With 4 teams being promoted and 2 relegated, half the teams bankrolled and half the teams on a shoestring budget, League 2 can be one of the hardest leagues in the world to predict. However, Matthe O’Regan and Oli has attempted it, so strap in and prepare to be angry when we have your team 2 places lower than you had in your head.
1. Stockport
I feel there are back-to-back titles heading to Stockport. After winning a very strong National League with arguably the strongest team to exist in the fifth tier, the Hatters show no signs of slowing down. Even though they are blessed with a lot of cash, their summer signings have indicated County are spending wisely.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Lewis were brought in from Torquay. Lemonheigh-Evans hit double figures for goals and assists in consecutive seasons for The Gulls and adds to an already strong midfield of Ollie Crankshaw and Antoni Sarcevic who have already shown themselves shrewd operators in the football league. William Collar signing a new contract is another boost for Dave Challinor’s side. Akil Wright brings strength and tenacity having joined from York. Joe Lewis brings youth and massively augments the defence. Perhaps their most impressive signing so far is Fraser Horsfall. Horsfall joins after being part of the best defensive side in the league in Northampton, also chipping in with a staggering nine goals. Kyle Wooton comes in from Notts County to provide back-up to the clinical partnership of Paddy Madden and Scott Quigley, both players who have proven themselves in the football league.
With an experienced manager in Dave Challinor, a ready-made football league team sprinkled with impressive signings, serious financial backing and a large fanbase, I see no reason why Stockport won’t make it back-to- back promotions.
Bet: Bradford and Stockport to finish top 2 – 25/1 – Sky Bet
2. Bradford
Sparky to spark life into Bradford! In second place I have sleeping giants Bradford. Despite a 14th place finish last season, optimism is brewing in West Yorkshire.
Big name departures Charles Vernam, Paudie O’Connor and Elliot Watt will have no doubt weakened the Bantams, but Mark Hughes seems to be stamping his authority on the side with a host of ins and outs. In goal, Harry Lewis joins on a permanent basis after being released by Southampton. He will be protected by the commanding Matty Platt who joins on a free from Barrow, and Romoney Critchlow who joins on loan from Huddersfield. Impressive young defender Timi Odusina also joins from Hartlepool so Bradford are certainly not shy of options defensively. The long-awaited pursuit of a right back has been ended, with Brad Halliday being signed, In midfield Ryan East and Emmanuel Osadebe arrive from Swindon and Walsall respectively. Hughes has pulled off a real coup convincing Richie Smallwood to drop down a couple of divisions. Winger Jamie Walker returns, this time permanently, after a short but sweet loan spell. He will be joined on the wings by Harry Chapman, a player who showcased his fine technical ability at Shrewsbury a couple of seasons back. The versatile Jake Young arrives from Forest Green alongside powerful target man Vadaine Oliver to provide more firepower upfront, adding to an already impressive armoury of Abo Eisa, Lee Angol and Andy Cook.
Bradford were third in the league for shots per 90, averaging 13.7 per game. However, they only ranked 14th for goals. Cook will be hoping to better last season’s goal tally of 12. If Hughes can get the Bantams firing, expect them challenging for the title.
Bet: Bradford top Northern Club – 2.10 – Bet 365
3. Mansfield
Just squeezing into the autos is Mansfield. After struggling early in the season lingering towards the bottom of the league, a fine unbeaten run saw them propel up the table, finishing 7th, before a disappointing 3-0 play-off final defeat to Port Vale ended the Stags season. With an experienced manager in Nigel Clough, Mansfield have all the tools to be at the top end of the table yet again.
Talented goalkeeper Nathan Bishop returns to parent club Manchester United, whilst commanding centre back Farrend Rawson makes a step-up to League One Morecambe. In terms of incomings- Christy Pym has signed on loan from Peterborough, as well as talented striker Will Swan from fellow Midlands club Nottingham Forest. Commanding centre midfielder Hiram Boateng joins on a free after being released by MK Dons. Boateng joins a midfield already containing the experienced John-Joe O’Toole and Stephen Quinn. Mansfield boasts one of the most creative players in the league in Stephen McLaughlin. The 32-year-old full back averaged 1.6 key passes per game as well as 9 assists throughout the season.
Despite looking very strong towards the end of last season, the departures of loan players, in particular Jamie Murphy, Matty Longstaff and Nathan Bishop will be a big miss for Mansfield, but Clough has enough experience at his disposal to take the Stags up.
Bet: Mansfield top 7 finish – 2.1 Sky Bet
4. Northampton
Cobblers fans might feel aggrieved at being left out of the automatics after a strong season last time out that saw them narrowly miss out in the play-offs. There’s certainly reason to be bullish about their chances having kept the majority of their key players and they have strong foundations to build on having had the second best defensive record in the entire Football League last season. How that defence holds up without lynchpin Fraser Horsfall remains to be seen but expect them to be a tough nut to crack again. Jon Brady will have them organised and happy to surrender possession, relying on their physicality and threat from set-pieces to see them through – a formula which has been the blueprint for success in League Two for many a year.
