Looking at this very competitive list I think getting into the play offs next season will be a massive achievement. With our current squad I'd say 8th is realistic.
Looking at this very competitive list I think getting into the play offs next season will be a massive achievement. With our current squad I'd say 8th is realistic.
With our current squad I'd say bottom half is realistic, we haven't signed anyone yet.
Birmingham on the verge of appointing Alex Neil as their new manager.
Got Sunderland promoted out of league one and Norwich promoted out of the championship. He's not a glamorous name but he's a solid enough appointment for a league one club.
Looking at this very competitive list I think getting into the play offs next season will be a massive achievement. With our current squad I'd say 8th is realistic.
With our current squad I'd say bottom half is realistic, we haven't signed anyone yet.
Alfie aside, not signing anyone would have probably got us into the playoffs last season…
8 or 9 new grounds there for me potentially. How long since we played Mansfield- 1974?
My first ever game was at Mansfield 77-78 I think. I believe it was 3-0 to us. I am reliably informed that I spent most of the game staring up at people's faces (wondering, "Is this what I've got to look forward to for the rest of my days").
Was anyone else there that day?
I was there, 16 at the time.
Remember George Shipperly scoring a bullet header from the corner for number three right in front of the traveling fans. Didn't go down well with the locals who came round to say hello, but thought better of it when they arrived.
All in all a stress free day out, most unusual for any Charlton away game. From memory I would say around 250 were there
8 or 9 new grounds there for me potentially. How long since we played Mansfield- 1974?
My first ever game was at Mansfield 77-78 I think. I believe it was 3-0 to us. I am reliably informed that I spent most of the game staring up at people's faces (wondering, "Is this what I've got to look forward to for the rest of my days").
Was anyone else there that day?
I was there, 16 at the time.
Remember George Shipperly scoring a bullet header from the corner for number three right in front of the traveling fans. Didn't go down well with the locals who came round to say hello, but thought better of it when they arrived.
All in all a stress free day out, most unusual for any Charlton away game. From memory I would say around 250 were there
8 or 9 new grounds there for me potentially. How long since we played Mansfield- 1974?
My first ever game was at Mansfield 77-78 I think. I believe it was 3-0 to us. I am reliably informed that I spent most of the game staring up at people's faces (wondering, "Is this what I've got to look forward to for the rest of my days").
Was anyone else there that day?
I was there, 16 at the time.
Remember George Shipperly scoring a bullet header from the corner for number three right in front of the traveling fans. Didn't go down well with the locals who came round to say hello, but thought better of it when they arrived.
All in all a stress free day out, most unusual for any Charlton away game. From memory I would say around 250 were there
David Shipperley
Wasn’t there a story one year about him working as a builder during the summer break ?
8 or 9 new grounds there for me potentially. How long since we played Mansfield- 1974?
My first ever game was at Mansfield 77-78 I think. I believe it was 3-0 to us. I am reliably informed that I spent most of the game staring up at people's faces (wondering, "Is this what I've got to look forward to for the rest of my days").
Was anyone else there that day?
I was there, 16 at the time.
Remember George Shipperly scoring a bullet header from the corner for number three right in front of the traveling fans. Didn't go down well with the locals who came round to say hello, but thought better of it when they arrived.
All in all a stress free day out, most unusual for any Charlton away game. From memory I would say around 250 were there
I was there too at 17 years old. Went on the club coach. You're right for once a very comfortable away win.
With the season kicking off on Friday I thought it might be useful to do a bit of a preview on our opposition this season for those that are maybe less aware of the other sides in the division, and what has happened over the summer.
I'm putting together a preview of each of the other 23 teams, let me know if you think these are useful, or if no one is interested.
My plan is to try and get them all finished before the Friday game kicks off, if people would like to see them. First up is:
Barnsley
Last Season: 6th
Manager: Darrell Clarke. Clarke was appointed manager
this summer to try and get Barnsley promoted. Clarke took over at Cheltenham
last season with the side looking certain for relegation. He somehow managed to
rally them and took it to the final game of the season before their fate was
finally sealed. Clarke has spent the majority of his managerial career at the
bottom end of League One or lower. He does though have 4 promotions in his
managerial career, 2 at Salisbury and 2 at Bristol Rovers. Overall win
percentage: 42.8%.
Players in: Conor Hourihane - Derby (Free), Marc
Roberts - Birmingham (Free), Jackson Smith - Walsall (Undisclosed), Matthew
Craig - Tottenham (Loan), Georgie Gent - Blackburn (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Herbie Kane – Huddersfield, Jordan
Williams – Portsmouth, Devante Cole – West Brom, Nicky Cadden – Unattached.
