Contenders
Ten years after winning the Premier League, Leicester now find themselves in the third tier following years of poor decision-making throughout the club. Russell Martin has been asked to lead a fresh start. Although several high earners have departed and few replacements have arrived, the squad still appears strong enough to compete near the top. The situation may also create opportunities for promising youngsters, supported by experienced players such as Harry Souttar and Stephy Mavididi.
Stockport have entered a new era after Jimmy McNulty succeeded the long-serving Dave Challinor following the playoff-final defeat. The club are recruiting young players for a coach with a reputation for developing talent. However, Stockport also recognise the importance of experience, bringing Ben Osborn back permanently after a successful loan and signing Eoghan O’Connell on a free transfer.
With new owners and major changes to the squad, Sheffield Wednesday are difficult to judge. The arrival of Louie Barry demonstrates ambition, and their final position may depend heavily on whether they can unlock the forward’s full potential.
Jack Wilshere has now had time to establish himself at Luton and knows the consistency and intensity required in this division. Permanent signing Kasey Palmer and new arrival Callum Marshall should give the team greater attacking energy. There is also more stability at Reading, where former Accrington manager John Coleman has joined Leam Richardson’s staff as assistant, a decision that could prove highly effective.
Following their playoff semi-final disappointment, Bradford have made targeted changes in an effort to take another step forward. Callum Connolly looks like an astute addition, while Adam Phillips should strengthen central midfield. Relegated Plymouth have lost striker Lorent Tolaj to Bristol City, but Tom Cleverley is likely to believe the remaining squad is capable of challenging, with Will Evans expected to become their main source of goals.
Hopefuls
Martin Drury is beginning his first senior management job at Huddersfield, but he has added experienced figures such as Alan Knill to his staff. Goalkeeper Matty Young, signed on loan from Sunderland, and forward Ashley Fletcher should improve both ends of the team. After earning promotion, MK Dons acted quickly by recruiting players already proven at this standard. Ryan Wintle, Cohen Bramall, Dan Barlaser, Sam Silvera and Sam Nombe have arrived with ambitions well beyond simply filling squad places.
A serious promotion challenge from Wigan or Blackpool currently seems doubtful, as neither club’s recruitment points toward a dramatic rise. Wigan have concentrated on younger additions, while Blackpool have done little significant business. Daniel Stendel has returned to Barnsley with the task of maximising the potential of a youthful squad featuring talents such as Reyes Cleary. There is considerable interest in how Aaron Ramsey will perform in his first permanent managerial position at Oxford, a club currently experiencing uncertainty. Frankie Kent suffering an ACL injury less than a month after joining was a major setback, particularly because he was one of only two signings completed before a transfer embargo was imposed. With limited squad depth, supporters are not expecting an immediate promotion push.
Leyton Orient are determined to avoid another fight against relegation. Fin Stevens, Joseph Olowu and Isaac Hayden should add quality and defensive resilience. Dom Ballard’s exit removes an important source of goals, but the club responded by paying a record fee to sign Jaze Kabia from Grimsby. With Michael Duff now established as Wycombe manager, the arrival of experienced defender Steve Cook on a free transfer offers a platform for progress. Stevenage will feel the departures of Charlie Goode and Harvey White, although capable coach Alex Revell should embrace the challenge. Mansfield hope Nigel Clough’s long tenure will provide valuable stability. They have also paired David McGoldrick with Michael Smith in attack, creating a strike partnership whose combined age is 72.
Peterborough remain difficult to forecast because their squad contains numerous gifted youngsters, yet potential does not always produce consistent results in this division. After returning to the third tier, Doncaster will look to secure a comfortable mid-table position, with Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin representing an impressive loan addition.
Strugglers
Notts County have continued to follow their data-led recruitment strategy, but the arrival of two players recently relegated from League Two raises concerns about the playoff winners’ prospects. Selling leading striker Alassana Jatta could make their task even harder. League Two champions Bromley have climbed rapidly through the divisions and must now compete against significantly larger clubs without comparable financial resources. After ending each of the past two seasons only one place clear of relegation, Burton understand the danger they face. Corey Addai should improve the goalkeeping department, but it remains uncertain whether Matthew Dennis can replace Jake Beesley’s contribution in attack.
Automatically promoted Cambridge have recruited footballers familiar with this division to support the talented Ben Knight. Following a subdued summer, AFC Wimbledon would probably regard survival as a successful outcome, although Jayden Stockley should provide a dependable goal threat.
Ones to watch
James Bailey, Stockport, 18 The left-footed teenager joined on a free transfer after developing in Manchester United’s academy. He is a traditional, competitive midfielder who enjoys recovering possession but also uses the ball effectively. His unusually mature appearance attracted plenty of light-hearted attention when the signing was announced.
Will Grainger, Sheffield Wednesday, 17 Despite attracting attention from Premier League teams, the lifelong Owls supporter chose to remain with the club he joined at eight years old and agreed a three-year contract. The Wales youth international is a technically accomplished and intelligent attacking midfielder who can both create chances and score.
Vimal Yoganathan, Barnsley, 20 Comfortable with either foot, the central midfielder established himself as a regular last season and will aim to develop further. His intelligence, pace and determination make him an exciting prospect, while his performances have already earned recognition at youth international level with Wales.
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