1st – Milton Keynes Dons
MK Dons attained 62 points from Mike Williamson’s 33 league games in charge last season which, if extrapolated over a full campaign, would have got them to 86 points.
And, given that the last time three teams amassed more than 86 in League Two was as far back as 2007-08, outsiders could be forgiven for seeing the task to be as simple as picking up from where they left off.
Where they left off, though, was a humiliating 8-1 aggregate defeat to Crawley in the Play-Off Semi-Final, while respective 5-0 and 4-1 defeats to Stockport and Mansfield highlighted a mental defensive fragility in crunch games, that Williamson needed to address.
As such, the defensive ranks have since been bolstered with the signings of Laurence Maguire, who was victorious with Crawley, Luke Offord, who was on the losing side at Wembley with Crewe, and Sam Sherring, who has just starred in League One with Northampton.
Maguire will provide aerial dominance on the left of a back-three as well as ball-playing assurance, the aggressive Luke Offord will aid in-game formational tweaks by pressing into midfield, while Sherring is a solid yet cultured all-rounder.
Those big-game defensive vulnerabilities should be fixed, then, especially with Tom Carroll bringing his experience as one of the two #6s at the base of Williamson’s midfield: the other could be Liam Kelly, poached from Crawley.
The 28-year-old is a neat playmaker with the intuition to dictate the tempo of games and, while he can operate effectively from deep, he can also open games up further forward, with his low centre of gravity helping him make smart decisions quicker.
With Joes Tomlinson and Pritchard among the best wing-backs in League Two, if fit, the only remaining question marks are depth in those areas, whether Tom McGill can be a better goalkeeping option than they had last year after joining on loan from Brighton, and the replacement for Max Dean.
The 15-goal hitman went to KAA Gent for £1.7M, to be replaced by Callum Hendry, poached from Salford after scoring 21 goals across the previous two campaigns, with Ellis Harrison and Matt Dennis also in the mix.
Hendry will bring smart link-up play, Harrison offers physicality, while Dennis is a relentless runner, but neither are exactly safe bets – and, depending on further movement, the MK Army may be looking to one of them to step up to the plate.
Find firepower and they should achieve automatic promotion this time, with a good chance of winning the league – and when’s anyone ever got that wrong before?!
2nd – Notts County
This time last year, every conversation about Notts County was overwhelmingly positive, and there was enormous optimism that successive promotions could be achieved.
It didn’t pan out that way, though, as a sensational attack was undermined by defensive woes, and legendary boss Luke Williams’ exit, with a great start petering out into an underwhelming 14th-place finish.
The discourse around the Magpies now feels more measured and balanced, reflecting the biggest learning curve the club has had in the current era – and perhaps that’s not a bad thing.
Instead of being half-absorbed by the brilliance of a side that dominated nearly every week in the National League, and feeling as though that template could almost be copied and pasted in League Two with similar results, we now see a more sobered club with a more realistic plan for how to implement their ideas in League Two.
And, given how attentively detail-driven the Reedtz brothers have been across their five years as owners, it’s highly likely that their April statement, promising a better balance of defence and attack, is genuine, especially considering additions at the back.
Jacob Bedeau, from Morecambe, is one of the signings of the summer in League Two, possessing the ball-playing talent to fit into County’s core identity whilst bringing much-needed pace and strength.
Similarly, Matty Platt, poached from Bradford, knows how to play out from the back having worked under Ian Evatt at Barrow but, like other arrivals Robbie Cundy and Rod McDonald, he also brings aerial dominance.
Those additions should help Notts County become stronger defensively, likewise those of strong shot-stopper Alex Bass, cultured midfielder Curtis Edwards, Brighton youth captain Jack Hinchy, also in midfield, and attacking full-backs Kellan Gordon and Nick Tsaroulla.
The latter two recruits suggest Stuart Maynard may either deploy a back-four at times this season, or natural wing-backs as opposed to converted wingers: either could help them enjoy the benefits of Jodi Jones’ attacking brilliance, after the Maltese magician smashed League Two’s assist record last year, without incurring the defensive costs.
Plus, Maynard’s side should become more aggressive in the press than they were last season, making it harder for opponents to build attacks, either patiently or on the counter.
Macaulay Langstaff needs to be replaced, after their 28-goal hitman went to Millwall, but Alassana Jatta carries a threat with his physical profile, while either Dejaune Brown on loan from Derby, or Will Evans from Newport, could be great acquisitions if links come to fruition.
All in all, a lot of the mistakes that Notts County made, last season, could only serve to make them stronger in this campaign.
They look to rejig the balance sufficiently for a sustained promotion charge, as the world’s oldest Football League club aim to prove you’re never too old to learn.
3rd – Doncaster
You’d be hard-pushed to find a team in Football League history to have reached the Play-Offs, having been 20th in March, before Doncaster achieved the feat last season.
Donny’s storm into the top seven is in no small part thanks to a patient fanbase, who sung Grant McCann’s name throughout the season, and had the perspective to recognize how injuries were affecting things when results weren’t everything.
Richard Wood’s return in central defence was imperative, with Rovers conceding just 16 goals in 18 games after the veteran came back into the side to bring his organisational nous.
Jamie Sterry’s re-emergence, on the other hand, was a double-whammy: not only did the team now have his tireless energy, dynamism and link-up play, they also had his relationship with Luke Molyneux, nurtured under Graeme Lee at Hartlepool in 2021-22.
Molyneux hadn’t quite hit the heights expected of him after signing for Doncaster off the back of that season, but the inside forward finished with aplomb, combining superbly on the right with Sterry and ‘Mr Consistency’ Owen Bailey from midfield.
With Joe Ironside bringing strength, industry and firepower up top, Joseph Olowu offering athleticism at the back, and James Maxwell providing solidity at left-back, Rovers have a blueprint for promotion if they keep everyone fit.
The big question, though, is whether they can replace January’s star loanees, with goalkeeper Thimothée Lo-Tutala, midfielder Matthew Craig and wide forward Hakeeb Adelakun all making a stunning impact.
The goalkeeping jersey, at least, will be filled by Teddy Sharman-Lowe, an England Under-20 international on loan from Chelsea, while Hakeeb Adelakun’s loss is mitigated by the signings of Jordan Gibson, from Carlisle, and Ephraim Yeboah on loan from Bristol City.
Gibson is League Two proven, if a touch inconsistent, while Yeboah is an explosive pocket-rocket who isn’t afraid to run at anyone – whether or not either find productivity, both have the work ethic that is a prerequisite in a McCann side.
