Top 10 Non-League Clubs to Manage in FM24

Find out the top 10 non-league clubs to manage in FM24 and lead them from obscurity to glory in Football Manager 2024.

Discover the best non-league clubs in England to rebuild, challenge yourself and rise through the divisions in Football Manager 2024.

From Muddy Pitches to Wembley Dreams – My Non-League FM Obsession

Let me take you back to a cold Tuesday evening in January. I’d just been sacked from a glamourous (read: disastrous) stint at Sunderland in FM24, and I needed something different. Something gritty. Something real. 

That’s when I stumbled upon York City, a National League side with a stadium bigger than some League One clubs. I took over, scraped together a promotion, and before I knew it, I was chasing play-offs in League Two with a team of semi-pro legends.

That save? Easily one of the most rewarding I’ve ever played.

So if you’re itching to get stuck into a true underdog story, I’ve rounded up my top 10 non-league clubs in England you must try in Football Manager 2024. These are teams with rich histories, quirky stadiums, loyal fans – and the kind of narrative potential you don’t get managing PSG.

Let’s dive in.

1. York City – The Sleeping Giant of the North

With a 8,500-capacity LNER Community Stadium and a loyal fanbase, York City feel like a Football League club trapped in the National League. Your job? Finish what they started – get them back into League Two and beyond.

🧠 Tip: Use the large stadium and relatively good finances to build early momentum. A good DoF is available too – use him!

 

2. Chesterfield – Title Challengers in Waiting

One of the strongest squads in the National League, Chesterfield are ready-made for promotion. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy – expectations are high, and you’ll need to keep players motivated for the long slog ahead.

⚠️ Watch out: Don’t neglect squad rotation. Fixtures come thick and fast down here.

READ ASLO: Top 10 Wonderkids You Must Sign in FM24

 

3. Oldham Athletic – Fallen Giant with Firepower

Oldham have seen better days. Once in the Premier League, now in the National League. But you’ve got a big fanbase, a proper stadium, and the potential to fly up the pyramid. Ideal if you love a rebuild challenge.

🛡 Rebuild Focus: Invest early in youth and facilities. This isn’t just a short-term project.

 

4. Southend United – Financial Trouble Meets Fan Passion

Southend are a hot mess financially, but their fans are incredible and the club has soul. It's one of those saves where every promotion feels like a miracle.

🔥 Challenge Mode: Can you balance the books and get promoted?

READ ALSO: Best Assistant Managers in FM24 – Top 19 Picks for Success

 

5. Gateshead FC – The Modern Builder’s Dream

If you’re after a save with no baggage and modern facilities, Gateshead is an excellent choice. Great for player development and a chance to build something new without fixing years of damage.

📈 Youth Tip: Focus on developing young loanees – especially from northern Championship clubs.

 

6. AFC Fylde – The Rich Non-League Upstarts

Yes, I know – they’re not traditional. But AFC Fylde have money, ambition, and a clear plan to reach the Football League. This is the “Wrexham-lite” save.

💷 Pro Tip: Splash wisely. It’s easy to overspend early and get stuck.

READ ALSO: Top Methods to Easily Find Wonderkids in Football Manager

 

7. Dorking Wanderers – The YouTube Save

Thanks to owner-manager Marc White, Dorking have become a cult favourite. If you want narrative fuel for your save (and maybe even a YouTube series?), this is the one.

🎥 Fun Angle: Turn the club from quirky story to footballing dynasty.

 

8. Aldershot Town – Reignite the Former League Flame

Once a staple of the Football League, Aldershot Town are now striving to climb back up the pyramid. With a solid fanbase and an underdog spirit, they’re ideal for managers who enjoy restoring lost status.

🔥 Rebuild Tip: Focus on steady growth and clever signings – your budget is tight, but there’s real potential here.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Best Strikers in FM24 – Goal Machines You Need

9. Hereford FC – The Phoenix Project

Formed in 2014 after the original club was wound up, Hereford FC is one of those romantic saves where you guide a phoenix club back to past glory.

📳 Long-Term Vision: Get promoted, invest in infrastructure, build something sustainable.

 

10. South Shields – Non-League Ambition and Community Spirit

This North East club has a passionate following and big ambitions. Great facilities for this level and a club that’s just waiting for the right gaffer to guide them into the spotlight.

⚽ Build for the Future: Excellent youth recruitment can set you up for generations.

READ NEXT: How to Develop a Top-Tier Youth System in Football Manager

 

Final Whistle: Why Non-League Is the Real FM Playground

There’s something magical about managing in the National League. No flashy transfer budgets. No egos. Just tactics, development, and the thrill of doing more with less.

If you’ve never managed outside the top four tiers before, give it a go in FM24. You might just fall in love with the grind like I did.

And hey – if you’ve already got your own non-league story, drop it in the comments or tag me on X. I love hearing about these mad promotion runs and local hero tales.

Happy managing, and remember – even Wembley starts with Tuesday night at Woking.