The concerns for Northampton will be going forwards and in particular a lack of creativity in midfield to break down those stubborn sides who will sit in with a low block. Cobblers managed only 61 goals last season and were a lowly 19th in the table on shots per game with their goal threat far too often reliant on the aforementioned Horsfall and centre back partner John Guthrie who combined for over a quarter of their goals. With just 27 goals from open play (18th place in League Two), it’s clear that they struggle for creativity and they are yet to address that in the transfer window so far. Ben Fox looks an impressive signing in central midfield but with just one assist to his name for Grimsby last season, he’s not the creative spark they need.
Northampton have strengthened up top with the signing of Danny Hylton who on paper could be just the goalscorer they’re missing but at 33 years old and having been a bit part player for Luton for the past 3 years, question marks remain over his fitness. Couple this with a lack of midfield ingenuity and the fact there are sides who have a lot more to offer going forward and this could be the difference between a push for the automatic places and having to settle for the play-offs once again.
Bet: Northampton top 7 finish – 2.30 Bet 365
5. Tranmere
After a 9th place finish last campaign, I am backing Tranmere to go a step further and finish in the play-off places.
I found the passing statistics for Rovers interesting. They ranked 9th in the league for short passes completed last season and 13th for long passes completed. This shows that Mellon is not afraid to switch his style up when necessary; an important trait in lower league football.
Just like Bradford and Stockport, Tranmere have completed most of their transfer business early. They have also supposedly trimmed the wage bill and the age of the squad. 40-year-old Peter Clarke has joined Walsall, 35-year old’s Nicky Maynard, Nathaniel Knight-Percival & Sam Foley have also been let go. 30-year-old+ Jay Spearing & Callum McManaman join the large departure list. Rovers obviously have re-invigorated their recruitment plans, with 30-year-old Jon Nolan from Bristol Rovers the oldest incoming. 29-year-old Neil Byrne arrives from Hartlepool as well as 27-year-old Paul Lewis from Northampton. These 3 experienced signings come after impressing in this league last season and will be big figures in the dressing room.
As-well as these signings, Tranmere have snapped up young talent being released by Premier League clubs. Ex Man United scholar Ben Hockenhull arrives from Brentford B, as well as Everton youngster Rhys Hughes. Reece McAlear joins from Norwich, whereas Ethan Bristow from Reading is a very impressive coup. Luke Robinson joins on loan from Wigan. He is a left back who excels defensively and can slot into a back 3 playing centre back. If the youth tap into their unfulfilled potential, Tranmere could be one to watch this season.
Bet: Tranmere top half finish – 1.72- Sky Bet
6. Salford
Forever the pre-season favourites with the bookies to win the title, Salford never seems to live up to this hype. Constant chopping and changing of managers and playing squad means there has been no continuity and consistency from the class of 92’s team.
Neil Wood embarks on his maiden managerial season, looking to finally get Salford to League one for the first time in their history. The ex-Man United academy coach is highly regarded tactically, so it will be interesting to see how he copes with the man-management side of coaching.
The Ammies have had a surprisingly quiet transfer window- perhaps favouring quality over quantity. Josh Morris, Donald Love, Ashley Hunter, Luke Burgess and Ian Henderson have left the Galaticos, as Wood looks to trim the squad size down. Combative central midfielder Elliot Watt joins from Bradford after being linked with moves higher up the pyramid. He will be joined in midfield by the creative maestro Stevie Mallan, coming in from Malatyaspor in Turkey. Striker Callum Hendry also joins from St Johnstone. Salford have obviously broadened their scouting network as former Barnsley winger Elliot Simoes signs from Nancy in France. The early signs from Pre-Season is that Wood will favour a possession-orientated game.
With an already talented side mixed with impressive signings and a tactically astute manager, this may finally be Salford’s year.
7. Swindon
Swindon Town have been one of the most difficult teams to place in this preview. On the one hand you have one of the divisions’ most expansive footballing sides from last season who garnered many plaudits for their style of play which saw them finish as the top scoring team and earned them a place in the play-offs. On the other hand, from that side they’ve lost manager Ben Garner to Charlton and he’s taken with him two key players in goalkeeper Wollacott and attacking midfielder Jack Payne who had 18 goal contributions last season. How much of their style was reliant on Garner’s instruction will show in the coming months but this much change is enough to put doubts in the mind about Swindon’s chances this season.
A huge positive for Town at the time of writing is that they’ve managed to keep hold of Harry McKirdy and Louis Reed. Play-off penalty miss aside, McKirdy was one of last season’s most dangerous players as he contributed 22 goals and 8 assists and yet somehow if asked to name their most valuable player, most Robins fans would respond with Reed. IF – and it’s a big if with Garner and other bigger clubs sniffing around – Swindon can keep hold of these two, their chances of success improve enormously. Lose one of them or even both players and we may be seeing Town in the lower reaches of mid-table.
