From Southend to Kidderminster - real English underdogs to lift from non-league into the Premier League in FM26
There is nothing quite like dragging a proper English underdog out of non-league and into the bright lights of the Premier League. Smaller budgets, bumpy pitches, Tuesday night away days and a fanbase that lives for grit over glamour. If you want a long, rewarding climb in FM26, these twelve clubs give you story, struggle and a serious chance to build a dynasty.
How this challenge works
The aim is simple: take a club below the EFL and build towards the Premier League. Expect tight wage caps, short-term contracts and a big reliance on set pieces, loans and free transfers. Prioritise players with Work Rate, Stamina, Bravery and Pace. Build a strong backroom early, standardise training and squeeze every drop from corners and long throws.
Recommended database setup
Load England down to National League North and South. Add Scotland and Wales for cross-border loans. Keep at least 30k players active so the market does not dry up. Consider turning on attribute masking to keep scouting meaningful and add some jeopardy.
12 English underdogs to take from non-league to the Premier League
Southend United
Why it is fun: A proper sleeping force at this level with big followings and a redemption arc that writes itself.
First-season goals:
• Stabilise finances with strict wage control.
• Two quality loans down the spine by the end of August.
• Target play-offs minimum with a set-piece edge.
Pro tip: Recruit a dominant near-post centre-back and a long-throw full-back to bank early points.
Oldham Athletic
Why it is fun: Big club standards at a small club level. If you add structure, promotion pushes tend to follow.
First-season goals:
• Trim legacy wages and incentivise minutes for younger legs.
• Sign an aggressive ball-winner to lift pressing intensity.
• Build a home unbeaten run to fuel momentum.
Pro tip: Short-term deals with optional extensions keep the budget flexible when you go up.
Rochdale
Why it is fun: Support, identity and plenty of scope to modernise recruitment.
First-season goals:
• Lock in a reliable goalkeeper and a set-piece specialist.
• Push xGA down with a compact mid-block away from home.
• Reach top three for defensive set-piece goals.
Pro tip: Two-footed wide players at this level create chaos on cut-backs.
Hartlepool United
Why it is fun: Passionate fanbase and a squad that rewards discipline and clarity.
First-season goals:
• Make Victoria Park a fortress with a robust 4-4-2.
• Add one rangy target forward to relieve pressure.
• Hit 75 percent of points at home to stay in the title race.
Pro tip: Mix flat and inverted full-backs to match wide threats rather than forcing one shape.
York City
Why it is fun: Historic vibe, strong support and a stadium that deserves league football.
First-season goals:
• Build a leadership group with high Determination.
• Win the transitions battle with two speedy wide men.
• Finish top two for xG from counters.
Pro tip: Target versatile centre-backs who can step into midfield in possession.
Chester FC
Why it is fun: Clear identity, supportive fans and a perfect canvas for a youth-first policy.
First-season goals:
• Promote two academy graduates to the matchday squad.
• Sign a tall striker for ugly winter wins.
• Secure automatic promotion or win the play-offs.
Pro tip: Community and fan-owned clubs respond well to early cup runs for cash flow.
Maidstone United
Why it is fun: Momentum-friendly club with strong matchday energy.
First-season goals:
• Nail two specialist routines for corners and free-kicks.
• Add a press-resistant holding midfielder.
• Win points late by keeping a fresh bench forward.
Pro tip: Rotate wide areas heavily to maintain pace in the last 20 minutes.
Dorking Wanderers
Why it is fun: Perfect for managers who like flexible shapes and ball-playing defenders.
First-season goals:
• Recruit a 6 ft 2 in centre-back who can pass.
• Keep team instructions simple and intensity high.
• Target top six with a focus on rest defence.
Pro tip: Use a hybrid full-back who inverts in possession to keep counters under control.
Kidderminster Harriers
Why it is fun: Traditional ground, passionate crowd and a real platform for smart recruitment.
First-season goals:
• Win aerial duels percentage with dominant centre-backs.
• Build a 20-goal striker on pens and set pieces.
• Reach at least the FA Cup First Round Proper for finances.
Pro tip: Prioritise long-term loans from Championship academies for immediate quality.
Aldershot Town
Why it is fun: Big enough to dream, small enough to need creativity.
First-season goals:
• Add a sweeper keeper to start quick counters.
• Keep average sprint pace high across the front three.
• Hit 10 clean sheets by March.
Pro tip: Train defensive unit on aerial focus to survive winter storms and set pieces.
Barnet
Why it is fun: Expectations are real, so winning football matters from day one.
First-season goals:
• Control restarts with a specialist set-piece coach.
• Sign a two-footed attacking midfielder for late runs.
• Maintain top three for Expected Points by January.
Pro tip: Compact 4-2-3-1 with aggressive counter-press suits the squad profile.
Gateshead
Why it is fun: Great for managers who love possession and intelligent movement.
First-season goals:
• Own the middle third with a passer and a destroyer.
• Keep chance creation high with underlaps and cut-backs.
• Top four finish with best xG For in the league.
Pro tip: Train wide overloads then switch play quickly to the weak-side winger.
Quick tips for climbing fast
Recruit profile first: Work Rate, Aggression, Stamina and Pace win this level. Technical gifts come later.
Build a set-piece book: Two corner routines, one far-post free-kick and a long throw pattern. Drill them weekly.
Use the loan market: Premier League and Championship academies are gold. Ask for wage coverage and recall clauses you can live with.
Protect fitness: Smaller squads break down if you train too hard. Use recovery and rotation to keep your front line explosive.
FAQ
How many seasons to reach the EFL
Two to three if recruitment is tidy and you win your home games. The jump to League Two is about depth and discipline.
Do I need a specialist tactic
No. A compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 with clear pressing triggers and strong set pieces is enough. Add complexity later.
What about work permits
At this level they rarely matter. Focus on domestic loans and free agents. When you hit the Championship, revisit scouting regions.
How do I manage the budget
Short contracts with optional extensions, performance bonuses instead of high basic wages and sell-on clauses when you flip players.
Before you start
Get yourself set up so day one feels smooth.
• Grab the FM26 discount here
• Visit our Gamer Hub for the best laptops and peripherals
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Which non-league giant will you take to the top this year
