In quite possibly the most comprehensive season preview for League Two you are likely to come across NCS News correspondent Tom Williams casts an analytical and tactical eye over all 24 clubs, the managers, key players, tactics and much more. Visuals by Richard Ogando.
Accrington Stanley
22/23 was ultimately a disappointing season for Accrington. They were relegated, meaning they return to League 2 for the first time in 5 years. It was a season of finishing in bottom 4; they scored the 23rd fewest goals, conceded the 21 most, and ultimately finished 23rd in the table. There were some encouraging signs from them though. Despite scoring on just 40 occasions, they had an xG of 56.29, 17th best, suggesting they did at least create some chances. They also conceded more than expected, 77 against an xG against of 69.24. They also had the 15th highest possession in the league, so all the signs point towards underperformance, rather than underlying issues. They’ll be hoping it’s the former if they are to bounce straight back.
Manager - John Coleman
‘I’m quickly falling out of love with football’ is the line most commonly associated with Coleman, after a clip from a post match interview went viral. He may have felt the same towards the end of last season, where they picked up just 11 points from their final 14 games. He remains at the helm, a club he’s managed since 1999, either side of a 2 year break to manage Rochdale, Southport and Sligo Rovers. The 60 year old is facing his toughest task yet, trying to motivate a group of players that suffered relegation into bouncing back. He is placing a lot of trust in that group; he’s added just a single permanent player this summer, which isn’t a surprise considering they still have more than 20 players under contract, and have offered extensions to 2 more. Time will tell if Coleman’s trust in his players, and Accrington’s trust in Coleman, are well placed.
Key performers are hard to come by in a side that were relegated, but one shining light is experienced wideman Sean McConville, who has been with the club since 2015, his 2nd spell with Stanley, the first of which ended in 2011. The 34 year old scored 5 and assisted 4 more, and played in a variety of positions throughout the season. He was utilised as both a left winger and left wing back, as well as operating more centrally too. He created 91 chances, more than twice as many more than any other Stanley player, and he topped the goal contribution chart, alongside forward Tommy Leigh.
23 year old Tommy Leigh was the other man to hit 9 goal contributions last season, with 7 goals and 2 assists. He will be tasked with leading the line once again this season, and will feel he can add more due to a drop in division. Perhaps slightly worryingly he outscored his xG by 1.26, so a slight downturn may be expected, but with players like McConville in the side you'd anticipate better chances being created. Leigh was plucked from non-league, where he had a strong goalscoring record, and so far he has done well to adjust to the step up in level. He will hope that with experience in the bank he will become an even more important spearhead for Accrington.
Accrington didn’t perform brilliantly defensively; in fact, they conceded the 2nd most goals in the league. However, they did keep 11 clean sheets, 15th best in League One, suggesting they do at least have some ability in the defensive phase. A big part of this was loan keeper Lukas Bornhoft Jensen, who has subsequently signed for Lincoln City. That means they must now draw upon the keeping services of 23 year old Toby Savin, who has already made over 100 appearances for Accrington. A commanding goalkeeper, Savin had a slightly disappointing save percentage of 62.7%, and while it’s not the best metric to measure keeper performance it’s certainly something he will look to improve this season. He is a keeper with undoubted potential, and is a player that 12 months ago had a significantly higher stock than this summer; even Championship clubs were reported to be interested. His strength is dealing with crosses, something he’s likely to face even more at this level, so he should have a stronger campaign ahead of him.
AFC Wimbledon
Another side who ultimately had a disappointing season. The Dons will have been hoping to bounce straight back after their relegation in 21/22, or at least have a better go at doing that than they did last season. They finished 21st, just 5 points clear of safety, something only ensured by a strong start to the campaign. As finishes to a season go, it can’t get much worse than Wimbledon's. In the 19 games they played between February and May they won just 1, drew 6, and lost 12. Those 9 points ultimately proved crucial, but when you consider they dropped 48 points during that time, it doesn’t make for pretty reading. The xG data makes for slightly better reading. They underperformed in front of goal, scoring 48 from an xG of 54, and they also underperformed while defending too, conceding 60 despite only having an xG against of 56.74. They’ll be hoping they get closer to those figures in order to improve this season.
Manager - Johnnie Jackson
EFL stalwart Johnnie Jackson only retired in 2018, yet is already onto his 2nd job as manager. He previously had a stint in charge of Charlton, where he spent the majority of his playing career, but after a positive start, when he was technically still caretaker, he was dismissed at the end of the 21/22 campaign. He wasn’t short of suitors, and quickly found himself a new home at Wimbledon, where it must be said he has ultimately disappointed so far. Across all competitions Jackson has a win percentage of just 27.3%, which decreases to 23.9% when only league games are taken into consideration. He stuck with his 4-2-3-1 system for the majority of the season, despite the results dropping off, so it will be interesting to see if he persists with the system this season. His side like to use the flanks, getting the ball wide to get crossed into the box, for which they ranked 11th in League 2. They were also caught offside the 2nd most last season, something they’ll surely work on this campaign.
The January signing of Ali Al Hamadi proved to be an inspired one, as the 21 year old netted 10 times in 19 games to fire his side to safety. Interest in Al Hamadi is, understandably, rather high, but if the Dons can keep hold of him they have one of the most exciting young talents in all of EFL on their hands. Forward Josh Davison also fired 9 goals last season, and Jackson has bolstered his attacking options even further with the addition of Omar Bugiel, who arrives on a free transfer from Sutton United. The 29 year old has never hit double figures in the EFL, but he provides a focal point for sides he is in, proving to be a physical foil for other attackers, despite being only 6’1”.
Wimbledon’s key addition appears to be that of midfield controller Jake Reeves, who returns to the club having won promotion with Stevenage last term. The 30 year old played 41 times this season, providing 4 goals and 4 assists, a healthy contribution to Steve Evans’ promotion winners. It’s 6 years since he last pulled on a Dons shirt, and he will be determined to make a positive impact once again; he won promotion from this division as a Wimbledon player in 2016. Reeves will add vital experience, and will almost certainly be 1 of Jackson’s 2 central midfielders in the 4-2-3-1.
The departure of full back Ethan Chislett to Port Vale will have been a blow, even more so as he was voted the Players’ Player of the Season. Fellow full back Jack Currie was also recognised for his performances, scooping the Young Player of the Year award, and he will look to build on that this season. The 21 year old played 41 games, scoring once and adding another assist, but it’s defensively where he excelled. He won 66.88% of his defensive duels, a very impressive figure for a full back. He was just one of many young players that gained valuable experience for Wimbledon; in fact, Jackson’s youthful side was the 4th youngest in the whole division.
Barrow
One of the surprise packages of last season, Barrow finished a very respectable 9th, although a few bad patches of form cost them any genuine chance of a playoff push. Still, considering their previous 2 campaigns in the EFL concluded with the Bluebirds finishing 21st and 22nd, the improvement is remarkable. The achievement is made even more impressive considering they had a 38 year old manager, Pete Wild, who’s only previous experience managing in the EFL came during a 3 month spell with Oldham in 2019. His side shocked promotion favourites Stockport on the opening day, with a 3-2 away win, and since then they didn’t really look back. They also underperformed on xG, suggesting their league position could have been even better; they scored just 47 times from an xG of 52.33, while they conceded 4.88 more than their expected total of 48.12. In fact, their xG against was 19th lowest in the league, highlighting their strength in limiting opposition chances. However, despite the positives, Barrow were the only side in the top 10 with a negative goal difference, and it will require some effort to improve upon a great 22/23 campaign.
Manager - Pete Wild
The second youngest manager in League 2, Pete Wild has already made quite the name for himself. He almost led Halifax to promotion back into the Football League, finishing 4th with a remarkable defensive record, which saw them concede just 35 goals in 44 games. He has built his Barrow side on similar solid foundations, helped in part by the fact he took a key part of that defence, Tyrell Warren, with him. He also showed his tactical fluidity throughout the season, switching from a 4-3-3 system to a 3-5-2 formation. He did so in order to get the best out of his players, leading Josh Gordon to the best season of his professional career, as well as in order to adapt to key departures, as 2nd top scorer Billy Waters made his way to Wrexham in March. His tactical fluidity, as well as his eye for recruitment, set him out as one of the more exciting managers in the division.
Barrow’s biggest issue last season was goalscoring; they scored the fewest in the top 11. Their cause won’t have been aided by the fact they’ve not only lost Billy Waters, who scored 9 of their 47, but top scorer Josh Gordon, who netted on 15 occasions, has also departed, jumping a division to League 1 Burton. That means that over half of their goals are now unaccounted for, a huge challenge Wild must approach in the new season. Jamie Proctor and Courtney Duffus have arrived, from Port Vale and Morecambe respectively. Duffus has played just 9 games in 2 seasons, while Proctor scored just 2 goals in 20 games for Vale last season. However, both have the capacity to hit double figures; Duffus scored 22 goals between 2019 and 2021 in the National League, while Proctor netted 12 goals at this level in 21/22.
Wild also opted to make a move for Maidenhead’s Emile Acquah, who arrived for an undisclosed fee. Unlike the other 2 options, Acquah is coming off of the best season of his life, where he netted a career best 13 goals. This is an impressive tally considering the side he played in, who play with a very defensive mindset. They only scored 47 goals, and Acquah was left to single handedly lead the line himself. An England C international, Acquah is a player we have spoken about for some time, and one we are excited to see make a progressive step in his career.
Harrison Neal was something of a revelation for Wild last season, a key man in the centre of midfield. He was only on loan from Sheffield United, with Kian Spence brought in to replace him. Spence is a man Wild knows well, who he signed during his time at Halifax. Spence was a key part of the side that Wild took to 4th place, and is one of the best young midfielders in all of EFL. A player who can control the game, Spence possesses a good range of passing, as well as versatility. He’s comfortable as a 6, 8 or 10, and it’s this type of fluidity Wild craves. He will be key to a number of tactical systems, and should kick on this season.
It’s in the wide areas that Barrow look most threatening, with key man Ben Whitfield lighting League 2 up last season. He scored 5 goals, and laid on a further 12 assists, in a season where he played as both a winger and wing back. Used on both sides, Whitfield is capable of the spectacular, and is certainly one of the best players in the whole division. He will be complimented by another winger, David Worrall, who also arrives from Port Vale. The 33 year old wide man has bags of experience, with over 500 EFL games to his name already. He grabbed 6 assists in the division above last season, showing he’s still capable of meaningful contributions in the final third.
Bradford City
It’s difficult to truly assess Bradford’s 22/23 season. They finished in the playoff places, which when you consider the strength of League 2 is an achievement. However, they ultimately failed in their objective, with Mark Hughes unable to provide the promotion the Bantams so desperately crave. With the landscape of League 2 this season, you’d have to say that task has become even more difficult, but you would still consider the Yorkshire side one of the firm favourites. Bradford are well backed, and will be looking to build upon their 6th place finish from last season. They’ve already made 6 additions, and with a manager of the profile of Mark Hughes, it’s difficult to see them stopping there. Bradford are an overwhelmingly impressive side; they both scored the 5th most goals, kept the 5th highest possession and conceded the 5th fewest too. Offensively, they performed almost exactly as you would have expected last season; they scored 61 goals, just 0.79 more than their xG. However, defensively, the data suggests that the Bantams rode their luck at times. They conceded on just 43 occasions, despite having an xG against of 62.72. That’s a massive overachievement, so it’s perhaps no surprise Hughes has brought in defensive reinforcements, despite having the 5th best defensive record in the league.
Manager - Mark Hughes
Arguably the most high profile manager in the league, Hughes is a manager who also has very little experience at this level. Prior to his appointment last summer, Hughes had never managed outside of the top flight, a stark difference in style and level. The fact he led Bradford to 6th then is more of an achievement than it looks, with time needed to adjust to the level. The high level of expectation breeds a certain amount of pressure, and so it’s understandable that Bradford were actually stronger on the road than they were at home. They picked up 39 points on their travels, 2 more than at home, and had the 5th best away record in the division, better than their 10th best efforts at home. Hughes initially operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation, but switched to a more narrow 4-3-1-2 system following back to back away defeats to eventually promoted Leyton Orient and Carlisle. Both systems were built around star forward Andy Cook, and one thing Hughes must be praised for is building a system which facilitated his forward in order to get the best out of him.