Whilst there have been outgoings, there’s plenty of new arrivals at The County Ground and there’s definitely positive signs with the signings of Tom Clayton, Saidou Khan and Angus McDonald catching the eye in particular. Scott Lindsay has clearly prioritised the defence this summer and with plenty of Championship appearances on his resume, McDonald brings experience and quality. Clayton will make a solid partner for McDonald and arrives captained Liverpool U23’s. Khan is a tidy midfielder who will fit seamlessly in to Swindon’s ball retention heavy style and a player who Chesterfield fans were sad to see go. They will still be in the market for a marquee number 9 but if these new signings click in to gear and Swindon cling on to their star players, don’t be surprised to see them further up the table giving the big boys a run for the automatics.
8. Leyton Orient
Richie Wellens’ Leyton Orient side were the definition of a middle of the road side last season. A strong start to the season saw fans dreaming of a play-off push but this was curtailed by a run of 15 games without a win from December to mid-March. The appointment of Wellens saw an upturn in form that has again given Orient fans reason to believe they could be in contention this season.
On the transfers side of things, it is largely the same squad that Wellens inherited with the only real outgoing player being Hector Kyprianou who has moved to Peterborough. Players coming in include the permanent signing of Theo Archibald who contributed 8 goals and 9 assists last season as well as new faces George Moncur and Anthony Georgiou. Securing Archibald on a permanent deal is particularly key as his set-piece delivery saw Orient score 19 goals from such occasions last season, the third most in League Two. Moncur signs from Hull having played the most part of his career at a higher level with Luton and Barnsley and will bring a touch of class as well as strong battling qualities to the O’s midfield. He’s a real coup for a League Two side and could well be one of the signings of the season. Adding these players to a squad that boasts a front line of real depth in Harry Smith, Ruel Sotiriou and Aaron Drinan means there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
With all of these positive signs, it was a shock to see Richie Wellens so frustrated in his post-match interview after a pre-season friendly with Potters Bar Town recently where he mentioned ‘not being able to pick a team that is functioning the way we want it to’ which suggests that all is not well at Brisbane Road. With a manager sounding so disillusioned by the state of his squad, it’s looking like Leyton Orient will be pushing for the play-offs but may just fall short.
Bet: Harry Smith Top Scorer 26/1 (each way) Bet 365
9. Doncaster
Doncaster are a team low on confidence, but one with the building blocks in place to survive.
I managed to catch a Doncaster game towards the end of the season, a home game vs Charlton when relegation was already all but confirmed. They went 1-0 down early and that’s how the game finished. They were lucky to only lose 1-0 as it should’ve been about 5. It was a lacklustre and gutless display devoid of any quality. I know it’s a new season and a fresh start in the league below, but when teams hit a rut, it can be very difficult to get out of.
As expected, Rovers had a clear-out, releasing 9 senior players. However, they have recruited smartly (in parts) so far this summer. George Miller has signed on a free transfer after bagging 12 goals on loan at Walsall last season. He will be supplied by Luke Molyneux, a player who excelled at Hartlepool last season., Adam Long arrives to partner the supremely talented Joseph Olowu at centre back. Doncaster fought off competition from Scotland and other EFL clubs for the signature of highly rated left back James Maxwell after rejecting a contract at Rangers. Harrison Biggins will provide energy in midfield after signing from Fleetwood but may have to wait for his chance as he is likely to be behind Adam Clayton and Ben Close in the pecking order. The signing of Lee Tomlin is potentially massive, if the creative maestro can find his Peterborough form. When signing for Doncaster, Tomlin said ‘I didn’t think football could make me happy again, but I’ve not been this happy in a long time.’ The signs are certainly positive for Tomlin and Doncaster and if they can keep him fit and happy, he is the best player in the league.
‘Donny’ have also managed to retain some players who will be important ahead of this season. Kyle Knoyle will be hoping to impress at right back after being named in the League 2 team of the season in the 2020/21 season. Tommy Rowe has been making strides to replace Tom Anderson as captain, with the winger turned left-back a rare bright spark at the Keepmoat last season.
Despite a nice core to the team, Doncaster are crying out for cover at full back. They may also need a striker, as if Miller gets injured, they may struggle for goals. Gary McSheffery is also embarking on his first full season as a manager, so the jury is still out on him. He has a big task on his hands to turn last season’s 2nd worst goalscorers and 3rd worst defence into a cohesive team again. Like Gillingham, I think the aim for Doncaster is to clear deadwood, remove toxicity from the club and slowly rebuild to promotion,
10. Gillingham
After a turgid season under Steve Evans, Gillingham turned to Neil Harris for the final 18 games of the season to attempt to save them. However, Harris was unable to lead the poor, demotivated squad to survival.
