BISHOP’S Stortford boss Martin Hayes has tipped Weymouth as the team to look out for in next season’s Nationwide South.
Former Arsenal star Hayes reckons going full-time will give the Terras the edge over their opponents.
He said: “They are a big club and have crowds of 1,000. Garry Hill their manager likes to work at clubs with resources and already he’s making his mark.
“Over a season it makes a big difference when a side is full-time, whereas I may only get to work with my players once a week.”
The composition of the 22-team division will not be confirmed until the league’s annual general meeting next month. However, 21 clubs are virtually rubber-stamped.
The only place in doubt did belong to Hornchurch, who have been forced to drop out of the league due to their precarious business position.
AFC Hornchurch have risen from the ashes of the defunct Conference South outfit and they will begin life competing in the Essex Senior League.
The Hornchurch departure means that third-from-bottom Maidenhead United are now unlikely to go down although Margate and Redbridge are definitely relegated.
Champions Grays Athletic have been promoted into the Conference, from which Farnborough have been relegated.
Eastbourne Borough remain in Nationwide South after failing to beat Altrincham in the play-off final.
Southern League Premier Division champions Histon will come into the division alongside Ryman premier clubs Yeading (champions) and Eastleigh (play-off winners).
Hayes feels it will be even tougher to make the play-offs next season. He said: “The teams coming up are stronger than those going down, while Farnborough will not find it easy – you only have to look at what happened to Margate, who have been relegated again.
“There will be 15 teams chasing the other four play-off spots.”