3 players to watch:Adam Phillips, 11 league
goals last season, with the goals they’ve lost Barnsley need a similar return
from him this year if they’re going to challenge. Sam Cosgrove, right
now Cosgrove seems to be the number 1 Striker at Oakwell, and if that’s the
case Cosgrove will need to find his scoring boots. Unfortunately for him and
Barnsley he only managed to score 3 in 32 league games last season. Will being
the number 1 with no Cole and John McAtee around give him the confidence to
start scoring? Matthew Craig, possibly a controversial one, but Craig is
highly rated, though with not much experience. Did well at the end of last
season on loan at Doncaster, could he help fill the gap of Herbie Kane?
Barnsley will be hoping so.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Fabio
Jalo (Winger/Forward), only 18 years of age, but with 31 league and cup appearances
and 4 goals already to his name. With limited attacking options after the
summer departures Jalo could be in store for a breakout season.
Summary: After sacking their manager just before the
end of last season Barnsley scrapped into the playoffs before being eliminated
in the semi-finals. Darrell Clarke was appointed in the summer, and after
losing a number of key players from last season, it looked like a rebuild was
in order. Their recruitment so far has been uninspiring, though it seems
Barnsley fans on the whole think playoffs this year is still possible.
Defensively Barnsley should be solid, they have plenty of
experience with the likes of Marc Roberts coming back. Georgie Gent could be a
decent replacement for Jordan Williams, and despite Kane’s departure they
should be okay in the middle of the pitch.
The questions are upfront, with Cole, and Kane going and
John McAtee’s loan finishing the only player that scored more than 3 league
goals last season for Barnsley that is still around is Midfielder Adam
Phillips. With no attacking arrivals as of yet, expect that to be an area the
Tykes focus on improving before the end of the window. Otherwise expect
Barnsley to be hard to beat but with a lack of threat of their own.
Manager: Chris Davies. Davies was appointed this
summer with the aim of getting Birmingham straight back into the Championship.
Davies retired as a player at 19, and went into coaching. Davies has spent the
majority of his time working under Brendan Rodgers. This is his first
managerial role. Overall win percentage: 0%.
Players in: Ryan Allsop - Hull (Undisclosed), Bailey
Peacock-Farrell - Burnley (Undisclosed), Alfie May - Charlton (Undisclosed), Emil
Hansson - Heracles (Undisclosed), Alex Cochrane - Hearts (Undisclosed), Willum
Thor Willumsson - Go Ahead Eagles (Undisclosed), Christoph Klarer - Darmstadt
(Undisclosed), Marc Leonard - Brighton (Undisclosed), Luke Harris – Fulham (Loan)
Key Players Out: Ivan Sunjic – Pafos FC, John Ruddy –
Newcastle, Marc Roberts - Barnsley
3 players to watch: Willium Thor Willumsson, 15 goals
over the past 2 Eredivisie seasons
Willumsson could be an absolute cheat code behind the front 2 if he adapts well
to English football. Christoph Klarer, with 30 games in the Bundesliga last
season Klarer is strong, physical and should adapt well to League One. He
should help Birmingham to plenty of clean sheets. Jordan James, despite
all the new arrivals James could be crucial if he stays. One of their own
having come through the youth academy at
Birmingham James was one of the bright lights last season in a poor year, 47 games
and 8 goals, if James stays he should be one of the best Midfielders in the
division.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Romelle
Donovan (Attacking Midfielder/Forward), with all the new recruits younger
players might struggle to get minutes in this team. I’ve picked out Donovan who
is only 17, but already has 10 appearances for the first team. Is an England
under 18 international, and although will probably be limited to sub
appearances early on, might see more game time as the season progresses.
Summary: Big spending Birmingham probably without
question have a better squad now than they did last season. They haven’t lost a
great deal from last season’s squad, although there is obviously time for that
to change, and Juninho Bacuna is one of the players that looks likely to leave.
Birmingham have certainly strengthened the spine of their
team with 2 Goalkeepers that should probably be in the Championship in Allsop
and Peacock-Farrell, Centre-Back Christoph Klarer played 30 times in the
Bundesliga last season, whilst Willum Thor Willumsson has scored 15 goals from
Midfield in the Dutch top flight over the past 2 seasons. Up Front Birmingham
should score plenty with some guy called Alfie May, and rumours of Jay
Stansfield returning.
Defensively with Klarer and Alex Cochrane joining the likes
of Dion Sanderson and Ethan Laird they should be solid. The biggest questions
are probably around the manager, will the unproven Davies be able to get the
best out of the best squad League One may have ever seen.
Manager: Neil Critchley. After retiring at 24
Critchley spent the early part of his coaching career at Crewe, then Liverpool.
He initially joined Blackpool as his first senior managerial role in 2020 and
got them promoted in his first full season in charge. After a spell coaching at
Aston Villa he returned to management at QPR but lasted just 12 games before
being sacked. He returned to Blackpool in May 2023. Overall win percentage: 41.76%.