32 year old forward Andy Cook topped the scoring charts with a very impressive 28 goals, 6 more than any other player in the league. It was a boost then when he penned a contract extension amidst rumours of a move higher up. The forward was responsible for 45.9% of Bradford’s goals, and when you include his 8 assists that number rises to 59%, showing what an important player he is for the team. A well rounded forward, you’d imagine Cook will be one of the favourites to win the top socrer award again, and in a side that places such emphasis on him there’s every reason to believe he will do so.
Relying so heavily on one player is a risky strategy though, highlighted by the fact that Bradford’s next top scorer was loan winger Banks, who netted on just 6 occasions. It proved their undoing in the playoffs, where Cook failed to make a goal contribution, as Bradford scored just 2 goals across 210+ minutes of football. Mark Hughes has looked to rectify this by adding goals from elsewhere on the pitch, something he has done with the addition of midfielder Alex Pattison. Pattison arrives on a free from Harrogate, where he has hit 9 goals in each of his last 2 seasons. Bradford need to share the load, and an addition of that quality will only help to do so. Pattison is the standout signing of a very strong transfer window, including the addition of Hull forward Tyler Smith, who netted 3 goals in just 468 Championship minutes last season.
Experience is the theme throughout Bradford’s midfield; the midfield 4 which started both playoff games had an average age of 30.75, with only 27 year old Alex Gilliead under the age of 30. One part of that midfield, Adam Clayton, has now departed, but he is likely to be replaced by another 34 year old, Kevin McDonald who arrives from Exeter City. He will add even more experience to a midfield which already includes Richie Smallwood, who had an excellent season on the left side of the midfield 3. Smallwood, who started 40 games in the Championship the season before, provided 6 assists and 3 goals from central midfield,a position from where he played the 2nd most passes in the league, as well as creating the most chances in this Bradford side too.
Colchester
The U’s finished 6 points above the precipice, despite having by far the best defensive record in the bottom 7. In fact, they had the 4th best goal difference in the whole bottom half, such was the strength of their defensive performances. It was going forward where Colchester struggled, with their 44 goals the least in the bottom 7. In fact, only Gillingham scored fewer in the division as a whole, and, along with Tranmere, are the only other side to average less than a goal per game. Colchester’s offensive woes are made even worse by the fact that 14 of their 44 goals came across 4 games, meaning they netted just 30 in the other 42. Positive things must be on the horizon for the U’s though, as since the arrival of new coach Ben Garner in March 2023, they have averaged 1.08 goals per game, and in that 12 game period they fired 4 past their opponents on 2 occasions. Garner is a possession based, attacking coach, and while it’s a limited sample size, the early signs are clearly there to see. Optimism must be rife therefore in Essex, as with a full pre season you would expect Garner to produce even more tangible results. He stuck with the 3-4-1-2 system he inherited, and it will be interesting to see if he persists with it this season, or if he looks to add his own style of play. Either way, Colchester will be aiming to finish higher than their 20th place finish, and their fans have some cause to believe they will do so.
Manager - Ben Garner
Having only arrived in March, Garner has already had an impact, producing an 8 game unbeaten run, book ended by 2 back to back defeats. In those 8 games his side picked up 14 points, a tally which ultimately proved crucial in the fight for survival. It wasn’t Garner’s first job that season, as he had been dismissed as Charlton boss in December 2022, despite having the Addicks in the 4th round of the EFL cup, as well as having a strong start to the league campaign. Garner’s main success however came at Swindon Town, where he recorded a 50% win record across 56 games. The 43 year old began coaching after a serious injury during his youth career, so he is one of the rare coaches in the league that have no professional playing experience. Still, Garner has been successful, especially from a stylistic point of view, where he look to implement a fast, attacking, possession heavy style. Whether he has the tools to do so at Colchester is another question, but you’d imagine he will stick to his principles.
Right wing back Junior Tchamadeu is without a doubt one of the brightest young player in the whole of the EFL. Blessed with natural athleticism, Tchamadeu blends pace with power as he dominates the right flank. He’s capable on either side, but the 19 year old looks at his best when driving down the outside on his stronger foot. He started 38 of his 41 appearances, and netted 5 goals and provided a further 2 assists in his breakout season. The potential has been clear to see for some time now, as Tchamadeu became Colchester’s youngest ever starting debutant aged just 16 years old. He already has over 75 League 2 appearances under his belt, so it’s no wonder that teams higher up the pyramid are circling him. He would command a large fee, so the U’s might just hold onto their prized possession.
Colchester’s main issue in personnel is a lack of a recognised goalscorer, something which potentially correlates with their overall underperformance in front of goal. 22 year old Noah Chilvers was their top scorer last season with 9, despite playing the majority of the season as an attacking midfielder. Their front 2 that ended the season, John Akinde, 34, and Samson Tovide, 19, are at opposite ends of their careers, and produced just 7 goals between them. Akinde, a huge, powerful forward, has been prolific at the level before, with 23, 26 and 15 goal hauls respectively, although you have to go back to 2019 for the last time he hit double figures. Tovide is another young gem cutting his teeth, and the teenage forward has shown promise. He was actually the U’s top assister last term with 6 assists, 4 more than he scored. His goal return of 2 came from 3.76 xG, so if he could turn some of those chances into goals he may have a more important role to play this year. He will need to as well; Colchester haven’t made any attacking additions so far this summer.
Colchester’s transfer business this summer clearly signifies that Garner is going to place trust in his players. Despite losing 10 players, they’ve added just 2, only one of which is a permanent transfer. Ellis Iandolo arrives from divisional rivals Swindon Town, and the 25 year old could be a shrewd signing. He’s worked with Garner before, and while he found game time limited this season, he was excellent under Garner in 21/22, playing 44 times and providing 7 assists from left back. Nico Lawrence arrives on loan from Southampton, another shrewd addition, following an impressive loan spell with Torquay, where his arrival almost sparked a revival which saw them take an otherwise hopeless relegation battle to the final day. A powerful, athletic defender, Lawrence reads the game well for a player of such tender years. The sale of 23 year old midfielder Ossama Ashley to divisional rivals Salford could prove to be a big blow however. Ashley was excellent after he came into the side as a regular from December onwards, and he is yet to be replaced, leaving a gaping hole in the U’s midfield.
Crawley Town
Crawley were the side that benefited from the fact that League 2 only has 2 relegation spots, as they finished 22nd on just 46 points. It did look a lot bleaker than that for some time, but they hit form at the right time, with 5 of their 11 wins coming in their final 13 games. This included an ultimately decisive 2-0 away win over Hartlepool on the 3rd to last game of the season, the side that ended up facing the drop instead. This was only their 2nd away win of the whole season; no side picked up fewer than their 12 points on the road. It was a season of turmoil for the Red Devils, as they had 5 different men in charge throughout the season, the lack of continuity undoubtedly damaging their season. Alleged off the field antics involving club owners WAGMI didn’t help, and it was only after the arrival of Scott Lindsey that their fortunes began to turn, unsurprisingly when you consider he was the man in charge for by far the longest period. His appointment in itself was something as a shock, as he left 8th placed Swindon in order to take over the Sussex side. He will need to continue to improve the side, especially defensively. Only relegated Hartlepool conceded more than their 71 goals, a tally which was 1 higher than the other relegated side Rochdale. Perhaps concerningly, their xG against was 72.12, suggesting their poor defensive record was exactly where it was expected to be. They were even closer to their xG for, with 48 goals coming from an xG of 48.72, which means something drastic will have to change for Crawley’s fortunes to improve this season.
Manager - Scott Lindsey
Lindsey managed 52 games last season, winning 16 of them. That gives him a win percentage of 30.8%, a figure dragged down due to his time with Crawley. This was his first season managing in the EFL, with Lindsey’s only previous experience as the top man coming with Chatham Town in non-league. Lindsey spent the vast majority of his playing career in non-league too, meaning he’s a fairly inexperienced operator. That seemed to follow a theme for Crawley, who also gave Kevin Betsy and Matthew Etherington their first EFL jobs throughout the season. Lindsey predominantly used a 4-3-3 during his time at Swindon, but switched to a 4-4-2 upon his arrival at Crawley. This shows his tactical flexibility, and that, at least in the short term, he built his system to get the best out of the players. Lindsey’s side has a very experienced core, which is a surprise considering Crawley had the youngest squad in the whole division. He has used a blend of youth and experience, a theme he has continued in his summer transfer business.
The signing of forward Dom Telford was heralded as a masterstroke at the start of the season, and while he didn’t hit the heights of 21/22, where he finished as top scorer in the whole of League 2, he did still manage 12 goals, the most of any Crawley player. This tally is made even more impressive when you consider he ranked joint 10th in the goalscoring charts while playing for a side who finished in the bottom 3. He also managed 3 assists, the same tally he managed in 21/22, so his overall play didn’t take as much of a hit as you might expect. Telford will be a key man this season, leading the line, and at 26 he is now entering his peak years. The fact they’ve managed to keep hold of him, especially when they seem so intent on selling assets, is key business for Crawley, and he could be the difference between surviving or not.
Midfield controller Jack Powell was a key man once again in the middle for Crawley, providing 4 goals and 5 assists from his central role. He won the Player of the Season award, which is no surprise given his consistency. A key cog in midfield, Powell made everything tick for Crawley. Despite being one of the worst sides in the division, Crawley averaged 50.9% possession, 7th best in the league, and Powell was a key reason for this. Powell was one of only 9 players to play over 2000 passes, and played the 4th most of the division as a whole. In fact, he played almost 1000 passes more than the next most for Crawley, Ben Gladwin, who played over half of those passes for Swindon in the 1st half of the season. Therefore, the decision to sell Powell to divisional rivals Crewe can only be described as bemusing. Selling your best players to other sides in the division rarely ends well, a mistake you would have thought they’d learnt from after selling Tom Nichols to Gillingham 12 months ago.
Crawley’s other transfer business has been largely underwhelming. They’ve made 5 additions from non-league, 24 year old Joy Mukena from St Albans, 25 year old Ade Adeyemo from Cray Valley, 22 year old Klaidi Lolos from Oxford City, 22 year old Jay Williams from Brackley Town and 23 year old Harry Forster from Bromley. While these are potentially promising signings, they will take time to adjust to the level. Liam Kelly joined on a free from Rochdale, and while the central midfielder amassed 8 assists in just 51 starts, the reviews from Rochdale fans were far from positive. One issue with the signing is his availability, with the midfielder starting just 55% of games during his 2 year stint in League 2. Danilo Orsi signed from Grimsby for an undisclosed fee, and while he works hard, the 27 year old has only scored 5 goals in his last 2 seasons, hardly prolific for a forward. Lindsey will need to recreate his goalscoring form from 20/21, where he netted 19 goals in the National League.
Crewe Alexandra
Middle of the pack is the best way to describe Crewe’s 22/23 season, and not just in terms of league positioning. They finished 13th, level on points with both 12th and 14th, they scored the joint 14th most goals and kept 12th most possession. Defensively they were slightly below par, conceding the joint 6th most in the league, the most of any side who finished 17th or above. Things could have been even worse for the Railwaymen though, as they had the 2nd highest xG against in the whole league. In fact, they overperformed their xG against total by a massive 12.19, suggesting they would expect to concede more this season, should the same level of chances be given to the opposition. If they are to improve next season they will need to work on the quality of chance conceded, so it’s perhaps surprising they’ve only added 2 defenders, right back Ryan Cooney from Morecambe and central defender Mickey Demetriou from Newport. Crewe were also the only side in the whole division who drew as many games as they lost, finishing the season with 14 wins, 16 draws and 16 losses; about as mid table as it gets. They will also need to turn some of those draws into wins; they were the only side in the top 14 who drew more games than they won, a statistic they’ll need to rectify if they are to break into the top half.
