Buxton not reading too much into bookies' odds lists for 2026/27 National League North season
Buxton FC aren’t placing too much stock on betting odds for the new National League North season, which kicks off next week.
The Bucks have reached the play-offs in each of the last two years and that is reflected in the lists compiled by bookmakers
Jordan Broadbent’s team are typically listed seventh or eighth in the 23-team section.
"You have to take them with a pinch of salt because some are led by trends in betting,” said Danny Hopkins, the club’s technical and operations director.
"Until you see teams actually playing a few games that matter, it is hard to benchmark where you’re at.
"The league is often very similar but I think people expect it to be tasty this year because of some of the clubs who have come up this year and the likes of Morecambe coming down.”
Buxton start their league season at home to Hereford on Saturday, August 8 and then go to Southport a week later.
Hereford stayed up by skin of their teeth last season while Southport were mid-table and that is reflected in their modest positions in the 2026/27 lists.
Danny cautions: "There is always expectation but obviously in football that expectation can’t live up to reality. There are clubs that struggle when you expect them to do well and vice versa.
"Morecambe, Chester, Macclesfield, South Shields and Brackley, who have come down, are up there in the betting. So are Hednesford, who are seen as the bigger spenders in the league.
"We have been put in the top group but can’t take too much from it. Of course it’s interesting to see. You wouldn’t be a fan of football if you weren’t half interested in it.
"Given our last two seasons, that’s the expectation and we have put it on ourselves by delivering in the last two years.”
The Bucks play their final warm-up game away to Warrington Town on Saturday before the action starts for real.
Odds list (from BetVictor): Macclesfield 5/1, Morecambe 5/1, Chester 6/1, South Shields 6/1, Brackley 10/1, Hednesford 12/1, Buxton 20/1, Darlington 10/1, AFC Telford 25/1, Chorley 25/1, Harborough 25/1, Hereford 25/1, Kings Lynn 25/1, Merthyr 25/1, Oxford City 25/1, Radcliffe 25/1, Worksop Town 25/1, Marine 33/1, Southport 33/1, Spennymoor 33/1, Hebburn 40/1, Spalding 40/1, Bedford 50/1