – starting with Friday night’s north Belfast derby between Cliftonville and Crusaders – as well as 10 senior Women’s Northern Ireland international matches and action from domestic cup competitions.

Finals of the Clearer Water Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup will be shown live on BBC television and BBC iPlayer, as well as streamed coverage of games in the former competition from the fifth round onwards.

Live coverage of the Irish Premiership will also continue on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds, while highlights from NIFL and Irish Cup games will be available across BBC platforms.

This follows confirmation that BBC Sport NI will broadcast every Northern Ireland senior men’s international until June 2028.

“This new agreement strengthens our longstanding commitment to bringing audiences the very best coverage of the game in Northern Ireland, from national teams to domestic league and cup competitions,” said Neil Brittain, the executive editor of BBC Sport NI.

“Through BBC iPlayer, digital platforms, television, radio and BBC Sounds, we will continue to make local football available to the widest possible audience.”

Steven Mills, NIFL Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are delighted to extend our contract with BBC Sport NI and sincerely thank them for their continued commitment and significant investment in our game.

“Their coverage has played a major role in raising the profile of the Premiership, increasing its reach and supporting the continued growth of the league.”

Colin McKendry, Irish Football Association President said: “We are delighted that the Clearer Water Irish Cup, our flagship domestic cup competition, and Northern Ireland senior women’s international matches will continue to be showcased on BBC Sport NI.

“Their coverage has played a significant role in raising their profile reaching new audiences and inspiring more people to engage with football across Northern Ireland.

“Alongside them and our partners at NIFL, this agreement will ensure supporters have even more opportunities to watch, follow and enjoy the game, while helping to grow the sport at every level.”