Midfield, meanwhile, looks better-equipped to deal with injuries to Ben Close or Zain Westbrooke, thanks to the additions of Joe Sbarra and Harry Clifton.
Sbarra is an agile technician who can spin into life on the edge of the final third, while Clifton has incredible stamina – the versatile athlete may fall short in the passing drills, but he’ll come first in cross-country running.
And first is what Doncaster are aiming for: they’re out to prove that patience is a virtue.
4th – Gillingham
Brad and Shannon Galinson came to Gillingham in January 2023 with money and ambition, but they’ve not been able to convert resources into results – yet.
Hoping to change that is Mark Bonner, who has the advantage of both having previous at this level – winning promotion with Cambridge in 2020-21 – whilst being a young manager at 38 with a thirst for growth.
Bonner inherits a solid rear-guard, with the Gills having kept 15 clean sheets last season, possessing three of the best centre-backs in the league in Conor Masterson, Shad Ogie and Max Ehmer.
While all are great defenders, each bring different qualities, namely the progressive ball-playing of Masterson, the aggressive proactivity of Ogie, and Ehmer’s streetwise experience.
The Kent outfit also boast one of the league’s most dependable left-backs in Max Clark, who won promotion in 2022-23 with Stevenage, an athletic right-back in Remeao Hutton and, in veteran Glenn Morris, an able deputy to a good goalkeeper in Jake Turner.
In midfield, meanwhile, Wimbledon recruit Armani Little will bring tenacity to a midfield double-pivot with Ethan Coleman, who himself covers lots of ground and will keep play ticking over.
The foundations are strong, then, so top priority was bolstering the attack, which is why wide men Jack Nolan and Aaron Rowe, plus persistent poacher Elliott Nevitt have all arrived early in the window.
Nolan arrives with numbers to his name, after a whopping 17 goals and eight assists last year at Accrington Stanley, whereas Rowe didn’t have quite such an eye-catching individual campaign at Crewe, but is energetic and strong on either foot – qualities which earnt him a great reputation at Championship side Huddersfield just three years ago.
Nevitt, meanwhile, will bring an infectious work ethic, as well as goals, perhaps, after hitting 16 last year for Crewe, helping him complement or compete with target man Josh Andrews, who’s starting to get to grips with the level, and Marcus Wyllie, who bagged 34 times in the Isthmian League last season for Enfield Town.
So, that combination of solid defensive foundations, with fresh quality in attack, looks appealing, and should lead to a serious top three challenge.
While other prospective promotion candidates have already established patterns of play to consistently create chances, however, Gillingham are starting further back in that regard.
5th – Carlisle
In many cases, 2024-25 would be just about rebuilding, for a side that had been badly bruised last season, slumping to a bottom-placed finish in League One with just seven wins all season.
In Carlisle’s case, though, expectations remain high, with new Piatak family owners having invested heavily in the squad.
As such, defender Aaron Hayden and striker Charlie Wyke return to Brunton Park in two statement signings, while goalkeeper Jude Smith, right-back Archie Davies, centre-back Terell Thomas, left-back Cameron Harper and midfielder Ethan Robson also hitch up.
Boss Paul Simpson retains legendary status for achieving three promotions across two spells but is not immune to criticism for last season’s relegation – nor his questionable public handling of the squad – despite the various mitigating circumstances.
United suffered from a lack of funding in the summer, leaving them with a group that weren’t up to the level, at least not with midfielder Callum Guy injured from November, which was around the time Simpson came dangerously close to giving up on his players in the media.
Deserved? Probably: some weren’t pulling their weight. But his words did compromise morale within existing personnel, meaning the January window had to be the Cumbrians’ saviour, after the incoming Piataks injected fresh funds, but the seven recruits didn’t make the transformative difference as 12 defeats in 13 scuppered their chances.
Simpson still has plenty of credit in the bank, though, quite rightly, and, in goalkeeper Harry Lewis, aggressive utility man Jon Mellish, midfielders Josh Vela and Harrison Neal, forward Georgie Kelly and target man Luke Armstrong, a core to depend on at this level.
Guy is unquestionably central to that core and so, too, will Hayden and Wyke be if managed sensibly, while one or two marquee signings could be around the corner too.
With one of the most complete squads in the division, and little chance of a relegation hangover based on the positivity around new ownership, Carlisle should be there or thereabouts.
6th – Chesterfield
After six years away, Chesterfield are back in the EFL – and they intend to make it count.
With an ownership regime supporters trust, a squad jam-packed with proven performers – at and above this level – and a manager in Paul Cook who’s won four titles in his career and worked as high as the Championship, the Spireites have all the main ingredients to challenge.
The high-pedigree core of ball-winner Tom Naylor, technician Ollie Banks, poacher Will Grigg, plus attacking midfielders Ryan Colclough, Michael Jacobs and Armando Dobra, were instrumental in last season’s National League success and could take on big roles again.
Colclough brings the dancing feet and moments of magic that might have seen the 29-year-old play higher in different circumstances, Jacobs brings intelligent movement and creativity, while Dobra is a shot-heavy wide man who got into double-figures for both goals and assists in 2023-24.
Elsewhere, the speedy, direct James Berry brought different qualities to those trio to shake things up, primarily from the bench, and managed to chip in with a respectable six goals, as the 23-year-old looks to take his exciting development into the EFL.
Those attacking areas have been strengthened further, too, with the statement signing of Paddy Madden, who starred at Stockport last year, bringing canny movement, great link-up play and 17 goals to the League Two champions: he’ll add to Cook’s selection dilemmas.
Meanwhile, Naylor could be partnered by Tim Akinola, who may surprise a few at this level: the 23-year-old breaks up play well and looks after possession tidily, while his pace and strength make for an accomplished ball-carrier, who could help link midfield and attack.
The back-line was the area that really needed surgery, though. Jamie Grimes looks the most reliable of remaining defenders, after starting 43 league games last season, but he’ll need to have improved significantly since his last stint at this level with Cheltenham.
As such, powerful, seasoned centre-back Chey Dunkley has been lured to Derbyshire, along with athletic, attacking left-back Lewis Gordon, and both should bring higher-level class to the defensive unit.
The remaining objectives for Cook, therefore, are to secure Harry Tyrer, after the goalkeeper thrived on loan from Everton last year, and strengthen at right-back, where Jeff King was released in the summer and Vontae Daley-Campbell has been linked from Cardiff.
Get those final pieces in place, and Chesterfield can make that step up seamlessly.
7th – Port Vale
2023-24 was the biggest setback yet of Carol and Kevin Shanahan’s five-year ownership of Port Vale.