Players in: Jordan Rhodes - Huddersfield (Free), Ashley
Fletcher - Watford (Free), Zac Ashworth - West Brom (Undisclosed), Hayden
Coulson - Middlesbrough (Undisclosed), Lee Evans - Portsmouth (Free)
3 players to watch: Jordan Rhodes, after being top
scorer last season, Blackpool decided to bring back Rhodes on a permanent deal.
Now at 34 years of age, can Rhodes continue scoring the goals Blackpool will
need to be in the mix. Matthew Pennington, only 4 teams conceded less
than Blackpool last season and Pennington had a solid first year at Blackpool
as part of that defence. Sonny Carey, with Karamoko Dembele departing
Blackpool need goals from elsewhere. Carey got 5 last season and needs to step
up with more.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Rob
Apter (Midfielder), was on loan at Tranmere last season but has been involved
in pre-season with the first team. The 21 year old could have the opportunity
to break through given Blackpool’s limited incomings so far.
Summary: Blackpool fans generally didn’t seem
impressed with last season, with either manager Neil Critchley or his playing
style. Coulson and Rhodes were both at Blackpool last season, so realistically
they only have 3 new faces. Although the permanent departures are not
significant, the end of some loans, especially Dembele’s has weakened them.
Defensively they should be solid again, both through personnel
and tactics employed by Critchley. They certainly have plenty of experience,
and have only increased that with the likes of Lee Evans also coming in.
The questions though are at the other end. Rhodes is another
year older; Ashley Fletcher has never been prolific (28 in 204 league games),
and goals and creativity could be a significant issue. With some fans
questioning Critchley if they don’t get off to a good start it could go wrong
very quickly. On the other hand; if they can be defensively solid and bring in 2
or 3 more attack minded players before the window they may be able to find a
way to win some close contests and keep themselves in with a chance of the playoffs.
Manager: Ian Evatt. Evatt has been manager at Bolton
since July 2020 and got them promoted from League Two in his first season in
charge. Since then they have improved each season in League One, finishing 9th,
5th and then last season 3rd. Evatt arrived at Bolton from Barrow who he had
guided to promotion to the football league. Overall win percentage: 48.59%.
Players in: Chris Forino - Wycombe (Free), Luke
Southwood - Cheltenham (Free), Klaidi Lolos - Crawley (Undisclosed), Scott
Arfield - Charlotte FC (Undisclosed), Szabolcs Schön - Fehervar (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Cameron Jerome – Unattached, John
Dadi Bodvarsson - Unattached
3 players to watch: Aaron Collins, a January recruit
Collins bagged 9 goals in 22 games after his move from Bristol Rovers. With a
pre-season under his belt Collins could be even better for Wanderers this season.
George Thomason, after making only 25 appearances the previous season
Thomason had a breakout year. 52 appearances, and 6 goals from Midfield Thomason
turned into a crucial player for Bolton last season. Klaidi Lolos, before
last season Lolos was in the National League South. After one really good
season with Crawley Lolos earned himself a move to Bolton. Was he a one season
wonder or will Lolos continue his rise?
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Nelson
Khumbeni (Midfielder), this was a bit of a struggle as Bolton don’t have too
many younger players in the first team, that haven’t already played quite a bit
(see Thomason). Khumbeni is a young Midfielder who spent time at first Fylde
then Morecambe last season. He impressed enough to get his contract extension
triggered and has been around the first team in pre-season. Wouldn’t be
surprised if he ends up getting loaned out at some point this season, if his game
time is limited.
Summary: Although Wanderers haven’t raised many
eyebrows so far in the transfer window they also haven’t really lost too much.
Paris Maghoma who was on loan is currently the biggest player missing from last
season’s squad.
Adding Chris Forino is a solid defensive acquisition, as is Szabolcs
Schön who is a Hungarian International. Getting better defensively is certainly
something Bolton needed to do, they conceded 14 more goals than Derby who
pipped them to automatic promotion last season.
With the likes of Collins, Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyejo
who all hit double figures last season goals shouldn’t be a problem. If they
continue to improve their position under Evatt they will be promoted this
season.
Manager: Matt Taylor. Taylor started his managerial
career at Exeter, guiding them to promotion to League One. Taylor then spent a
year at Rotherham, guiding them to safety after taking over, before being
sacked with the club in the relegation zone the following season. Taylor took
over at Bristol Rovers in December 2023. Overall win percentage: 38.22%.
