As the sun sets on another thrilling European Championship, Our EFL pundit Gab Sutton looks ahead to the upcoming domestic football season. He’s given his league table prediction for League One Betting, giving in-depth analysis for every side.
1st – Birmingham
Out of the 13 seasons Birmingham spent in the Championship, 2023-24 was arguably the one preceded by the most optimism. It was, however, one in which they went down: Alanis Morissette levels of irony.
Tom Wagner has the money to buy 10,000 players, let alone spoons. So when the successful US businessman completed the takeover last summer, it felt for the first time in a lifetime for many, that Blues had a clear strategy and vision, as well as spending power.
There broadly remains that belief in the fanbase, despite the relegation caused by the obvious mistakes last season by CEO Garry Cook, through good advice that he just didn’t take.
An instant return is the expectation, with finances to dwarf the rest of the league. Indeed. the kitty has certainly helped the B9 outfit make several outstanding additions.
Dominant centre-back Christoph Klarer, a previous Bundesliga regular, flying left-back Alex Cochrane, physical #10 Willum Þór Willumsson of the Iceland national team, direct winger Emil Hansson and goalscoring link-up presser Alfie May certainly bolster the Blues squad.
Marc Leonard is perhaps the most exciting of the lot, though. The Scot joined from Brighton after starring on loan at Northampton last season, with the deep-lying playmaker capable of hitting inch-perfect diagonals on the half-volley.
It was arguably the best in the league before those additions, as a back-four of rampaging right-back Ethan Laird, cultured centre-back Dion Sanderson, streetwise Krystian Bielik and solid left-back Lee Buchanan is top half-Championship quality in the right hands.
Likewise, midfielders Paik Seung-ho and Kōji Miyoshi. Paik is a roaming playmaker who caresses the ball with great assurance, and can dovetail delightfully with Miyoshi – an energetically agile withdrawn forward who loves to press, spin and create.
The personnel and resources are there, then, for Birmingham to deliver. Tasked with making it all tick is Chris Davies, a first-time Head Coach who arrives with rave reviews from his time assisting Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester.
It just wouldn’t be Blues if they did it the easy way, having never won a league title by more than four points in their 149-year history.
Then again, a £20M transfer budget is unheard of in League One. Who would’ve ever thought of seeing those figures?
2nd – Bolton
After back-to-back seasons of Play-Off heartache, Bolton Wanderers are hoping to make it a third-time lucky.
As much as the Trotters have progressed in each of the four full campaigns under boss Ian Evatt and owners Football Ventures, headed up brilliantly by Sharon Brittan, there’s pressure on 2024-25.
May’s passive 2-0 Play-Off Final defeat to Oxford stung. Consequently, while Evatt continues to garner significant majority support for the excellent work he’s done since taking charge in 2020, and rightly so, questions may be asked if this season ends in a similar vein.
The 42-year-old, though, can lean on a strong spine of sweeper keeper Nathan Baxter, dominant centre-back Ricardo Santos, deep-lying playmaker Josh Sheehan, and persistent poacher Dion Charles, who’ll be central to their efforts to end their six-year Championship exile.
Wanderers may have beaten Derby to second without brief injuries to Santos in September, and Baxter in February. Those risks are now mitigated, however, by the respective signings of Chris Forino and Luke Southwood.
Furthermore, George Johnston’s return from injury gives the Trotters another crucial option in that back-line, to go with solid operators in Eoin Toal, Will Forrester and Jack Iredale, as well as Santos and Forino.
Similarly, dynamo Kyle Dempsey, technician Aaron Morley and all-rounder George Thomason provide stiff competition in midfield, along with Sheehan, in a mix to which veteran Scott Arfield adds higher-level nous.
With the physical Victor Adeboyejo, vibrant Aaron Collins and the unpredictable Dan Nlundulu competing to start alongside Charles in attack, Bolton’s spine looks strong.
The only real question mark lies in the wing-back spots where Josh Cogley and Randell Williams only managed nine assists between them last year. Indeed, better output may be required for Bolton to make that next step.
All other ingredients are in place, though. Evatt has already addressed most of the issues that got in the way of last year’s promotion quest.
In theory, at least, the path should be clearer this time around.
3rd – Wigan
Despite last season’s transfer ban and eight-point deduction, Wigan still managed a top-half finish.
Their accumulation of 70 points would, organically, have put them 10th, just six points off the Play-Offs, rather than 12th as it was with the deduction.
The Latics are already tantalisingly close to being a top-six side, then. The hope is that fresh additions this summer with the embargo lifted, and starting on zero points, will see them make the leap.
The West Lancashire outfit possess, in goalkeeper Sam Tickle and centre-back Charlie Hughes, two of the most exciting young prospects in the country. Indeed, both have inked long-term contracts this summer, and will only get better if they stay.
Hughes has been linked heavily with Hull, but boss Shaun Maloney has already found a reasonable would-be replacement for the 20-year-old in the more experienced Will Aimson – Exeter’s best defender last year.
As such, the astronomical fee that would surely have to be received for Hughes could be in part re-invested to support a squad that’s already awash with promising talent.
Indeed, left-back Luke Robinson, all-action midfielder Baba Adeeko, tidy playmaker Scott Smith, pressing #10 Thelo Aasgaard and speedy forward Chris Sze are all likely to improve further in 2024-25.
Each are products of an incredible academy system that’s essentially saved the club twice in the past and, with long-serving academy manager Gregor Rioch now Sporting Director, it’s an area they’re intend on building their future around, too.
Wigan have added yet more talent to the mix, too. Dion Rankine and Tyrese Francois arrive permanently from Chelsea and Fulham respectively whilst Michael Olakigbe and Calvin Ramsay arrive on loan from Brentford and Liverpool.
Rankine and Olakigbe are exciting wide men, Francois is a tenacious midfielder who enjoyed positive loans at HNK Gorica and Vejle Boldklub, of Croatian and Danish top flights, while Ramsay is among the most talented young right-backs in the world.
Meanwhile, dropping into the defence could be midfielder Matt Smith, as Maloney looks for innovative ways for his side to beat the press, another marginal gain to help them progress from last season and enter the promotion equation.
The sense of stability around the club could help significantly towards that ambition, with Wigan boasting a head coach who’s trusted implicitly by all concerned.
4th – Charlton
Charlton were in danger of plummeting, when manager Nathan Jones was appointed in February.
After hastily pulling the trigger on Dean Holden, following an injury-hit start of four defeats in five, Jason Pearce beat Fleetwood as caretaker to start a run of two defeats in 16 under Michael Appleton, who oversaw a series of convincing home wins as the team climbed steadily into the top half.