Principled though the decision was to dismiss Darrell Clarke the previous April, for various reasons, Andy Crosby struggled as a permanent replacement for the man he once assisted.
A bright start of five wins in the first seven descended into 12 defeats in 20 and, after one point from two in the interim, replacement Darren Moore was unable to arrest the slump with 11 defeats in 17, sealing relegation.
On a five-year contract, Moore has been entrusted with a long-term rebuild, and backed with some promising additions.
Ronan Curtis is out to rediscover his early Portsmouth form a level below after a quiet four years, providing for probably two of four strikers.
Target man Jayden Stockley will be one of the most dangerous aerial weapons in League Two, while Lorent Tolaj is an exciting addition from Aldershot, having shown the ability to poach from anywhere, and with either foot.
Tolaj knows where the corner of the net is, but so does the speedy Ruari Paton, who arrives from Queens Park after scoring 17 goals in the Scottish Championship last season so, with hot prospect Baylee Dipepa also in the mix, Vale’s front-line options offer Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer vibes.
Elsewhere, Connor Hall and Ryan Croasdale bring promotion-winning nous in defence and midfield respectively, with the former providing aggressive aerial prowess, and the latter, ball-winning tenacity – but the headline addition is unquestionably George Byers.
The midfield all-rounder, it’s believed, would have helped Sheffield Wednesday to automatic promotion from League One in 2022-23, over Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich, no less, had he stayed fit for the run-in.
The 28-year-old’s choice to move to League Two to work with Moore again, to the rejection of inevitable high-end League One interest, might suggest a hefty pay packet, but also speaks volumes for the boss’ man management qualities.
That, combined with big-game preparation, are among Moore’s greatest strengths, and while the 50-year-old might have certain technical limitations as a coach, they’d be outweighed by the top-end quality of the squad – especially if stellar shot-stopper Connor Ripley remains in Burslem.
8th – AFC Wimbledon
Last season’s Play-Off challenge was a sizeable step forward for Wimbledon, after Johnnie Jackson’s side had slumped to 21st the year before.
It faded for the Dons, though, who dipped to 10th after top goalscorer Ali Al-Hamadi left for Ipswich in January, as they dropped from 1.5 goals per game with the Iraqi striker available to 1.3 in his absence.
Firepower is key for the West Londoners: they already boast an excellent hold-up front-man in Omar Bugiel, but the selfless Lebanese striker is unlikely to hit the 20 mark himself, channelling so much of his energy towards creating space for others.
Bugiel’s presence could, though, free up returning Joe Pigott to poach, as he did for the Londoners in 2018-19 and 2020-21 in his previous stint in the league above, scoring 15 and 20 goals respectively – rather than be an ineffective reference point.
Pigott has competition, though, in prospects Paris Lock and Aron Sasu, who could make a name for themselves after coming through a thriving academy.
Plus, Josh Kelly is hoping to catch fire after signing from Solihull Moors in January, while recruit Matty Stevens is out to reclaim his 2021-22 form for Forest Green, after an injury-hit couple of years.
Al-Hamadi will be tough to replace, though – for any of those five prospective Bugiel partners! – and so will goalkeeper Alex Bass, midfielder Armani Little, and homegrown left-back Jack Currie, who left for Notts County, following a loan from Sunderland, Gillingham and Oxford respectively.
Bass, though, is replaced by two ‘keepers in Lewis Ward, and Crystal Palace’s Owen ‘new Don’ Goodman, after a decent loan at Colchester, who should provide stiff competition.
Meanwhile, hoping to fill Little’s shoes are Ali Smith and Callum Maycock, two physical, hardworking and dependable midfielders with an eye for goal; they’ll compete to partner Jake Reeves, who will dictate with assurance from deep with an excellent passing range.
There’s stiff competition at right-back, too, where Isaac Ogundere and Hus Biler are vying for Jackson’s nod, with the former in the driving seat, perhaps, based on 2023-24 form.
Elsewhere, Joe Lewis and Ryan Johnson may rekindle an excellent centre-back pairing, but 20-year-old Ethan Sutcliffe is developing nicely after a productive loan at Tonbridge Angels, while John-Joe O’Toole hasn’t returned to merely make up the numbers.
If James Tilley and Josh Neufville can provide the quality out wide seen in the earlier stages of last season, therefore, then all the foundations for another Play-Off push should be in place.
Then again, replacing Currie and Al-Hamadi is easier said than done…
9th – Tranmere
Despite looking like a Play-Off capable side for two thirds of their 2023-24 campaign, Tranmere Rovers could only manage a disappointing 16th-place finish due to a torrid start.
12 defeats in the first 16 meant both that Ian Dawes was sacked, seven games in, and that there was no support for owners Mark & Nicola Palios’ call to hand Nigel Adkins the permanent job with the team languishing in 23rd.
Adkins surprised everyone, though, delivering 23 points from his first 10 games as permanent manager to ease relegation fears, whilst establishing Rovers as one of the best counter-attacking sides, in a league that on-loan Blackpool star Rob Apter set alight.
Had the Wirralians pushed the boat out with January additions, they could even have made a Donnyesque Play-Off charge, but instead the absence of strength beyond their first XI meant fatigue set in, undermining any such hopes.
Now, Rovers aim to recreate their form under Adkins over a full campaign, and while they’ll be without the inspiration of Apter, the loss can be offset by better depth thanks to the additions of Cameron Norman and Sam Finley.
Norman is a driven right-back who’ll compete with the solid Lee O’Connor, while Finley has a nasty streak, and can play as either a ball-winner, a high-energy #8, or a pressing #10.
As such, the Bristol Rovers recruit will jostle with athletic anchor man Brad Walker, cultured playmaker Regan Hendry and committed, versatile forward Connor Jennings to start in any of those respective roles.
Additions are needed in central defence, however, where alternatives to Tom Davies and Jordan Turnbull aren’t at the level, and that cost Rovers in the first third of the previous campaign, when they leaked 29 goals in their opening 16.
They’re also required out wide, where Apter may be missed, depending on the quality of replacements, with Josh Hawkes sidelined with a long-term injury.
Harvey Saunders and Kieron Morris are not bad wide options, with the former bringing pace and stamina, the latter, creativity and graft, but neither are likely to offer individual stardust.
Goalkeeper Luke McGee, left-back Connor Wood, and physical front-man Luke Norris, when fit, complete a dependable core, along with aforementioned defence and midfield options, meaning Adkins’ side shouldn’t be too far away.
Strikers Josh Davison, who started 11 games for Wimbledon last season, and Sol Soloman from Marine, though, aren’t exactly the statement signings likely to transform a good team into a great one.