Players in: Isaac Hutchinson - Walsall (Undisclosed),
Clinton Mola - Reading (Free), Ruel Sotiriou - Leyton Orient (Undisclosed), Dan
Ellison - Chippenham (Undisclosed), Bryant Bilongo - Middlesbrough
(Undisclosed), Joel Senior - Morecambe (Undisclosed), Taylor Moore -
Valenciennes (Free), Michael Forbes - West Ham (Loan), Josh Griffiths - West
Brom (Loan), Jamie Lindsay - Rotherham (Free), Promise Omochore - Fleetwood
(Undisclosed), Jake Garrett - Blackburn (Loan)
Key Players Out: Anthony Evans – Huddersfield, John
Marquis - Shrewsbury
3 players to watch: Promise Omochore, signed from
Fleetwood, he is Rovers big summer acquisition. Rovers will be hoping he can
help score the goals to move them up the table. He managed 13 in 73 from
Fleetwood in 2 years, and The Gas will be hoping he can improve on that. Isaac
Hutchinson, has spent most of his career at League Two, but with the departure
of Anthony Evans, Rovers need someone to replace his goals. With 15 for Walsall
last season Hutchinson could be that man. Taylor Moore, Moore previously was at Bristol City before a spell in France. Has plenty of experience and should be a solid signing at the heart of the defence.
Player you might not have heard
of to keep an eye on: Kofi Shaw (Midfielder) made his debut at the end of
last season, is only 16, but has been part of the pre-season first team squad. Probably
not going to be starting regularly any time soon, but should get some
opportunities, especially as the season progresses.
Summary: Permanent wise Rovers have not lost a great
deal, but the players they had on loan last season have gone, and they are the
ones Rovers have been trying to replace. In terms of signings, they’ve been one
of the most active with 12 through the door so far. Most of whom have come from
other Football League sides.
Chris Martin was their top scorer with 16 overall, but he is
now 35. Omochore is the man they’ve invested in to score the goals they’ll need
if they want to improve this season. Jake Garrett (28 Apps for Blackburn last
season) and Taylor Moore are good acquisitions and Rovers should be better than
last season. A lot will depend on the goals of Martin, Omochore and Hutchinson
though to decide exactly how much they improve.
Manager: Neil Critchley. After retiring at 24
Critchley spent the early part of his coaching career at Crewe, then Liverpool.
He initially joined Blackpool as his first senior managerial role in 2020 and
got them promoted in his first full season in charge. After a spell coaching at
Aston Villa he returned to management at QPR but lasted just 12 games before
being sacked. He returned to Blackpool in May 2023. Overall win percentage: 41.76%.
Players in: Jordan Rhodes - Huddersfield (Free), Ashley
Fletcher - Watford (Free), Zac Ashworth - West Brom (Undisclosed), Hayden
Coulson - Middlesbrough (Undisclosed), Lee Evans - Portsmouth (Free)
3 players to watch: Jordan Rhodes, after being top
scorer last season, Blackpool decided to bring back Rhodes on a permanent deal.
Now at 34 years of age, can Rhodes continue scoring the goals Blackpool will
need to be in the mix. Matthew Pennington, only 4 teams conceded less
than Blackpool last season and Pennington had a solid first year at Blackpool
as part of that defence. Sonny Carey, with Karamoko Dembele departing
Blackpool need goals from elsewhere. Carey got 5 last season and needs to step
up with more.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Rob
Apter (Midfielder), was on loan at Tranmere last season but has been involved
in pre-season with the first team. The 21 year old could have the opportunity
to break through given Blackpool’s limited incomings so far.
Summary: Blackpool fans generally didn’t seem
impressed with last season, with either manager Neil Critchley or his playing
style. Coulson and Rhodes were both at Blackpool last season, so realistically
they only have 3 new faces. Although the permanent departures are not
significant, the end of some loans, especially Dembele’s has weakened them.
Defensively they should be solid again, both through personnel
and tactics employed by Critchley. They certainly have plenty of experience,
and have only increased that with the likes of Lee Evans also coming in.
The questions though are at the other end. Rhodes is another
year older; Ashley Fletcher has never been prolific (28 in 204 league games),
and goals and creativity could be a significant issue. With some fans
questioning Critchley if they don’t get off to a good start it could go wrong
very quickly. On the other hand; if they can be defensively solid and bring in 2
or 3 more attack minded players before the window they may be able to find a
way to win some close contests and keep themselves in with a chance of the playoffs.
That's a pretty good summary of where we are mate, well researched. Critchleys's tactics particularly in away games came in for much criticism from us fans and needs to improve this season. Dembele's loss is huge. Expecting upper mid table at best. Cheers for the effort.
Manager: Mark Robinson. After 18 years coaching at
Wimbledon Robinson became head coach in January 2021. He guided them to safety
that season, and then at the start of the following season they started off
well. However the form dropped off and they went 20 games without a win.
Robinson was sacked and Wimbledon went on to get relegated. He then became the
Head Coach of the Chelsea Development squad for 2 years before being appointed
Burton Manager this summer. Overall win percentage: 25%.