Performance levels dropped alarmingly after Christmas, though, with the Addicks suffering a 16-game winless streak that had many fearing for the club’s safety.
Jones, though, came in for the last four of those games, and delivered competitive performances in draws with top sides in Lincoln, Bolton and Portsmouth, before a 2-1 victory at another promotion contender in Derby proved a springboard for the team to go 14 unbeaten. Eventually, A final day loss at Wycombe landed them in 16th.
That turnaround under Jones, combined with the objective quality of the squad, gives natives confidence that they’ll see their team competing at the right end of the table this time around, despite the loss of marksman Alfie May to Birmingham.
A high-pedigree group remains in commanding centre-back Lloyd Jones, intelligent left-sided defender Macauley Gillesphey, tenacious wing-back Tennai Watson, and Carrick-caricature Conor Coventry.
Plus, there’s prodigious talent in Jamaica international midfielder Karoy Anderson, attacking wing-back Thierry Small and speedy striker Daniel Kanu, who has a catchy chant to the tune of “Saturday Night” by Whigfield.
The squad has been strengthened further by the signings of defensive battler Alex Mitchell, energetic left-sider Josh Edwards, seasoned goalscoring midfielder Luke Berry, all-action #8 Greg Docherty, plus centre-forwards Gassan Ahadme and Matt Godden.
Ahadme is a powerful front-man with an eye for goal, having managed 11 last season for a Cambridge side low on creativity, while Godden has only ever scored double-figures below the Championship and never stops running.
Quite simply, it’s a squad too good on paper for the South Londoners to not make waves towards the top with the right manager.
In Nathan Jones, they have just that.
5th – Huddersfield
Aiming for an instant return to the Championship, Huddersfield got preparations off to the perfect start by appointing the best manager in League One.
At Cheltenham and Barnsley, Michael Duff achieved, in a matter of weeks, what even very good managers might need a year or two to accomplish.
Both times, the Northern Irishman inherited a precarious situation that had threatened or led to relegation. Yet within around 10 league games, he had settled on a formula, established clear patterns of play, transformed the culture. He also had his team playing like one of the better sides in the division.
As such, a manager of Duff’s quality having a full pre-season to troubleshoot last year’s issues, whilst working with one of the biggest budgets in the league, sounds ominous for the rest.
Optimism can be heightened further by the signings of flying wing-backs Lasse Sørensen and Mickel Miller, plus creators Herbie Kane and Anthony Evans, with each of them proven at this level.
The bad news for the Terriers, however, is that, of the 33 players responsible for last season’s drop from the second-tier, 26 remain. Indeed, there have been three returning loans, two sales and, crucially, only two released.
Limited by existing contracts, the West Yorkshire club can’t have the fresh start they might have wanted, and may have to pay to get players out as well as in.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over top shot-stopper Lee Nicholls and commanding centre-back Michał Helik, who’s retention would be vital to a promotion push.
A solid defensive core remains in place, at least, with reliable operators like Matty Pearson and Tom Lees at the back, and inspirational skipper Jonathan Hogg in midfield, even if neither are in their prime.
Wide forwards Sorba Thomas and Josh Koroma, meanwhile, have had patches of good form in the Championship, and could extrapolate them in League One.
Then, midfielders David Kasumu and Ben Wiles have been doubted in the league above, but may come good at a level they’ve thrived at before with MK Dons and Rotherham respectively.
There are lots of moving pieces, though, and the unknowns counter-balance Huddersfield’s significant budgetary and managerial advantages, perhaps compromising their top two charge.
6th – Lincoln
One of the best-run clubs in the country, Lincoln City are enjoying one of the most successful periods in their entire history, having achieved their second-highest finish 42 years last season.
It wasn’t quite enough for the Imps to make the Play-Offs for a second time in five consecutive campaigns at this level. They missed out thanks to a 2-0 final day loss to Portsmouth, but they certainly played like a top-six side under the supremely talented Michael Skubala.
Appointed in November, the former Leeds coach might have taken time to acclimatize to his first permanent number-one job, with two wins in his first 13 league games in charge. From February, however, it all clicked.
City went on an astonishing 16-game unbeaten streak, including 10 wins in 12 in that sequence. They certainly played sumptuous, one-touch football.
As such, it’s a case of taking as much of that momentum as possible into 2024-25, so continuity is king at Sincil Bank.
With that in mind, losing key men Lukas Jensen and Lasse Sørensen, to Millwall and Huddersfield respectively, is not ideal, nor are the departures of Millwall and Luton loanees Alex Mitchell and Joe Taylor, while replacements for the quartet are a mixed bag.
Goalkeeper Jensen has been replaced convincingly, with George Wickens arriving from Fulham with positive reviews from Wealdstone and Ross County.
That may be true of striker Taylor too, if reports of a loan swoop for Leeds prodigy Mateo Joseph have substance. The Spain Under-21s goalscoring livewire is likely to form an outstanding partnership with Ben House, who brings every possible attribute other than pace and prolificacy.
Greater question marks lie on the right side of defence, where Tendayi Darikwa and Tom Hamer are more underwhelming replacements for wing-back Sørensen and centre-back Mitchell.
As such, Lincoln’s season will hinge on whether ball-playing defender Lewis Montsma can rediscover his glorious 2020-21 form after an injury-hit three years, to complement a battler in Adam Jackson or Paudie O’Connor, and athletic left centre-back Sean Roughan.
Midfield is the strongest area by far, though, with creator Tom Bayliss, dynamic #10 JJ McKiernan and box-to-box man Dom Jefferies joining the Imps, as well as solid Conor McGrandles returning.
Skubala already possessed a trio in Ethan Erhahon, Ethan Hamilton and Jack Moylan that are already more than good enough for a top-six starting XI, with Oisin Gallagher also in the mix after showing promise on loan at Drogheda United.
So, seven players vying for three spots is an enviable position to be in, but the key is Erhahon, arguably the best midfielder in the league: he can press, protect, control and create – do just about everything, in fact – to an incredibly high standard. If Lincoln were to lose the 23-year-old, it would be for an astronomical offer.
And, seeing as he’s still at the club at the time of writing, that could make the difference…
7th – Reading
Reading will divide opinion like no other club in 2024-25.
Depending on who you talk to, the Royals are about to either flourish with a prodigiously talented young group under a quality coach in Rubén Sellés, or hit their lowest ebb, as a consequence of a decade of mismanagement.
Many outsiders might fall toward the latter end of the spectrum, struggling to trust a club that’s been run into the ground by outgoing owner Dai Yongge, and seeing the need for rebuild across the board in successor Rob Couhig’s first year.
And yet, while the overall financial and structural health of a club can have a huge bearing on the timescale of success, in this instance it’s plausible that the Royals can thrive ahead of schedule.