10th – Grimsby
2024-25 is all about stylistic progression for Grimsby.
David Artell arrived at Blundell Park in November with a clear idea of how he wanted his side to play, and we saw seeds of it in his first three months in charge – but the results didn’t match as 10 points from 12 prompted relegation concerns.
The aftermath of February’s 5-1 home defeat to Doncaster, though, served as a turning point, as Artell and the players had a productive, collaborative meeting, in which the group began to realize they could offer feedback to their manager without reproach.
The result was a six-game unbeaten run, from which the Mariners went on to double their points return from the previous 12 matches, solidifying with an approach more pragmatic for the personnel they had.
Now, the task is implementing more of Artell’s ideals, without losing the defensive foundations that have been established.
The signing of Cameron McJannet will help maintain such foundations, with the progressive, left-footed centre-back arriving with excellent reviews from Ireland.
Under Head of Recruitment Joe Hutchinson, Town haven’t been afraid to look for value abroad, and they may have found it in Jason Daði Svanþórsson, a quick, goalscoring wide forward who joins from Breiðablik in Iceland.
They can’t overhaul the squad entirely, though, so centre-backs Doug Tharme and Harvey Rodgers, ball-winner Curtis Thompson, all-action midfielder Kieran Green, wide dribbler Charles Vernam, and springy striker Danny Rose, all needed to use the pre-season to grasp the nuances of Artell’s philosophy in a more extended format.
There’s optimism that Tharme is starting to carry the ball out nicely, Green has looked engaged in pre-season, while even speedy youngster Cam Gardner could enjoy a breakthrough season in attack – but it might not all happen overnight.
And, while George McEachran should add some technical pedigree to midfield, he may not be physical nor defensively tuned enough to be the quality #6 Artell has desired for some time.
If remaining additions are up to the level, though, a progressive top-10 finish could be on the cards.
11th – Fleetwood
It’s been a tough year for Fleetwood, on and off the pitch.
Revelations of fraudulent behaviour from revered former owner Andy Pilley, and his subsequent imprisonment for 13 years, were bound to hurt on some level.
That hurt is not something the club has addressed openly, and with marketing purposes in mind, perhaps it’s understandable that CEO Steve Curwood insisted business as usual, but the cost has been a lack of closure as a touchy, hot-potato issue has been left to linger in the background.
It seems conceivable that the sense of unease filtered through to the players by osmosis, as one of many factors behind last season’s relegation – but Jamie Pilley officially replaces his father this summer, and head coach Charlie Adam is out to turn a new leaf.
Optimism can be taken from the second half of the campaign under the Scot, with improved performances leading them to 25 points from 23 games, after 18 from the previous 23, allowing the Trawlermen to at least go down with a modicum of hope.
Adam got the best out of Celtic loanee Bosun Lawal, converting him from defence into an all-action midfield role, and the former Burnley loans manager is out to show his developmental qualities once again, building a young, vibrant side.
The signing of powerful, left-footed defender Zach Medley, from KV Oostende, supports that objective, while Elliot Bonds, Matty Virtue and Mark Helm – whom Adam recognized the talents of at Burnley – all add quality in midfield.
Meanwhile, defender Brendan Wiredu, if he stays, athlete Ryan Broom, creator Danny Mayor and winger Phoenix Patterson should have some quality for the level, and goalkeeper Jay Lynch was club Player of the Year in League One the season before last.
The big question, though, lies the attack, where Tommy Lonergan, Ryan Graydon and Ronan Coughlan could bring an Irish spirit to the front-line – but will they provide the craft?
The off-field situation doesn’t scream stability, but there’s enough positivity in the work Adam has done so far to suggest the Cod Army will at least have something to smile about.
12th – Colchester
The Cowley brothers are out to reaffirm their status as the EFL’s hot managerial property, after a couple of years that, with mitigating circumstances, haven’t gone entirely to plan.
Meticulously detail-driven, the duo know how to galvanize a club, something they’ve done everywhere they’ve been, including their current employers.
They’ve recruited well, too, with high-pedigree goalkeeper Matt Macey, dependable full-back Rob Hunt, solid centre-back Ben Goodliffe, aggressive defender Tom Flanagan, and creator Jack Payne coming in with, in most cases, an established EFL reputation.
Similarly, striker Lyle Taylor brings his Championship experience to guide young livewires Samson Tovide and Bradley Ihionvien, either one of whom could enjoy a stellar, breakout campaign.
While the signings allow for some optimism, however, it was the kind of summer Colchester needed after a 22nd-place finish last year.
The club released 10 of the players who featured last season which, with six loans reurning, and Jayden Fevrier and Jay Mingi sold to Stockport, and Connor Hall to Port Vale, meant just 11 players remain.
Of those, Tom Smith, Mandela Egbo, Owura Edwards, Will Greenidge, Matt Jay and Connor Wilkinson started a combined three games under Cowley, in some cases due to injury, and it’s unlikely each of the sextet would have been given deals were they out of contract.
In that sense, patience may be required as Cowley builds the squad he wants, and it wasn’t the sort of thing that could be done in one window.
The 45-year-old will look to build around the brilliance of midfielder Arthur Read, by far ColU’s most consistent performer last year, but there’s not an awful lot else for him to take from the Essex club’s disappointing 2023-24.
So, even with their best manager since the glory era of the mid-noughties, midtable might be the best they can hope for.
13th – Crewe
There’s a long-held theory at Crewe Alexandra, that the structuring of their prized academy dictates that a generation of talent comes through about every half-decade, creating phases of growth, success, failure (after they all leave), and subsequently rebuild.
By this “five-year cycle” theory, the Alex’s promotion push last season, which ended in a Play-Off Final defeat to Crawley, might be considered a little ahead of schedule – they had relative success in what ‘would’ have been the early growth phase.
Whereas the previous golden generation began the 2019-20 promotion campaign with ages 21-23, with two seasons of at least semi-regular starts under their belts, last year’s crop of Lewis Billington, Zac Williams and Joel Tabiner all started 2023-24 as teenagers, while Matúš Holíček still is one.
Defender Billington and midfielder Tabiner, though, enjoyed outstanding seasons. The former, more surprisingly, perhaps, not kicking a competitive ball in 2022-23 before blowing away the Alex faithful with his maturity and versatility.
The latter, less so, as a creative, dynamic #8 or #10 who went from showing flashes on the periphery the year before, to consistently impacting games.
The Railwaymen took 39 points from the 22 league games Tabiner played in last season, but his injury derailed them, with just 22 points attained from the other 24, so his return will be a huge plus, to counter-balance the blows of losing defender Luke Offord and striker Elliott Nevitt.