Players in: Elliot Watt - Salford (Free), Geraldo
Bajrami - Notts County (Free), Tomas Kalinauskas - Den Bosch (Free), Jason
Sraha - Shrewsbury (Undisclosed), Ben Whitfield - Barrow (Free), Julian Larson
- Nottingham Forest (Undisclosed), Charlie Webster - Chelsea (Undisclosed), Alex
Bannon - Queens Park (Undisclosed), Udoka Goodwin-Malife - Swindon
(Undisclosed), Danilo Orsi - Crawley (Undisclosed), Rumarn Burrell - Cove
Rangers (Free), Dylan Williams- Chelsea (Loan), Billy Bodin - Oxford (Free), Jack
Armer - Carlisle (Undisclosed), Jack Hazlehurst - Chorley (Undisclosed), Jack
Cooper-Love - Elfsborg (Undisclosed), Ivan Inzoudine - FC Chambly Oise -
(Undisclosed), Nick Akoto - South Georgia Tormenta FC (Undisclosed), Terence
Vancooten - Stevenage (Undisclosed), Harry Isted - Charlton (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Joe Powell – Rotherham, Deji
Oshilaja – Mansfield, Sam Hughes – Stockport, Mark Helm - Fleetwood
3 players to watch: Danilo Orsi, when Crawley signed
Orsi from Grimsby after 4 goals in 32 games even they probably weren’t
expecting him to suddenly score 25 in 50. That earned him this move to Burton.
Was Orsi’s season last year a one off, or has he just his prime? At 28 Orsi
certainly took his time to develop, can he score the goals to make sure Burton
aren’t in a relegation battle this season? Terence Vancooten, signed for
reportedly £500K Vancooten had been at Stevenage for a number of years, the big
central defender has now joined Burton with the aim of improving the Brewers
defence. Charlie Webster, the most promising of the youngsters they’ve
signed. Webster played 13 games in the Eredivisie last season on loan from
Chelsea. Now signed permanently by Burton, even at only 20 years of age he
could be one of their best players.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Dylan
Williams (Left Back), another youngster from Chelsea, this one on loan. Played
8 games for Derby in 2021/22 before being signed by Chelsea. Looks likely to be
the starting left back at the start of the season. Has a big opportunity to
have a breakthrough year.
Summary: New owners took over Burton this summer,
they have a new manager in Robinson, and almost an entire new squad. 20 players
in so far, and there could be more to follow.
The new players in are a mixture of players you’ve probably
never heard of, players that have done okay at League Two level, and some
potentially promising youngsters.
Feels like this season could go one of two ways, they’ve
thrown so many signings in that some of them are absolute masterstrokes and
they push for the top half. Or, it’s a complete mess, the lack of strategy
behind the signings is shown up and they find themselves fighting for survival.
Fascinated to see Burton. Imagine Robinson will want to play it on the floor but we all saw their pitch last season. Unless they've done serious work on it they're going to have to be very adaptable depending on weather
Comments
expect those coming down to clear out/sell their better players while lots of teams will strengthen, including us
all to play for…
Remember George Shipperly scoring a bullet header from the corner for number three right in front of the traveling fans. Didn't go down well with the locals who came round to say hello, but thought better of it when they arrived.
All in all a stress free day out, most unusual for any Charlton away game. From memory I would say around 250 were there
https://x.com/secondtierpod/status/1805211477470842962
Birmingham apparently asked for their game against Wrexham to take place in the USA. The request was rejected.
With the season kicking off on Friday I thought it might be useful to do a bit of a preview on our opposition this season for those that are maybe less aware of the other sides in the division, and what has happened over the summer.
I'm putting together a preview of each of the other 23 teams, let me know if you think these are useful, or if no one is interested.
My plan is to try and get them all finished before the Friday game kicks off, if people would like to see them. First up is:
Barnsley
Last Season: 6th
Manager: Darrell Clarke. Clarke was appointed manager this summer to try and get Barnsley promoted. Clarke took over at Cheltenham last season with the side looking certain for relegation. He somehow managed to rally them and took it to the final game of the season before their fate was finally sealed. Clarke has spent the majority of his managerial career at the bottom end of League One or lower. He does though have 4 promotions in his managerial career, 2 at Salisbury and 2 at Bristol Rovers. Overall win percentage: 42.8%.
Players in: Conor Hourihane - Derby (Free), Marc Roberts - Birmingham (Free), Jackson Smith - Walsall (Undisclosed), Matthew Craig - Tottenham (Loan), Georgie Gent - Blackburn (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Herbie Kane – Huddersfield, Jordan Williams – Portsmouth, Devante Cole – West Brom, Nicky Cadden – Unattached.
