Contenders
Salford meekly lost the playoff final and that was the end of days for Karl Robinson as he was sacked. Peter Cklamovski was not the obvious replacement, but the Australian left behind the Malaysia national side for a crack at League Two with the rebranded Ammies, who are back in their traditional orange. Macaulay Langstaff has arrived with the task of providing the goals to finally get Salford up and few would bet against the striker.
Chesterfield fell short in the playoffs, too, but Paul Cook remains one of the best managers at this level, although the loss of Armando Dobra could be significant. Securing the veteran forward Andy Cook was important for Grimsby as they seek to push on and his influence could be telling if he plays enough games. Lee Grant did not get much chance to prove himself at Huddersfield so will be desperate to do so at Walsall, especially after a promising start by knocking Championship side Bristol City out of the EFL Cup. The former goalkeeper will be hoping he is the man to ensure the Saddlers do not stop playing in winter, as has been the case in recent years.
Of those who have dropped down, Rotherham are the more intriguing bet, having brought in Steve McClaren as director of football and Alex Bruce as head coach in an attempt to revitalise the club. Losing Sam Nombe was a blow, but his transfer fee should allow investment. Jon Brady knows what he is doing and could do nothing to keep Port Vale up, but arguably has the most complete squad at this level with Max Watters and Kyle Dempsey standout summer signings.
Hopefuls
An end‑of‑season slump kept Crewe out of the playoffs last time round, but the returns of Luke Offord and Joe White provide much‑needed quality. Barnet were two points off eighth having returned to the EFL and have kept their developing squad together – apart from Ryan Glover who was sold to Stockport – to give Dean Brennan real belief that his side can improve. Oldham made a steady return to the fourth tier and have added the guarantee of Elliott Nevitt’s goals alongside Oliver Norburn, who was a key member of the Notts County side that went up from this division.
Colin Kazim-Richards has his feet fully under the table at Crawley and has overseen one of their traditional busy summers in an attempt to avoid a relegation battle. The former Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone was an eye‑catching signing, while the talented Malcolm Ebiowei will be aiming to turn his career around. If these two shine, it could make them a surprise package. Relegation and problems off the pitch have put Exeter on a downward spiral, which does not look like being arrested without further incomings. “Absolute tinpot garbage” was Ian Holloway’s view of Swindon’s friendly performance against Bristol City, which suggests the team still have levels to go. Gareth Ainsworth wants high‑pressing Gillingham to maintain energy levels over the course of the campaign to give them an outside chance of challenging.
George Burley’s son-in-law Chris Hogg joined Northampton in May for his first managerial role and, after sunning himself in Greece, is primed to test himself, but the Cobblers may rue the departure of Cameron McGeehan as they aim to rebuild after relegation. Gavin Cowan transformed Shrewsbury from no-hopers to comfortably staying up but he faces a tricky second album.
John Terry is not the Colchester owner, as the sale of the club rumbles on without a solution. Steve Evans will ensure Bristol Rovers are competitive, but whether that means they can push themselves higher than 14th place last season remains to be seen.
Strugglers
The promoted teams start on the backfoot after managerial changes, as Rochdale lost Jimmy McNulty, while York decided to sack Stuart Maynard midway through preseason, much to the consternation of the fans. Diligence in recruitment, however, gives them optimism, especially Dale bringing back Cian Hayes.
Tranmere survived by a couple of points last time round but will be hoping for an uplift under Darrell Clarke, who has persuaded Will Vaulks and the former Watford winger Tom Ince that Prenton Park is a sensible place to continue their careers. Newport County were also forced into a change in the dugout when Christian Fuchs decided Rodney Parade was not the place he wanted to call home having kept the team up, leaving the club in flux as Chris Todd oversaw preparations for the campaign. The Exiles brought in plenty of experience in the shape of Harrison Biggins and Christian Doidge to strengthen the squad.
The inexperienced Matt Lawlor is set for a challenging first full season in charge of Fleetwood, who are boosted by the signing of Andy Cannon from Wrexham. Steve Cotterill revitalised Cheltenham almost a year ago, but five of their first six summer signings were relegated in May, which does not inspire confidence. After finishing comfortably in midtable, Accrington Stanley may not fear the drop and Cole Stockton is a clever signing but there is a nagging doubt about the club’s efficacy.
Ones to watch
Maldini Kacurri, Grimsby, 20 After starting last season on loan at doomed National League side Morecambe, the Albania international may have wondered if life outside Arsenal was really for him. The defender shone when he stepped up to League Two with Grimsby, guided by David Artell, proving himself capable of coping with the physicality in the lower tiers.
Patrick Mlynarski, Crewe, 18 A Wales youth international, the recently-turned 18-year-old is now in his first year as a professional. The winger made his debut in the EFL Trophy last season, but is yet to feature in the league. Previously part of Everton’s academy, Mylnarski is skilful and powerful, playing on the left, possessing the ability to cut in or beat defenders on the outside.
Will Gray, Shrewsbury, 17 The midfielder made four starts last season and signed his first professional contract in the summer. His manager, Gavin Cowan, has praised his mentality and ability to keep things simple in the centre of the park.