Manager - Lee Bell
A stalwart with Crewe as a player, Bell was appointed in November, his first managerial job. A homegrown player and now manager, as far as first seasons go, it wasn’t a bad one from Bell. He had an okay 33.4% win percentage, and Bell’s record was reflective of Crewe’s season as a whole; distinctly average. However, the 40 year old is learning on the job, and has made some positive steps, and showed flexibility in terms of the system he used. He used several variations of a single striker formation, ranging from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-1-1. He was able to get the best out of forward Dan Agyei, using him in a variety of roles, and Bell used the flexibility of his players to make slight tweaks game to game. 26 year old Agyei enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career, and Bell must receive immense credit for this. It will be Bell’s first pre season as top boss, so it will be interesting to see how Crewe shape up early on.
Crewe scored just 48 goals last season, 16 of which were scored by attacker Dan Agyei. They’ve now lost those goals, as Agyei left for Leyton Orient on a free transfer, and considering their 2nd top scorer, Courtney Baker-Richardson, scored half the amount, Crewe and Bell have a job on their hands to find another source of goals. That responsibility may fall on Baker-Richardson to increase his output; he actually had a better goal to minute record than Agyei, netting every 217 minutes as opposed to Agyei’s 255. The capacity to score goals is clearly there, and if the same emphasis was placed upon him as was on Agyei, we may see the 27 year old flourish.
Agyei isn’t the only key departure. Crewe have also lost Rod McDonald to Harrogate, and also chose to release regular right back Kelvin Mellor. 23 year old Ryan Cooney was signed as his replacement, with the young full back arriving on a free transfer from Morecambe. Cooney only managed 16 starts in League 1 last season, but despite his young age he’s vastly experienced. Crucially, he’s a winner, and has twice won promotion from this division, first with Bury and latterly with Morecambe. It looks to be a solid piece of business, bringing in a full back who is 9 years younger and already has winning experience at the level. He is joined in the backline by vastly experienced Mickey Demetriou, with the 33 year old leader making the move from Newport. Demetriou has made over 300 League 2 appearances, 45 of which were last season, and he should help tighten things up at the back for Crewe.
This is the second consecutive season that Crewe have added a loan keeper, with Liverpool’s Harvey Davies joining ahead of the 23/24 season. Crewe will be hoping that he isn’t recalled at the halfway point, which is what happened to their previous loan keeper, Arsenal’s Arthur Okonkwo. 25 year old winger Shilow Tracey also arrives on a free, from Cambridge United, but Crewe’s most exciting signing is from fellow League 2 outfit Crawley Town. They’ve added midfield operator Jack Powell, who had an excellent season in a below par Crawley side. Powell will add ball playing abilities to Crewe’s midfield, allowing them to exert greater control both over possession and games as a whole too. He will compliment fellow 29 year old midfielder Conor Thomas, who played 44 in the league last season, an ever present.
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster will have wanted to bounce straight back after being relegated in 22/23, so to have finished 18th will have been a massive disappointment. The best indication of this is that boss Gary McSheffrey was relieved of his duties in October, with the club in 12th place. Clearly they had ambitions of at least reaching the playoffs, but the move ultimately backfired, as Danny Schofield, the man who replaced him, won just 10 of his 33 games in charge, leaving Rovers finishing 8 points closer to the relegation places than they did the promotion spots. They were never in any danger of facing the drop, but it was certainly a season to forget, as they scored the 18th fewest goals, had the 21st lowest xG, conceded the 5th most goals and had the 9th highest xG against. This season marks a new beginning for Doncaster though, with former boss Grant McCann making a return to the club. Optimism is high, and understandably so, with the club bringing in a litany of new recruits alongside their new manager. They’ve had one of the most impressive windows in the league, so it certainly feels like a new start for the club. It’ll largely be a new look side too, so the woes of last season will be firmly behind them.
Manager - Grant McCann
It’s been over 4 years since McCann last managed a game as Rovers boss, and in the interim he’s been very successful. He led Hull City to promotion to the Championship in 2021, and most recently had a decent, yet ultimately unsuccessful spell with Peterborough in the league above. In fact, all of McCann’s managerial experience has come in the 2 divisions above League 2. While many may point to this as a sign of his quality of a manager (and they would be right), you could equally have concerns that he may take time to adapt to the level, something which Doncaster cannot afford due to the competitive nature of the division. And make no mistake; Doncaster will have promotion aspirations, and they will also feel that McCann is the man to deliver it. He’s been heavily backed, bringing in 10 players, which will help McCann transition away from the 3-4-3 system they used last season to the 4-3-3 formation he is known to prefer. He has shown he is willing to stray from the system in the past, but with the players he is bringing in, especially with the mobility and energy he’s added in midfield, it looks as though McCann will stick to what he knows, and what delivered success the first time he was at the club.
24 year old George Miller was both the top scorer and top assister for Rovers last season, marking a strong debut campaign following his free transfer from Barnsley. He will be joined up front by Joe Ironside, who also joins on a free transfer, this time from Cambridge United. Ironside netted 6 goals in League 1 this term, but fired an even more impressive 14 goals at that level the season before. 14 was also the number he scored the last time he was at this level in 20/21, with the 29 year old firing 40 league goals across his last 4 campaigns. With McCann using just 1 central striker in his system it will be interesting to see if he can find a way to get both men in the side, with the possibility of Miller playing in behind or out wide to accommodate both of his goalscorers.
Central midfielder Ben Close scooped the player of the season award, with his quality evident across his 36 league displays. He scored 2 and assisted 3 more, and despite the fact he missed 10 games he played more passes than any other Doncaster player, 25th most in the division as a whole. Doncaster have also strengthened in the midfield department, adding 2 young midfielders who excelled in the National League last season. Owen Bailey, 24, arrives from Gateshead, while George Broadbent, 22, arrived for an undisclosed fee from Sheffield United following an excellent loan spell with Boreham Wood. Both will add energy and quality to the midfield area, with Bailey playing in a side who dominate possession, while Broadbent provided real quality in a defensively organised side. Doncaster have therefore added real variety in their midfield, showing the strength of their recruitment.
Despite winning the Supporters’ Club Player of the Season, goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell didn’t quite live up to expectations, which were high due to his previous loan spells at the club. He has been let go, and, in a rather intriguing move, has been replaced by Ian Lawlor, who arrives from Dundee FC in Scotland. Lawlor was the man between the sticks in McCann’s first stint with the club, and the new manager clearly trusts his man to reproduce the form that led Rovers into the League 1 playoffs. Lawlor hasn’t played much football of late however, making just 5 appearances in the Scottish Championship this season, and just 7 starts in the top flight the season before. He will therefore need to get back up to speed quickly, but at 28 he is entering his prime years, and if he can replicate his previous performances for the club he will be a very shrewd addition.
Forest Green Rovers
12 months ago Forest Green won promotion from League 2 as champions, yet just 1 season later they are back where they started, arguably in much worse shape. The manager who won the title for Forest Green, Rob Edwards, is now a Premier League manager, which means 3 divisions now separate Edwards and his former employers. Since then they have had 3 different Head Coaches, first Ian Burchnall, who left Notts County in the summer to take the League 1 job. That didn’t go to plan, and he was replaced by Duncan Ferguson. Things arguably got even worse under ‘Big Dunc’, with Forest Green winning just 1 game after he took over in January. Pre season preparations haven’t gone to plan either, and despite initially promising that Ferguson would stay as manager following relegation, he was relived of his duties in early July, to leave Forest Green managerless. To make matters even more interesting, Forest Green made history by appointing the first female head coach in EFL, when Hannah Dingley took the job on an interim basis. She was quickly replaced by Southampton youth coach David Horseman, taking his first senior job. In fairness, their poor season was always on the cards, as despite the fact they won the league, they were far from convincing in the 2nd half of the 21/22 season as Exeter City chased them down. This drop in form carried into 22/23 where they were by far the worst team in League 1, winning just 6 games, the only side not to hit double figures for wins in the league. In fact, they were the worst team in a 46 game League 1 season since 2010, with a tally of 27 points seeing them finish 19 points from safety. They scored just 31 and conceded 89, so they'll be hoping for a remarkable change in fortunes this term.
Manager - David Horseman
Appointing academy managers as senior EFL head coaches seems to be becoming something of a trend. It’s had mixed success, but Forest Green will be hoping he is more of a Luke Williams than a Kevin Betsy. It’ll be a tough situation for Horseman to come into, especially as owner Vince has shown he’s willing to pull the trigger if performances aren’t going their way. But Horseman is highly rated, and is particularly strong when working with youth, so Forest Green will be hoping he will be the man to bring through some of their younger talents. The 39 year old UEFA Pro Licence worked alongside Luke Williams at Bristol City, with the Notts man the U23 Manager while Horseman was Head of Coaching. He is therefore a coach with pedigree, and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in his first senior job.
Considering their performance in 22/23, it’s no surprise that Forest Green have had a huge clearout. Ben Stevenson and Regan Hendry were key parts of their midfield when they won the league in 21/22, but both departed on free transfers, for Portsmouth and Tranmere respectively. Title winning keeper Luke McGee also departed to Tranmere, while key central defender Baily Cargill moved to Mansfield Town on a free transfer. Several other players left, but to see Forest Green rip the core of the side that won them promotion from this level 12 months ago is certainly an interesting move. They’ve only made 3 additions to replace the litany of departures, the most high profile of which is Ryan Inniss from Charlton Athletic. The 6’5” centre back is a hulking figure, and was a regular for Charlton Athletic last season, making 36 appearances, despite the fact he received 4 red cards. He will add some much needed tenacity to their backline, bringing aggression to a side which severely lacked it last season.
Another player who starred in Forest Green’s promotion was Matty Stevens, who bagged 23 goals, 2nd most in the division. He had a difficult campaign last season, where he scored just 1 goal in 17 outings during a loan spell with Walsall in League 2. At his best, Stevens is a brilliant forward, one who leads the line with power and of course a natural eye for goal. He’s still only 25, so still has his peak years ahead of him, and you have to feel that if he can get back to his best, Forest Green could be a threat. It will be interesting to see if emphasis is placed upon Stevens to lead the line once more, and if he can recreate the form he showed in 21/22.
Forest Green have made changes across the pitch, including in goal, where they’ve recruited 35 year old Luke Daniels. Daniels has been a back up in the Championship for a number of years now, but hasn’t played much football of late; in fact, he failed to make a single appearance last season, and made just 12 in 21/22. He does have plenty of experience under his belt though, with almost 150 appearances in League 1 alone. A commanding keeper, Daniels may take time to get back up to speed, but if he can shake the rust off quickly he is undoubtedly one of the better keepers in the league. This is of course based on his past, rather than recent form. In the last 6 seasons Daniels has been a Championship back up, for both Brentford and Middlesbrough, making just 29 appearances across those 6 seasons. The role of a back up is extremely different, so it may take Daniels time to adjust to being starter again. He must be praised for his ambition though; he could have easily stayed as a back up, but instead has sought out a move for more regular game time. He therefore may be fresher than his 35 years suggest, and he may just turn out to be a quality addition for Forest Green.
Gillingham
It really was a tale of 2 halves for Gillingham last season. After 23 games they had won just 2 games, and while they had only conceded 28 goals, they’d scored a measly 7 goals, which left them rooted to the foot of the table with just 14 points. Neil Harris kept his job, more than likely due to cup runs which saw the Gills reach the 3rd round of the FA Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Leicester, and the 4th round of the EFL Cup, where they exited at the hands of Wolves. Their fortunes improved dramatically after they exited the cup competitions, with the Gills winning 6 of their next 8 games after their defeat to Leicester, losing just 1 during that 8 game period. In fact, from that point on they were the form side in the division. They netted 28 goals in the second half of the season, conceding just 21, amassing 41 points; only Stockport gained more during that period with 45. You can therefore understand why they are one of the favourites for promotion, despite finishing 17th. They had the 2nd best defensive record outside of the Playoffs, but they still have work to do in the final 3rd, as they scored the fewest goals in the division, the only side to score less than 40, and 1 of just 3 sides to average less than a goal per game. They’ve been well backed, and have added quality rather than quantity, and have one of the more successful managers in the league. Their 17th place finish is deceiving, and they are certainly one of the front runners for at least a playoff spot this season.