3 players to watch: Adam Phillips, 11 league goals last season, with the goals they’ve lost Barnsley need a similar return from him this year if they’re going to challenge. Sam Cosgrove, right now Cosgrove seems to be the number 1 Striker at Oakwell, and if that’s the case Cosgrove will need to find his scoring boots. Unfortunately for him and Barnsley he only managed to score 3 in 32 league games last season. Will being the number 1 with no Cole and John McAtee around give him the confidence to start scoring? Matthew Craig, possibly a controversial one, but Craig is highly rated, though with not much experience. Did well at the end of last season on loan at Doncaster, could he help fill the gap of Herbie Kane? Barnsley will be hoping so.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Fabio Jalo (Winger/Forward), only 18 years of age, but with 31 league and cup appearances and 4 goals already to his name. With limited attacking options after the summer departures Jalo could be in store for a breakout season.
Summary: After sacking their manager just before the end of last season Barnsley scrapped into the playoffs before being eliminated in the semi-finals. Darrell Clarke was appointed in the summer, and after losing a number of key players from last season, it looked like a rebuild was in order. Their recruitment so far has been uninspiring, though it seems Barnsley fans on the whole think playoffs this year is still possible.
Defensively Barnsley should be solid, they have plenty of experience with the likes of Marc Roberts coming back. Georgie Gent could be a decent replacement for Jordan Williams, and despite Kane’s departure they should be okay in the middle of the pitch.
The questions are upfront, with Cole, and Kane going and John McAtee’s loan finishing the only player that scored more than 3 league goals last season for Barnsley that is still around is Midfielder Adam Phillips. With no attacking arrivals as of yet, expect that to be an area the Tykes focus on improving before the end of the window. Otherwise expect Barnsley to be hard to beat but with a lack of threat of their own.
Birmingham
Last Season: 22nd in the Championship (Relegated)
Manager: Chris Davies. Davies was appointed this summer with the aim of getting Birmingham straight back into the Championship. Davies retired as a player at 19, and went into coaching. Davies has spent the majority of his time working under Brendan Rodgers. This is his first managerial role. Overall win percentage: 0%.
Players in: Ryan Allsop - Hull (Undisclosed), Bailey Peacock-Farrell - Burnley (Undisclosed), Alfie May - Charlton (Undisclosed), Emil Hansson - Heracles (Undisclosed), Alex Cochrane - Hearts (Undisclosed), Willum Thor Willumsson - Go Ahead Eagles (Undisclosed), Christoph Klarer - Darmstadt (Undisclosed), Marc Leonard - Brighton (Undisclosed), Luke Harris – Fulham (Loan)
Key Players Out: Ivan Sunjic – Pafos FC, John Ruddy – Newcastle, Marc Roberts - Barnsley
3 players to watch: Willium Thor Willumsson, 15 goals over the past 2 Eredivisie seasons Willumsson could be an absolute cheat code behind the front 2 if he adapts well to English football. Christoph Klarer, with 30 games in the Bundesliga last season Klarer is strong, physical and should adapt well to League One. He should help Birmingham to plenty of clean sheets. Jordan James, despite all the new arrivals James could be crucial if he stays. One of their own having come through the youth academy at Birmingham James was one of the bright lights last season in a poor year, 47 games and 8 goals, if James stays he should be one of the best Midfielders in the division.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Romelle Donovan (Attacking Midfielder/Forward), with all the new recruits younger players might struggle to get minutes in this team. I’ve picked out Donovan who is only 17, but already has 10 appearances for the first team. Is an England under 18 international, and although will probably be limited to sub appearances early on, might see more game time as the season progresses.
Summary: Big spending Birmingham probably without question have a better squad now than they did last season. They haven’t lost a great deal from last season’s squad, although there is obviously time for that to change, and Juninho Bacuna is one of the players that looks likely to leave.
Birmingham have certainly strengthened the spine of their team with 2 Goalkeepers that should probably be in the Championship in Allsop and Peacock-Farrell, Centre-Back Christoph Klarer played 30 times in the Bundesliga last season, whilst Willum Thor Willumsson has scored 15 goals from Midfield in the Dutch top flight over the past 2 seasons. Up Front Birmingham should score plenty with some guy called Alfie May, and rumours of Jay Stansfield returning.
Defensively with Klarer and Alex Cochrane joining the likes of Dion Sanderson and Ethan Laird they should be solid. The biggest questions are probably around the manager, will the unproven Davies be able to get the best out of the best squad League One may have ever seen.
Blackpool
Last Season: 8th
Manager: Neil Critchley. After retiring at 24 Critchley spent the early part of his coaching career at Crewe, then Liverpool. He initially joined Blackpool as his first senior managerial role in 2020 and got them promoted in his first full season in charge. After a spell coaching at Aston Villa he returned to management at QPR but lasted just 12 games before being sacked. He returned to Blackpool in May 2023. Overall win percentage: 41.76%.