After a final day 2-0 defeat to Rotherham, Harris lambasted his side and hinted at major squad upheaval. Harris has stuck to his promise, with 11 departing players being replaced by 10 through the door. Talented centre-back Jack Tucker leaving for MK Dons and midfielder Ben Thompson heading to Peterborough will be big blow for Gillingham,. However, Gills fans and Harris alike won’t be sorry to see the other 9 depart.
Jake Turner, signed from Newcastle, and Ashley Maynard-Brewer on loan from Charlton will compete for the number 1 shirt. Will Wright joins after impressing with Dagenham & Redbridge and will be vying for the right-back role with Cheye Alexander after a solid season at AFC Wimbledon. Ryan Law joins on loan with rave reviews from Plymouth, with David Tutonda providing reliable back up. The aforementioned departing Jack Tucker has been replaced by highly rated Indonesian Elkan Baggott on loan from Ipswich. Scott Kashket is a steady option to have in attacking areas, although he won’t set the world alight. Big target man Mikael Mandron comes in from Crewe after scoring 7 goals in the league above. He is a strong and pacy striker that will excel with a finisher next to him. 35-year-old Shawn Williams adds much needed experience in the midfield for Harris’s side and is the only signing above 27. This shows that Gillingham are happy to build a team ready to compete next season and to consolidate this season.
Neil Harris is a manager with a reputation for playing more direct football, and the signing of Mandron indicated this would be the case. However, the early indications from pre-season show that Harris will encourage his team to get the ball down and play, even with Mandron on the pitch. This will be a game-changer for Gillingham as they will have varying styles of play to break teams down. I like Harris and I like the recruitment. However, he has a big rebuilding job on his hands and more bodies are needed, so I am sure he will settle for a top-half finish.
11. Walsall
Continuity and a solid foundation are often the hallmarks of a side set-up to do well which begs the question ‘why Walsall for the top-half?’. Michael Flynn took the reins at The Bescot in February and has overseen an overhaul of the playing squad with 13 new signings this summer and so the turnover can be described as large to put it lightly. A 16th place finish last season was an underwhelming outcome for The Saddlers, much of this due to their season being book-ended by poor form at the start and end of the season. However, to really get a handle on Walsall’s chances for the coming season, it’s unfair to make too many judgements on last season due to the squad churn and we instead need to focus on what Flynn brings to the table and the quality coming in.
Michael Flynn left Newport in October 2021 after getting frustrated with the lack of financial backing at the club and feeling that he’d taken the team as far as he could. With talk of a move up the Football League ladder, it was something of a surprise to see him pitch up at Walsall this year. He is renowned for getting the best out of players as evidenced by Newport’s appearances in the play-offs twice in three years ahead of clubs with much bigger budgets, narrowly losing the final on both occasions.
In terms of signings, Flynn Clarke on loan from Norwich looks like he could be the pick of the bunch. An imaginative attacking midfielder who comes with glowing reviews from the Canaries youth set-up, he can be the creative focal point for attacks as part of Flynn’s 3-5-2 formation. Walsall had problems creating chances last season and so it’s a positive sign that they look to have prioritised this position. Even at 40 years of age, Peter Clarke was brought in off the back of making 46 appearances for the league’s second best defence in Tranmere and bolsters a backline which already includes experienced players at this level in Monthe and White. Where Walsall do look a little light is in attack with much of the responsibility falling to Connor Wilkinson as they have lost George Miller and Emmanuel Osadebe who combined for 15 goals and 8 assists and so they will still be looking to replace these goals. The squad has a solid but unspectacular feel to it but if Flynn can get them playing to his tune, there’s no reason that Walsall can’t be in and around the play-off contenders come May.
12. Stevenage
Ever since their Covid-marred reprieve from relegation in 2020, Stevenage have shown little sign of taking advantage of the opportunity afforded to them. The past two seasons have seen a huge turnover of players and constant chopping and changing of managers, all of which has led to more flirting with the relegation places and ultimately surviving by the skin of their teeth. While this may potentially be another false dawn, there’s a different feel about Stevenage this pre-season and it’s in no small part down to the appointment of Steve Evans.
Stevenage were at their most successful under Graham Westley playing a style that could be best described as industrious. Ever since the club decided to go in a different direction appointing Teddy Sheringham in 2015 the club have been plummeting towards their non-league roots and seemed to have forgotten their identity. Evans has overseen another overhaul of the playing squad, keeping just 7 first team players from last season but this time it feels more organised. Evans’ sides are renowned for being direct and physical and new signings Carl Piergianni and Michael Bostwick certainly fit this mould. The best addition however, looks to be in defence where Dan Sweeney, who made 36 appearances for champions Forest Green last season, has added some real quality and a winning mentality to the squad. Kane Smith also looks a real gem that’s been plucked from non-league high flyers Boreham Wood.
