NL 2025/26 Squad Update and Pre-season: Brackley Town

31st July 2025 12:04 pm

Saints Sharpen Up: Brackley Build Depth and Resilience in First National League Pre-Season

Brackley Town’s preparations for their debut National League campaign featured a mixed bag of results, showcasing flashes of attacking quality and areas for improvement. The Saints opened with a 0–0 draw against Northampton Town, followed by a clinical 3–0 win over FC Isle of Man, where Ryan Haynes and Danny Waldron were among the scorers. A tough test against higher-tier opposition saw them fall 2–0 to MK Dons, despite a competitive display.

Momentum swung back with an entertaining 3–2 comeback victory at Chelmsford City, as Connor Hall and Matt Lowe struck late to overturn a deficit. The Saints then produced a convincing 4–0 win over Halesowen Town, with Brown (2), Calder, and Roberts on target, showing improved attacking cohesion. Manager Gavin Cowan praised the win but stressed the need for greater consistency and accountability ahead of the season opener.

Across pre-season, Brackley demonstrated resilience and depth, rotating heavily while bedding in new signings like Michael Nottingham. Strong goalkeeping from Jonny Maxted and sharp finishing from Hall and Brown provided positives, while Cowan focused on instilling tactical discipline. With fitness building and new arrivals boosting experience, the Saints enter the National League aiming to carry winning habits into their historic top-tier campaign.

Pre-season results at a glance

Brackley Town 0–0 Northampton Town
📅 July 5 | 🤝 Draw
📝 Solid defensive display in opening pre-season test.

FC Isle of Man 0–3 Brackley Town
📅 July 12 | ✅ Win
⚽ Haynes, Waldron, Own Goal
📝 Clinical performance with goals spread across the team.

Brackley Town 0–2 MK Dons
📅 July 15 | ❌ Loss
📝 Competitive showing against strong opposition, but undone by two goals.

Chelmsford City 2–3 Brackley Town
📅 July 19 | ✅ Win
⚽ Okafor, Hall, Lowe (pen)
📝 Dramatic late comeback sealed with a penalty winner.

Halesowen Town 0–4 Brackley Town
📅 July 26 | ✅ Win
⚽ Brown (2), Calder, Roberts
📝 Dominant display with free-flowing attacking football.

Stourbridge 1–0 Brackley Town
📅 July 29 | ❌ Loss
📝 Narrow defeat as rotation offered minutes across the squad.

Key performers

Danny Waldron – Netted in the win over Isle of Man and linked play well in attack.
Connor Hall – Scored in the comeback at Chelmsford, showing clinical finishing instincts.
Matt Lowe – Converted the late penalty to seal the Chelmsford win; provided creativity throughout pre-season.
Michael Nottingham – New signing added leadership and aerial dominance at the back.
Jonny Maxted / Cameron Gregory – Both keepers produced big saves, particularly in draws against Northampton and tight matches with MK Dons and Stourbridge.
Brown – Bagged a brace in the 4–0 win over Halesowen, adding pace and direct threat in wide areas.

Tactical notebook and insights

Squad Rotation: Gavin Cowan rotated heavily across matches, giving minutes to trialists and new signings to build fitness and chemistry.
Attacking Depth: Goals came from multiple sources (Brown, Hall, Lowe, Waldron), highlighting versatility in forward areas.
Defensive Solidity: Brackley kept two clean sheets and limited chances in several games, showing promising organisation with Nottingham’s arrival strengthening the back line.
Late Fightbacks: The comeback against Chelmsford showcased resilience and ability to push late for results.
Fitness Focus: Pre-season emphasised conditioning and tactical drills, with Cowan stressing accountability and consistency ahead of their first National League campaign.

Updated squad list

Signings since July

Michael Nottingham (Livingston)

Brackley Town have made a major statement ahead of their debut National League campaign by signing experienced defender Michael Nottingham from Scottish Premiership side Livingston. The 35-year-old brings top-level experience from both Scotland and the English Football League, 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 as Brackley strengthen for their first season in non-league football’s top tier.

Earlier in the summer

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)
Retained: Scott Pollock, Connor Hall, Tyler Lyttle, Gareth Dean, Zak Lilly, Morgan Roberts, Matt Lowe, Riccardo Calder, Shane Byrne, Jonny Maxted (GK), Justin Donawa
Released/departed: George Carline, Danny Newton, Tommy O’Sullivan, Alfie Bates (Tamworth), Jez Abbey