Premier Division Clubs Begin Building For 2026/27
Some sides have been busy announcing managerial appointments and player retention news, while others are keeping their plans firmly behind closed doors for now.
Petts Wood & Holmesdale FC continue their preparations under their new identity and have emerged as one of the busiest clubs in the Premier Division during the early weeks of the summer. The club have appointed former Sutton Athletic manager Peter Nolan as Joint First Team Manager alongside Andy Constable, and a number of familiar faces have followed Nolan to the club as the squad begins to take shape.
Former Sutton Athletic and Erith Town captain Ryan Mahal has arrived to strengthen the defence, while attacking player Conor Evans, midfielders Joel Wakefield and Ben White, promising young centre-back Frank Little and Tunmise Akanni have all made the move from Sutton Athletic.
The club have also recruited proven quality from elsewhere around the division. Striker Danny Lear joins from Erith & Belvedere, while former Rusthall frontman Charlie Clover arrives after several impressive seasons at Step 5 level. Clover was the Rustics’ leading scorer during the 2024/25 campaign and brings a proven goalscoring pedigree to the club’s attacking options. Armani-Jordan Martin is another exciting addition following spells with Hythe Town and Fisher last season, while experienced defender Michael Fenn arrives after his recent spell with VCD Athletic.
A number of players have also committed their futures to the club. Popular forward Tony Musoke returns after previously spending three seasons with Holmesdale, while Mecca Maxime-Samuels and Lewis Heywood have both been retained for the new campaign.
Phoenix Sports have been among the more active clubs on social media. Captain Akheem Belford will remain at the club alongside Jamarie Brissett, Louie Downey, Ben Morrison, Khayrie Harris, Ryan McCourt, Harry Barnes and Taylor Fisher. There are familiar faces returning, with midfielders Zak Bryon and Lee Bird rejoining Phoenix after a few years away, while right-back Joe Chalker arrives from Beckenham Town. Manager Jake Goodman remains in charge, although the club have confirmed departures for Lyle Della Verde, Jensen Grant, Paul Lee, Tyller Whitlock Davis and Kieron McCann.
Tunbridge Wells have announced a significant player retention programme, with much of last season’s squad staying at Culverden. Confirmed to remain are Ryan Hine, Kieran James, Ashton Maylon-Chantler, Brad Austin, Owen Punselie, Daika Montague, Mo Alaka, George Bentley, Jack Gallagher, Rhys Bartlett, Darmando Lawrence, Tommy Penfold, Rory Ward, Matty Dunmall, Ollie Hyland and Regan Corke.
At Rusthall, Jimmy Anderson will lead the side into a ninth season in charge. The Rustics came heartbreakingly close to promotion before losing in the play-off final and could face a summer of change, with Dan Blunn and Charlie Clover already confirmed to have departed the club. Attacking midfielder Jack Kirby will remain a Rustic for another year and he will be vital if Rusthall are going to build on last seasons success.
There have been changes in the dugout at several clubs.
Corinthian have appointed Mason East as their new first team manager. East arrives after impressing with Whitstable Town Under 23s and has already spoken of his excitement at taking charge of the Hoops ahead of the new season.
Snodland Town have also moved quickly following the appointment of Connor Dymond as first team manager. The club have marked the beginning of a new era by launching a special anniversary season ticket offer for supporters.
At Hollands & Blair, Darren Blackburn has stepped down due to work commitments. Blackburn guided the club to a seventh-place finish last season and came agonisingly close to a play-off place after a strong recovery from a difficult start. The Blair have promoted from within, with former assistant Ian Draycott taking over as first team manager.
Larkfield & New Hythe have also experienced a change behind the scenes. Fraser Walker has ended his three-year spell as joint manager, a period that delivered two trophies and the highest league finish in the club’s history. Tony Reid remains in charge, while Sian Fitzpatrick steps up into the assistant manager role.
Two clubs are still searching for new leadership. Newly-promoted AFC Greenwich Borough have parted company with manager Reece Parara, while Beckenham Town have also seen manager Del Oldfield move on, with Adam Griffin taking over the managerial reins.
With pre-season now beginning to take shape, supporters can expect plenty more news on player signings, managerial appointments and club developments in the weeks ahead.
We will continue to bring you the latest updates from around the Premier Division as preparations for the new season gather pace.
Last updated – 8th June