Stevenage’s biggest issues over the past few seasons have consistently been in the goalscoring department having scored just 45 goals last season and 41 the season before. Despite adding Danny Rose to a front line that also includes Luke Norris, Elliott List and Jamie Reid, they still look light in midfield dynamism and it will be that lack of cutting edge that prevents Stevenage going any further than mid table, however, Boro fans will likely be content to not be looking over their shoulder for the first time in a while.
BET: Stevenage season match bet (Vs Colchester) 1.83 Bet 365
13. Wimbledon
A season back in League Two beckons for AFC Wimbeldon. With Jonnie Jackson now at the helm, it is set to be an interesting season for the Dons.
Whilst the sale of Jack Rudoni was to be expected, it is still a kick in the teeth for Jackon to contend with. Ben Heneghan also departed to Sheffield Wednesday, so AFC Wimbeldon have a job on their hands in replacing two of their better performer last season. 33 year-old Alex Pearce has been brought in from Milwall, bringing with him experience and determination. Chris Gunter, a former teammate of Jackson’s is tasked with replacing the outgoing Cheye Alexander at right back. Paris Magohma has signed on loan from Brentford. After being highly rated at Tottenham and The Bees, it will be interesting to see how he fares in his first taste of senior football. Jackson has taken Josh Davison with him from Charlton after the 22-year-old bagged 9 goals in League 2 with Swindon.
6 foot 9 striker Kyle Hudlin signs on loan from Huddrsfield after the Terriers snapped him up from Solihull Moors. I’m one to remain neutral and not make bold predictions but I promised myself I would include at least one this article- I can’t see Hudlin scoring 5 or more goals- or any at all. I have seen him play for Solihull Moors live in the flesh and he didn’t look like a footballer at all. He scored 3 goals last season in the league before, so it really is a baffling signing. Incoming a 20-goal season.
In terms of the current playing squad, it is solid but nothing to write home about. Luke McCormick and captain Alex Woodyard are a very competent midfield partnership. A back four of Gunter, Pearce, Nightingale and Osew (if he signs a new contract) is a more than the capable defensive unit for League 2. Youngster Zach Robinson is one I am predicting to have a breakout season after scoring for fun at youth league. And saving the best till last, Ayoub Assal. The 20-year-old is an enigma. He is one of my favourite players in the football league. His hot headiness, silky dribbling and the ability to carve something out of nothing makes him so exciting.
AFC Wimbledon have a solid team to build off, with a nice blend of experience and youth, as well as the stardust factor with Assal. Jackson is an inexperienced manager so it will be intriguing to see how he does in rebuilding the Dons.
14. Newport
League two’s sole Welsh representative Newport may be in for another year of consolidation.
37-year-old James Rowberry has impressed in his 35 league games in charge of the Exiles, boasting a 42%-win record. After an 11th-placed finish last time out, Newport will be hoping to push for the playoffs but may fall just short again.
A big reason for this is the departure of League Two’s top scorer Dom Telford to Crawley. Rowberry has attempted to plug the sizeable hole left by Telford by bringing in Offrande Zanzala from Barrow and the once prolific Omar Bogle from Hartlepool. They both have big shoes to fill, and questions will certainly be asked about whether they are the right men for the job. The experienced Aaron Wildig strengthens the midfield, joining from Morecambe, as well as youngster Sam Bowen from Cardiff. Talented winger Will Evans has left Bala of the Welsh Premier League, hoping to make a similar impact to that of Lewis Waite. However, Oli Cooper returning to parent club Swansea will be a big miss. Towering centre back Declan Drysdale joins from Cardiff to augment the defence, with youngster Adam Lewis arriving on loan from Liverpool in an attempt to replace the departing Ryan Haynes.
Newport have a nice balanced squad and a manager I rate highly, but I feel the departure of Dom Telford and the expiration of Oli Cooper’s loan is enough to keep them outside the playoffs. Cooper assisted Telford for 5 goals last season, the second most in the league. Finn Azzaz also won’t be returning to the Exiles. The young midfielder laid on 4 goals for Telford. Without Telford, Cooper and Azzaz, and no adequate replacement, Newport may have to settle for bottom half.
15. Crawley
It seems you can’t mention Crawley Town without in the same breath mentioning the crypto madness that comes with their new owners in WAGMI (We’re All Going to Make It) who are apparently desperate to prove that the ‘underdog’ can win promotion. Early signs weren’t good with bizarre interviews and big social media announcements falling flat but then the club showed some signs of serious intent when they pulled out the signing of League Two’s top goalscorer from last season Dom Telford. However, whilst the Telford signing is undoubtedly an impressive one, taking a deeper look at Crawley’s current squad and their on the pitch performances last season make it difficult to justify the tag of promotion hopefuls.
