2025–26 Aldershot Town FC Season Preview: The Shots Aim for the Stars!
As the 2025–26 National League season, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, kicks off on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Aldershot Town FC—known as “The Shots”—are riding a wave of optimism. Fresh off their historic 2024–25 Isuzu FA Trophy triumph at Wembley and a solid 16th-place finish last season, the club is eager to build on their recent progress. With a strong foundation from their 8th-place finish in the 2023–24 campaign, manager Tommy Widdrington’s men are eyeing a playoff push or better. Here’s what Shots fans can expect as Aldershot chase glory at the EBB Stadium and beyond!
From Playoff Contention to Trophy TriumphAldershot Town’s journey over the past two seasons has been one of steady improvement. In 2023–24, The Shots delivered an impressive 8th-place finish in the National League, narrowly missing the playoffs and signalling their potential to compete at the top end of the table. The 2024–25 season saw them slip to 16th but secure a historic milestone by winning the FA Trophy on May 11, 2025, defeating Spennymoor Town 3–0 at Wembley in their first-ever appearance at the national stadium. Their Trophy run included standout victories over Sittingbourne, Boreham Wood, Wealdstone, Chertsey Town (8–0), and local rivals Woking in a dramatic 2–1 semi-final.A late-season surge in 2024–25, with five wins in their final seven matches—including a 94th-minute Josh Barrett winner against Hartlepool United and a 2–1 victory at Altrincham—proved Aldershot’s resilience. Now, with the experience of a near-playoff campaign in 2023–24 and silverware in the cabinet, The Shots are poised to challenge the National League’s elite.The Squad: Building on a Strong CoreUnder Tommy Widdrington’s guidance since 2022, Aldershot have developed a reputation for blending grit with flair. While the 2025–26 squad is still taking shape, key players from recent seasons are likely to be central. Jack Barham and Kai Corbett shone in the FA Trophy, with Barham scoring against Boreham Wood in the quarter-finals, while Josh Barrett’s clutch goals last season cemented his status as a fan favourite. The club’s loan market connections, particularly with Chelsea (whose academy and reserve sides play at the EBB Stadium), could bring fresh talent to bolster the squad, following the National League’s trend of 76 Premier League loanees last season.Widdrington’s transfer strategy will likely focus on retaining core players and adding depth to address last season’s inconsistent away form (only three road wins in 2024–25). Fans will be eager to see if new signings can replicate the impact of past loanees or if academy prospects step up to fill any gaps left by departures.Key Fixtures to CircleThe National League fixture list, sets up an exciting 46-match campaign. Aldershot’s season opens with a tough away trip to Altrincham on August 9, a repeat of last season’s late victory. Early home games include Boston United on August 16 and a fiery Hampshire derby against Eastleigh on August 20. The Shots face a gruelling 322-mile journey to Carlisle United on September 13, while festive fixtures against Morecambe (December 25), Sutton United (December 26), and Wealdstone (December 30) will test their mettle.Rivalries add extra spice. The return leg at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium on January 17, 2026, is a must-watch, with Aldershot aiming to dominate “The Spitfires.” Matches against Boreham Wood (November 4 and March 24) carry FA Trophy baggage, and clashes with relegated EFL sides Carlisle United and Morecambe will pit The Shots against heavyweights.The Road Ahead: Playoffs in Sight?Aldershot’s 8th-place finish in 2023–24 showed they can compete with the National League’s best, while their 16th-place finish in 2024–25 was offset by FA Trophy success and a strong end to the season. The challenge for 2025–26 is clear: improve away form and maintain consistency to return to the playoff conversation. The National League welcomes new faces like Carlisle United (managed by Premier League legend Mark Hughes), Morecambe, Scunthorpe United, Brackley Town, Truro City, and Boreham Wood, making the division as competitive as ever. Southend United and Gateshead, fresh off playoff heartbreak, will also be formidable.The EBB Stadium, with its 7,100 capacity and passionate crowds averaging over 5,000 for big matches, will be a fortress. If Aldershot can address their road struggles and capitalize on home form, a top-seven finish—or even a shot at the title—is within reach. The National League Cup, starting August 12–13, offers another chance for silverware, with The Shots facing Premier League 2 sides in a £1m prize pot competition.Off the Pitch: Fan Passion and Community SpiritAldershot’s supporters are the heartbeat of the club, and their energy will be crucial after the Wembley triumph. The “feistiest derby in English football” against Woking (per the Hampshire Chronicle) remains a highlight, pending Woking’s league status. Pre-season friendlies, including a clash with “sister club” Badshot Lea on August 12, 2025, plus games against Met Police, Billericay Town, Eastbourne Borough, Dorking Wanderers, Sholing, and AFC Totton, will get fans buzzing.Stay connected via
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Manager’s VisionTommy Widdrington, speaking to BBC Surrey Sport, praised the 2025 pre-season: “I’m really pleased with our pre-season!” His leadership, from steering Aldershot to an 8th-place finish in 2023–24 to lifting the FA Trophy in 2025, makes him the man to drive The Shots toward promotion. Widdrington’s knack for rallying the squad in crucial moments will be key.What to ExpectThe 2025–26 season is a golden opportunity for Aldershot Town to reclaim their 2023–24 playoff-contending form. With a proven manager, a core of talented players, and the momentum of FA Trophy success, The Shots are ready to challenge for a top-seven spot or higher. Expect thrilling derbies, long-distance battles, and the electric EBB Stadium atmosphere pushing the team forward. Can Aldershot secure a return to the EFL for the first time since 2013? Will they add more silverware? It all starts at Altrincham on August 9. Come on, you Shots!For fixtures, tickets, and updates, visit www.theshots.co.uk.For Latest information on my blogs, or just general rubbish, then please follow me @NLNatter on X(Twitter) or Facebook