Miraculously, the squad is somehow in a good place, with 22 senior players already under contract at the start of the summer, and the fact all of them were there last season bodes well for continuity.
Of those 22, 14 are under 24, while 12 have gained international recognition in the last two years, which suggests a high-potential group that could improve after last year’s taste of senior football.
Goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, for instance, was regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers in the world of his age group at 16. While injuries have held back his progress in the subsequent five years, he’s still made the Jamaica squad and could have a breakout season.
Leader Tyler Bindon has already played 10 games for New Zealand at 19 years of age, his combative centre-back partner Amadou Mbengue is with Senegal Under-23s, while ‘pocket-rocket’ right-back Kelvin Abrefa recently made the Ghana U20 squad and is displaying the potential to displace stalwart Andy Yiadom.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old midfielders Charlie Savage and Ben Elliott have already played for Wales and Cameroon’s respective senior teams.
Savage brings both quality and tenacity, when he really imposes himself on games, which may start to happen more consistently, while Elliott possesses exquisite spatial awareness. Just six years ago, he was touted alongside Jamal Musiala as being the next big thing out of Chelsea.
Then, there’s Femi Azeez who shone last season with eight goals and nine assists from the right wing and, with searing pace and canny movement, got into the positions to suggest he could double his productivity this year, as he enters his peak at 23.
Ex-Cambridge duo Sam Smith and Harvey Knibbs should bring the goals next season once again, too, after scoring 15 and 11 respectively, if the former can work on his right foot and the latter can get more shots away, based on impeccable accuracy.
Lewis Wing chipped in with 10 last year, too, from midfield, and brings much-needed higher-level nous to a young squad that’s just brimming with potential, albeit needing a new left side.
So, all the talk around Reading right now is the ownership matters, and rightly so, as former Wycombe chairman Rob Couhig is believed to be on the verge of completing a takeover to finally rid the club of Dai Yongge.
The prospective euphoria of Yongge’s exit could contribute to the positive vibes which see the club start brightly then ride the crest of a wave, with a well-coached talented squad.
The strength of League One suggests top six might be a slight stretch, but 2024-25’s opinion-dividers have the potential to vindicate their punters.
8th – Blackpool
At their best, last season, Blackpool were as good as anyone.
The Tangerines showed, in demolitions of Portsmouth at Fratton Park, and Bolton at Bloomfield Road, that they can unlock any opponent with slick, one-touch football.
And yet, those respective results were followed by 2-1 and 1-0 defeats to newly-promoted Northampton and Leyton Orient sides, as a season of huge potential was ultimately wasted by chronic inconsistency.
So, while champions Pompey earnt top spot through their bouncebackability, Blackpool were almost the opposite: relapseability? We’ll workshop it.
Boss Neil Critchley has to troubleshoot those issues, which stemmed from poor away form as the Seasiders struggled to break down resolute hosts, partly due to a lack of width.
Critchley often deployed a left footer in CJ Hamilton at right wing-back, and sometimes even a right-footer in Callum Connolly, out of position on the left.
The latter is unlikely to be the case this season, however, with attacking wing-backs Zac Ashworth and Hayden Coulson adding natural options on the left which should help Pool stretch the pitch.
Next on the agenda, then, will be replacing Karamoko Dembélé, after the attacking midfielder starred on loan from Brest last season. No such addition has arrived at the time of writing, however.
With current personnel, it’s unlikely Sonny Carey has quite the quality required to fill Dembélé’s void, and while Rob Apter enjoyed a stellar League Two loan at Tranmere, the ball-carrier is better out wide.
Blackpool do, however, retain a set of proven League One performers in goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw, defenders Matt Pennington, Oli Casey and James Husband, as well as midfielders Ryan Finnigan, Oli Norburn and Albie Morgan.
These are players with histories of either playing higher, or being among the third-tier’s more consistent players. Midfielder Lee Evans emphatically comes into that category, for example, after the promotion specialist signed on a free.
Elsewhere, veteran poacher Jordan Rhodes returns from Huddersfield after bagging 15 goals last season, and should provide the firepower once again, paired with either the springy Ashley Fletcher, the athletic Kylian Kouassi, or target man Jake Beesley.
There are too many players capable of contributing to a high-end League One squad for Blackpool not to be in the mix for the top six, but not quite enough flair and guile for them to actually get there.
9th – Wycombe
If Wycombe’s new majority owners deliver what they intend to, a debt of gratitude should go to the outgoing Couhig family.
Since taking over from the Supporters Trust in 2019, the Couhigs have revolutionized the club from a structural and budgetary perspective, without taking it away from it’s core values.
The US family have not only made the Chairboys a more attractive proposition to outside investors, but they’ve also made the sale that happened this summer more likely with their nous and contacts in the business world.
Over to Blue Ocean Partners II Ltd, then, after the business bought a 90% stake in the Buckinghamshire club. As a result, Wycombe have acquired new Georgian owner Mikheil Lomtadze, and new CFO Dan Rice, who has 15 years of experience working in the Premier League.
It all looks promising off the pitch, on early evidence, and pretty solid on it. Indeed, boss Matt Bloomfield works with a stable group.
Athletic defender Jack Grimmer, towering centre-backs Joe Low and Ryan Tafazolli, midfield terrier Josh Scowen, box-to-box man Matt Butcher, driven utility man Luke Leahy and attacking midfielder Garath McCleary are all extremely dependable at this level.
Some might doubt whether McCleary can produce the goods again, at 37, but the vegan looks after himself so well from a training and dietary perspective, who’s to say he can’t still make a difference from the bench?
At the other end of the age spectrum, physical forward Richard Kone is already a big hit with supporters, while promising centre-back Declan Skura is hoping to build on an outstanding loan spell in the National League with Ebbsfleet.
Wanderers have strengthened their squad further with the signing of talented goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, whom they’ve wanted before, on loan from Sunderland.
Elsewhere, they’ve added unflappable left-sided defender Alex Hartridge, powerful left wing-back Dan Harvie, and athletic striker Dan Udoh, from Exeter, MK Dons and Shrewsbury respectively.
Udoh has managed to score double-figures in two of his four full seasons at this level, and that was in one of the least creative sides in the division, so there’s every chance he catches fire with greater ammunition.
It’s a good squad with strong foundations, so a top-10 finish is likely: Play-Off prospects hinge, therefore, on whether that extra smattering of stardust can be attained.
10th – Rotherham
Despite finishing 2023-24 bottom of the Championship with a paltry 27 points, there’s no immediate risk of a hangover from last season.
Shortly after relegation was mathematically confirmed, Rotherham United reappointed Steve Evans, who achieved a double promotion with the club in his first stint, and had seven largely high-profile signings completed as early as the end of May.