Crawley’s biggest issue last season lay in their defence where they conceded 66 goals, a tally only worsened by 4 clubs in League Two. They have addressed this somewhat by bringing in Dion Conroy from Swindon, however, as mentioned earlier, Conroy was a key part of a defence whose performance left a lot to be desired last season. Travis Johnson has also signed from Crewe but he was a bit part player in another very poor defence. Of bigger concern defensively is the loss of centre back Jordan Tunnicliffe who swapped the NFT limelight for the mega-bucks of Wrexham. Tunnicliffe was Crawley’s third highest rated player by whoscored.com last season and replacing him will be a tough ask for Conroy et al.
For all of Crawley’s defensive frailties, it will be interesting to see how new manager Kevin Betsy fits the attacking talents of Telford, Nadesan, Nichols and Appiah in to the side. Without Telford last season, that front three alone combined for 30 goals and so not many sides will be relishing the trip to the Broadfield Stadium this season. Nonetheless, unless we see some extravagant spending in the next few weeks, it’s tough to imagine this Crawley side having enough to really worry the top sides in the league with the inexperienced Betsy at the helm.
16. Barrow
The notion that Barrow are the bookies favourites for the drop this season is an interesting one and screams small club bias. Admittedly, they’ve hardly set League Two ablaze since their promotion in 2020 with consecutive finishes in the bottom 4 but there is much more positivity at Hoker Street these days. The appointment of one of the hottest properties in non-league in Pete Wild has Barrow fans looking forward to a season with much loftier ambitions than just survival. Wild amassed a points per game average of 1.65 across his three year spell at Halifax and finished inside the top ten in every season. He brings with him a reputation for developing young players and his teams are well organised defensively, evidenced by The Shaymen conceding just 35 goals last season.
The Barrow squad itself is nothing spectacular, especially having lost key players Matthew Platt and top scorer Ollie Banks, however, Wild has already stamped his mark on the team with the introduction of nine new faces, many of whom he has brought him with from non-league. Arrivals Billy Waters and Tyrell Warren have followed Wild from Halifax and will exemplify the standards he expects from his high press whilst Ben Whitfield and Solomon Nwabuokei make it four new players from the National League that the new manager knows so well. Richie Bennett bolsters their options up front and they will be relying on Sam Foley to bring experience to midfield.
The drawback for this Barrow side is in the goalscoring department where they amassed just 44 goals last season, only 26 of those coming from open play with no player reaching double figures. Ollie Banks departure only further emphasises the need for goals in this Barrow side and this a problem they will need to solve in what remains of the transfer window if they are to challenge for the top half. A season well clear of the relegation dogfight beckons for The Bluebirds.
17. Sutton
In stark comparison to Barrow and contrary to widespread expectation this time last year, Sutton took League Two by storm and finished 8th in their debut EFL season. Therefore, readers can be forgiven for thinking a prediction of 17th this time out is a bold selection. Matt Gray’s side finished just one point outside the play-offs and but for a final day defeat to Port Vale, we could have been previewing The U’s as a League One side. So why the negativity?
The first alarm bell comes in the loss of talisman David Ajiboye who has been snapped up by Peterborough. Ajiboye was the type of winger to get crowds off their seat and provided 13 goal contributions across the season. Whilst those aren’t astounding numbers, 40% of Sutton’s attacking moves came down that right hand side last season and he leaves a big hole that is very difficult to fill. They’ve also let go of Richie Bennett who was an effective target man, an essential role when Gray’s side averaged 88 long balls per game, the third highest total in the league.
In terms of recruitment, there’s not a great deal for Sutton fans to get excited about. They’ve replaced goalkeeper Bouzanis with Walsall’s Jack Rose but this transfer reflects much of the feeling about the incoming players – not many, if any of them are upgrades on what they already have. On paper the squad has a real feel of standing still while other clubs around them have done some great business and this makes it difficult to justify another top half push. Gray will have them organised and workmanlike as ever and they have retained the core of what is a good team that fits the style the manager sets them up for, time will tell if they make a mockery of lower table predictions once again.
18. Grimsby
After achieving promotion back to League 2 at the first time of asking, Grimsby look in good shape to consolidate their position in the football league for the foreseeable future. Paul Hurst feels at home in North-East Lincolnshire and is hoping to build on the foundations that made the Mariners so successful last season.
The thing that impressed me most about Grimsby’s playoff triumph was the resilience shown. They came through two tough, roller-coaster-like games against two of the favourites in Notts County and Wrexham, but still had the composure to beat Solihull Moors in the final. The experience of Luke Waterfall as well as the goalscoring and guile of Jamie Macatee will be key for Hurst’s side this season. They have recruited early, making sure the squad depth is in place ahead of a long season. Anthony Glennon returns to the club, this time on a permanent basis. Danilo Orsi joins from Harrogate after struggling to find his goalscoring form since leaving Maidenhead. An impressive double swoop of Halifax to sign Kieran Green and Nial Maher is a shrewd piece of business. Otis Khan and Stephen Wearne will also add quality in attacking areas. Bryn Morris will attempt to replace tenacious centre midfielder Ben Fox who has departed for Northampton.