Speaking of injuries, they were a common theme for Lee Bell’s side last season, with 15 first team players being absent at different points of the campaign which, coupled with Connor O’Riordan’s exit for Blackburn and Joe White’s Newcastle recall in January, meant one disruption after another.
It’s arguable that nobody other than Lee Bell, even in the pantheon of great Alex managers in modern history, could have responded to those setbacks and still delivered a remarkable top seven finish.
Assisted shrewdly by Ryan Dicker, Bell’s adaptability shone through last season, as the rookie established himself as a delightfully agile problem-solver.
Next season, he’ll be hoping for more continuity in personnel, and to bring the next batch of prospects, like defender Nathan Robinson, midfielder Owen Lunt and winger Calum Agius, into the fray.
Of recruited outsiders, centre-back Jamie Knight-Lebel, midfielder Max Sanders, and wide man Jack Lankester look the most promising, on loan from Bristol City, and permanently from Leyton Orient and Cambridge respectively.
Knight-Lebel was called up to Canada’s provisional rooster in February, for the 2024 Copa América qualifying play-offs against Trinidad and Tobago, and the 19-year-old could forge an excellent centre-back pairing with the experienced Mickey Demetriou.
At the other end, however, they’ve replaced the persistent Elliott Nevitt with different types of strikers in hold-up front-man Kane Hemmings, and enigmatic finisher Omar Bogle, neither being the first to chase lost causes.
And, on current personnel, they’ll rely squarely for pace on a winger in Shilow Tracey who, despite having started 36 league games last season, has been considered an injury risk in the past.
We know Bell can improvise, yet it’s rare for the manager who thrives in the chaos to also be the manager who creates a crystal clear identity from a blank slate, because the mentality that allows a manager to freely adapt from Plan A might require being somewhat detached from it in the first place.
Then again, if Bell can demonstrate both sides, he should be considered among the EFL’s hottest managerial prospects.
14th – Walsall
It’s hard to argue with the outcome of a top half finish, Walsall’s first since 2019-20, in rookie Mat Sadler’s first full season as Head Coach, even if the process is more up for debate.
A possession average of 42.2%, the lowest in League Two, seemed a touch out of keeping with owner Ben Boycott’s stylistic hints from last summer, especially with an enviable set of midfield options on paper.
Even in games, last season, like the 6-1 thumping of Grimsby at Blundell Park, or the 3-0 victory over Morecambe, where the scoreline implied dominance, it was more a case of individual quality, particularly of Isaac Hutchinson, carrying them through.
Now at Bristol Rovers, Hutchinson will be missed greatly after notching 12 goals and 11 assists last year, bringing a creative urgency to the Saddlers that helped them fashion a high volume of chances from a comparatively low volume of attacks.
With ‘Hutch’ departed, the Black Country outfit are unlikely to convert quite as high a proportion of their attacks into chances, and therefore need a higher volume of attacks to offset that possible shortfall.
Connor Barrett will help with that, providing more of a natural right wing-back option Tom Knowles was last season, after joining from AFC Fylde with glowing National League reviews for an exciting attacking game, entwined with defensive responsibility.
Elsewhere, a strong set of midfield options remain, in “Oisin(s) #8” McEntee, solid Brandon Comley, left-footed technician Jack Earing, controller Ryan Stirk, and skilful creator Ronan Maher, who is overdue a shot at this level after starring on loan in the National League North with Rushall Olympic.
Charlie Lakin also comes into the conversation after the aggressive midfielder enjoyed the best half-season of his career on loan from Burton at Sutton, scoring seven goals in 21, before signing up at the Bescot.
So, with a good crop of centre-backs in no-nonsense Donervon Daniels and Priestley Farquharson, talented David Okagbue, and light-footed utility man Taylor Allen, Walsall have strong foundations.
They’ve also upgraded in goal – despite Jackson Smith earning a move to League One Barnsley – by loaning in Tommy Simkin from Stoke, after the England Under-20s prospect thrived in the league below with Solihull Moors.
The remaining areas of doubt, therefore, lie at left wing-back – although 36-year-old Albert Adomah can play that side – and up top.
Target man Jamille Matt must now be used sparingly at 34, Douglas James-Taylor has scored three goals in 48 appearances for the club, while Danny Johnson is unlikely to press as Mat Sadler wants, making further additions a must.
Style remains a question mark, though, and while Sadler, to his credit, got the results last season, what he can do without Hutchinson weaving the magic may reveal more about his coaching potential.
15th – Bradford
Bradford City’s 9th-placed finish last season was somewhat out of keeping with how things had looked for much of the campaign.
Mark Hughes’ tenure went stale with 13 points from the first 11 and some drab performances, before the minor improvement of seven points from five under Kevin McDonald’s interim stewardship, followed by a thus far streaky Graham Alexander regime, with form fluctuating wildly from one five or six-game sample to the next.
A 3-0 loss at Harrogate saw Bantams enter the final weekend of March as low as 17th, but attacking midfielder Bobby Pointon’s impressive substitute appearance in that game (after not featuring for a month without injury) earnt him starts in each of the remaining seven – from which Alexander’s side accrued a whopping 19 points.
Pointon, after signing a new deal, holds the key to City’s chances of sustaining promotion form over a full campaign, as the 20-year-old looks to join reliable right wing-back Brad Halliday and talisman Andy Cook among their most important players.
So, too, does midfield presser Antoni Sarcevic, who’s hoping to achieve the fifth League Two promotion of his career at Valley Parade.
Alexander has depth at his disposal, too: there are five solid defenders competing for three centre-back spots, six capable midfielders or number 10s jostling for another three places, and a further three lively strikers vying to start alongside Cook, while there are viable alternatives to each of their top performers.
So, if Bradford were to be judged based on the calibre of each player they possess in isolation, they might be considered to have a top seven squad – the issue is the equilibrium.
This squad has 10 players in their 30s, a further eight in their mid-to-late 20s, and just five under 25 – although of the latter category, defender Ciaran Kelly and forward Calum Kavanagh have shown promise along with Pointon.
In short, there are 18 players who are likely to either decline or stay at the same level in 2024-25, and only three who can be expected to improve – even if Pointon can do so exponentially.
So, it would be no problem that Cook and Sarcevic are 33 and 32 respectively, if they were playing in an otherwise young or peak-age team, because they’re top-end League Two performers individually.
However, let’s say nine of the 18 regress, the likes of Cook and Sarcevic would become responsible for covering more bases, carrying more parts of the team, as opposed to simply focusing on holding up their own end of the bargain.
