NL 2025/26 Preview: Brackley Town

7th July 2025 11:09 am

Brackley Town – 2025/26 Season Preview: Saints Rise, Olly Bows Out, and Cowan’s Midfield Revolution

The Saints are marching into the National League. After years of near-misses and play-off heartache, Brackley Town finally secured promotion as National League North champions, delivering the most successful season in the club’s modern history.

But as one journey begins, another ends. Long-serving chairman Francis “Olly” Oliver stepped down after 22 years at the helm, passing the baton to Matt Wise. His farewell message, filled with pride, gratitude, and a dash of disbelief at how far the club has come, will live long in the memory. Few figures in non-league football leave behind such a legacy of stability, growth, and community.

Now, under Gavin Cowan’s leadership, Brackley face their biggest test yet: life in the top tier of non-league football.

2024/25 Season in Review

Final Position: 1st (National League North Champions)
Average Attendance: 887 (15th in NLN)
FA Cup: 2nd Round – lost 1–3 away at Stockport County
FA Trophy: 2nd Round – lost 2–3 away at Hashtag United
Top Scorer: Connor Hall (18 goals)
Key Player: Scott Pollock

Brackley finally achieve promotion to the National League after almost a decade of serious flirtation; a six-game winning run in the final six fixtures of the season, the only side to finish perfect, was enough to see Brackley leapfrog Kidderminster Harriers on the final day of the season. Few would argue that promotion isn’t finally deserved. Brackley, after all, have not finished outside the National League North’s top four positions since the 2016/17 season (when they finished 7th).

Since then quite a remarkable run of finishes and near misses (including the agonising play-off final defeat in 2023/24 to Boston Utd):

2017/18: 3rd (and FA Trophy Winners)
2018/19: 3rd
2019/20: 4th
2020/21: 4th
2021/22: 2nd
2022/23: 4th
2023/24: 3rd
2024/25: Champions

Summer Activity

Gavin Cowan has been quietly putting together a squad that looks hungry and balanced. Zak Brown’s arrival in midfield has raised eyebrows and expectations, with Cowan declaring he’s built a “lethal” midfield. The capture of Boston United custodian Cameron Gregory has also been viewed as a real coup and the National League know-how that both Price and Waldron will bring means there’s real cause for optimism.

Later business in the window saw the signing of experienced defender Michael Nottingham from Scottish Premiership side Livingston. The 35-year-old brings top-level experience from both Scotland and the EFL, having previously played for Blackpool, Salford City, and Accrington Stanley. Known for his defensive versatility, aerial dominance, and leadership qualities, Nottingham made over 60 appearances for Livingston and remains a high-performing, physically strong presence despite his veteran status. Manager Gavin Cowan hailed the move as a “real coup,” emphasising Nottingham’s character and value to the squad ahead of Brackley’s first season in non-league football’s top tier.

Signings and retained list

New signings: Cameron Gregory (Boston United), Danny Waldron (Southend United), Jack Price (last played for Shrewsbury), Ryan Haynes (Cheltenham Town), Zak Brown (Kidderminster Harriers), Kyle Morrison (Kidderminster Harriers), Michael Nottingham (Livingston)
Retained: Scott Pollock, Connor Hall, Tyler Lyttle, Gareth Dean, Zak Lilly, Morgan Roberts, Matt Lowe, Riccardo Calder, Shane Byrne, Jonny Maxted (GK), Justin Donawa, Miracle Okafor

Departure list

Released/departed: George Carline, Danny Newton, Tommy O’Sullivan, Alfie Bates (Tamworth), Jez Abbey

Managerial Status

Gavin Cowan has signed a new contract with Brackley Town, extending his stay at St James Park until 2028 alongside assistant Jamie Haynes, with Ali Worby also joining as goalkeeping coach. It caps off a remarkable period for Cowan, who masterminded promotion at the second attempt, bouncing back from the heartbreak of the 2023/24 play-off final to lead the Saints to the National League as champions. His success has quickly earned the trust of supporters and the board, with Chairman Matt Wise highlighting the importance of securing the management team to maintain stability as Brackley step into life at Step One.

The club is keen to build on this momentum, providing Cowan and his team with the tools to give the best account of themselves in a much tougher division. “It was a very easy decision, but it was all really about making sure that we hadn’t hit our ceiling,” Cowan said, reflecting the ambition and unity that now define Brackley’s approach. With Jamie Haynes described as an integral part of this journey, there is a clear sense that the foundations are in place to plan confidently for the long term.

Meanwhile, supporters are still basking in the glow of promotion but are equally curious about how the club will fare at this level. There’s genuine excitement around the new signings, reverence for Chairman “Olly’s” farewell, and pride that Brackley are going about things the right way – stable, sustainable, and together. With the management team secured and preparations for the 2025/26 campaign well underway, the Saints now look to climb the next step as they venture into the unknown of the National League.

Prediction

Survival is the primary goal, but don’t be surprised if Brackley exceed expectations. A solid spine, experienced additions, and a quietly ambitious manager could see the Saints ruffle feathers.

Brackley Town have earned their shot in the National League the hard way — years of consistency, community, and calm progression. With a fresh chapter under new Chairman Matt Wise (who steps up from his Director role) and Gavin Cowan, the Saints look ready to compete, not just survive. And somewhere behind the scenes, Olly will still be watching with quiet pride. 16th.