With a prolific goalscorer in Jonson Clarke-Harris joining the club, as well as title-winning defenders Joe Rafferty and Sean Raggett, the prevailing mood all summer has been excitement over what’s possible in League One.
Generously speaking, owner Tony Stewart may have genuinely felt he owed Millers fans that excitement after the failings of last season, in which the team won just five games – the same number as the infamous 2016-17 lot.
Less generously, it’s plausible that he didn’t want to answer so many questions around whether the club needs fundamental, deep-rooted structural change to fulfil its long-term ambitions.
As such, the statement moves he’s made post-relegation may have served in part to discourage, or argue against, that line of questioning.
Perhaps Stewart deserves better than cynicism. Having saved the club in the past and subsequently led it to relative success – but it’s hard to avoid while he’s yet to publicly acknowledge a scarcely controvertible need.
That need may get put to the back-burner of Rotherham discourse if the team starts well, though, and in quality defender Cam Humphreys, midfield presser Oli Rathbone, energetic striker Sam Nombe, and versatile Hakeem Odoffin, their best player last season, they have the personnel to do just that.
Moreover, Christ Tiéhi’s motivations might have been in question, but the Ivorian has impressed in the Europa League group stage previously with Slavia Prague and, in the right headspace, undoubtedly has pedigree at this level.
On the other hand, at least half of Rotherham’s 12 additions to date may have got talked up based on them arriving early, and the feeling that the club was responding quickly to relegation, as opposed to them being genuinely great signings.
While Clarke-Harris is understandably a coup in almost anyone’s book, the 30-year-old is not a natural presser, which could be a problem in an Evans side that isn’t aiming to look after the ball so much.
In the Scot’s last promotion-winning side (Stevenage), frequent losses of possession were mitigated by Danny Rose and Jamie Reid chasing lost causes, yet any manager who asks JCH to do likewise might get the odd shrug returned their way.
11th – Stockport
After achieving three promotions in the last six seasons, Stockport’s recruitment policy indicates a shift into the next phase of their trajectory.
The Hatters have a competitive budget in League One, thanks to the backing of owner Mark Stott, but are no longer a dominant financial force, and they’ve had to approach things differently.
When in League Two, their 18 permanent first-team signings had an average age of 26. For League One, it’s now 24, with increased emphasis on investing in players just coming into their peak years.
Crawley sweeper keeper Corey Addai, Colchester duo Jayden Fevrier and Jay Mingi, well-rounded Leeds midfielder Lewis Bate, sublime Man City technician Lewis Fiorini, and inside forward Jack Diamond all come into that category.
The above are not necessarily top-end players for the level right now, but have the potential to grow with the club and scale those heights in the mid-term future, whilst adding to the financial value of the squad.
To facilitate this transfer policy, County made some brave calls in offloading ball-winner Ryan Croasdale, midfield presser Antoni Sarcevic, and intelligent forward Paddy Madden, with each of those experienced figures having played a part in the club’s journey.
They retain dependable figures, though, in legendary goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe – who has won three titles with the club – imperious centre-back Fraser Horsfall, attacking right-back Macauley Southam-Hales, and talented left-sided defender Ethan Pye.
Then, there’s midfielder Nick Powell, who can be one of the best players in the league if he turns on the style. Up top, Michael Mellon signs on loan from Burnley to provide an infectious energy, excellent link-up play, and the ability to score all types of goals.
Mellon might be the perfect foil for Isaac Olaofe, who hit 20 goals last season and loves to run at defenders, as part of a front-two.
The dream, however, remains a trio of those two with Louie Barry, who blew everyone away in the first half of last season, on loan from Aston Villa, prior to a long-term injury.
Either way, Stockport are building a squad that could be Play-Off capable… in 12 months’ time.
12th – Stevenage
Where Stevenage are at, ahead of their campaign, depends entirely on how big the losses of Steve Evans and Paul Raynor are.
The obvious conclusion is that they’re huge. Boro have lost one of the greatest managers in their 48-year history, who’s ruthless drive saw the club soar from 21st in League Two in 2021-22 to 9th in League One just two years later, via a famous FA Cup victory at Aston Villa.
On the other hand, Evans does have a confrontational side to him, which has been critical to his success. Yet it’s rare in the modern era for that leadership style to work at one club over multiple seasons, especially if the idea is continuity in playing personnel.
Moreover, the Scot’s side only won four of their final 18 league games in 2023-24 as performance levels dropped – so perhaps the timing works out favourably for the Hertfordshire club.
Alex Revell, an internal appointment, has learnt a lot from Evans since his first stint as manager, which he’s admitted he wasn’t ready for at the time, and represents that continuity in a successful era, whilst bringing a gentler man management style.
While losing Terence Vancooten to Burton is a blow, it’s not as if Stevenage are ravaged with key departures, even if Man City loanee Fin Burns might be missed to an extent. Indeed, their other loans weren’t particularly influential, while further departures are players they’ve chosen to release.
The squad is stronger than the one that finished last season, with stiff competition in defence, where cultured left-footer Lewis Freestone joins to compete with the experienced Nathan Thompson, solid Dan Sweeney, leader-by-example Carl Piergianni, and probably a Vancooten replacement.
In midfield, meanwhile, Revell not only has technician Jake Forster-Caskey, adaptable Nick Freeman, ball-carrier Jordan Roberts, talented Harvey White, all-rounder Louis Thompson and forward-thinker Ben Thompson to pick from, but also the combative Dan Phillips, and livewire Dan Kemp, who join the group – some headache!
Kemp can also add to a set of attacking options including Jamie Reid, who scored 18 league goals last season, grafter Louis Appéré, poached from Northampton, speedy Elliott List, and target man Aaron Pressley.
Goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond is believed to have Championship potential, too, so there’s no reason to think Stevenage will fall off a cliff without Evans.
If anything, the greatest testament to the Scot will come when it can be proven that what he’s built is strong enough to survive and thrive in his absence.
13th – Peterborough
It might seem foolhardy to doubt Peterborough United in League One, especially when Darren Ferguson is their manager.
In eight of Fergie Jr’s nine seasons as Posh boss at this level, his side have challenged at the top, succeeding on three occasions.
The PE2 outfit went into 2023-24 looking dry in terms of depth, yet still managed to launch a sustained promotion push, and they’ll feel they can do so again.
This season, though, depth isn’t as big a question mark as the quality of the first XI because, of last season’s star quartet – cultured centre-back Ronnie Edwards, technical left-back Harrison Burrows, goalscoring wide man Ephron Mason-Clark and the more creative right-sider Kwame Poku – only the latter remains.