That, in turn, can have the knock-on effect of compromising the levels of their star players.
Even somebody like Halliday, who is outstanding defensively, and excellent going forward when part of a thriving attacking unit, isn’t the type of wing-back the team can look to for inspiration from a standing start, when others aren’t on their game.
So, a drop-off is likely, and while an older squad isn’t always a negative, as Mansfield showed last season, Graham Alexander’s sides don’t tend to look after the ball so well.
As such, the team will have to do more running than their opponents, despite many of them being at a stage of wanting to do less.
16th – Barrow
Barrow can reflect on their last two campaigns with a prevailing sense of pride, at their highest finishes in 49 years, tinged with a sense of what could have been.
The Bluebirds spent parts of 2022-23, and long periods of 2023-24, in the top seven, only to miss out through poor form in the second half of those campaigns.
The Pete Wild ride comes to an end, though, and replacing the 39-year-old is Stephen Clemence.
It’s take-two for Clemence, after his first stint as a number one at Gillingham last season didn’t quite go to plan, with the former Aston Villa coach out to show what he can do with the benefit of a full pre-season and summer window.
The 46-year-old has been backed with the stand-out capture of Connor Mahoney from Huddersfield, after the agile winger impressed under him for the Gills.
Elsewhere, Sam Barnes from Blackburn is also a coup if the defender can elude the injury troubles that have plagued his career at Ewood Park, Wyll Stanway looks a promising understudy to a reliable goalkeeper in Paul Farman, while energetic forward Katia Kouyate from Everton is an unknown quantity.
Theo Vassell and Andrew Dallas represent more known quantities, though, in defence and attack, after joining from Salford and Barnsley respectively, the latter on loan.
Meanwhile, Kian Spence, Dean Campbell and Robbie Gotts is one of the better midfield trios in League Two, which gives the Bluebirds some hope that they won’t stray too far off-course.
In fact, much of their squad from last season remains in situ, and so does well-regarded sporting director Iain Wood.
As such, Barrow’s prospects hinge on whether, picking the next act after a tough one to follow, Wood’s faith in Clemence was well-placed.
17th – Bromley
Byron Webster comedically raising his eyebrows to Solihull Moors goalkeeper Nick Hayes will become one of the most iconic moments in Bromley folklore.
It was coolness personified from the veteran defender, who relished the pressure of the penalty in May’s National League Play-Off Final shootout, knowing an EFL future for the Ravens could be decided by that kick.
It’s subsequent success saw the South (of) London club scale the greatest achievement in their proud, 132-year history, joining the Football League for the first time.
But Bromley aren’t here to simply make up the numbers, and their belief stems from the spirit and synergy of the group, enhanced by the returns of towering defenders Kamarl Grant and Omar Sowunmi, plus midfield dynamo Lewis Leigh.
They retain a reliable goalkeeper in Grant Smith, who boss Andy Woodman just adores, and a 34-year-old defender in Callum Reynolds who is overdue a shot at this level.
Plus, they retain strong all-round midfielders in Ashley Charles and Jude Arthurs, after the latter more than healed the heartache missing out on the 2022 FA Trophy Final with his effort under the arch this year.
Then, Bromley boast a prolific goalscorer in Michael Cheek. Described as something of a lower league Harry Kane, Cheek is selfless as well as clinical – not a bad combination to have – and can link play well.
The question, perhaps, is whether that link-up will come with Corey Whitely and Louis Dennis in the attacking midfield spots, or with the athletic Olufela Olomola as part of a ‘Cheeky Fela’ strike-partnership.
Don’t discount Marcus Dinanga, though: the 26-year-old has scored goals in non-league throughout his career, going back to a phenomenal 2016-17 with Matlock, and the recruit seems to have flown under the radar, even after hitting 20 last year in the National League with Gateshead.
Competition will be stiff at left wing-back, where Idris Odutayo and Bes Topollaj will leave Woodman spoilt for choice, with the former offering more defensive insurance and the latter providing greater attacking ammunition.
Elsewhere, centre-back Taylor Foran joins on a free from Arsenal, having demonstrated his commitment by making his U21s debut for the Gunners in goal – after an injury and red card to their goalkeepers!
Foran can certainly throw himself into unfamiliar challenges, then, and that’s exactly the sort of mentality Bromley will need, as they step up to a different level of quality.
The culture Woodman has fostered, though, along with the firepower up top, should carry them through – after all, their entire history is based on raising eyebrows.
18th – Swindon
Clem Morfuni hasn’t brought the clarity, structure, and financial stability to Swindon Town that many hoped he would, since the Aussie took over as owner from Lee Power in 2021.
Buying the County Ground, assisted by the Supporters Trust, with them and the club accruing a 50% stake apiece, was a significant forward step that will protect the club for decades to come, but there have also been steps in the other direction.
Morfuni failed to communicate to fans, and the EFL, when he sold significant shares in the club to Hollie Kiely and Bethany Parladorio, which he argued was an administrative error, but epitomized a regime that has thus far felt more secretive than transparent.
Plus, fans were disgruntled when experienced figures in Angus MacDonald, Louis Reed and Ben Gladwin were all offloaded in January 2023, without being replaced, which led to criticisms of a lack of ambition.
It may be that, since a fan survey returned 2,000 supporters urging Morfuni to sell, and the Trust adopted a firm stance in opposing decisions and behaviour, the businessman is clearer about his position and more aware of the need for positive action.
Morfuni met with supporters for a lengthy meeting in June, to build some bridges, and while he’s retained a breezy public persona when challenged on his ownership, CEO Anthony Hall has looked more professional in recognizing the need for change.
So, while there remains more questions than answers, it’s fingers crossed, for now, that steps can be made in terms of investment, ground development, and transparent communication.
As such, Town fans can start to look forward to matters on the pitch under new head coach, Mark Kennedy, who did a solid job at Lincoln, helped by some decent additions.
Ryan Delaney and Ollie Clarke, bring drive and leadership to defence and midfield respectively, after signing from Newport and Mansfield.
Elsewhere, wing-backs Tunmise Sobowale and Rosaire Longelo, from Shrewsbury and Accrington Stanley, should bring thrust to the flanks.
The duo will be looking to deliver crosses for target man Harry Smith, who powered home 11 goals himself last season for relegated Sutton, but can also flick them on for the industrious Aaron Drinan, once a partner in crime at Leyton Orient.
So, with Nnamdi Ofoborh bringing physicality and tenacity in midfield, Swindon could make progress, after stooping to a lowest ever league finish in their history last year.
Right now, however, there’s not enough evidence to suggest that progress will be more than minimal – and that’s if things don’t implode entirely…
19th – Salford City
Salford may be a stepping stone, to some extent, for Karl Robinson.
