The 2023–24 Southern Football League season was the 121st in the history of the Southern League since its establishment in 1894. The league has two Premier divisions (Central and South) at Step 3 of the National League System (NLS) and two Division One divisions (Central and South) at Step 4. These correspond to levels 7 and 8 of the English football league system.
The allocations for Steps 3 and 4 this season were announced by The Football Association (FA) on 15 May 2023. There were to be 84 teams in the Southern League, 22 in each of the Step 3 divisions and 20 in each of the Step 4 divisions. However, Marlow successfully appealed against their transfer from the Isthmian League leaving an unfilled vacancy in Division One Central, which therefore comprised 19 teams instead of 20.[1][2]
Source: Southern League, Non League Matters Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[5] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Four teams played for one spot and promotion to the National League.
^Mickleover were deducted twelve points for fielding an ineligible player.[4]
^Four teams played for one spot and promotion to the National League.
Source: Southern League, Non League Matters Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[5] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Four teams play for one spot and promotion to the National League.
Division One Central comprises 19 teams, 14 of which competed in the previous season. It had been intended that there be 20 teams, but Marlow, due to have transferred from the Isthmian League, successfully appealed against the transfer.[2]
Source: Southern League, Non League Matters Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[5] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abFour teams play for one spot and possible promotion to Step 3.
^Nuneaton Borough resigned from the Southern League. Because of this, Thame United were reprieved from relegation.
Source: Southern League website, Non League Matters Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored; 4) number of matches won; 5) head-to-head results[5] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Four teams play for one spot and possible promotion to Step 3.
^Hamworthy United resigned from the league on 6 October 2023 and their playing record of P7 W1 D2 L4 GF10 GA16 Pts5 was expunged.[7]