They retain a bedrock of reliable 7/10 performers in midfielders Hector Kyprianou and Archie Collins, link-up #10 Joel Randall, and energetic striker Ricky-Jade Jones.
What those players did was selflessly create the platform for the 9/10 performers to work their magic, but that sort of contribution might not be enough this time, if Ferguson’s side are held to top-six standards.
Replacing the three departing 9/10s are ball-playing centre-back George Nevett, attacking left-back Rio Adebisi, and fun forward Chris Conn-Clarke, who have all made significant leaps.
In Nevett and Conn-Clarke’s cases, they’re stepping up from the National League, where the former impressed at Rochdale and the latter managed a whopping 35 direct goal involvements.
Conversely, Adebisi was outstanding in League Two last season, but his development at Crewe wasn’t exactly linear and his ceiling is a lot lower than Burrows’.
As such, it seems unrealistic for Peterborough to ask Nevett, Adebisi and Conn-Clarke to replace Edwards, Burrows and Mason-Clark pound-for-pound straight away.
It seems equally unrealistic, though, for Peterborough to ask Kyprianou, Collins, Randall and Jones to go from being the 7/10s who facilitate the 9/10s, to becoming the 9/10s themselves: they just don’t have that sort of quality.
Whatever the strategy, a short-term drop-off feels inevitable, regardless of how understandable it is for the club to cash in on their biggest assets, and for them not to be able to buy ready-made replacements.
The reality is the Peterborough have got weaker, and any team who gets weaker in a strengthened League One is likely to finish in the bottom half.
14th – Leyton Orient
The best news to come out of Leyton Orient this summer has been the new contract for an outstanding manager in Richie Wellens.
The Mancunian was linked with other jobs before inking his three-year deal. For the O’s to tie him down was thus a great statement of intent, after they won the League Two title under his guidance in 2022-23, prior to a top half finish last year.
Recruitment hasn’t been quite as straightforward, however, with the East Londoners having to replace four of the six most-used players last season: goalkeeper Sol Brynn, forwards Ruel Sotiriou and Shaq Forde plus, most crucially, star midfielder Idris El Mizouni.
Dependable full-back Rob Hunt had to be replaced, too, albeit by Wellens’ reluctant choosing: in other words, there was a lot to do.
Business had been slow, too, with the loan signings of forwards Sonny Perkins and Charlie Kelman being the only deals confirmed before July.
Things have since picked up, though, with the additions of goalkeeper Zach Hemming, also on loan, right-back Sean Clare, classy midfielder Lewis Warrington, and forward Diallang Jaiyesimi, who is highly versatile.
Versatility could be a key attribute that Wellens needs from a small squad of just 18 outfield players at the time of writing, with Clare and Perkins also among recruits able to play multiple positions.
So, too, can hardworking right-back Tom James, dynamic midfielder Ethan Galbraith, delivery specialist Jordan Graham, fellow winger Theo Archibald and, technically, Dan Agyei – although he’ll be out to prove he’s very much best used up top, if he can escape the injury woes that plagued his 2023-24 campaign.
Elsewhere, Hemming looks a good replacement for Brynn, also from Middlesbrough, arriving with greater experience than his predecessor from his time in Scotland, while stiff competition exists in central defence.
The experienced Omar Beckles, the physical Jack Simpson and the talented Brandon Cooper are competing to start alongside homegrown Dan Happe, who could be one of the top centre-backs in the league.
Happe, plus anchor man Jordan Brown, Galbraith, Graham, and fellow winger Ollie O’Neill look the key men around whom Orient can build, with the latter demonstrating immense potential after joining permanently in January.
The Fulham recruit had the talent to break into Ireland’s Under-21s squad at just 18 and, now 21, could forge his way into Heimir Hallgrímsson’s plans with a big season, after notching five goals and three assists in the second half of the last campaign.
So, if the core stays fit and in-form, while newcomers settle quickly, Orient could find form that brings the Play-Offs into view. Any injuries, however, and they’ll have to lean on the flexibility of a thin squad to dodge the slumps.
15th – Wrexham
2024-25 represents arguably the most exciting season at the Racecourse Ground in modern history.
It’s been a joy to see a fanbase that’s been through the mill with ownership issues over previous decades finally have a team and a club to believe in. Thanks to the investment and care of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Welsh outfit have achieved successive promotions from the National League to League One.
While it might not come quite so easily from the outside to be lavishly praising of a club meeting their own expectations with vast financial resources, they’ve done so emphatically and must be credited for their respective 111 and 88-point hauls.
Last season, Wrexham’s greatest quality was how ruthless they were in the final third. Indeed, they looked like they’d score almost every time they came forward, scoring three or more goals in 11 of their 23 home games.
The Red Dragons are hoping to take that quality into League One but, with the step-up significant, they’ll likely have fewer games in which they can perform at a modest 6 or 7/10 between both boxes, and still win by several goals.
In that respect, the third-tier represents their biggest test yet. They’ve prepared for it by signing Arthur Okonkwo, one of the most talented goalkeepers around, on a free from Arsenal, in one of the signings of the summer.
Callum Burton, poached from Plymouth Argyle, represents a steady back-up to Okonkwo, while cultured centre-back Lewis Brunt, midfield enforcer George Dobson, and talented wing-back Sebastian Revann sign from Leicester, Charlton and Aston Villa respectively.
Furthermore, Wrexham can rely, at this level, on talented defender Max Cleworth, steady midfielder George Evans, attacking wing-back Ryan Barnett, dynamo Andy Cannon, diminutive creator Elliot Lee, and marksman Paul Mullin.
Once Mullin returns from injury, they’ll have more than enough quality for midtable, which should be considered a reasonable season – for now.
16th – Bristol Rovers
Despite having arrived at the Mem as far back as early December, Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor is in some ways starting afresh.
The Gas have delivered some performances under Taylor to show what he wants – an aggressive, transition-led outfit that thrives in creating chaos – like victories over promotion contenders Bolton, Portsmouth and Oxford, as well as the spirited fightback at Stevenage.
33 points from 26 games, however, was a modest return. This, however, was not helped by injuries, call-ups, and the motivational challenges that come with being so far away from both the Play-Off scramble and the relegation dogfight.
That’s history now. With seven senior players departing as well as six loans so, with 11 additions to date, 2024-25 will see a new-look Rovers side.
Of those arrivals, Josh Griffiths, on loan from West Brom, right-back Joel Senior from Morecambe and centre-back Taylor Moore, from Valenciennes, should ensure a stronger defensive unit than the rearguard that leaked 68 last season.