It’s plausible the Liverpudlian sees himself as a Championship-capable manager, and he may have medium-term ambitions of earning the upper-end League One job that gives him a chance of getting to that level, but first he must appreciate his stock.
Speaking of which, recruit Cole Stockton is hoping to replicate his 2021-22 form for Morecambe, when he scored 26 goals in all competitions and was one of the best strikers in League One, after a more questionable couple of seasons.
Starting the campaign with Stockton and Conor McAleny in the mix, Salford should have firepower, despite the loss of Callum Hendry to MK Dons.
They’ve also lost creativity, though, in Elliot Watt, and are lacking that attribute both in deeper midfield and in more advanced positions, which could be a problem as Robinson looks to evolve the style, not to mention given they also need more athleticism throughout the team.
Some such athleticism may come from Junior Luamba, with the Robinson favourite hoping to add productivity to pace on the right of the attack this season, while a fit again Ossama Ashley in midfield would help.
Centre-back Stephan Negru looks a solid addition on loan from Oxford, as does right-back Tom Edwards on a free from Stoke, while Salford also possess a potential future England number one in Matty Young.
The prodigious 17-year-old arrives on loan from Sunderland after a sterling spell at Darlington, where he’s believed to have been better than Jordan Pickford was – no pressure then, lad…
So, with left-back Luke Garbutt providing pin-point deliveries, there’s a core of eight players good enough to lift Robinson’s side into the top half, but they’re short in remaining positions of a best XI let alone in terms of depth, and are also relying on one or two from the octet escaping recent injury troubles.
Having a manager of Robinson’s calibre might suggest significant improvement from last season’s 20th-place finish is on the cards, in theory, but the reality could tell a different story.
20th – Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town have been on an extraordinary journey over the last 28 years, and it’s a club that must evolve to write the next gloriously successful chapter of their Football League story, after relegation from League One last season.
The board care deeply about the club, with all members other than highly-regarded “more than a” secretary Paul Godfrey being volunteers, while some from afar look with envy at the financial prudence with which they’re run in this chaotic economic climate.
As the Robins Trust outlined in April, however, they feel there needs to be an independent and formal strategic review of the club’s structure and operations, with a view to modernising internal processes.
One such positive step has been made in appointing a Director of Football but, rather than taking a chance on somebody likelier to assist with modernisation, they’ve gone back to former manager Gary Johnson.
Having managed 1,326 professional games, the 68-year-old certainly knows a thing or two but, having started his post-playing career in 1980, might be reluctant to trust contemporary methods, preferring players he, or manager Michael Flynn, have worked with before.
Indeed, seven of the 13 additions to date have played for one of them previously and, while it’s understandable to want to employ players they feel they can trust, it can also be limiting when considering how far that narrows down the pool of prospective recruits.
In fairness, right-back Arkell Jude-Boyd arrives from QPR with glowing reviews from Torquay, left-back Ryan Haynes has been a consistent performer at this level, and those two, plus striker Liam Dulson, who scored 26 goals last season for step-4 Bedford, have all impressed in pre-season.
The Robins have gone for five older heads, though, in goalkeeper Joe Day, versatile defender Scot Bennett, ball-winner Luke Young, 6’5” midfielder Harry Pell and industrious front-man Ryan Bowman, who will set the cultural tone off the pitch, but could be at risk of decline on it.
At the other end of the age spectrum, though, watch out for 16-year-old forward Sopuruchukwu Obieri, who often made the bench last season under Darrell Clarke, typically at the expense of a recent England Under-18s international in Tom King, with the physical qualities to translate well to senior football.
Levi Laing, meanwhile, looks a promising signing on loan from West Ham, with the athletic, progressive yet uncompromising centre-back described as somebody who loves to defend.
It’s not the most inspiring squad, though, even with the tenacious Liam Kinsella in midfield, and Tom Bradbury growing into his responsibilities at the back.
A restrictive recruitment process, combined with a possible decline from some of the experienced figures, could lead to trouble, perhaps enticing the club to be more receptive to the bigger questions in 10 months’ time.
21st – Newport County
It seems almost unheard of for a club to stray too far away from it’s core stylistic principles, and make that work.
Look no further than the Championship, where Michael Duff and Joe Edwards failed to deliver at Swansea and Millwall respectively, despite the former having worked wonders in his previous two jobs, and the latter being one of the most respected developers of talent in world football.
Therein lies the concern, for Newport County, where former Swans owner Huw Jenkins became the club’s majority shareholder and chairman in January.
Jenkins’ attraction is obvious: he brings the club fresh financial and strategic impetus with higher level nous, and may help professionalise what had been more of a volunteer, labour-of-love type of operation under the former majority fan-owned club.
The danger, however, is that he’ll want a smoother style of football, that is yet to work at Rodney Parade, even with the pitch having been renovated three years ago.
When the Exiles have achieved their greatest successes in the modern era, it’s been with a manager driven by outcome more than process, a siege mentality and a direct style – or at least a willingness to mix things up – that sparks a special spirit in the Amber Army.
Whereas, when they went down a more progressive route with James Rowberry, who himself is clearly a highly talented coach, it didn’t quite work out in the way that supporters wanted.
So, there’s a perceived risk that similar might happen under Nelson Jardim, even with the new boss’ respected coaching background, having worked under the likes of Paul Clement, Carlos Carvalhal, and Aitor Karanka.
From the 11 senior players remaining from last season, only tidy midfielder Aaron Wildig, poacher Luke Jephcott and forward Kiban Rai, who brings sharp movement, are obvious beneficiaries of a shift in approach.
Although, driven Shane McLoughlin should remain a key man with his energy, versatility and bite, while goalkeeper Nick Townsend and defender James Clarke are solid operators.
Recruitment is key though and, of the 10 players signed at the time of writing, County need six or seven to come up trumps.
Likeliest are centre-backs Matt Baker and Ciaran Brennan, with the latter being an accomplished switcher of play, plus roaming playmaker Cameron Antwi, poached across the road from Cardiff.
On the other hand, midfield maverick Kai Whitmore has gained mixed reviews from Haverfordwest, having signed off the back of starring in the Europa Conference League qualifiers against KF Shkëndija and B36 Tórshavn.
While Whitmore showed EFL quality on his day, it’s believed by some at Bridge Meadow that he also showed inconsistency as somebody not the easiest to coach, nor rely on for a full campaign – it’s up to him to quash such doubts.
Recruitment could be a mixed bag, and fans will already feel uneasy about a style they’re not accustomed to: a feeling that may grow with a poor start.
