Steve Claridge made a notable return to Weymouth in August 2025, stepping back into management nearly 21 years after his previous spell at the Bob Lucas Stadium. The 59-year-old former Portsmouth and Leicester City striker replaced Warren Feeney as the Terras boss and faced immediate pressure as the team lost 4-2 away to Tadley Calleva in the FA Cup first qualifying round, a result that proved a difficult start to his second tenure.

Meanwhile, ambitious Farnham Town, led by Paul Johnson and seeking a third consecutive promotion, demonstrated strong early season form, finishing August unbeaten alongside Sholing in the Southern League Premier South. In Division One South, Bishops Cleeve, Portishead Town, and Frome Town each began with perfect records. Several clubs progressed in the FA Cup, with Frome, Swindon Supermarine, and Westbury United advancing to the second qualifying round.

September saw Farnham Town continue their cup run, defeating Dorchester Town 3-0 to reach the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, while Sholing maintained an unbeaten league record. Other league leaders such as Gloucester City and Walton & Hersham also emerged prominently. Westbury United hosted Farnborough in an FA Cup third qualifying round match before over 1,500 spectators, where the Step 2 visitors ended the run with a narrow 1-0 victory. Frome Town exited the Cup but remained focused on the league, preserving their perfect start. At the top of Division One South, Malvern Town and Winchester City showed promising form.

Farnham Town's FA Cup journey culminated in a dramatic fourth qualifying round clash against National League side Sutton United in October. Despite a full house of 2,300 fans and television coverage, Farnham narrowly missed an upset, drawing 3-3 at home before falling 3-2 after extra time in the replay. League leaders Walton & Hersham extended their advantage with four consecutive wins, while Gloucester City and Uxbridge contended closely behind. In Division One South, Frome Town solidified their top-of-the-table position following a 6-1 win over Malvern Town; Bishops Cleeve remained unbeaten and close behind. Notably, Bishops Cleeve went out of the FA Trophy on penalties against Farnham after a 2-2 draw.

November brought a significant managerial change as Walton & Hersham’s Billy Rowley departed to join National League side Yeovil Town. Rowley acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Walton, where he had built strong relationships. Despite this, Walton & Hersham maintained momentum, securing a 3-0 victory at Basingstoke Town and extending their league lead to seven points. In Division One South, Portishead Town narrowly led Frome Town but experienced mixed results, including a heavy 5-0 win against Bishops Cleeve and a 4-2 loss to Shaftesbury. Mousehole celebrated a royal visit as the Prince of Wales officially opened a new access road at their Trungle Parc stadium. On the managerial front, Havant & Waterlooville appointed 36-year-old Aaron Martin to replace Shaun North, while Melksham Town named Stuart Fleetwood as their new manager.

December featured a promising start for new Walton & Hersham manager Jakub Pietrzak, who oversaw a 4-1 FA Trophy victory over Sutton United shortly after stepping up from first-team coach following Rowley’s departure. Walton & Hersham closed the year with a commanding 11-point lead after a 5-0 league win against Hanwell Town. Steve Claridge exited the struggling Weymouth side, while veteran coach Gary Johnson returned to management with Taunton Town at age 70, citing renewed enthusiasm. In the FA Trophy, Gloucester City secured a dramatic penalty shootout win over National League South outfit Worthing following a 3-3 draw. Poole Town enjoyed a festive league derby triumph against Wimborne Town, with Shaq Gwengwe scoring twice in front of a sell-out crowd of 2,500. By year’s end, Frome Town sat atop the Division One South table, continuing their strong campaign.