Moore completes, on paper, a solid crop of centre-backs, if Connor Taylor can finally apply his 2021-22 League Two form to the division above, with Northern Ireland international Michael Forbes arriving on loan from West Ham, and promising Dan Ellison poached from National League South outfit Chippenham.
Plus, there’s left-back competition with former England youth prospect Clinton Mola joining from Reading, and Bryant Bilongo, from Middlesbrough, after showing potential in non-league.
Elsewhere, attacking midfielder Isaac Hutchinson should bring creative urgency after moving from Walsall, following last season’s 12 goals and 11 assists, but has big shoes to fill with key man Antony Evans departing for Huddersfield.
Hutchinson may act as the final third fulcrum, while Kamil Conteh will look to create from deep alongside the reliable Grant Ward, or the tenacious Jamie Lindsay, but the big question is firepower, seeing as Chris Martin isn’t getting any younger.
Recruits Ruel Sotiriou and Promise Omochere, both 23, could kick on after hitting 11 and six league goals last season respectively, for Leyton Orient and Fleetwood, but neither are a safe bet.
And, while this might be close to a top-half squad pound-for-pound, they’ve got to establish a synergy and cohesion almost from scratch.
17th – Barnsley
Successive Play-Off finishes might heighten expectation for Barnsley, but that’s not a true indication of where they’re at.
Firstly, Tarn’s 2023-24 performances under Neill Collins were some way removed from the levels they produced the year before under Michael Duff, with individual quality in a weakened league carrying them through.
Secondly, they’ve thus far retained just three of their nine most-used players from the previous campaign, with goalkeeper Liam Roberts, wing-backs Jordan Williams and Nicky Cadden, midfielder Herbie Kane, pressing forward John McAtee and top goalscorer Devante Cole all departing.
Of the trio still in situ, right wing-backs Barry Cotter and Corey O’Keeffe aren’t much to write home about, yet, while the future of key man Adam Phillips is in doubt – likewise fellow midfielder Luca Connell, who’d been absent for the first four months of last season.
It’s not a given that Phillips and Connell will go, but the club have experienced mixed fortunes when it comes to getting the right value for their best players.
Realistically, the South Yorkshire outfit are not going to directly replace numerous top six players on a top half budget in the short-term, even if midfielder Matthew Craig is an outstanding signing on loan from Tottenham.
As such, a semi-rebuild was required with heightened emphasis on development – and the club might say that’s the plan.
Indeed, the board would point to a burgeoning academy, evidenced by the rise of Wales Under-19s midfielder Vimal Yoganathan, and that of Fábio Jaló, a prodigiously talented young forward set to bring the electricity to Oakwell after signing a long-term contract in January.
If that is the plan, however, the appointment of Darrell Clarke makes little sense. The 46-year-old has spoken openly before about his preference to work with squads weighted in favour of experience, which he did in his successful, promotion-winning stints with Bristol Rovers and Port Vale.
Clarke thrives more in high-stakes scenarios than in technical player development, and his decisive impatience, arguably his greatest strength, can also be a limitation when it comes to nurturing youth.
Barnsley won’t go down without a fight in many second halves this season, with the means to change games that aren’t going their way. Meanwhile, core principles will be upheld – especially with popular figures in Marc Roberts and Conor Hourihane returning to bring leadership qualities.
It feels, however, as though the club have appointed Clarke for his respectable CV as a five-time promotion winner, but not so much with a clear view of how his skillset fits into their overall strategy.
Ultimately, incompatibility between the board’s vision and the manager’s preferred way of working could make this a deeply underwhelming campaign in a strengthened league.
18th – Burton
Had Burton Albion’s ownership structure remained the same going into 2024-25, they would surely have been cannon-fodder in an ever-stronger League One.
That is, not because Ben Robinson hasn’t been an incredible custodian of the football club across six different decades, and one of the best owners in the EFL: the 78-year-old richly deserves his comfort on the back-seat.
Rather, because the East Staffordshire club desperately needed fresh impetus – both financially and strategically – and that’s exactly what the Nordic Football Group provide.
While conventional logic says it’s too early to judge NFG definitively, all the signs around their intentions and capabilities are extremely encouraging, based not only on excellent communication, but also their actions.
Firstly, new sporting director Bendik Hareide poached head coach Mark Robinson from Chelsea U21s, where he was entrusted with leading the development of the top talent on the planet, and the former Wimbledon boss will be ably assisted by the influential John Brayford.
Secondly, the Brewers had 18 signings confirmed by late July, 17 of which being permanent assets with all-action left wing-back Dylan Williams on loan from Chelsea. Meanwhile, five academy scholars were given professional contracts.
Of the recruits, midfielders Elliot Watt and Charlie Webster look the most exciting, with the former bringing playmaking qualities that will be central to style, and the latter being a dynamic #8 of enormous potential – when he returns from a mid-term injury.
Meanwhile, Udoka Godwin-Malife and Jack Armer may have been signed to operate as wide centre-backs for their 1v1 defending, plus Alex Bannon and Geraldo Bajrami give Robinson formational and systematic flexibility, with the ability to operate in defence or midfield.
Creative responsibility will fall to Billy Bodin and Ben Whitfield, with the former looking to rekindle the form he once enjoyed at Bristol Rovers, and the latter hoping to step up after flourishing in League Two with Barrow, especially when deployed in a front-three, as he was in 2022-23.
In terms of goals, neat-footed striker Danilo Orsi could make the step up after scoring 23 in League Two last season for Crawley, and may begin the campaign as the go-to bagsman.
Alternatively, however, the Brewers possess Jack Cooper-Love, plucked from Elfsborg, who scored 14 on loan at Skövde AIK in the 2021-22 Superettan (Swedish second-tier), while versatile forward Julian Larsson, from Nottingham Forest, scored nine and laid on another five in the PL2 D2 that same season.
The movements are encouraging, the vibes are hopeful: Burton should progress. Then again, this is a new-look side building an identity from a blank slate.
Positivity on paper is justified, but it’s important to see how it all comes together on the pitch before setting expectation much higher than survival.
19th – Exeter
The team that finished 13th last season, concluding it as one of the league’s form sides, might hope to challenge in the top half.
Whereas, the fan-owned club with minimal external investment, that relies on sales yet is unlikely to make seven-figures this summer, might anticipate a struggle.
Here’s the catch: they’re both Exeter City.
So, there’s a world in which sensible City continue to march on, proudly putting the football world to rights, another in which they become a default casualty of League One’s hot financial climate.
Reality may fall somewhere in between.
A strong midfield gives the Grecians genuine room for optimism, with Ed Francis arriving with glowing Gateshead reviews, and Ryan Woods returning to bring nous and class after a successful loan spell.