Jardim clearly has great credentials, and has shown extraordinary commitment by leaving his young family in Madeira, Portugal to take the job.
Naturally, however, there’s a chance that his ideas aren’t the right fit – and that midway through, Newport might be looking to legendary assistants David Pipe and Mark O’Brien to galvanize, and bring stylistic restoration.
22nd – Morecambe
Off-field uncertainty continues to dominate at Morecambe.
Rod Taylor and Graham Howse do great jobs as co-chairmen, likewise James Wakefield and Charlie Appleyard as directors, but the problem is with the person putting the money in – or not.
Jason Whittingham hasn’t communicated often and, when he has, his word hasn’t proved trustworthy, yet the club’s future hinges on whether, and how quickly, the owner will sell.
In the meantime, though, there’s been enough in the kitty for Morecambe to recruit – with the first 15 signings revealed in one announcement!
Of those, centre-backs George Ray and Jamie Sott, left-backs Adam Lewis and David Tutonda plus midfielders Tom White and Callum Jones, the latter on loan from Hull, are among the better additions on a measly budget.
Harry Burgoyne could be a decent back-up, as well, to an experienced goalkeeper in Simon Moore, who remained under contract from last season.
At least six of the other recruits may not be up to the level, however, and wouldn’t necessarily have got offers in the National League, let alone the EFL, were it not for Morecambe’s compromised financial position.
Defensive utility man Yann Songo’o and forward Jordan Slew take that number to eight but, in their case, it’s more the relationship with manager Derek Adams that has swayed the deal, with the duo having worked with the Scot multiple times previously.
Pound-for-pound, this is one of the worst squads on paper in recent League Two history, but it’s also one of the best managers.
In fact, only Gareth Ainsworth and John Coleman are on a par with Adams, when it comes to consistently delivering results in the Football League against the odds.
The trade-off intrigues, because it’s plausible that even Adams can’t get results with this group, and that he may leave the club a third time if ownership problems persist, in which case Morecambe could end up with a points tally close to 2021-22 Scunthorpe’s 26.
This is a fanbase that’s used to adversity, though, and one benefit of these circumstances is that, unlike almost every other club, none of the fans will complain about the quality of the signings.
Reminiscent of simpler times, perhaps, they’ll just sing all season and cheer on the lads, which bodes nicely for harmony.
Supporters are behind everyone associated other than Whittingham and, despite the challenges he’s caused, the club still puts together an efficient, day-to-day operation, having overcome similar obstacles before.
There is a likelihood, therefore, that Adams can keep the Shrimps within touching distance going into January, through his wily nous and tailored game-plans.
From that point, it’s all about whether a takeover happens in time to support a January recruitment drive that might – just – see them over the line.
It’ll be a close call though. Hang on to your hats…
23rd – Harrogate Town
After beginning their EFL journey with three seasons of comfortable safety, Harrogate enjoyed progress in 2023-24, even if their brief flirt with the Play-Offs came to nothing in a 13th-placed finish.
Another spot in the lower vicinity looked likely after five defeats in their opening seven league games, but it was then just six losses in the following 25 with goalkeeper James Belshaw’s return lifting morale, before a 9-2 drubbing at Mansfield caused a drop-off of three wins in 14.
Now, the Sulphurites intend to establish themselves in midtable with a reliable core of centre-back Anthony O’Connor, left-back Matty Foulds, technician George Thomson and Belshaw, plus greater strength on the flanks.
Boss Simon Weaver has enhanced those areas with high-potential assets in Stephen Duke-McKenna and Ellis Taylor hitching up in North Yorkshire, while Zico Asare is an athletic young right-back who comes highly regarded from Maidenhead.
As such, Town have a group of seven or eight players good enough to see them attain another midtable finish – yet question marks lie over the rest.
The indications are that Weaver might not bring any more players in, which is understandable with a squad already of 21, and owner Irving Weaver unable to invest to the same extent he has previously.
Declining to strengthen further, however, would leave Harrogate short at centre-back, where the dominant Rod McDonald departs for Notts County, and neither Warren Burrell nor Liam Gibson can realistically replace his imposing aerial prowess.
Up top, meanwhile, neither Jack Muldoon nor Sam Folarin are out-and-out centre-forwards: Josh March is, but the 27-year-old netted just once in 29 league appearances last season, 15 from the bench.
And, although there’s depth in midfield, with Dean Cornelius, Josh Falkingham, Levi Sutton and Stephen Dooley vying for two spots, neither represent the general that can be trusted to really stamp their mark on games.
So, with the spine in question, Belshaw aside, it’s not the best platform for the talented wingers, or even the creative Matty Daly in the #10 role, to show what they can do.
Decent quality in goal, at full-back and out wide might become less relevant when the centre-backs aren’t winning their headers, the midfielders aren’t winning their tussles, and the strikers aren’t putting chances away.
This could be a long season…
24th – Accrington Stanley
Moving on from club legend John Coleman would have been a wrench for Accrington Stanley in any circumstances, perhaps especially considering the acrimonious way the association ended.
Owner Andy Holt deserves immense credit for enhancing the club on commercial, financial and infrastructural levels since taking over in 2015, and the club has enjoyed untold success in the subsequent nine years – partly thanks to his efforts, likewise Coleman’s ability to consistently achieve against the odds.
Holt’s decision to part company with Coleman was therefore questionable, and his handling of the exit was careless at best, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth for some that may just last into the new campaign, especially if things start badly.
There broadly remains in the fanbase a willingness to start afresh and support new manager John Doolan, a respected part of the previous regime as a shrewd strategist, while assistant Ged Brannan is a talented coach returning from Morecambe.
With extra staff to make delegation easier for the number one, and early recruitment, there’s some room for optimism, which might grow if Kelsey Mooney and Jimmy Knowles make their two-league step up from Boston a successful one.
That’s a big ask, though, and last season’s three top performers – centre-back Brad Hills, on loan from Norwich, winger Jack Nolan and attacking midfielder Tommy Leigh – have all departed.
As such, hot prospects Connor O’Brien, Dan Martin and Alex Henderson have got to develop quickly, in their respective right-back, deeper midfield and attacking midfield roles – though O’Brien, in particular, is one to watch.
The squad only has proven quality in the shape of driven right-back Donald Love and 6’4” centre-back Farrend Rawson, who have also been poached from Morecambe, plus Shaun Whalley and Seamus Conneely, 36 and 35 respectively: not a lot to go off.
And, whereas Stanley have pulled through tough times previously through spirit and togetherness throughout the club, recent actions make that seem less of a sure thing.
