We’re entering the business end of the 2023/24 National League campaign and – Chesterfield aside – it looks like there will be a wide-open race to clinch the second promotion spot into the Football League this term. With Paul Cook’s Spireites seemingly home and hosed, attentions are already turning to the playoff race. Below, we’re going to assess the teams offering the most value with the bookies for promotion this February via the playoffs at Wembley.
Oldham Athletic
The Latics have had it tough in the last couple of seasons. They were only worthy of a mid-table finish in the 2022/23 campaign, but there’s now light at the end of the tunnel. Under the managership of Micky Mellon, Oldham have an upward trajectory again. They have an embarrassment of riches in the goalscoring department, with the likes of James Norwood, Joe Garner and Andrew Dallas in their ranks.
Having moved into sixth place after 31 games, it’s a surprise to see Oldham priced as long as 11/2 with Betfred to gain promotion this term. This British bookie has its finger firmly on the pulse of the English non-league. First-time users of their platform can also secure a sign up bonus that’s rated one of the top three promotion bonuses by leading comparison portal oddschecker.
Norwood has already bagged 16 National League goals since dropping down from League One Barnsley last summer. Meanwhile Garner recently notched a late winner against Boreham Wood after playing the full 90 minutes. Both players have the nous and experience to help Latics over the line.
Altrincham
Greater Manchester outfit Altrincham are one of the surprise packages of the 2023/24 National League. After a 17th place finish in 2022/23, the Robins regrouped in the summer and have found their confidence and form this term. They play an attractive brand of football that’s very easy on the eye, which could transfer well to the EFL.
Using Betfred’s odds – purely for the purposes of fairness – the Robins are currently priced at 5/1 to get promoted this term. Providing they can keep front man Chris Conn-Clarke fit and firing, there’s every chance they’ll be pushing for a playoff final berth.
Bromley
At the time of writing, Bromley are second in the National League table, with 58 points from 32 games. They’ve picked up only three points from their last five games. However, that’s unsurprising when you consider the carrot of chasing down Chesterfield seems wholly unrealistic given the Spireites are a staggering 23 points clear at the top.
Bromley are one of the more uncompromising teams near the top of the table. They play a direct and aggressive brand of football which can ruffle feathers and upset the rhythm of the ball-playing opponents they come across. They’re incredibly hard to beat, with just six defeats in their first 32 games. That’s why their 4/1 odds for promotion look very good value given that they’ve consistently been the second best team in the league through the first half of the campaign.
