The Enterprise National League’s stand-out stars of September can now be confirmed as we unveil your Manager and Player of the Month.
The 2026/27 season is starting to take shape – but just a few weeks ago Ben Whitfield was concerned that it could be a very long campaign ahead for him.
Spending the first two weeks of last month at slow-starting Barrow, the attacking midfielder’s decision to say yes to Boreham Wood’s loan request changed it all.
He made an instant impression after heading south, adding five goals in little over a fortnight to the one he had scored for the Bluebirds at the start of the month.
Whitfield got up and running with the winner at Scunthorpe United days after signing. A wonder goal followed against Harrogate Town before he was at the double on the trip to Solihull Moors.
He scored in his fourth game for Wood too, putting the seal on a 3-1 victory over Kidderminster Harriers.
Seeing off competition from Barrow’s Marcel Oakley, Southend midfielder Leon Chambers-Parillon and Harrogate’s Bailey Hobson, 30-year-old Whitfield takes the prize for the first time.
Luke Garrard was naturally in consideration for Manager of the Month recognition, aiming to win the prize in back-to-back months, but it wasn’t to be another Boreham Wood double.
That’s because Altrincham were incredible in September as Neil Gibson is rewarded for putting right the Robins’ painful start.
The former Wealdstone boss has overseen a remarkable turnaround after kicking off the new season with three straight defeats.
Alty began the month by beating Eastleigh, but a collapse at Woking days later didn’t throw them off their stride.
Gibson’s team then went on to beat Hartlepool United, AFC Fylde, Hornchurch and Gateshead to make it 15 points from a possible 18 in September.
The other managers to miss out were Barrow’s Adam Murray and Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood – but despite positive months, they wouldn’t argue against the big winner!
Read more posts by National League