With a settled side and manager, Grimsby should take to League Two with confidence and be aiming for a top half finish.
19. Carlisle
When scouring twitter for extra research, a few seem to have Carlisle down as dark horses towards the top end of the table, so it may be a surprise to see I have the Cumbrian outfit so low.
In the latter stages of the season, Carlisle picked up form under Paul Simpson but still finished in 20th place. I have them finishing higher than this, but not the lofty heights some seem to be predicting for The Cumbrians. The departures of Rod Mcdonald, Gime Toure, Daniel Devine, Lewis Alessandra, Joe Riley, Kelvin Mellor and Tristian Abrahams don’t weaken the strength of the team, but means more bodies need to be added for squad depth. 6’9 goalkeeper Tomàś Holy will provide a towering presence in goal. Owen Moxon arrives with rave reviews from Annan Athletic and will seemingly slot in midfield with creative demon and club captain Callum Guy. The loan signings of Ben Barclay from Stockport and youngster Fin Back from Nottingham Forest make the defence more solid, whilst youngster Ryan Edmondson will hope to find his shooting boots after arriving on a free from Leeds.
Carlisle already have a talented squad at their disposal with players such as Omari Patrick and Jack Armer amongst their ranks. I could’ve put them anyway from 9th-19th but I settled for 19th as I feel they lack a goal scorer. Get this sorted and they could motor up the league.
20. Hartlepool
On their return to the EFL last season, Hartlepool finished comfortably clear from the relegation dogfight in 17th place despite having had their highly rated boss Dave Challinor poached by Stockport in early November. However, a high turnover of players with 12 new players at Victoria Park, coupled with some very worrying form at the back end of last season where they won just one of their last twelve games, sees them in a lowly 20th position in this preview.
When assessing their transfer window, it’s important to note that they have done much of their business north of the border with the appropriately named Paul Hartley sticking to his roots and recruiting six new players from his native Scotland. While there is nothing to say this strategy won’t work, many of these players are untested at EFL level and it will be an interesting project to keep an eye on. Of their new signings, Euan Murray comes in at centre back, arriving having been part of a Kilmarnock side who had the best defensive record in the Scottish Championship and Alex Lacey also adds strength in this position coming in from Notts County. They have invested in some experienced League Two quality in the form of Callum Cooke who was ranked third in League Two for key passes per 90 minutes last season and will certainly add some much needed quality and guile to the Monkey Hangers midfield. The new signings undoubtedly have some big boots to fill as the club have sold three key players in Odusina, Byrne and top goalscorer Luke Molyneux.
Like many of the sides expected to struggle, Hartlepool’s biggest challenge is trying to find the back of the net more often having scored just 44 goals last season – only whipping boys Scunthorpe scored fewer. Jack Hamilton looks to have potential and arrives with a strong goalscoring record that Hartley will hope he can replicate in English football but beyond that, the squad still looks lacking in goalscoring threat. Hartley has a good reputation in Scotland as a very promising coach but this looks like being his toughest challenge yet.
21. Rochdale
Dale fans will have been hoping for more on their return to the fourth tier last season as an inconsistent season saw them finish in a disappointing 18th place. Whilst never under any serious threat of relegation, Robbie Stockdale’s side struggled to really impose themselves on League Two and epitomised a lower mid-table side. There were many admirers of Rochdale’s possession based football as they averaged 368 short passes per game with only Swindon attempting more, however, far too often this aesthetic style failed to return the number of points they might have felt it deserved as they lacked a cutting edge to put teams to bed.
The summer window has seen something of an exodus at Spotland with a number of high profile players leaving for pastures new. At the back, club captain Eoghan O’Connell heads a departure list that also includes goalkeeper Jay Lynch and full backs Max Clark and Corey O’Keefe. Three of these players moving up into League One hints that Rochdale somewhat underachieved last season and whilst their defensive record was nothing to write home about, that amount of turnover in defence will be a concern. Coming the other way, Ethan Ebanks-Landell arrives from Shrewsbury to add some much needed reinforcement at the back. Toumani Diagouraga also adds some steel in defensive midfield but at 35 years of age there will be question marks over his ability to play 40+ games this season.
The other standout worry for Rochdale is the amount of goals that have also left the club. Conor Grant, Alex Newby and Corey O’Keefe combined for 12 goals and 17 assists between them last season and have all been allowed to move on. There have been attempts to replace them, most notably for Dale fans in the form of club legend Ian Henderson returning up front but again, at 37 years of age and having made just 14 appearances for Salford last season, whether he can replicate his previous form for Rochdale remains to be seen. If Henderson cannot re-discover his goalscoring touch, further new additions Tyrese Sinclair and Devante Rodney have flattered to deceive in recent seasons at this level and Dale may find themselves struggling for goals. Couple this with the defensive re-shuffle already mentioned and it points towards a season of struggle for Rochdale.
