3 Vanarama National League Teams to Manage in Football Manager 2021

Here is our pick of three teams that you should consider managing in Football Manager 2021 from the Vanarama National League.

Here is our pick of three teams that you should consider managing in Football Manager 2021 from the Vanarama National League. 

When you think of a new save do you think of the journey that comes with it? Is a climb up the leagues more your style than instant Champions League football?

Then look no further as we go through 3 teams that you should consider managing from England’s 5th tier.

Related: Football Manager 2021 Teams to Manage

1. Hartlepool United

As many people will agree, the name Hartlepool United has not been associated with glory over the years. Whilst this has been down to many factors, including poor ownership, financial management and players which just weren't good enough, the one thing that has never let them down is the loyal fanbase that surrounds the club. These fans over the years have been starved of honours and have had very little to shout about in the 112-year history of the club.

Now at the helm and in control of the team, manager Dave Challinor has worked tirelessly over the summer months to assemble a team worthy of getting itself back into the football league and back to where the club belongs. 

Recent key signings include Luke Molyneux, an explosive winger recently signed from League 1 Sunderland and Timi Odusina, a quick centre back who signed permanently from Norwich City over the summer, both more than capable of handling themselves in the tough climate of lower league football.

Can you finish what Challinor has started and make Pools a force to be reckoned with?

2. Wealdstone FC

Founded 121 years ago, Wealdstone FC is a team steeped in history winning both the FA Trophy and FA Amateur Cup in the past along with several Middlesex Premier Cups and most recently the Vanarama National League South, firing them into the division for this season.

Playing their games at Grosvenor Vale, the National League newcomers have a growing squad of notable names, such as Ross Layafette, the journeyman striker who has made a career playing in England’s lower divisions, scoring goals wherever he’s been along the way. 

Another notable name, Dan Wishart, a defender/winger who has also made a career by playing primarily within the lower leagues of England, but has also turned out for Forest Green Rovers in the football league, making him a valuable asset to your squad.

Picking Wealdstone FC would be perfect for anyone who prefers a bit more of a challenge as promotion from the National League will not come easy for the Stones, with competition for promotion being fiercely competitive.

Related: Football Manager 2021 English Lower League Clubs to Manage

3. Stockport County

Founded in 1883 (originally as Heaton Norris Rovers), Stockport County FC is a club with troubled past, including being placed into administration in 2009, a loud and proud fanbase and a highly experienced squad which will make for an exciting save in Football Manager 2021.

A key part of deciding any save is the players that you will have at your disposal, and this is one thing that Stockport have to offer, including personnel such as forward Connor Jennings, whos wealth of experience includes stints as Grimsby Town, Tranmere Rovers and Scunthorpe United. 

Sharing the team sheet with Jennings is the younger brother of England legend Wayne Rooney, whilst not as decorated as his brother, John Rooney is a goalscoring midfielder who will still be a key part of the rebuild project that is still ongoing at the club.

Much like Hartlepool, the pressure from both the fans and board to get promoted as soon as possible will be quite high, as the restlessness of sitting in non-league continues to rise. None the less this save would be a brilliant start for those who may not manage in the lower leagues often, providing the players and platform to get promoted quickly.