National League Updates – December 2024

The latest developments from the National League for December 2024 are detailed here, covering managerial announcements, new player signings, and contract extensions. Information regarding transfer rumors, English Football League club transfers, and National League news from November is also available. Maidenhead United is set to permanently acquire winger Ricky Korboa when the January transfer window commences. The 28-year-old previously played for Northampton Town and Sutton United, and most recently had a period with Livingston in Scotland. York City has secured defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott from Cardiff City for an undisclosed sum. Fagan-Walcott initially arrived on loan in early September, and the Minstermen have now chosen to finalize his permanent transfer. Gateshead has brought in Salford City midfielder Liam Humbles on a loan agreement valid until the conclusion of the season. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder recorded 11 League Two appearances over the last two seasons, having spent the preceding three months on loan with National League club Altrincham. Tamworth has prolonged the loan period for Sunderland defender Ben Crompton by an additional month. The 21-year-old has featured as a starter in three National League matches for the Lambs and contributed to their FA Cup second-round victory over Burton, securing a home fixture against Tottenham in the third round. Forest Green Rovers has re-secured the services of versatile attacker Jordan Garrick, with his contract running until the season’s end. The 26-year-old was released by Rovers at the close of the previous term and subsequently joined Oldham in October on a non-contract agreement, making a single appearance for the Latics. Maidenhead United has finalized the permanent acquisition of Stevenage defender Owen Cochrane. The 20-year-old had been on loan at York Road and has accumulated 18 appearances during the current season. Dagenham & Redbridge has taken Hazeem Bakre on a one-month loan from Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old forward, who signed his initial professional contract with Boro during the summer, is eligible to play for the Daggers in their upcoming match against Wealdstone on Saturday. Ebbsfleet United has permanently signed FC Halifax Town striker Aaron Cosgrave. The 25-year-old initially joined Fleet on loan in October and has since registered three goals in 10 appearances. Rochdale has prolonged the loan of goalkeeper Sam Waller from Burnley for an additional month. The 21-year-old first arrived at Rochdale in November and has played in four matches, achieving two clean sheets. Tamworth has consented to extend striker Miracle Okafor’s loan spell at National League North club Brackley Town for another month. The 23-year-old has netted one goal in four appearances since his initial arrival at Brackley on 15 November. Woking has announced the appointment of Craig Mackail-Smith, a former striker for Peterborough United and Brighton & Hove Albion, as their new head of performance. Mackail-Smith, who earned seven caps for Scotland, concluded his 22-year playing career last year, having scored 196 goals in 674 games across levels from non-league to the Championship. Additionally, the club has brought in Connor Croft, an MSc performance analysis graduate, to the backroom staff in the role of data analyst and opposition scouting intern. Southend United has acquired striker Charley Kendall from fellow National League team Woking on an 18-month contract, which includes a club option. The 23-year-old joined the Cards in January and has scored seven goals, three of which were this season, over his 35 league appearances for the club. Dagenham & Redbridge has secured midfielder Connor Parsons on a free transfer. The 24-year-old commenced his career at Norwich City before moving to Wycombe Wanderers in 2021. His most recent club was Waterford in the Republic of Ireland, where his contract concluded last month. Boston United has finalized the signing of Daniel Adshead, a midfielder formerly with Norwich City and Cheltenham Town. Boston has not disclosed the duration of the 23-year-old’s contract. Yeovil Town forward Harvey Greenslade has moved to National League South club Weston-Super-Mare on a one-month loan agreement. The 20-year-old has played in 11 National League matches for Yeovil this season, netting one goal. Oldham Athletic has recalled goalkeeper Magnus Norman from his loan spell with Ebbsfleet United, who are currently at the bottom of the table. The 27-year-old had only joined the Kent-based team four days prior, participating in their FA Trophy elimination at Sutton United on Saturday before being recalled by his parent club. Solihull Moors has acquired Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Killian Barrett on a short-term loan. The 20-year-old is potentially set to make his first appearance for the West Midlands club in their match against Aldershot on Tuesday. Dagenham & Redbridge utility player Frank Vincent has transferred to Woking on loan for the remainder of the season. Vincent, 25, capable of playing at left-back or in various midfield roles, previously represented Scunthorpe, Walsall, Notts County, and Aldershot before joining the Daggers in 2023. He is accompanied at Woking by forward Inih Effiong, following Effiong’s departure from Braintree Town. This marks the 34-year-old’s third stint with the Cards, having signed a contract until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Southend has secured Oxford United centre-back James Golding on a short-term loan. The 20-year-old, who has played nine times for the U’s across all competitions, also appeared in the National League earlier this season during a loan period with Maidenhead. Ebbsfleet midfielder Jim Kellermann has transferred to National League North club Kidderminster Harriers on a one-month loan agreement. Kellermann, who joined Ebbsfleet last summer, has made 13 appearances for the club, which currently occupies the bottom position in the table. Rochdale winger Courtney Senior has moved to National League North team Chorley on a one-month loan. Maidenhead United has acquired defender Manny Onariase from fellow National League club Hartlepool United on loan. Onariase, 28, has joined on an initial short-term arrangement until 18 January and is eligible to represent the Magpies in the National League Cup and FA Trophy competitions. AFC Fylde has secured Burnley midfielder Will Hugill on a one-month loan agreement. The 21-year-old made his senior debut for the Clarets in their Carabao Cup fixture against Wolves in August and also had a one-month loan spell with Chester in National League North this season. AFC Fylde has prolonged the loan of Derby County defender Max Bardell until the conclusion of January. Bardell, 22, has played in three matches for Fylde, including his full debut in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Sutton, a result that maintained the club’s position as third from the bottom of the table. League Two club Chesterfield has recalled striker Kane Drummond from his loan period with promotion-contending Oldham Athletic. Drummond featured in 10 appearances for the Latics and was scheduled to remain at Boundary Park until early January, but the 23-year-old has been brought back to his parent club to provide injury cover. Rochdale has secured Barrow midfielder Charlie Weston on a short-term contract valid until the end of the current season. The 20-year-old previously played in the National League during a loan period with Kidderminster Harriers last season, subsequently joining the Bluebirds in September and making four appearances prior to his departure.