Not having Rakish Bingham or Dom Poleon up top will take some getting used to for most of us. It's weird to imagine a modern Fleet without either of them.
Of course, we struggled going forward last season. Despite the revelation of Aaron Cosgrave, it just wasn't enough to really start threatening teams going forward, we lacked a real presence up there. In the hopes that Cosgrave stays, I have primarily identified players that more suit the 'poacher' type of striker. One that guarantees you 15+, while a player like Cosgrave does the 'dirty work', similar to the partnership of Raks and Dom that worked so brilliantly in the 22/23 season.
Trying to guess the type of recruitment we'll see this summer is difficult. I've expressed many times that I'd love to see us look in the lower leagues for younger and upcoming talent, rather than the players who used to play in the EFL and are on their way down. I've kept both types of players in mind, as they each have their pros and cons.
23 Y.O | Slough Town | 40 Apps | 15 Goals
Spasov is out of contract at Slough this summer, but has been offered new terms. I believe he'd be easily tempted by a move higher up the table, or potentially into the NL.
A physical forward, and standing at 6'1, Spasov has a real presence upfront, giving The Fleet something they've lacked for some time.
The Bulgarian striker is the complete package, and could easily play as the 'poacher' striker, or the one providing. Pace, physicailty, and a natural born finisher- most clubs at this level should be circling.
23 Y.O | Chatham Town | 23 Apps | 7 Goals
Looking into the Isthmian Premier, I think Isiaka would be a great fit. After returning to Chatham this year after a spell at Slough, Isiaka's season was hampered with injury.
Despite this, just looking at his stats and figures from the 23/24 season tells you how deserving he is of a move further up the pyramid.
Versatile too, with the ability to play out wide on either side, however this may not be of much use to The Fleet who don't usually deploy wingers. However his power, pace and physicality is something that link well alongside Cosgrave.
I don't see him staying at Chatham next season, meaning he'd be easy to pick up on a free.
https://youtu.be/eaeRg5ht-EQ?si=rCWiUSHHiw-b6-5H
21 Y.O | Aveley | 35 Apps | 11 Goals
Kawa is set to leave Aveley once his contract expires, and the youngster will be of interest to most clubs towards the top end of the NLS, potentially even some in the NL.
By watching Kawa, you'd think he'd already have years of experience under his belt- but he's just finished his first full season of senior football and is one of the most talked about players in the league.
With pace, and natural scoring ability, the signing of Kawa seems a no brainer for most clubs. However I'm not too sure exactly what bracket he falls into for the Fleet, and whether or not if he'll fit the type of striker Josh Wright is looking for.
31 Y.O | Boreham Wood | 30 Apps | 4 Goals
Looking at a more experienced option, Marsh is a name I believe may be released from recently promoted Boreham Wood. He has been unlucky with minutes this season, with a lot of his 30 appearances coming off of the bench.
A lively player, with great pressing ability, Marsh isn't exactly the most prolific name on this list, however he guarantees you hard work, similar to Aaron Cosgrave.
Bringing the Ex Fleet Man back to Stonebridge road makes perfect sense, and will be a very well suited Aaron Cosgrave replacement if he does depart.
33 Y.O | St Albans City | 44 Apps | 8 Goals
Not much of an introduction is needed for this man. As Jeffers is one of the most recognizable and prolific NLS strikers in recent times.
After 5 years, 200+ appearances and 118 goals, he will be leaving the Saints and will no doubt become one of the most wanted free agents at this level.
I believe that Jeffers offers a bit of everything, and is undoubtedly one of the most complete strikers at this level. He guarantees goals, and can set them up perfectly too. I think he'd suit our system perfectly, playing more advanced with Moncur and Cosgrave behind him.
Like @Adamo_001 said, he's the type of signing that wins you titles. Making Jeffers my personal favourite reccomendation on the list.
24 Y.O | St Albans City | 39 Apps| 9 Goals
The Saints have also released Ken Charles, a shining light in a struggling St Albans side last year. For some reason, Charles wasn't always first pick last season, and I feel that if he was- and without injury issues- it could've been the difference that kept City up.
I've put Charles on this list for his versatility, with the ability to play in wider positions, or in either striker role that the Fleet deploy.
Charles' mobility is impressive, being able to drop deep, get out wide, or complete any extra instructions different to the ordinary striker. Similar to what we've seen in glimpses from Dom Samuel, yet Charles is far quicker.
Charles will help the Fleet turn defence into attack quickly, and can either play as the second fiddle to a prolific Cosgrave, or be the main man upfront. With age on his side too, I think the signing of Charles is a real no brainer, as he offers so many different skillsets and qualities.
25 Y.O | Aldershot Town | 20 Apps | 4 Goals
A player that deserves a more consistent run in a side, Ghandour is the next name on this list. Spending time on loan last term with Farnborough- he netted 6 from 9 games before injury, showing that with consistent minutes, he can be a lethal player at this level.
The Lebanese forward would occupy the 'poacher' role, needing good service around him to provide. I believe he would be a solid Poleon replacement, with age on his side, and a lot to prove at this level.
I expect him to be released by Shots in the next week or so, and I'm sure that many NLS clubs will be circling.
22 Y.O | Hashtag United| 35 Apps | 15 Goals
Looking into the Isthmian, May-Parrot had an impressive season with Hashtag.
With lots of footage available of course, I've seen quite a lot of May-Parrot, and have been impressed with him a lot this season. Particularly with his attacking positioning, his ability on the ball and his composure in front of goal, all which make him stand out in a well documented Hashtag team.
The Tags striker is worthy of a move up to Step 2, and if used in the right system, could definitely match his tally from last season or even break 20!
22 Y.O | Chippenham Town | 45 Apps| 10 Goals |
Under contract still with Chippenham, Parsons is a name that stands out among the strikers at the bottom end of the NLS, with the ability to play his trade for a team higher up the table.
Left footed, Parsons can be clinical if used correctly, and I think he'd suit the Fleet's attacking system well. He can help with chance creation, setting up goals but can also score. These qualities make him seem a worthy Bingham replacement in my eyes, a striker that can do a bit of both.
However Parsons may be more of a rotation option, and at his age he may prefer consistent minutes at Chippenham understandably.
26 Y.O|Chatham Town|39 Apps| 10 Goals
Closing off the list, I've looked at neighbours Chatham Town again. Ufuah is another name that stands out to me, as a versatile option who offers many different qualities.
A fan favourite at the Chats, Ufuah has had a succesful few seasons at Step 3, most notably at Hastings in the 2023/24 season where he finished with 31 goal involvements.
Pacy and direct, Ufuah can also be deployed out wide similar to Isiaka, however it may not be of much use to The Fleet.
A potential gamble, with little to no experience at Step 2 however. But I believe that Ufuah could definitely handle the step up with his future at Chatham unclear currently.
Thank you for reading if you got this far, this is the first installment of a mini series over the summer, soon we'll look at midfielders.
This has been my first attempt at writing more long form, so I'm hoping it turned out okay, all feedback is hugely appreciated as I'm looking to improve.
What did you think of these suggestions? Anyone you feel I've left out? Do let me know!