Players in: Jordan Rhodes - Huddersfield (Free), Ashley Fletcher - Watford (Free), Zac Ashworth - West Brom (Undisclosed), Hayden Coulson - Middlesbrough (Undisclosed), Lee Evans - Portsmouth (Free)
Key Players Out: Marvin Ekpiteta – Hibernian, Callum Connolly – Stockport, Shayne Lavery – Cambridge United
3 players to watch: Jordan Rhodes, after being top scorer last season, Blackpool decided to bring back Rhodes on a permanent deal. Now at 34 years of age, can Rhodes continue scoring the goals Blackpool will need to be in the mix. Matthew Pennington, only 4 teams conceded less than Blackpool last season and Pennington had a solid first year at Blackpool as part of that defence. Sonny Carey, with Karamoko Dembele departing Blackpool need goals from elsewhere. Carey got 5 last season and needs to step up with more.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Rob Apter (Midfielder), was on loan at Tranmere last season but has been involved in pre-season with the first team. The 21 year old could have the opportunity to break through given Blackpool’s limited incomings so far.
Summary: Blackpool fans generally didn’t seem impressed with last season, with either manager Neil Critchley or his playing style. Coulson and Rhodes were both at Blackpool last season, so realistically they only have 3 new faces. Although the permanent departures are not significant, the end of some loans, especially Dembele’s has weakened them.
Defensively they should be solid again, both through personnel and tactics employed by Critchley. They certainly have plenty of experience, and have only increased that with the likes of Lee Evans also coming in.
The questions though are at the other end. Rhodes is another year older; Ashley Fletcher has never been prolific (28 in 204 league games), and goals and creativity could be a significant issue. With some fans questioning Critchley if they don’t get off to a good start it could go wrong very quickly. On the other hand; if they can be defensively solid and bring in 2 or 3 more attack minded players before the window they may be able to find a way to win some close contests and keep themselves in with a chance of the playoffs.
Bolton
Last Season: 3rd
Manager: Ian Evatt. Evatt has been manager at Bolton since July 2020 and got them promoted from League Two in his first season in charge. Since then they have improved each season in League One, finishing 9th, 5th and then last season 3rd. Evatt arrived at Bolton from Barrow who he had guided to promotion to the football league. Overall win percentage: 48.59%.
Players in: Chris Forino - Wycombe (Free), Luke Southwood - Cheltenham (Free), Klaidi Lolos - Crawley (Undisclosed), Scott Arfield - Charlotte FC (Undisclosed), Szabolcs Schön - Fehervar (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Cameron Jerome – Unattached, John Dadi Bodvarsson - Unattached
3 players to watch: Aaron Collins, a January recruit Collins bagged 9 goals in 22 games after his move from Bristol Rovers. With a pre-season under his belt Collins could be even better for Wanderers this season. George Thomason, after making only 25 appearances the previous season Thomason had a breakout year. 52 appearances, and 6 goals from Midfield Thomason turned into a crucial player for Bolton last season. Klaidi Lolos, before last season Lolos was in the National League South. After one really good season with Crawley Lolos earned himself a move to Bolton. Was he a one season wonder or will Lolos continue his rise?
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Nelson Khumbeni (Midfielder), this was a bit of a struggle as Bolton don’t have too many younger players in the first team, that haven’t already played quite a bit (see Thomason). Khumbeni is a young Midfielder who spent time at first Fylde then Morecambe last season. He impressed enough to get his contract extension triggered and has been around the first team in pre-season. Wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up getting loaned out at some point this season, if his game time is limited.
Summary: Although Wanderers haven’t raised many eyebrows so far in the transfer window they also haven’t really lost too much. Paris Maghoma who was on loan is currently the biggest player missing from last season’s squad.
Adding Chris Forino is a solid defensive acquisition, as is Szabolcs Schön who is a Hungarian International. Getting better defensively is certainly something Bolton needed to do, they conceded 14 more goals than Derby who pipped them to automatic promotion last season.
With the likes of Collins, Dion Charles and Victor Adeboyejo who all hit double figures last season goals shouldn’t be a problem. If they continue to improve their position under Evatt they will be promoted this season.
Bristol Rovers
Last Season: 15th
Manager: Matt Taylor. Taylor started his managerial career at Exeter, guiding them to promotion to League One. Taylor then spent a year at Rotherham, guiding them to safety after taking over, before being sacked with the club in the relegation zone the following season. Taylor took over at Bristol Rovers in December 2023. Overall win percentage: 38.22%.