Manager - Neil Harris
Former Cardiff and Millwall boss Neil Harris has had a tough time as Gillingham manager, first with relegation in 21/22, and then an underwhelming campaign in 22/23. It’s testament to his character, as well as the credit he has in the bank due to his career, that he’s still at the helm, and he will feel he can lead his side back to the level he took them over at. Tactically Harris was consistent across the season, tweaking the system slightly, but often favouring a 4-4-2 formation. The sudden upturn in results then can be attributed to 2 things; the Gills exiting cup competitions, and the arrival of Timothee Dieng from Exeter City. Dieng made an immediate impact, scoring and assisting in 2 of his 3 opening games, and for this Harris deserves immense credit for his ability to recruit. To lure a man who had won promotion with Exeter in 21/22 to a side at the foot of the table speaks volumes about the pull Harris possesses at this level. He’s continued that this season, winning the race for Jonny Williams’ signature, once again showing how strong his recruitment skills are.
If Gillingham are to meet their promotion hopes they’ll need players with recent experience of promotion, and in Timothee Dieng they have exactly that. He signed in January from Exeter, the side he won promotion with, and made an immediate impact. While the 31 year old Frenchman didn’t quite handle the step up to League 1, the last time he was at this level for a full season he made the Team of the Season, with the goalscoring midfielder netting 12 goals. Despite having a season below his high standards, he still netted 5 goals from midfield last term, 3 of which came in 12 League 1 starts, so his quality and end product is clear for all to see. You’d expect to see the experienced midfielder shine once more at this level, and he will be a key part of their promotion bid.
Another crucial, and arguably more important signing made last January was that of central defender Connor Masterson. The former Liverpool youngster arrived on loan from QPR, and the 24 year old made 20 appearances as he spearheaded Gillingham’s revival in form. The Gills kept 10 clean sheets with Masterson in the middle of the backline, underlining how crucial he is to their side as a whole. A 1 in 2 clean sheet record is superb, and if Gillingham are able to replicate that this season there is a good chance they’ve finished in the promotion places. It was good news then that Masterson penned a permanent deal with the club, following the expiry of his contract at QPR, one of 2 defenders to arrive in Kent on a permanent deal this summer. The other is left back Max Clark, who is as dependable as they come, and arrives at Priestfield off the back of a promotion winning campaign with Stevenage. The 27 year old brings vital experience to a side aiming for promotion.
Another experienced addition is that of Welsh international Jonny Williams, who was reportedly the subject of lots of transfer interest within the division. The 29 year old had an excellent season at this level for Swindon, netting 10 goals from midfield, and it’s a sign of how promising the project is at Gillingham that he chose them over other suitors. It is also perhaps a sign of their financial muscle, which they’ve flexed wisely this summer, adding genuine quality to a side that already has real momentum. Williams, who has over 30 caps for Wales, is a quality operator. A diminutive midfielder with craft and skill, Williams showed a more ruthless side this season, but is equally capable as a creator. He alone could prove the difference in tight games, and may get the Gills over the line in their pursuit of League 1 football.
Grimsby Town
If you had offered Grimsby fans a top half finish in their first season back in the EFL, they likely would have taken it. The fact they finished with a negative goal difference would have scarcely mattered, and this season the Mariners will look to make up the 14 points to finish within the playoff places. Only 2 sides in the top half scored fewer than Grimsby, and no side conceded more. In fact, only 8 sides conceded more than the Mariners, so if they are to make steps forwards they’ll need to tighten things up at the back. In their final 5 games it seemed to be the case, as in their 3 wins in that period they kept 3 clean sheets; however in their 2 defeats in those 5 games they also failed to score, showing the 2 sides to Grimsby. Still, the Lincolnshire outfit will feel optimistic that with Paul Hurst in charge their trajectory is upward, and that they have an outside chance of a 2nd promotion in 3 years.
Manager - Paul Hurst
Not that many sides in this division can say they have a manager who has achieved success with their club. Grimsby are one of the rare few that can, with Hurst still in charge, 12 months after he restored Grimsby’s Football League status at the first time of asking. That also makes him a rare manager in his own right too; very few clubs bounce straight back into EFL, and Hurst defied the odds to do that with Grimsby. On his way to the final, which Grimsby won against Solihull, Hurst knocked both Notts County and Wrexham out at their own grounds, the latter of which was a 9 goal thriller. He has the chance to replicate that success this season, with the 2 newly promoted sides also 2 of the sides vying for promotion once more. Despite Hurst using his favoured 4-2-3-1 at times, he more commonly used a variation of a 3 at the back formation. With over 10 players brought in already, it’ll be interesting to see if he persists with the 3 at the back system, or if he reverts to a 4-2-3-1 variation; the signings of wingers Vernam and Eisa suggest perhaps it will be the latter.
Grimsby have had strong summers in term of recruitment for the past 2 years now. They signed the duo of Kieran Green and Niall Maher from Halifax last summer, and both had strong debut campaigns for the Mariners, in holding midfield and in the back 3 respectively. It was actually a homegrown player who ran the show though, as Green’s midfield partner Harry Clifton was named Player of the Season. The versatile midfielder, who came through the clubs academy, played on 44 occasions, scoring 7 and assisting a further 2. He will be a key player once more this campaign, but due to other additions he may be forced to use his versatility to fit in elsewhere.
One of Grimsby’s more eye catching signings is in midfield, that of 20 year old Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh, who arrived from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. This comes off the back of a wonderful loan campaign for Gateshead, where the 20 year old showed both his physical prowess and his maturity too. There are scarce few midfielders who are better at protecting the ball, and as a result Conteh is one of the very best at retaining possession. Conteh will recycle the hall with frightening efficiency, allowing Grimsby to keep their attacks ticking. He’s a destructive midfielder too, and is equally capable of breaking up play. He’s a player destined for the top, and is a wonderful capture for the club.
No side scored fewer goals in the top 11. Hurst has made large strides in order to rectify that, signing plenty of firepower up top. Danny Rose joins from Stevenage, Donovan Wilson also arrives from Sutton and Rekeil Pyke makes the move from Shrewsbury. However, you have to go back to 2020 for the last time any of these 3 hit double figures, Rose, while the other 2 are yet to hit double figures in their careers, despite being 26 and 25 respectively. Grimsby’s most exciting addition in the final third is former player Charles Vernam, who arrives for a fee from Lincoln. The last time the winger played at this level, in 21/22, he netted 8 goals and provided a further 4 assists in just 19 starts. He hit double figures for goals in 19/20, when he played for Grimsby, and he has to be considered a marquee arrival.
Harrogate Town
The Sulphurites finished 19th last term, just 9 points above the relegation zone. This was despite the fact that they were the top scorers in the bottom half; in fact, only 1 side, Swindon, scored more goals than Harrogate from 9th or below. In fact, only 3 sides lost fewer games in the bottom half, underlining that there were positives last season. However, only 4 sides won fewer games than Harrogate last season, and those 4 sides finished in the bottom 4. Furthermore, only 3 sides conceded more than their 68 goals, once again the 3 that finished in the bottom 3. The task therefore for Simon Weaver this season is retaining their firepower, while tightening things up at the back. They’ve already brought in 3 defenders and a goalkeeper, but they may struggle to retain their attacking threat as key midfielder Alex Pattison, who scored 9 and assisted 5, departed for Bradford.
Manager - Simon Weaver
It’s very rare these days to see a manager stay in the job for an extended period of time. In fact, only 5 managers in EFL were appointed before 2020, quite a stark statistic. One of these managers was Simon Weaver, who is by far the longest serving manager in the EFL, with his appointment coming all the way back in May 2009. That means he will have been in charge for 15 years should he still be manager at the end of the season, a startling achievement in today’s football landscape. Not only is he the longest serving manager in EFL, he’s also the most successful manager in the club’s history, delivering not only promotions from the National League North, in 2018, and the National League, in 2020, but also winning the FA Trophy in the same year. Weaver clearly knows how to get his side to win at the right time, something he did at the end of last season, losing just 1 of the final 10 games of the season, ultimately ensuring their EFL status for another season. There are scarce few managers as trusted as Weaver is at Harrogate.
While Harrogate have lost their key man in Alex Pattison, they have managed to keep hold of top scoring forward Luke Armstrong, who fired 16 in goals last season, 5th most in the league, and was an ever present, playing the most minutes of any Harrogate player, starting all 46 of their league games. He completed 44 of those 46 games, with his 2 substitutions coming in the final 10 minutes of the games, and the 27 year old had the 3rd highest xG in the whole league, 17.66. In short, he was a vital player, and retaining his services this season will be crucial. The 4-2-3-1 system Weaver uses has Armstrong as a focal point, and playing to his strengths has clearly reaped their rewards. They’ll be reliant on him even more this season, and you’d back him to be in the goals once more, with Armstrong hitting double figures in 4 of his last 5 seasons.
Replacing Alex Pattison will be a big ask, but making the loan signing of 22 year old Matty Daly permanent will go a long way in doing just that. Daly fired 7 goals and 2 assists in just 20 starts, and the midfielder is now an experienced operator at the level. He will relish becoming the main man in the 10 role, and he will look to carry his strong form into the new campaign, where he scored once and assisted another in his final 3 games. He will be complimented by the addition of another Daly, James, who arrives on a free transfer from Woking. The 23 year old also had a brilliant season, netting 8 times and assisting on 4 occasions for a side who finished 4th. James Daly has blistering pace, and if he can work on his decision making he will be a formidable player at this level.
Harrogate clearly had issues defensively last season, and to their credit they’ve added in this department. Versatile Lewis Gibson arrives from Morecambe, where he started 44 games in League 1 last year. He’s joined by Rod McDonald, who played 33 games for Crewe last season in League 2. Matty Foulds’ loan move was made permanent too, with the left back making 39 appearances last season across spells with parent club Bradford and of course Harrogate. Unproven shot stopper Lewis Thomas also signs on a free transfer from Burnley, with the 21 year old keeper also counting Leicester City and Manchester City amongst his former clubs.
Mansfield Town
Finishing 8th, just 1 place outside of the playoffs, is agonising at the best of times. When you consider the difference was a single goal, the season becomes even harder to take. Mansfield scored 72 goals last term, the same amount as 7th placed Salford, but conceded 55, 1 more than their playoff rivals, meaning the Stags were to stay in League 2 for the 11th consecutive season. The Stags were the division’s top scorers, so the fact they scored just 9 goals in their final 7 games, when it really mattered most, will have been bitterly disappointing. There were of course positives to take though, and optimism should be high ahead of this season. They were of course the top scorers, and ranked 2nd in terms of xG, with 70.27. They had the joint 2nd best away record in the league, with only promoted Northampton picking up more points on the road. They also had the 8th lowest xG against, and if they can make defensive improvements they will be a genuine force this season.
Manager - Nigel Clough
One of the most high profile managerial names in the division, Clough has been in charge of the Stags since 2020. He was manager of Burton Albion for 5 years directly prior to his appointment, where he earned promotion from League 1 in 2016. It’s been a pretty barren spell since in terms of tangible success, and the 57 year old will be desperate to rectify that this season. Clough has kept the vast majority of the squad’s core together, with only a few departures of players on the periphery. He has lost loan defender Riley Harbottle, but made the loan signing of Will Swan permanent, so Clough’s pulling power is still evidently high. Clough has favoured experienced players, with 7 players over the age of 30 making 22 or more appearances last season. The top 6 minutes makers of last season were 28 or above, 4 of which were over the age of 30, with Mansfield having the 3rd highest average age of squad across the entire division. It’s encouraging them that his 6 signings have an average age of 26.33, showing he’s looking to lower the average age of the side.
The most youthful of these signings is Will Swan, who had an impressive loan spell with the Stags last season. He scored 10 goals in 12 starts, 28 appearances on the whole, with just 134 minutes per goal, with only top scorer Andy Cook having a better record last season. Swan was the Stags’ top scorer last term, and he will be hoping he is more available this season following his permanent transfer. A clever forward with natural finishing instincts, Swan was prolific at youth level, and it’s somewhat of a surprise to see him ply his trade in League 2 on a permanent basis at this stage of his career. If he stays fit all season there’s no reason why he can’t be one of the league’s top scorers, and Swan will be keen to rise back up the football pyramid.