Woods will be the perfect mentor to ‘League One Lampard’ Reece Cole, the exuberant Pedro Borges, and the prodigiously talented Jake Richards, who made a stunning four league starts last season at just 16!
The wing-back spots are another area of strength. Scottish Championship TOTY inductee Jack McMillan, the reliable Ilmari Niskanen, the athletic Vincent Harper, and livewire Demetri Mitchell, back from injury, all vie for two spots.
In attack, meanwhile, poacher Sonny Cox and speedy Millenic Alli have had half a season to acclimatize to the level and have a seasoned, high-pedigree pro to learn from, in Josh Magennis, helping both fulfil their significant potential.
Exeter didn’t have a proven centre-forward last season – or at times any at all! – and it hurt them during their pre-Christmas slump of 10 defeats in 13. So Magennis’ physicality, industry and quality will be a plus.
The blend of youth and experience looks promising, yet doubts lie over each of City’s remaining senior defenders. Alex Hartridge, Zak Jules and Will Aimson, all seem big losses at the back and replacements are yet to arrive at the time of writing.
Elsewhere, on-loan “super Sinisalo in goal” will be missed, with the Player of the Year replaced by 20-year-old former England Under-18s prospect Joe Whitworth, on loan from Crystal Palace.
A drop-off from 13th is likely, but this League One icecap won’t melt entirely.
Furthermore, if the next generation of youngsters develop as hoped, they may at least finish 2024-25 with one or two seven-figure assets to bring the chill.
20th – Mansfield
At last, at last, Mansfield Town got over the line in League Two last season, sealing promotion at the fifth attempt in seven.
There might have been the odd goon who questioned whether the age profile of the squad would help or hinder the Stags, but ultimately experience paid dividends in a season of impeccable consistency.
Davis Keillor-Dunn was very much the star man for Town, bringing a sprinkling of magic in the final third with 22 goals and 10 assists, while conductor Louis Reed was instrumental to a slick footballing side at the base of midfield.
The biggest improvement, though, lay in defence, which had been Mansfield’s Achilles’ heel in previous promotion pushes. Aden Flint’s higher-level nous proved crucial alongside the excellent Baily Cargill, while the cultured Lewis Brunt thrived on loan from Leicester.
The Nottinghamshire outfit were unable to get Brunt back to Field Mill, though, blown out of the water by Wrexham, and how they replace the 23-year-old will dictate a lot.
Clough’s preference has often been to run with a smaller squad by leaning on versatile operators Jordan Bowery, Elliott Hewitt, Baily Cargill, Aaron Lewis, Hiram Boateng and Lucas Akins – although Akins only started up top last season.
This year, the group of utility men is added to by the signings of Deji Oshilaja, a springy, physical defensive midfielder who can fill in at centre-back, and left-sided defender Frazer Blake-Tracy, who is reasonably progressive and has a fantastic engine.
Prioritizing versatility as a policy has it’s merits, and can pay dividends when the squad is down to the bare bones, yet the drawbacks may come when it’s used as the fundamental reason to give somebody a contract, as opposed to an additional factor.
Jordan Bowery, for instance, did a solid job at right-back last season, and had the courage to fill in at centre-back in big games when nobody else was available, admirably holding his own, which contributed to what Mansfield achieved.
Trusting him in League One, however, or Elliott Hewitt, who played just 138 minutes last season due to a long-term injury, represents an enormous show of faith which, given the standard of the league, may not be repaid.
On the other hand, Keanu Baccus looks an outstanding capture in midfield, with the Australia international gaining rave reviews from Western Sydney Wanderers and St Mirren, adding to a core of goalkeeper Christy Pym, plus Flint, Reed and Keillor-Dunn – if he stays – who are more than good enough for the level.
With an average age of 28, though, (yes, aforementioned goon over here), there’s not too much scope for the group to grow with the step up.
Then again, Clough would argue most of the squad was League One calibre already.
21st – Cambridge
It’s hard to know quite where to rank Garry Monk among League One’s managers.
The 45-year-old’s backers would say he’s been a Premier League Manager of the Year contender before, with Swansea in 2014-15, and has delivered highly competitive results in the Championship with Leeds, Middlesbrough and Birmingham.
His detractors, however, might argue that he didn’t leave either of those clubs exactly on the best of terms, with all three harbouring concerns over his agent.
Such concerns may or may not have substance but, until more is known, it’s difficult for outsiders to avoid connecting them with Monk’s prolonged absence from the working football world.
After being sacked from a tough Sheffield Wednesday gig, the 45-year-old hadn’t managed in over three years, prior to replacing Neil Harris at The Abbey in March.
So, it’s possible, both that prior intimations are unfair and that, after a couple of months to refamiliarize himself with management, Monk has rediscovered the savvy tactical nous that allowed him to forge a hugely successful start to his career.
Indeed, early recruitment suggests a similar template to Birmingham’s midtable outfit of 2018-19, with veteran centre-back Michael Morrison and midfielder Gary Gardner also part of this squad, after the latter joined this summer.
An attacking right-side, of Liam Bennett and Taylor Richards, could be counter-balanced by a more conservative left, of Danny Andrew and James Brophy, while a solid double-pivot of Gardner and physical anchor man Paul Digby will facilitate two up top, as presser Shayne Lavery and target man Ryan Loft join the U’s.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Vicente Reyes is aiming to show Norwich and Chile his potential on loan, while youth prospects George Hoddle and Glenn McConnell could be ones to watch.
Mamadou Jobe could be, too, but only later in the campaign, with the up-and-coming defender having unfortunately ruptured his ACL after starring at the end of last season, following impressive non-league loans.
If Monk can alleviate the doubts, then he clearly has the managerial quality to lead the CB5 outfit to safety, or more – for now, there’s a valid question mark.
22nd – Northampton
After defying all the odds to achieve a comfortable, midtable finish in their first season back in League One, Northampton must now record that difficult second album.
Having busted out the hits since taking the permanent job in 2021, Jon Brady now needs some melodic inspiration, after losing regulars Louie Moulden, Sam Sherring, Shaun McWilliams, Marc Leonard, Kieron Bowie and Louis Appéré.
Despite the particularly grand importance of Leonard, their delightful playmaker, there’s reason to believe the Cobblers could remain competitive following those departures. This is based on the honest, driven culture Brady has fostered.
And, with successful businessman Nigel Le Quesne buying a 25% stake to inject fresh capital, Teyn have an increased budget that might help them overcome the obstacles.
The arrivals of brave defensive leader Jack Baldwin, midfield forward-thinker Cameron McGeehan and target man Tom Eaves would support such optimism, with each bringing successful League One experience.
As replacements for Sherring, Leonard and Appéré respectively, however, there’s question marks over each.