22. Crewe
This could be a long season for Crewe. After finishing bottom of League One, the summer so far hasn’t done much to assure Crewe fans that this season is going to be any better. They are a side renowned for having excellent youth graduates, and the academy may well be called into action this campaign.
Let’s start with the positives. Courtney Baker-Richardson is a shrewd signing from Newport County. The 26-year-old scored 8 league goals last campaign, but it is his off-the ball work and link up play that make him an appealing asset. His role will be to bring Dan Agyei and Chris Long into play. This front 3 looks very nice on paper and is the only reason I have Alex surviving. Conor Thomas is a clever pickup from Cheltenham, bringing a wealth of experience to midfield at only the age of 28. 18-year-old Zac Williams emerged as a top talent last season and will look to nail down the left back role. Newly appointed captain Luke Offord will hope to push on and show his promise but needs an experienced centre back next to him.
Rod Mcdonald was brought in from Carlisle, probably to be this experienced partner, but he is a player who struggled at Carlisle last season and won’t fit into a possession-based, high-line side. Kelvin Mellor was also signed to play right-back, another player who failed to impress at Carlisle.
Looking at this Crewe team, I just see so many holes that need plugging, with such limited resources. They are in dire need of a new goalkeeper, a couple of new defenders and depth in other areas. Key man Tom Lowery is also departing on a free. As stated earlier, they need their attack to click, or the Alex are in real danger of back-to-back relegations.
23. Harrogate
For the first time in a number of seasons, the relegation picture in League Two is much harder to depict. There are normally at least one or two sides who are financial basket cases with maverick owners that look destined for the drop. In a refreshing change, it looks like this year the relegation spots will be decided on football merit. Sadly for Harrogate, without those teams in financial turmoil, they look in real trouble. Simon Weaver’s side won just 3 of their last 13 games last season and on paper, the team doesn’t look likely to address that slide any time soon.
The squad has seen a huge amount of turnover with no fewer than 15 players leaving and 9 players coming through the doors at Wetherby Road. The real issue with this recruitment is that the players that have arrived look lacking in quality and Football League credentials. Many of their new signings have been taken from non-league but the real concern is that these players were bit part squad players at a lower level last season – Max Wright (13) and Kyle Ferguson (9) made a handful of appearances whilst new loan signings Lewis Richards and Matty Daly are far from their parent clubs top prospects. Joe Mattock does add quality at left back having played his entire career at a higher level but beyond that, the new faces are far from inspiring. The one positive of this window for Town is that the majority of the outgoings were also bit-part players and they’ve maintained the majority of their first team squad. The one glaring absentee from that is exciting midfielder Jack Diamond who contributed 13 goals and 6 assists last season who will be a huge miss.
Another statistic that makes grim reading for Harrogate fans is their defensive record from last season. They conceded 75 goals, of which 53 were from open play, a total only higher for the two relegated sides which highlights the major deficiencies in this area. When you consider that the only real strengthening they’ve managed in this area is a 32 year old left back, you have to worry for their Football League future. Unfortunately, the quality of League Two this season looks too much for Harrogate.
24. Colchester
When Wayne Brown took caretaker charge in January, Colchester were deep in the relegation mire. It was clear that the squad was not good enough and something needed to change. Fast forward to the end of the season and Brown had worked miracles averaging 1.5 points per game to have Colchester finishing comfortably clear of the drop zone in 15th. However, despite that turnaround, casting an eye over the ColU side for this season, they look set for an even tougher campaign.
The U’s first-team squad looks in desperate need of investment. When sides have a disappointing season they typically look for reinforcements in the transfer market but Colchester have recruited just two new faces. Alex Newby has signed from Rochdale to provide some goal threat from midfield and Ossama Ashley impressed enough on trial to earn a contract. On the departures side, Brandon Wiredu was one of the bright sparks last season but has been snapped up by Fleetwood and Shamal George looks to be on his way to Livingston. Throw in the fact that this is an ageing squad with Alan Judge (35), Luke Chambers (36) and Cole Skuse (36) making 110 starts between them last season and it’s not hard to empathise with the Colchester fans who are desperate for Robbie Cowling to dip in to his pockets.
Another huge area of concern is their goalscoring record where once again they have put faith in a front line of Freddie Sears, John Akinde and Frank Nouble – the same front line who contributed to a team scoring just 24 goals from open play last season, the joint third-worst record. Sears did return a career-best 14 goals last season but beyond him and Noah Chilvers, it is difficult to see too many goals. It seems that Colchester has not heeded the warning of last season and are sleep-walking towards the trap door. Keeping this squad safe will require another Wayne Brown miracle.
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