Another loan that was made permanent was goalkeeper Christy Pym, who also arrived for an undisclosed fee, this time from Peterborough. The 28 year old played 42 games last term, and kept 13 clean sheets, and while he divides opinion within their own fan base, he’s clearly well rated by those within the club. Pym had a disappointing save percentage of 63.63%, but considering the shortcomings of the defence as a whole, this cannot be entirely pinned on Pym. He also left his line just 1.29 times per 90, 9th lowest in the division, but he was the 15th most accurate passer when it comes to keepers, so there are clearly strengths to his game when it comes to having the ball at his feet.
As mentioned, the Stags’ side was characterised by experience and versatility. 29 year old Elliot Hewitt played all across the backline, using his versatility to the max, racking up 40 appearances across various positions. It was a similar story for natural striker Jordan Bowery, 32, who played in both wing back positions, as well as in his more natural forward role. 34 year old Lucas Akins also featured at wing back, as well as up top, in a season where he was the Stags’ 2nd top scorer with 8 goals. Their newest additions also carry plenty of versatility too. George Williams, 30, is capable across the entire backline. Nottingham born Calum McDonald is equally comfortable as a left or centre back, while Aaron Lewis, who arrives from Newport, is capable on either side of defence, or even as an auxiliary midfielder. Clough has a wealth of options at his disposal due to flexible recruitment.
MK Dons
The Dons were victims of the 4th relegation spot, as they finished 21st, which in any of the other EFL divisions would have seen them survive. They finished on 45 points, 1 point adrift of safety, despite the fact they scored more and conceded fewer than 20th placed Cambridge. In fact, only 2 sides conceded fewer than MK in the bottom 11 teams, and their 66 goals conceded was the same amount as 10th placed Charlton. Their problems were undoubtedly in front of goal, with only relegated Forest Green and Morecambe, as well as the aforementioned Cambridge, scoring fewer goals across the campaign. This becomes even more worrying when you consider striker Mo Eisa scored 25% of their goals; without him they’d have only netted 33. They’ll be desperate to keep hold of him this summer, in what promises to be a campaign of change. They’ve not only appointed a new manager, highly rated Graham Alexander, but they’ve had a mass clear out, letting over 10 players go, while assembling a new look squad. With a manager with Alexander’s promotion experience, as well as a host of exciting new additions, MK Dons fans will be optimistic about this season.
Manager - Graham Alexander
51 year old Alexander is one of the more successful coaches at this level; he has 2 promotions under his belt, 1 from the National League with Salford, as well as 1 from this division with Fleetwood in 2014. His latest achievement was leading Motherwell into Europe, which he achieved in 21/22, so he arrives in Milton Keynes with fresh success too. He’s likely to use his preferred 4-3-3 system, which will suit star man Eisa, who is capable either off the left or as the lone front man. Alexander hasn’t added too many, but he has added in midfield, an area crucial to his system. He will get his side on the front foot, and with the winning experience Alexander possesses there’s every reason to back the Dons this year.
The Dons struggled in front of goal last term, so it’s somewhat surprising that they haven’t added an attacker this summer. In fact, they’ve actually let attackers go, with Will Grigg joining National League Chesterfield, and although he did only score 5 goals last season this was still enough to make him joint 2nd top scorer. Hopes will be pinned on Mo Eisa again, who scored 11 goals in 28 starts, averaging a goal every 223 minutes. He will be helped by forward Jonathan Lego, who joined in January of this year from Championship Birmingham City. He netted 4 goals in 18 appearances, and keeping hold of the 24 year old appears to be very good business. He’s never played below League 1 level before, has made several appearances in the top 2 tiers, and should certainly be a player to watch this season, as he’s capable all across Alexander’s front 3.
Cameron Norman, who arrives from Newport, is potentially the most exciting addition. Norman was 1 of 5 players to attempt 200+ crosses in League 2 last season, as the wing back averaged 4.08 crosses per 90. He also ranked 6th in terms of 1v1 dribbles, and was extremely active defensively too, ranking 15th for defensive duels, as well as ranking 10th for aerial duels won amongst right backs. In short, Norman is one of the most well rounded full backs in the entire division. There were suggestions he would be looking to move up a division, so the fact MK Dons have secured his services must be viewed as somewhat of a coup.
Another League 1 calibre addition is keeper Craig MacGillivray, who arrives from Burton, where he played 23 games in League 1 last season. Between 2020 and 2022 MacGillivray played 89 games in League 1, keeping an impressive 31 clean sheets, more than any keeper at that level during that period. He’s protected by an already established and strong defensive core. 23 year old Jack Tucker played 38 times last season, at the heart of the Dons defence. He will be joined by 24 year old central defender Warren O’Hora, who if is kept fit will be a key player at the back.
Morecambe
At the start of the summer Morecambe had just 6 players under contract. They’ve since added over 10 players, but still have a very thin, albeit brand new squad. Looking at their stats from last season is fairly redundant therefore, a season where they finished just 2 points from safety, but also a season in which they conceded the 2nd most goals in the league, as well as scoring the 6th fewest goals. They had the 2nd worst away record in the league, 3rd worst goal difference, the list goes on; but this is a new season and a new set of players. One thing that hasn’t changed is manager Derek Adams, who is in charge in his 2nd stint at the club. He will be hoping their home form doesn’t change much either, as they were actually the 15th strongest side in League 1 when it came to home results. Adams has a big task on his hands, as he needs to provide stability in a season of major upheaval. And while they’ve signed plenty of players, something which would usually bring excitement, many of the new faces leave a lot to be desired. The Shrimpers will want to avoid a repeat of last season at all costs.
Manager - Derek Adams
48 year old Adams is a 2 time promotion winner at this level. He’s the man who brought Morecambe up into League 1, but he’s also the man who delivered them back to this level. He will be desperate to rectify the latter, with the 3 time League 2 manager of the month looking to rebuild this Morecambe side. While Adams is a very successful manager, something he reminded everyone of immediately prior to his sacking at Bradford, it’s not been a particularly successful couple of years. He of course took Morecambe down last season, and left Bradford mid table the season before, a season in which he was relieved of his duties. Credit must be given to Adams though, as he delivered 3 of Morecambe’s 10 wins in the final 4 games, as his attempts to keep them in the division almost paid off. It was too little too late though, as his trusty 4-2-3-1 system failed to beat the drop. Adams has shown loyalty not only to the system he used, but also to the personnel. Familiar faces Jordan Slew and Yann Songo’o have come through the door, the 4th and 5th time respectively that he’s signed the pair. These signings come despite the fact that neither have had particularly successful campaigns of late, with both now the wrong side of 30.
While some additions have been uninspiring, Adams must be given credit for some of the new signings. Joel Senior arrives from Carlisle, where he played a key part in their playoff campaign, as he helped them to promotion. The 24 year old right back is attack minded, and had a successful spell with Altrincham in non-league before making the jump into EFL. He will be relishing more regular game time, as he looks to build upon the 13 games he played last season. If he’s able to carry his form from the playoffs into the new campaign he’s likely to be a big hit for the Shrimpers.
Young midfielder JJ McKiernan is an equally exciting signing, with the 21 year old arriving for free after his contract at Watford expired. The Northern Ireland youth international had a breakthrough campaign in 22/23, featuring on 41 occasions for Eastleigh in the National League. He scored 4 goals from midfield, always providing energy and arriving in both boxes to equal effect. He provided a further 2 assists, and played more minutes in the National League than any player aged 21 or below. He has big potential, and will be looking to build upon a breakout season with his maiden season as a senior EFL pro.
A mention must be given to the few remaining players from last season, as the ones who do remain generally have quality. Commanding centre half Farrend Rawson will be much more at home in League 2, a division he was a stalwart in for the 5 seasons prior to his signing at Morecambe. He will be helped in defence by Donald Love and 22 year old Jacob Bedeau, both of whom are still under contract heading into the new season. All 3 of the defenders played over 36 games, and will be key players once again this season.
Newport County
Newport are no longer the only Welsh side in the division, but more than 3 hours separate them with newcomers Wrexham, and they are very separate in the way they are run too. Fan owned County had a very respectable 22/23 campaign when you consider their resources, as a 15th placed finish secured their EFL status for another season. There were plenty of positives for the Exiles last season, as they had the best goal difference in the bottom half, and were the 2nd top scorers in that bottom 12 too. In fact, they scored 6 more than Barrow who finished 9th, and 4 more than Grimsby who finished 11th, so certainly going forwards there was plenty to shout about. Much of this owed to striker Omar Bogle, who top scored with 17, so the Exiles will be jubilant that they have managed to secure his services ahead of the new season. Defensively Newport weren’t poor either; they only conceded 2 more than 7th place Salford, 1 more than 8th placed Mansfield and only 4 sides in the bottom half boasted a better defensive record. However, their defence has been completely decimated, with 4 of their first choice back 5 departing for pastures new, all to rival sides within the same division. Boss Graham Coughlan faces a difficult task therefore in motivating a side which has been picked apart by teams with more financial muscle.
Manager - Graham Coughlan
48 year old Irishman Coughlan was only appointed in October 2022, but has made a positive impact in his first season. He took the club from 19th to 15th, up 4 places, and has a very decent 1.44 Points per Game record as Exiles boss. He has consistently used a 3-5-2 system throughout his tenure in Wales, a system he has used throughout his managerial career at both Bristol Rovers and Mansfield. With the defensive losses he has experienced this season though he may be forced to reconsider his approach. Coughlan has to deal with limited resources, but so far he has made it work. He’s brought in 2 fellow Irishman thus far, and has even dipped into the Cymru Premier League in order to strengthen his squad, something Newport have done to good effect over the last few years. Coughlan will have to deliver though, as the Exiles have shown they can be ruthless in the past; local boy James Rowberry was relieved of his duties despite having a 1.34 PPG record.
Omar Bogle is without a doubt Newport’s most threatening player. Bogle fired in 17 goals last season, 4th most in the entire division. This achievement is made even more stark when you consider Newport’s 2nd top scorer was defender Cameron Norman, who scored 5 goals, setting Bogle apart as the side’s main goal scorer. Norman has moved to MK Dons, and 3rd top scorer Priestley Farquharson, also a defender, has also made a move to Walsall. The onus for goals will be on Bogle more than ever, a task he is more than equal to. He hit 19 goals in 27 games at this level in 16/17 for Grimsby, and has played as high as the Championship. The 29 year old is a powerful forward, one who combines his size and strength with finishing ability to lead the line for this Newport side.
Coughlan has looked to bring in attacking reinforcements to help share the burden of goals. New York born Shane McLoughlin arrives from Salford, where he never really established himself. The 26 year old winger has played over 100 games in League 1 though, showing clear pedigree. He’s joined by fellow winger Nathan Wood, who was plucked from the Cymru Premier League, where he had a good season for Penybont. 26 year old Wood scored 14 goals and assisted 7 more in all competitions, and is arguable the most exciting addition for Newport, not least due to the intrigue that surrounds his arrival. The striking options are also bolstered by the loan signing of 19 year old forward Seb Palmer-Houlden, who joins on a season long loan from Bristol City. The striker scored 17 goals at youth level last season, so clearly knows how to find the net, but it’s unclear whether this will translate to the senior game.
Newport may have had their backline decimated, including the departure of leader Mickey Demtriou and keeper Joe Day, but they still have their one of keepers to call on from last season, 28 year old Nick Townsend who made 18 appearances in the league. Townsend has made over 150 senior appearances, but has mainly been a back up for the last few seasons. It will be a big opportunity for the stopper to make the step up and stake a claim to the number 1 shirt. With Day out of the way, the path is now clear, and it will be interesting to see if he is up to the job this season.