Considered an astute reader of the game, Baldwin might be be closer stylistically to gladiator Jon Guthrie, who thankfully remains, than to the departing Sherring, making the defensive equilibrium potentially harder to find.
Conversely, midfielder McGeehan has a sweet left foot but plays with more urgency than Leonard did, in his time on loan from Brighton – the latter would’ve been almost impossible to replace in terms of quality, but not necessarily style.
Eaves, meanwhile, has greater pedigree than Appéré, having scored goals at this level before with Gillingham. He isn’t quite as imposing, however.
As such, it’s unlikely that there’ll be the same pathways carved for wide forward Sam Hoskins to hit 15 goals again this season.
Of course, the Cobblers will feel they can offset any drop-off by getting more goals from the strikers themselves. Nippy James Wilson and Callum Morton have joined the ranks as well as Eaves, any of whom could net double-figures.
These are all reasonable signings in isolation but, depending on further additions, the club don’t appear to have profiled their recruitment based on the players they’re replacing.
Brady might argue they’re looking for different strengths to help them improve, which they undoubtedly will in certain areas – but there may be a cost.
Strategic continuity could’ve been one of Northampton’s few advantages over their competitors in an increasingly ruthless League One, so going away from the pre-existing template carries risk.
So, too, does trusting the error-prone Lee Burge to be the first-choice goalkeeper or, alternatively, relying on Wimbledon’s second-choice Nik Tzanev – a good shot-stopper who’s limited in other aspects – to be up to starting at the level above.
In right-backs Aaron McGowan and Akin Odimayo, centre-backs Guthrie and Jordan Willis, left-backs Patrick Brough and Ali Koiki, midfielders Jack Sowerby and Ben Fox, plus creator Mitch Pinnock, a reliable core remains.
As such, Northampton will be hoping that, despite the losses of star performers, they still have enough steady eddies who are capable, with aforementioned additions, of hauling them to safety.
The danger, though, is that without the star performers to look to for inspiration, those eddies might not be quite so steady…
23rd – Shrewsbury
Paul Hurst led Shrewsbury to one of the greatest seasons in their modern history in 2017-18, when they pushed big-spenders Wigan and Blackburn all the way in League One’s automatic promotion race, before losing in the Play-Off Final to Rotherham.
Back then, though, the financial climate of the league was more favourable than it will be in 2024-25, and the nuances of pressing, that gave the Shrews an edge that season, have since become more commonplace.
Meanwhile, Hurst’s subsequent managerial record has been mixed, only achieving definitive success in the National League, winning promotion with Grimsby in 2021-22.
Although, the 49-year-old did achieve relative success in League Two the following season, leading the Mariners to a top-half finish, as well as their best FA Cup run since 1939.
The standard of management in League One this season, however, seems particularly high. It thus remains to be seen whether Salop have done the right thing by looking to a hero of the past to address today’s challenges, or whether it implies a club struggling for fresh ideas under the ownership of 83-year-old Roland Wycherley.
Director of Football Micky Moore is the most knowledgeable footballing figure at the club, but quite how central he’s been to the choosing of Hurst is doubtful, seeing as the move would contradict the structural and developmental blueprint he outlined in his first interview last summer.
Hurst has the support of the fans, though, as well as Aristote Nsiala, having worked with the aggressive Congolese defender in three previous stints.
Fellow centre-backs Morgan Feeney and Aaron Pierre, intelligent right-back Luca Hoole, poached from Bristol Rovers, plus left-backs George Nurse, when fit, and Mal Benning, who raised a few eyebrows with his form last year, complete a solid set of defensive options.
In central midfield, meanwhile, it’s all about keeping the dynamic Carl Winchester in situ, after 2023-24’s Player of the Year had to feature at wing-back at times when, ideally, he’s too influential in his best position to not start there.
Elsewhere, Harrison Biggins and George Lloyd hitch up from Doncaster and Cheltenham respectively to bring an infectious work ethic that the manager will just adore.
Conversely, Tommi O’Reilly, nicknamed ‘Foden’ at parent club Aston Villa, will bring flair in spades and represents the biggest source of hope.
So, with youngsters Jack Loughran, Isaac Godwin and Jeval Thompson-McKenzie holding their own in pre-season against Leicester, Salop could surprise.
Entering late-July with just 16 senior players under their books, though, they’ll have to stay largely injury-free to have a chance of beating the drop, and cleave tightly to a capable defensive core.
Then, it’s just a question of hoping John Marquis can reclaim his late-2010s reputation as one of League One’s most prolific goalscorers, in a team that may rely squarely on one or two individuals for creativity.
24th – Crawley
WAGMI United’s involvement with Crawley may have a see-saw effect on the Sussex club’s performance.
When Preston Johnson first came in, he wanted to be heavily involved, along with Eben Smith, but the wacky marketing strategy served as a distraction, whilst giving the club unwanted negative publicity. It’s open to interpretation how much that had to do with 2022-23’s 22nd-place finish.
When the WAGMI brand wasn’t benefiting from the association, Johnson took a step back and gave boss Scott Lindsey the space to create something special.
He did just that as The Red Devils rose to 7th last season, winning promotion through three outstanding Play-Off performances, all with an attractive style.
Now, it comes across as though Johnson wants to associate himself with Town again, because of their recent success.
The Crypto-businessman has made himself both CEO and Head of Football Operations – despite having no football background – when they have a fantastic General Manager in Tom Allman who might have been more deserving of the former title.
Goalkeeper Corey Addai, midfielders Liam Kelly and Klaidi Lolos, plus top marksman Danilo Orsi, have all been sold for a reported pittance, after playing pivotal roles in last season’s promotion.
Meanwhile, there are no Lindsey quotes available for any of the 13 summer additions, unlike last year, prompting talk that he hasn’t been involved in the recruitment at all, while some question whether he’ll even stay.
As such, it’s likely that WAGMI will create another predicament that experienced football people will once again be left to sort out.
On the plus side, winger Michael Dacosta Gonzalez arrives on loan from Bournemouth with encouraging reviews, Fleetwood forward Junior Quitirna looks a decent buy too, while Charlie Barker and Josh Flint look fair additions, from Wealdstone and Volendam respectively.
Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Dion Conroy, midfield all-rounder Jay Williams and creators Ronan Darcy and Jack Roles will take on increased importance as they remain at Broadfield Stadium for now.
It’s almost a National League squad, though, so Lindsey deserves LMA Manager of the Year, let lone League One, if he somehow keeps the Red Devils up, on top of the miracles he worked last season.
More likely is that Lindsey walks due to the chaos, leaving Crawley to suffer desperately in the strongest ever iteration of third-tier football, and amass the lowest points tally since the level was nationalized in 1958.
