Non-League's biggest spenders: The semi-professional teams splashing the cash to make the Football League
Get football updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Let’s be honest, no matter what level of football you play at, the team with the greatest financial backing will likely come out on top.
The riches of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea will top the Premier League this season - and it’s no different down in non-league.
Heavily-backed Forest Green Rovers became the latest team to achieve their dream of making it to the Football League when they won the National League play-off final back in May.
But they are not the only ones splashing the cash in order to make it to the big time.
Here, we give the lowdown on the teams spending vast sums to make it to the big time - and rank their chances of making it.
Salford City
(Image: Alex Livesey)
If you weren’t aware of what’s happening at Salford, you probably don’t have a TV licence.
Part-owned by five members of Manchester United’s legendary Class of ‘92, Salford are gunning for the Football League and hope to be there in the next three years. Anything other than the National League North title this year will be seen as a failure.
Such is the determination to make it to the professional ranks, Salford effectively overhauled their whole squad this summer, with just one member of last season’s play-off reaching side remaining a regular starter.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
They have lumped serious money on revamping their Moor Lane ground, in what is slowly becoming an impressive product. Salford are keeping prices for supporters down and in a short space of time, with thanks to their fly-on-the-wall documentary, have developed a sizeable fan base.
Current league and position: National League North (step two of non-league), 2nd.
How likely is it they will make the Football League? It’s a matter of when, not if.
Billericay Town
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Billericay were taken over by steel magnate Glenn Tamplin earlier this year and are already spending mega money to help them towards the Football League. The wage bill has been reported to be even bigger than most League Two sides.
Tamplin has appointed himself as manager and former Premier League players Jermaine Pennant, Paul Konchesky and Jamie O’Hara have all pulled on the shirt of the Essex club.
He’s also renovated the ground, renamed the AGP Arena, which includes a bizarre mural on a stand, featuring Tamplin lying in bed alongside his wife. Yes, really.
(Image: Sunday Mirror)
Billericay have found themselves in the news previously due to Tamplin’s social media activity, but the multi-millionaire’s charitable efforts, including helping fund life changing treatment for a young local lad, have earned some positive press.
Current league and position: Bostik League Premier Division (step three), 1st.
How likely is it they will make the Football League? If Tamplin is indeed in it for the long haul, there is every chance.
AFC Fylde
When David Haythornthwaite took over Kirkham and Wesham FC, they were a West Cheshire League team who barely got a man and his dog watching them.
A rebrand, a swanky new stadium and five promotions later, they are now on the cusp of the Football League.
Fylde have had tremendous backing from their ambitious chairman, but have also created a product that has to be admired. The stadium, which includes plush corporate facilities and a spacious sports bar for fans, deserves to host higher-level football.
(Image: Getty Images)
They’re currently in their first league in the National League and once they’ve found their feet, expect them to knock on the door of League Two.
Current league and position: National League (step one), 19th.
How likely is it they will make the Football League? They’ll continue to get stronger so expect them to make it eventually.
South Shields
(Image: PA)
It has been just over two years since local businessman George Thompson purchased South Shields and in that time, the club has gone from playing in front of an average of 60 fans in the Northern League to over 2,000 in the Evo-Stik Division One North.
What’s more, over 13,000 fans travelled from South Tyneside in May watch Shields lift the FA Vase at Wembley, shortly after they secured their second promotion in as many years.
The Mariners are spending huge sums on their playing squad and it would be foolish to bet against them rising up the pyramid yet again at the end of this season. Julio Arca, formerly of Sunderland and Middlesbrough, is turning out in the centre of midfield.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The stadium remains on the smaller side, but it has been tidied up to make it a quaint little non-league venue. But with the fan base in place, Shields have won half of the battle in their rise.
Current league and position : Evo-Stik Division One North (step four), 1st.
How likely is it they will make the Football League? A long, long way to go yet.
Ebbsfleet United
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
You’ve heard of Middle Eastern investment in the Premier League - but it has happened in non-league too.
Dr Abdulla Al-Hamaida is the Kuwaiti owner of National League side Ebbsfleet and can largely be credited for saving the club from death back in 2013.
Many thought that he would get bored and leave the club before now, but he appears passionate as ever, even being left on the brink of tears after flying in to watch Ebbsfleet come from a goal back to win the National League South play-off final against Chelmsford City last year.
Dr Al-Hamaida paid for the new £5million main stand out of his own pocket and further developments are planned. A club to certainly keep an eye on.
Current league and position: National League (step one), 11th.
How likely is it they will make the Football League? National League appears their level for now, but they have the backing to make a promotion push.