Notts County
The Oldest Football League club are now the Newest Football League club. In typical Notts fashion it was a rollercoaster to get there, with a dramatic playoff campaign which culminated in a trophy lift at Wembley. It was redemption on many levels, Notts’ 4th attempt in the National League playoffs, the 1st of which had ended in defeat at Wembley, behind closed doors. It was also a season in which they fell short in the title race, but produced when it mattered to secure their return to the EFL after a 4 year hiatus. That competitive rivalry with Wrexham may be reignited this season, but with 3 automatic promotion spots we’re unlikely to see such a fiercely contested title race again. It was a season in which many records were broken, including the longest unbeaten run in the club’s history, and the most points too, breaking the 100 point barrier for the first time, finishing with 107 points, which incredibly was 4 short of the title. And while it was a season which ended in 2nd place, it was a campaign that actually saw Notts top chart after chart. They scored the most goals in the top 5 divisions, 117, the highest Expected Goals, 107.2, and the highest average possession in the country too, 70%. Notts’ tenure in the National League was characterised by stylish football, but the arrival of head coach Luke Williams showed that attractive football can be effective too; he produced tangible results, and will be looking to do the same again this season.
Manager - Luke Williams
Before his arrival at Meadow Lane, Luke Williams was known as a highly respected coach, but one who had ultimately fallen short as a head coach. While much of Swindon’s success in the late 2010s was attributed to Williams’ coaching, when he was handed the reins himself he suffered relegation. He rebuilt himself, spending time at MK Dons and Swansea as Russell Martin’s assistant, and once again much of the success they experienced was attributed to Williams. And it’s easy to see why. His impact at Notts was immediate, as he accentuated the already established playing style, while also adding a cutting edge. He stuck with the 5 at the back system, adding a box midfield in his own twist, while also not being afraid to go 2 up top when necessary. While his tactical strength was on full display throughout the season, his ability to recruit individual quality really paid dividends. Aden Baldwin, a player Williams signed due to working with him at Bristol City, scored a crucial brace in the playoff semi final. Jodi Jones, a man brought in on loan in the latter half of the season, scored the decisive goal in that semi final. John Bostock, a man that was initially training with Notts for fitness but was convinced to sign by Williams, scored a vital equaliser in the playoff final. So while it is true that Williams’ tactical brain produced the promotion, his strength in recruitment must not be underestimated either.
Signed for a reported £50,000, Macaulay Langstaff not only finished the season as Notts’ top scorer, but also the top goalscorer in England’s professional divisions. A tally of 42 goals, an almost unthinkable haul, punctuated a brilliant season for the man who arrived from Gateshead off the back of a 30 goal season. He has not only seen his game go up a level under Luke Williams, he’s also seen his game change significantly too. No longer does Langstaff run the channels and drift into wide areas. Instead he’s a purely box striker, one who feasts off of service into the 6 yard box. His main skill therefore isn’t his finishing, but his anticipation. Langstaff’s reading and understanding of the game allows him to get ahead of defenders when others wouldn’t, allowing him to poach and end the season with a career best haul. While it’s hard to imagine that Langstaff will hit the 40 goal barrier again, it is feasible to see him end as one of the division’s top scorers.
While Langstaff may have received most of the plaudits last season, it was actually the midfield which ran the show. The partnership of John Bostock and Matty Palmer took time to settle, but once established they showed their class. Both compliment each other’s skill sets, keeping things ticking in midfield, constantly recycling the play. Palmer was the only player in England to attempt over 4000 passes last season, while Bostock was the 3rd most accurate passer outside of the Premier League, and the most accurate from the 3rd tier and below. The box midfield often had Sam Austin to the left, who will have a big season ahead of him, but his attacking midfield partner Ruben Rodrigues will not be pulling on a black and white jersey this season. Rodrigues was tasked with being the chief creator, a role he flourished in. He provided the most assists of any Notts player, and was the 2nd top scorer, which helped him earn a move to League 1 Oxford United. While he cannot be replaced directly, Luke Williams has brought in plenty of reinforcements in that area. Creative midfielder Dan Crowley arrives on a free from Morecambe, after several spells in the Netherlands, and Notts’ most high profile signing also arrives in that area, former academy product David McGoldrick. McGoldrick comes following the best goalscoring season of his career, where he scored 22 league goals, and 25 in all competitions, part of his 150 career total.
Williams has also added in the defensive department, where 23 year old shot stopper Aidan Stone arrives from Port Vale to be the new number 1. He has already shown his ability on the ball, and looks to be the sweeper keeper that Notts have lacked. He will be protected by a back 3 containing captain Kyle Cameron, who leads by example, and is one of the very best on the ball defenders at this level. A big part of Luke Williams’ system are the wing backs, where Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane had arguably the best seasons of their career. Chicksen scored more goals in one season than he has in the rest of his career combined, hitting double figures, an incredible achievement. Luke Williams has also added in this area, making the loan signing of playoff semi final hero Jodi Jones permanent, as well as bringing in Sutton United winger Will Randall, who looks like he will be converted into a wing back under the current system.
Salford City
Defeated playoff semi finalists Salford City will be looking to finally get out of League 2, a division they’ve been in since their promotion from the National League in 2019. It’s been a journey of consistent improvement since then, with 22/23 the first time they managed a playoff finish, one which they only achieved on the final day, and by a single goal. It’s a step in the right direction, but when you consider both the backing and the ambitions of those doing the backing, Salford might have expected their rise through the leagues to have been slightly quicker. It was still a decisive season for Salford; only 2 sides drew more games than the North West side. Only 3 sides won more games than Salford too, all of which finished in the 3 automatic spots. They were also the division’s joint top scorers, along with Mansfield who they beat out for the final playoff spot, an opportunity they almost grasped, only to lose on penalties to eventual defeated finalists Stockport. Their issues however were undoubtedly in front of goal; they conceded 11 more than any other side in the top 7. If they can sure their defence up, something they’ve looked to address in the transfer market, then there’s no reason why they can’t compete again this season.
Manager - Neil Wood
40 year old Wood is one of the youngest managers in the division, and he’s also certainly one of the least experienced when it comes to senior football. The former Manchester United youth player returned there as a coach, working his way through the ranks before establishing himself as a very successful youth coach, leading the u23s for 3 seasons. He was given the reins at Salford, presumably due to the owners’ links to United, but Wood has so far proven to be a shrewd appointment. A coach with plenty of potential, it appears that Wood will be looking to use a 4-2-3-1 system this year, with more emphasis being placed on playing out from the back than in previous campaigns. The permanent addition of keeper Alex Cairns will allow this, with the keeper very comfortable on the ball, and offering interesting angles as a left footed keeper. Ibou Touray was a big part of the Salford build up last season, so replacing him will be a task Wood faces this season, but with a slight tweak in system they may allow either Luke Garbutt or Kevin Berkoe to get further forward than Touray did last season. The addition of Ossama Ashley will give Salford more control in the middle, not least in that it will provide the energy and running power which they perhaps lacked at times. Wood had no issue getting his side to score last season; they topped the division’s scoring charts. It was an impressive debut season for Wood, one he will look to build on this term. With more experience as a coach you can only imagine the results will improve, and if Wood can fully establish his playing style there’s no reason he and his Salford side can’t have a very successful season.
Salford were the top scorers in the division, so it’s no surprise that they had 3 players who each hit double figures last season. Callum Hendry netted 12, Conor McAleny 11 and Matt Smith 10, with the 3 forwards contributing over 30 goals between them. It is even more impressive when you consider McAleny and Smith were often used from the bench, with Hendry leading the line from the start more often than not. Hendry was Wood’s first signing, and is crucial to the way Salford play both in and out of possession. Hendry is of course a strong finisher, but his pressing is arguably even more important. He will look to harass opposition defenders, looking for turnovers high up the pitch. With 12 goals and 5 assists he has strong output too, and will be a crucial player once more this season.
With the addition of Ossama Ashley, it’s hard to argue against Salford having one of the best midfields in the league. Ashley adds the final piece of the jigsaw, with running power and the quality to match, arriving from Colchester where he had a fine breakthrough campaign. He will join Elliot Watt in midfield, who had a wonderful campaign. The 23 year old laid on 15 assists from central midfield, more than any other player in the league. Watt only arrived in the summer from Bradford, and while he has been a regular at this level for 4 seasons now, he really kicked on last term, adding genuine output to match his sublime ability. The midfield is complimented even further by Stephen Mallan, who broke into the side towards the back end of the season. The 27 year old possesses real power, especially when striking the ball, where he scored 3 goals in 8 starts, one of which came in the playoff semi final. They are backed up by the likes of Matthew Lund, who scored 7 goals from central midfield, and Ryan Watson, who also scored 7 from midfield, so Salford really have a wealth of options. They also provide Wood with the tactical flexibility to switch to a 4-3-3, which he often did last season, and it genuinely is a really exciting midfield department.
The loss of Ibou Touray is a big blow. The left sided defender was capable as either a left back or left centre back, and the 28 year old played 45 league games last campaign, showing how important he was. They’ve added experienced left back Luke Garbutt to replace him, a player who has played regularly at a higher level, and one who featured in the Championship as recently as last season. Garbutt has a wonderful left foot, and not only possesses a great dead ball delivery, but is also a fantastic crosser of the ball. He will get forward and provide support from the left, which will be ideal if target man Matt Smith is selected. Salford may also opt to promote Kevin Berkoe from the youth team, after he had an impressive loan spell with Maidstone last term. A full back with pace and drive, Berkoe loves to attack, and will get forward down the left flank to join the attacks. Their backline has also been bolstered by the additions of left footers Curtis Tilt from Wigan, another who featured on a semi regular basis in the Championship this season, and Alex Cairns, who makes his loan permanent after impressing between the sticks in the latter half of last season.
Stockport County
Many believed that Stockport would attain back to back promotions, and they came close, but saw their hopes dashed in the playoff final at Wembley. It wasn’t the first time they’d been disappointed, as they finished 4th, 4 points away from an automatic promotion spot. Many will back County to be up there again, and it’s easy to see why. After a slow start Stockport really picked up the pace and found their rhythm; no side picked up more points in the 2nd half of the season as them. While goal difference isn’t what decides league tables, it often gives a good indication as to which sides are on the right track. Stockport will feel that’s them, as they recorded the best goal difference in the league, something they managed by having the 4th best attack in the league and the 2nd tightest defence. Manager Dave Challinor gets results; he had 2 promotions in as many seasons heading into the last campaign. He also showed tactical consistency, and is undoubtedly the man who can deliver a 2nd promotion for County in 3 seasons. If they continue in the form they ended the season in, as well as having better luck with injuries, there’s no reason why they can’t secure one of the three automatic promotion spots.
Manager - Dave Challinor
Challinor made the slightly bizarre, but ultimately correct move to drop a division in order to take over as Stockport boss. That had come after he had gotten Hartlepool United promoted from the National League, so dropping back into the division you had just been promoted from may have seen like a backwards step. Fast forward 24 months and Challinor is now a division above his former side, and had he had better luck in the playoffs it would be 2 divisions separating him from his former employers; his decision was therefore justified. The 47 year old has been nothing short of successful as a manager, gaining promotions at all 4 of his clubs, Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, Hartlepool and of course Stockport. He’s done so by showing a commitment and loyalty to his tactical ideals and systems. Challinor favours a 5-3-2 formation, one which allows his wing backs to get high and wide to support the attacks, while also allowing the forwards to flourish. Challinor might have shown loyalty to tactics, but he hasn’t to his players, at least for the most part. He did away with the vast majority of the side that won him promotion from the National League. The large amount of upheaval explains their slow start, and he will be keen to avoid a repeat this season. It’s clear that Challinor will take a more settled approach; he’s signed just 4 players compared with 12 last summer, a reflection of the state of the squad. This summer did see even more of the title winning squad depart, and shows that Challinor isn’t a sentimental manager. He’s here to win, and will be ruthless when he needs to be.
Forward Kyle Wootton was voted player of the season for County, despite the fact he missed the latter portion of the season with injury. He arrived from Notts County with mixed reviews, but showed what he was all about last season; a forward who leads the line well, links up play, holds the ball up, and can find the net too. He isn’t the most prolific of forwards, but 14 goals from 42 games was still enough to make him County’s top scorer. In fact, the general consensus is that had he not been injured for their run in, or indeed their playoff campaign, then the outcome of their season might have been very different, such is the high regard Wootton is held in within the County fan base. And while he isn’t a natural born goalscorer, 61 goals in his last 4 seasons is a very strong return. County will look towards Wootton to once again lead the line, contribute with goals too, and they’ll feel they have one of the most well rounded forwards in the division to do just that.