Players in: Isaac Hutchinson - Walsall (Undisclosed), Clinton Mola - Reading (Free), Ruel Sotiriou - Leyton Orient (Undisclosed), Dan Ellison - Chippenham (Undisclosed), Bryant Bilongo - Middlesbrough (Undisclosed), Joel Senior - Morecambe (Undisclosed), Taylor Moore - Valenciennes (Free), Michael Forbes - West Ham (Loan), Josh Griffiths - West Brom (Loan), Jamie Lindsay - Rotherham (Free), Promise Omochore - Fleetwood (Undisclosed), Jake Garrett - Blackburn (Loan)
Key Players Out: Anthony Evans – Huddersfield, John Marquis - Shrewsbury
3 players to watch: Promise Omochore, signed from Fleetwood, he is Rovers big summer acquisition. Rovers will be hoping he can help score the goals to move them up the table. He managed 13 in 73 from Fleetwood in 2 years, and The Gas will be hoping he can improve on that. Isaac Hutchinson, has spent most of his career at League Two, but with the departure of Anthony Evans, Rovers need someone to replace his goals. With 15 for Walsall last season Hutchinson could be that man. Taylor Moore, Moore previously was at Bristol City before a spell in France. Has plenty of experience and should be a solid signing at the heart of the defence.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Kofi Shaw (Midfielder) made his debut at the end of last season, is only 16, but has been part of the pre-season first team squad. Probably not going to be starting regularly any time soon, but should get some opportunities, especially as the season progresses.
Summary: Permanent wise Rovers have not lost a great deal, but the players they had on loan last season have gone, and they are the ones Rovers have been trying to replace. In terms of signings, they’ve been one of the most active with 12 through the door so far. Most of whom have come from other Football League sides.
Chris Martin was their top scorer with 16 overall, but he is now 35. Omochore is the man they’ve invested in to score the goals they’ll need if they want to improve this season. Jake Garrett (28 Apps for Blackburn last season) and Taylor Moore are good acquisitions and Rovers should be better than last season. A lot will depend on the goals of Martin, Omochore and Hutchinson though to decide exactly how much they improve.
Burton
Last Season: 20th
Manager: Mark Robinson. After 18 years coaching at Wimbledon Robinson became head coach in January 2021. He guided them to safety that season, and then at the start of the following season they started off well. However the form dropped off and they went 20 games without a win. Robinson was sacked and Wimbledon went on to get relegated. He then became the Head Coach of the Chelsea Development squad for 2 years before being appointed Burton Manager this summer. Overall win percentage: 25%.
Players in: Elliot Watt - Salford (Free), Geraldo Bajrami - Notts County (Free), Tomas Kalinauskas - Den Bosch (Free), Jason Sraha - Shrewsbury (Undisclosed), Ben Whitfield - Barrow (Free), Julian Larson - Nottingham Forest (Undisclosed), Charlie Webster - Chelsea (Undisclosed), Alex Bannon - Queens Park (Undisclosed), Udoka Goodwin-Malife - Swindon (Undisclosed), Danilo Orsi - Crawley (Undisclosed), Rumarn Burrell - Cove Rangers (Free), Dylan Williams- Chelsea (Loan), Billy Bodin - Oxford (Free), Jack Armer - Carlisle (Undisclosed), Jack Hazlehurst - Chorley (Undisclosed), Jack Cooper-Love - Elfsborg (Undisclosed), Ivan Inzoudine - FC Chambly Oise - (Undisclosed), Nick Akoto - South Georgia Tormenta FC (Undisclosed), Terence Vancooten - Stevenage (Undisclosed), Harry Isted - Charlton (Undisclosed)
Key Players Out: Joe Powell – Rotherham, Deji Oshilaja – Mansfield, Sam Hughes – Stockport, Mark Helm - Fleetwood
3 players to watch: Danilo Orsi, when Crawley signed Orsi from Grimsby after 4 goals in 32 games even they probably weren’t expecting him to suddenly score 25 in 50. That earned him this move to Burton. Was Orsi’s season last year a one off, or has he just his prime? At 28 Orsi certainly took his time to develop, can he score the goals to make sure Burton aren’t in a relegation battle this season? Terence Vancooten, signed for reportedly £500K Vancooten had been at Stevenage for a number of years, the big central defender has now joined Burton with the aim of improving the Brewers defence. Charlie Webster, the most promising of the youngsters they’ve signed. Webster played 13 games in the Eredivisie last season on loan from Chelsea. Now signed permanently by Burton, even at only 20 years of age he could be one of their best players.
Player you might not have heard of to keep an eye on: Dylan Williams (Left Back), another youngster from Chelsea, this one on loan. Played 8 games for Derby in 2021/22 before being signed by Chelsea. Looks likely to be the starting left back at the start of the season. Has a big opportunity to have a breakthrough year.
Summary: New owners took over Burton this summer, they have a new manager in Robinson, and almost an entire new squad. 20 players in so far, and there could be more to follow.
The new players in are a mixture of players you’ve probably never heard of, players that have done okay at League Two level, and some potentially promising youngsters.
Feels like this season could go one of two ways, they’ve thrown so many signings in that some of them are absolute masterstrokes and they push for the top half. Or, it’s a complete mess, the lack of strategy behind the signings is shown up and they find themselves fighting for survival.