Converse with those involved in the EFL, and you’ll hear that escaping League One is quite the challenge. In recent years, it has become congested with large, ambitious clubs. The exit of Portsmouth and Derby last season offers some opportunity, just as previous promotions for Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, and Sunderland have done.
Who aligns with this template? Birmingham stands out, although their relegation from the Championship under chairman Tom Wagner and CEO Garry Cook—and their association with Tom Brady—requires reflection. Following the Wayne Rooney fiasco, Chris Davies, a long-time assistant to Brendan Rodgers who has also collaborated with Ange Postecoglou, is a novice manager yet well-regarded. Brighton’s Marc Leonard marked the eighth signing of the summer, while Alfie May, who netted 23 League One goals last season for Charlton, suggests that the Blues may have adapted to their new reality.
Another notable club is Wrexham. Their pre-season schedule featured Chelsea in California and Hanley Town, all while setting their sights on the Premier League. However, could the fourth season of Welcome to Wrexham take a more serious turn? Phil Parkinson’s squad is set to continue playing his aggressive style. While rumors of Gareth Bale’s return to football were far-fetched, the signings of George Dobson, the Charlton midfielder targeted by Birmingham, and Lewis Brunt, a defender brought in from Leicester following a loan with Mansfield last season, seem promising.
Bolton appeared poised for promotion until they stumbled in the playoff final. Ian Evatt must inspire his squad to bounce back from that disappointment and restore his reputation among fans. Huddersfield has appointed Michael Duff as manager, who brings valuable experience after last season’s struggles under Neil Warnock and Darren Moore. Although Duff encountered difficulties at Swansea, his near-success at Barnsley in 2022-23 indicates his capability in this division. Additionally, Steve Evans brings a wealth of League One expertise to Rotherham, a club that has fluctuated between the Championship and this division every season since 2017-18.
Playoff hopefuls
Barnsley, unfortunate semifinalists in the playoffs for the past two years, now operate under the guidance of Darrell Clarke but miss their former top scorer, Devante Cole. Neil Critchley continues at Blackpool despite skepticism, yet Jordan Rhodes’s signing post-loan lends a bold statement of intent. Peterborough, also eliminated in the previous playoffs, returns with their trademark blend of strength and speed.
Nathan Jones took on a challenging role at Charlton to revitalize his career and managed to enhance solidity in 16 games last season. His tactical style, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, has proven effective at this level.
A remarkable run of eight wins in nine games propelled Stockport back to the third tier for the first time since 2010, with owner Mark Stott’s aspirations pinned on reaching the Championship. Can Shaun Maloney guide Wigan forward after a mid-table finish amidst a transfer ban? The loans of Liverpool youngsters Calvin Ramsey and Luke Chambers bring optimism. Meanwhile, Wycombe will count on Danny Udoh’s scoring ability to stay competitive.
Burton has caught attention with its acquisition by a Norwegian consortium and its data-driven approach, marking a rare occasion of having funds to invest. Lincoln showed promise in the latter half of last season under Michael Skubala. With Nigel Clough, Mansfield has the most seasoned active English manager; having led the Stags to promotion, can he propel his experienced squad further? Meanwhile, Exeter boasts a plethora of young talent, including Jake Richards, who won’t turn 17 until Thursday, but may prove too inexperienced for a sustained push this season.
Relegation candidates
Each potential relegation candidate faces pressing challenges. Rubén Sellés’s Reading remains under a transfer embargo, signaling a likely descent to League Two. Cambridge has offered Garry Monk a chance at redemption, with familiar faces like Gary Gardner and Michael Morrison added to the mix. Can Paul Hurst replicate his past successes at Shrewsbury? Although Matt Taylor managed to salvage Bristol Rovers after his appointment last December, he will need a significantly improved defensive record.
What lies ahead for Stevenage after the departure of Steve Evans? Expectations are low, even if that relationship concluded as anticipated. A lack of ambition at Leyton Orient could lead to detrimental results. At Crawley, manager Scott Lindsey has taken charge of football operations following the co-owner and crypto mogul Preston Johnson’s relaxed grip. Lindsey led the club to an unforeseen playoff triumph in League Two, but repeating such success will require immense effort. Meanwhile, the team overhaul at Northampton does not seem to have bolstered their ranks, and Marc Leonard’s departure after two seasons on loan at the Cobblers will be a significant loss.
Three youngsters to watch
Tom Bloxham, Shrewsbury, 20 Wingers of Tom’s height—6ft 5in—are a rarity, but this former Leicester trainee gained recognition during a half-season loan at Morecambe before returning to the Shrews. His classic centre-forward build provides a unique option on the flanks, and an EFL scout has noted that he can “run like the wind” once he gets up to speed.
Tyler Bindon, Reading, 19 Recently spotted playing for New Zealand at the Olympics, Tyler boasts a footballing pedigree; his mother played internationally while his father excelled in volleyball. Raised in California while his mother coached UCLA, he is a confident, modern ball-playing defender who may not remain in Berkshire for long.
Ricky-Jade Jones, Peterborough, 21 A seasoned player at a remarkably young age, Ricky has become integral to Peterborough, known for his remarkable speed, as evidenced by a personal best of 10.9 seconds in the 100m. Last season, he overcame developmental challenges to net 13 goals in 56 appearances.