Midfielder Will Collar was a key man for County last season, building on and bettering a fine title winning campaign in 21/22. Collar scored 10 and assisted 6 from central midfield, as he provided the necessary quality Stockport required in the final third. He will be joined by even more quality this season, in the shape of marquee signing Nick Powell, who arrives from Championship club Stoke City. He’s not a signing from a higher division who hasn’t been playing though; he’s scored 22 goals in his last 3 seasons in the Championship. In fact, he’s been a regular at higher levels for years now, and that goalscoring record extends to 50 goals in his last 6 seasons either at League 1 or Championship level. He netted 4 in 9 starts this season, and is a player of truly immense quality. That ability has always been evident, hence Sir Alex Ferguson signed him for his United side back in 2012, after the supremely talented midfielder had impressed with Crewe. He’d technically proficient beyond belief, is equally comfortable on either foot and is capable of producing the spectacular. He could prove the difference in his own this season for County.
County’s additions haven’t only come in the offensive third. They’ve added defensively too, bringing in Ibou Touray, a left sided defender, from divisional rivals Salford. Touray is equally capable as a left back or as a left sided centre back, and it’s likely he will be used in both roles in Challinor’s 5-3-2 system. Another defender who stood out last season was Akil Wright, who arrived from York City in the summer. The 27 year old was a rock at the back, and a crucial part of one of the best defensive records in the league, making 37 league appearances. Goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe, who is a County legend already, lost his place at the start of last season to Liverpool loan keeper Jaros, but soon earned it back. He repaid that faith with penalty shootout heroics in the playoffs, but he may face a similar challenge this season due to the arrival of Jordan Smith, a free transfer from Nottingham Forest. It’s been a tough time for Smith since he broke into the Forest first team in 17/18. In the 5 years since he’s made 16 league appearances, 12 of which came during a loan spell with Mansfield Town in 19/20. Smith therefore will be very rusty, so may need time to get back up to speed.
Sutton United
On paper, a 14th place finish for a side who only entered the Football League in 2021 would be something of an achievement. But when you consider they dropped 6 places and picked up 18 less points, it could be seen as a step in the wrong direction. When you then consider the list of players they’ve lost this summer, things look even bleaker at the outset of what is undoubtedly Sutton’s toughest season in the EFL yet. Last season can only be characterised as an extremely patchy one. Between the 19th November and 7th March, a 17 game period, no side picked up more points than Sutton, 35. But from the 7th March til the end of the season no side picked up fewer points than Sutton, a measly 4 points. In fact, in that period no side other than Sutton failed to win a single game. They also only scored 6 goals in that time, 1 of only 2 sides to only score in single figures in that period. Sutton also lost 4 games on the bounce and 6 consecutive games during the season in 2 separate runs. Similarly they won 3 games on the spin on 2 separate occasions, so Sutton could only be categorised as streaky. They’ll need to improve their consistency this season if they are to stop themselves from slipping even further down the League 2 table.
Manager - Matt Gray
The man who delivered Sutton’s first ever appearance in the EFL, Matt Gray’s name is already etched into the Us history. He took that a step further and led the club to Wembley for only the 4th time in their history, in a losing effort in the 2022 EFL Trophy. Throughout his managerial career Gray has stuck consistently with a 4-4-2 system, to great effect. One of the 2 forwards often looks to drop off, holding up the ball, while the wide men often cut inside, especially from the left hand side, where Will Randall would often look to get beyond the front men, playing more as an inverted wide player than a traditional winger. Gray likes his sides to play a quick, direct brand of football, one which focuses on quick transitions in order to progress up the pitch as quickly as possible. This direct approach suits the 4-4-2 shape which he utilises, and it will be interesting to see if Gray has recruited the right personnel to continue to use the system. He’s lost some key players, especially in the wide areas, who are crucial to the way he likes to play.
Sutton have taken a very non-league approach to their recruitment; 4 of their 7 signings plied their trade in either the National League or National League South last season. They’ve signed some of the best talents in those divisions, not forgetting their roots and taking advantage of their knowledge of the lower divisions. Omar Sowunmi is the pick of the bunch, arriving from Bromley after his contract expired. A man mountain of a defender, Sowunmi was one of the best defenders in the National League last season. Standing at well over 6ft6, Sowunmi is dominant in the air, but also a leader too. He possesses a long throw, but considering Sowunmi scored 8 goals last season it’s a shame he can’t get on the end of his own throws.
One man that can though is new addition Harry Smith, who arrives from Leyton Orient, having had a brilliant loan spell with Barnet. Smith replaces the outgoing Bugiel, and will allow Gray to play with a target man, something he seems to favour. Smith only arrived part way through the season, but he still managed to bag 9 goals in 15 games in all competitions, 7 in 11 in the National League. His goalscoring exploits included one of the best headers you’re likely to see, against Maidenhead, and if he brings his aerial prowess to Sutton he will be a shrewd addition indeed. His task to add goals to the side will be even more important as top scorers Bugiel and Will Randall, who netted 6 each in the league, departed the club this summer, both for other teams in this division. Sutton have also added a man who can provide service to Smith; winger Omari Patrick joins from Carlisle. He won promotion last season, and was mainly used as a forward, but in his own words he prefers to play out wide. He could be a crucial addition to replace the outgoing wingers.
Sutton will also see something of a revamp in midfield. Promotion winner Craig Clay joins from title winners Leyton Orient, where he made 32 appearances last season, albeit just 10 of which were starts. Clay will bring experience and grit to Sutton’s midfield, something they perhaps lacked at times last season. His arrival is complimented by Christian N’Guessan, who makes the move from Ebbsfleet, where he had a wonderful season. A deep lying midfielder, N’Guessan was excellent on the ball, and constantly looked to progress the play while recycling possession. N’Guessan was the most accurate passer in both the National League North and South, and the Ivorian also brings physicality to the midfield to provide a very well rounded midfielder. He should be a fine addition, adding some real quality in midfield.
Swindon Town
While finishing 10th last season, just a year after they secured a playoff finish, would have been a disappointment, there were plenty of positive signs for the Robins to take into this season. While they finished a stark 14 points outside of the playoff places, there is an argument that they were very much ‘best of the rest’. They were the only side outside of the top 8 that finished with a positive goal difference, +6. Furthermore, they were the top scorers outside of the top 8 with 61 goals, the same amount scored as the 1st, 2nd and 6th place teams. Their downfall was defensively, but even then they didn’t have a particularly bad record. They conceded 55, the same amount as Mansfield in 8th and just 1 more than Salford in 7th, that all important playoff spot. Swindon averaged the highest possession total in the league too, 58.3%, sticking to their principles and playing a ball dominant style. Their poor points tally can be pinned upon the month of March, and the early portion of April too, where they went 9 games without a win, and picked up just 4 points from a possible 27. Their form over the whole season was fairly patchy; they failed to put together a string of 3 wins or more, and suffered 3 or more consecutive losses on 2 separate occasions. They will aim to turn good performances into results, which is of course easier said than done, but Swindon fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic this season, especially with a new manager at the helm, who may bring fresh ideas with him.
Manager - Michael Flynn
Flynn is one of the most recent appointments in League 2, and while he was given the job in May of this year Flynn is yet to manage a game as Swindon boss. He arrived after being sacked by Walsall, where he had the West Midlands side in 15th place. He has plenty of experience in the division, managing Newport for several years, and Flynn is a 4 time League 2 Manager of the Month winner, with only Keith Hill having won more, 5. He’s a manager with pedigree at this level, and he is one who will align with Swindon’s approach. While his sides don’t heavily favour possession, his Walsall side ranked 10th for average possession, and his favoured 3-4-1-2 system could suit the way in which Swindon like to play. It will be a switch from the 4-3-3 system which they used last season, but it will allow individuals like Remeao Hutton, a key player, to get even more involved in the attacking play from a wing back position. Flynn is yet to achieve any tangible success, but he is clearly a manager who is comfortable at the level, and it will be interesting to see how he implements his playing style with this Swindon squad. It’s even more intriguing when you consider Flynn has lost some key players already, such as top scorer Jonny Williams, and hasn’t signed a wealth of players to form his own squad. He will be tasked with working with a pre existing squad, and implementing his style, which may be a difficult prospect.
Swindon have lost some key players this summer. Top scorer Jonny Williams, who scored 10 from attacking midfield, has left on a free for divisional rivals Gillignham, while left back Ellis Iandolo was sold to another side in League 2, Colchester United. While they haven’t, at the time of writing, added a replacement for Iandolo, they have signed Dan Kemp on loan from MK Dons, a man who looks capable of stepping into Williams’ shoes, and also suited to the ‘1’ in Flynn’s 3-4-1-2 system. The 24 year old scored 9 goals in 16 games and also added 2 assists. What’s even more impressive is that he did so in a relegated side, performing for Hartlepool despite them facing the drop.He scored just 1 goal less than Williams, and in a much shorter span, so in a significantly stronger side you’d expect his performances to raise even further. The only downside is that MK Dons could recall the attacking midfielder, but other than those concerns it can only be described as an inspired signing.
Full back Remeao Hutton was undoubtedly one of Swindon’s key players last season, marauding forwards from right back to provide attacking support. Hutton possesses a quality delivery, something which led to 12 assists, joint 3rd most in the division. Hutton is likely to benefit from the system change, something which will allow him to get even further forward, influencing the game in the final third, where he is at his best. Interestingly, Hutton is left footed but has played almost exclusively on the right for Swindon. With departure of Iandolo, and Swindon not signing a direct replacement, Hutton could be switched to his more natural side. His versatility and contributions in terms of assists mark him out as a key player, one who will need to perform if Swindon are to succeed this season.
While Jonny Williams was the Robins’ top scorer, their main source of goals next season is likely to be striker Charlie Austin, who returned to the club last season after 11 years away from the club, including 6 seasons as a Premier League striker. Austin, who wears the captain’s armband, netted 9 goals, not a bad tally on his return to England, but he will be hoping to increase that total this season. Almost half of Austin’s tally came in one game, where he scored 4 in a 4-4 draw with Rochdale, and if he can find more consistency he will be a real threat. Austin had a very strong minutes to goal record, 139 minutes per goal, and if he features in more games this season you’d fancy him to easily hit double figures. A natural born finisher, Austin is still powerful, and doesn’t rely on pace, which is fortunate considering he is now 34. He still has strong anticipation, is a clever finisher, and will be key leading the line this season.
Tranmere Rovers
Last season wasn’t a very entertaining one for Tranmere, despite a top half finish. Tranmere fans only saw 93 goals last season, the 2nd least of any club in the league; they certainly weren’t entertainers. They had the best defensive record outside of the top 6, conceding just 48 goals, showcasing a very tight back line. However, their woes came in front of goal, where they scored just 45, the 3rd fewest in the league, and less than both relegated sides. It’s an issue they’ve clearly looked to rectify, signing 3 centre forwards, one of which scored 20 goals at this level last season. It’s quite a simple message, but if they improve in front of goal while maintaining their defensive solidity, they’ll be in with a real chance. This is of course easier said than done, especially given the defenivse losses they’ve suffered this summer. It becomes an even tougher task when you consider the underlying numbers. Tranmere had an xG against of 57.41, 9.41 higher than their actual conceded figure. This suggests they rode their luck at times this season, and if they concede the same level of chance this season you’d expect them to concede more this term. New coach Ian Dawes will have a big job on his hands to get the same defensive performances, with the jury still out as to whether Dawes is the right man for the job.
Manager - Ian Dawes
39 year old Ian Dawes is perhaps the most inexperienced manager in the league. He’s not only never managed a senior side in England before, he’s also never played a professional game, with the former Marine player spending his short playing career in non league. He is however an extremely experienced coach, one who has worked in academies such as Liverpool, where he was once a youth player, and of course Tranmere, where he has almost become part of the furniture over the last few years. Dawes was used as a link to provide consistency and continuity, becoming assistant to Keith Hill either side of spells as caretaker manager. He became caretaker boss for the 3rd and final time in March of this year after Micky Mellon was dismissed, and despite winning just 22.22% of his games in charge he was given the chance to be top boss on a permanent basis. Many Tranmere fans may view it as a safe appointment, appointing from in house rather than bringing in a more ambitious head coach with a proven track record. But it’s still a move which has its merits. Dawes is a young coach, one who is promising. He knows the club arguably better than anyone. He also needs to be given a break somewhere, and what better place than the club he has dedicated much of his professional life. Nigel Adkins has been brought in as Technical Director to provide an experienced head, and his arrival has eased many of the concerns. Dawes will need to be given time, something which is rare in modern football.
Tranmere struggled for goals last season, which becomes even more stark when you consider 2 players were directly responsible for 40% of their goals, a figure which rises to 55.55% when you include assists. Left sided midfielder Josh Hawkes topped both the goals and assists charts, with 10 goals and 4 assists, with the versatile 24 year old having the best season of his career to date. He’s improved steadily throughout his career, and he will be looking to add even more goals to his game this season. 32 year old powerhouse Kane Hemmings scored 8 goals and got 3 assists, after he had bagged the same amount the season before, but with 4 more assists. Tranmere have looked to remedy their woes in front of goal by bringing in 20 goal striker Kristian Dennis, who won promotion with Carlisle this season. This move reunites Hemmings and Dennis, who played up top together for Notts County before their relegation from the EFL. The signing of Dennis must be seen as something of a coup, and if he is given the right service he’s bound to hit a similar figure, such is his quality in and around the box.
Tranmere had 2 players who played every single minute last season; full backs Ethan Bristow, 21, and Josh Dacres-Cogley, 27. Unfortunately for Rovers, they will be without both next season, as youngster Bristow has been sold to Minnesota in the MLS, while Dacres-Cogley made the step up to League 1 with Bolton following the expiry of his contract. The pair were clearly crucial in having one of the best defences in the league, and interestingly the only thing permanent defender being signed so far Josef Yarney, who is a more natural central defender. He may be asked to play at right back, something he certainly has the physical capabilities for, with the Oldham Player of the Season making a step back into the EFL after a very impressive 22/23 campaign. Left back Jake Leake has been brought in on loan from Hull City, and like Yarney he arrived in the National League in the latter stages of the season, and went on to have a very impressive campaign. He was a standout in a relegated Scunthorpe side, and looks to be a very capable, low cost replacement for the outgoing Bristow.
The full backs may be different heading into the new campaign, but the central defensive partnership is a settled one, and an impressive one at that. It’s a well balanced pairing, with left footed Jordan Turnbull on the left hand side, and 31 year old Tom Davies on his natural right side. The pair were immense defensively, with Turnbull especially being a key man, winning a massive 81.01% of his defensive duels, 3rd highest in the whole league. Davies wasn’t far behind, winning an almost as impressive 77.85% of his defensive duels, 13th best in the league, marking them out as one of the finest centre back pairings in the division. They will be tasked with protecting a new keeper, as Luke McGee arrives from Forest Green. The 27 year old played 22 games in League 1 last season, and is a League 2 title winner, which he won in 21/22, playing every single minute and keeping 19 clean sheets.
Walsall
The Saddlers, led by Mat Sadler, will be optimistic that they can have a better season than in 22/23, with former player Sadler in charge for his first full season. They’ll certainly be hoping it will be a more decisive season than last term, as Walsall drew 19 games, more than any side in the league. They were a determined side, and extremely hard to beat. They had the best defensive record in the bottom half, and they lost the fewest games, 13, outside of the top 8. However, while Walsall didn’t taste defeat often, they also scarcely saw victory either. They actually won even fewer games than they lost, 12, and only the bottom 4 won fewer games last term, showing where Walsall’s problem lay. They were shy in front of goal too, scoring just 46 times, the same amount as bottom side Rochdale, with only 3 sides finding the net on fewer occasions. It’s why Walsall parted ways with Michael Flynn, now in charge at Swindon, and gave the job, on an interim basis, to former player Sadler. He certainly has the perfect name for the job, and time will tell if he is the right man to take them forward. It’ll be a season of change for Walsall, not least in the way they’ve approached the transfer market, where they seem to have finally taken advantage of their catchment area. If they can remain tough to beat they should have a decent campaign this season.
Manager - Mat Sadler
38 year old Sadler is the youngest manager in the league. He’s also one of the most inexperienced, and unlike the other managers in the league who are also embarking on their maiden campaigns as managers, he has very little coaching experience to speak of. Sadler was still a Walsall player at the end of the 21/22 season, so this really is stepping in at the deep end. Sadler managed 3 games at the end of last season, and tasted a win, draw and defeat, as well as scoring 4 and conceding just 3. It’s an extremely short sample, so the fact both goals scored and goals conceded was below the average across the rest of the season could just be a fluke. But the early signs are there from a man who knows the club well. Sadler used 3 different systems in all 3 games, so it’s difficult to say how he will get his side to approach the season. But he has shown tactical flexibility, which will be useful this season.
Walsall’s biggest addition this summer is undoubtedly the permanent acquisition of forward Danny Johnson. The 30 year old joins having seen his contract at Mansfield expire, and Saddlers fans will be hoping he can recapture his form from the start of last season. Johnson had fired 12 goals in 22 games, an incredible return, something which led to him being recalled by Mansfield. He only added 1 more goal after that, showing that Walsall is clearly a side that suits the forward. Johnson has been a prolific goalscorer for a number of years, and when you consider he scored 26% of their goals despite only being there for half the season, you can see how important he is to their side.
Walsall have taken advantage of their geography this summer, with several West Midlands based transfers taking place. Jackson Smith joins on loan from Wolves, a highly rated shot stopper who was on trial with Notts County last summer. 22 year old Ryan Stirk joins after his contract at Birmingham City expired, an experienced midfielder despite his age. Stirk combines grit and determination with wonderful technique, something he showcased last term on loan with Bromley. 20 year old central defender Harry Williams also makes the move, for an undisclosed fee from Step 7 Alvechurch. While he is the man that joins from the side lowest in the pyramid, he’s arguably Walsall’s most exciting signing. The young defender is extremely highly rated, so much so that he was on trial with Championship Leicester City this summer. He’s calm on the ball, and looks mature beyond his years.
The Saddlers have added other defensive recruits too. Highly rated Priestley Farquharson makes the jump from divisional rivals Newport. The 26 year old is an athletic defender, one who may have been able to make the jump up to League 1. So his arrival must be seen as something of a coup for the Saddlers. He’s joined by the vastly experienced Chris Hussey, who was on the verge of promotion with Stockport last season. A left sided defender, Hussey is capable as a left back or left centre back, providing flexibility, something which will aid Mat Sadler in deciding his system. The 34 year old played 30 games for Stockport last season, and despite being an older head was one of their key men. He’s fantastic on the ball, a really progressive passer and is another where geography plays a factor, as Hussey’s educational studies meaning Walsall is a better base for the defender.
Wrexham
It’s been 15 years since the Welsh side last tasted EFL football, but after their long hiatus they have finally returned. They are a vastly different club from the one that left the EFL all those years ago, with the Welsh side one of the most recognisable brands in the Football League, a side with arguably the most well known owners in football. Their story off the pitch has been well documented, in the form of a Disney+ documentary, but their story on the pitch was equally as exciting. They were involved in a thrilling title race, one where they broke the points record for the 5th tier, amassing 111 points, the most in the professional league system. Wrexham were centurions in more ways than one, with the Welsh side also smashing in 116 goals, 2nd most in the National League. Wrexham are a team of winners, and while they have incredible individual quality, it was Phil Parkinson’s ability to get his side to play as a unit which paid dividends. They came up big when needed, with them coming from behind to beat rivals Notts County in the title decider, before coming from behind once again against Boreham Wood in a game which ultimately saw them crowned champions. Their mentality is unshakeable, and with the financial backing to go with it, it’s hard to look past Wrexham to go again. And while they’ve actually added very little to their squad, it’s a sign of the existing quality they have in their side. There’s a reason they are one of the very favourites to win the title.
Manager - Phil Parkinson
He may have come under a lot of fire for failing to get Wrexham promoted in 21/22, but in 22/23 he delivered, and delivered in style. He’s also been a manager who has been heavily criticised by fans of other teams, but Wrexham won’t care, as he was ultimately the man that led them back to the Football League. He’s an immensely successful manager, one who first got mainstream fame for taking Bradford City to the League Cup final. He’s a manager who has been winning promotions since 2006, and it’s this longevity and the respect that comes with the success that made him the perfect man for the job. While many might have thought promotion with a side as heavily backed as Wrexham would be easy, the job was anything but. Parkinson had to manage a dressing room full of players who had been successful at a higher level. His man management and ability to get his stats playing as a collective warrant huge credit. His side stuck to a 3-5-2 throughout the season, and their never say die attitude often saw them rescue points at the death, when others would have folded. This mentality comes from the top, one instilled by Parkinson. Wrexham are a slightly more direct side, but Parkinson still likes his side to be on top, dominating the ball, averaging 51% possession, 8th most in the league. It was this dominant style which translated into dominant results. Wrexham dropped just 2 points at home all season, a ridiculous record, one which is unlikely to be seen again for some time. Parkinson made the Racecourse a formidable place to go, made his side tough to beat while also having the sprinkling of quality needed to produce big moments. It’s unlikely his approach will change this season, as he aims for back to back promotions, and what would be his 2nd promotion from League 2.
You can’t talk about Wrexham without talking about their talismanic forward Paul Mullin. He scored 38 goals last season, a tally which in almost any other league or season would make him top scorer. This comes after he won the golden boot in his previous 2 seasons, and only a ridiculous goalscoring season from Notts’ Langstaff denied Mullin a hat trick. He won’t mind though, as his goals, ironically a goal against Notts and a brace against Boreham Wood, secured his sides’ return to the Football League. Mullin is more than a goalscorer though, with his overall game and ability to win games on his own something which marks him out as a truly great striker. He had 9 assists last season, showing his all round play, and he was a man for the big moments. He won’t struggle with the step up in class either. He was the top scorer in the FA Cup last season, and also top scorer in League 2 the last time he played there with Cambridge, scoring 32 goals. He won’t be available to start the season however, after he was injured during Wrexham’s pre season tour of America. He suffered a punctured lung against Manchester United, an injury which actually sounds much worse than it is. Still, he won’t be able to fly home straight away, and will miss the opening month at the very least. He will be a big blow, and his return can’t come soon enough for Wrexham.
Midfield maestro Elliot Lee was a key man for Wrexham last season. The diminutive midfielder played to the left of the midfield 3, playing as a progressive 8 and at times as a more traditional 10. Lee would get forward into the left half spaces, and often look to cut inside and curl one with his favoured right foot. This tactic saw him score a very impressive 13 goals, and he added another 8 assists, showing his all round game. He excelled in that slightly more free role, and his quality shone through, with it being clear that he had played at a much higher level. The midfield 3 often rotated, but Lee was a constant on the left of the 3, ousting local hero Jordan Davies from that spot. While the other midfield slots rotated throughout the season, the first choice 3, by the end of the season, seemed to be Lee to the left, Thomas O’Connor at the base and Andy Cannon to the right; a midfield 3 that wouldn’t be out of place in League 1.
Wrexham’s attack got the plaudits last season, but it was often their defence, and keepers, who stepped up and provided the big moments. Ben Tozer was an ever present at the heart of the back 3, with his leadership skills and long throws being crucial to Wrexham’s side. He may find his place under threat at the start of the season though, with star defender Aaron Hayden, who scored 12 goals in 26 games, returning from injury. To make matters even more competitive, Will Boyle arrives from Wigan Athletic. The left sided centre back played 16 games in the Championship last season, but is at his most comfortable in League 2, a league where he has played 147 games and where he has won the league before. Wrexham also have Jordan Tunnicliffe to call on, who’s played 94 games at this level before, and Eoghan O’Connell, who has played 196 EFL games, 120 of which came in League 1. O’Connell was a rock at the back last season, but it was his marauding run from right centre back against title rivals Notts that proved to be the highlight of his season, showing he steps up in the big moments. Another big moment from that game came by way of a stoppage time penalty, which keeper Ben Foster was more than equal to. The 40 year old showed his class in that moment, no surprise considering he has made 390 Premier League appearances, so it’s a boost to Wrexham’s ambitions that Foster has extended his contract at the Racecourse.
Notes:
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