Gab Sutton's EFL League One 1-24 Season Predictions 2025/26
Gab Sutton 
It's time for day two of Gab Sutton's EFL predictions for the 2025/26 season, and this time, League One is our focus area.
Below we've got the 1-24 predictions for League One, as well as the latest odds for their promotion or relegation from the best betting sites.
Misses yesterday's content? Check out Gab Sutton's League Two 1-24 predictions here.
Ready for League One? Let's Go!
1. Luton Town
The problem with being very level-headed is that you donโt always know when to shake things up.
The principle of chairman David Wilkinson, CEO Gary Sweet and Director of Football Mick Harford to promote stability, continuity and trust has been central to Lutonโs rise from a club suffering from an opposition โcup finalโ effect in the Conference to, within a decade, one competitive in the Premier League.
And yet, for one season in 11, that same instinct, so often a strength, may have manifested itself as a weakness, as the Hatters followed up a spirited if unsuccessful top-flight effort with a shock relegation from the Championship.
The Bedfordshire club made just two signings prior to August last summer, largely trusting the group and management that got them up to the promised land in 2022-23, but it backfired because most werenโt at the same level as they were.
It wouldโve been hard for the hierarchy to telegraph such a drop-off, and maybe this was a rare instance in which a more ruthless approach would have worked better โ but then again, a more ruthless approach wouldnโt have got the club as far as it got.
Either way, lessons have been heeded, the club has fresh leadership now in Matt Bloomfield, who reorganised the team in the second half of last season, and the higher-ups have been emboldened to shake things up.
Six players have arrived by mid-July, with familiar defender Kal Naismith, experienced midfielder George Saville and proven poacher Nahki Wells bringing high-level pedigree to the defence, midfield and attack respectively, and to a squad that already has plenty of it.
Organiser Mark McGuinness, talented defender Nigel Lonwijk, cultured midfielder Liam Walsh, versatile midfielder Jordan Clark and physical forward Elijah Adebayo should all be top-end players for this level.
So, too, should emerging talents like right-sided defender Christ Makosso and withdrawn forward Millenic Alli, who had great impacts in the second half of last season, while left-back Joe Johnson and attacking midfielders Zack Nelson and Jayden Luker are exciting academy prospects.
Meanwhile, Reuell Walters, Teden Mengi, Marvellous Nakamba, Shandon Baptiste and Isaiah Jones all could be streets above this level, if they can get into the right physical shape and/or mental space.
So, the quality in group is enormous, for this level, if they get it right. Itโs just a matter of whether Bloomfield can foster a spirit and togetherness in the group, ensuring all the intangibles are in place.
The latest League One betting market has Luton at the head of it, to win the league, and for promotion, and Gab Sutton agrees, they are his pick to win it.
2. Stockport County
As much as the promotion that Stockport missed out on last season would have been incredibly exciting and exhilarating, it may have been almost exhausting in equal measure.
The Hatters had already enjoyed three promotions in six years, since winning the National League North in 2018-19, so another one would have required a less than organic scale of growth โ a bit like going to University before youโve finished college.
Instead, County lost their Play-Off Semi-Final to Leyton Orient, and while defeats in those games always come with disappointment, at least this way the club have a bigger window to take stock, and evolve the squad at a more sustainable and balanced rate.
In the long run, that could end up being healthier for the clubโs trajectory because, had they got promoted, they would have had to change half their squad to be competitive at Championship level, whereas instead itโs been a question of minor tweaks.
Boss Dave Challinor has offloaded seven first-team players, with top goalscorer Isaac Olaofeโs move to Charlton looking like the only that hasnโt been driven primarily by the club wanting to evolve the group, with Sam Hughes, Fraser Horsfall, Kyle Knoyle, Macauley Southam-Hales, Ibou Touray and Will Collar also departing.
Coming in, meanwhile, are stylish finisher Mallik Mothersille, intelligent left-back Tayo Edun, and athletic, ball-playing defender Joseph Olowu, and the quality-over-quantity nature of the transfer business thus far suggests one or two more marquee additions could be forthcoming.
Meanwhile, a high-performing group remain in sweeper โkeeper Corey Addai, supremely talented left-sided defender Ethan Pye, dependable utility man Callum Connolly, all-action midfielder Lewis Bate, esteemed playmaker Oli Norwood, and selfless target man Kyle Wootton.
Thereโs exuberant talents, too, in speedy wide man Jayden Fevrier, bright wide forward Jack Diamond, midfield dynamo Owen Moxon, and forward livewire Benonรฝ Breki Andrรฉsson.
Plus, the Hatters have a thriving academy with emerging prospects like physical centre half Christy Grogan, and skilful attacker Che Gardner, who may enjoy more opportunities in a squad of only around 20 senior players at the time of writing.
Above anything else, this is a squad that knows what winning looks like, this is a club thatโs been doing it for seven years, and a manager thatโs been doing it for 15.
They say winning is a habitโฆ
*Second choice, Stockport are not amongst the favourites for promotion, and are as big as 14/1 with bet365 to win League One in the 25/26 season.
3. Bolton Wanderers
Itโs time for some fresh legs at Bolton.
It looked, for a while, like the crop of players that enjoyed four years of continual progress under Ian Evatt, culminating in successive Play-Off spots in League One, would secure promotion.
Alas, that wasnโt to be, for the peak-aged and experienced group last season, as the lack of growth potential and youthful exuberance saw things go stale, with Evatt sacked in January.
Replacement Steven Schumacher enjoyed an initial impact, with his more adaptable approach yielding five wins in his first seven, but the Liverpudlian was unable to build on that, as two wins in the final 11 saw the Wanderers slump to 8th.
With five senior players released, though, and three loans returning, thereโs been scope for Schumacher to evolve the squad, as he looks to repeat his heroics with Plymouth Argyle, where he won the title at this level in 2022-23.
Heโs done just that, with powerful centre-back Richard Taylor, creative midfielder Xavier Simons, quick, agile winger Thierry Gale and physical striker Sam Dalby signing permanently.
Plus, keep half an eye on versatile forward Charlie Warren, who signs from Felixstowe & Walton United, bringing a fearless attitude and a zest for running at defenders.
Jumping from step-4, Warren is unlikely to start league games but, possibly from the bench a few times, he could have the kind of refreshing impact Bolton need โ something different to their ultra-technical players โ a raw prospect who can bring a different mentality to things and get fans off their seats.
Meanwhile, two England youth internationals join on loan: talented goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who won the League Two title with Doncaster last season, and exciting winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who tasted Championship action with Blackburn.
The septet join a steady group in athletic right-back Josh Cogley, reliable centre-backs George Johnston and Chris Forino, playmakers Josh Sheehan and Aaron Morley, midfield captain George Thomason, and pressing forward John McAtee.
Elsewhere, left-back Max Conway has elevated himself into the first-team equation, following a stellar League Two loan with Crewe.
So, those fresh legs have sprinted in to rejuvenate a group that already has quality, under a flexible manager: Bolton should be there or thereabouts.
4. Cardiff City
Although Cardiffโs relegation last season followed a top half finish the year before, thereโs a strong feeling that the club had it coming.
The preceding 18th and 21st-place finishes highlighted operational neglect under owner Vincent Tan, and chairman Mehmet Dalman, which contributed to poor recruitment and questionable managerial appointments, before a couple of winning streaks under Erol Bulut in 2023-24 masked some fundamental, underlying issues.
So, from the fansโ perspective, the inevitable heartache of relegation is balanced slightly by the silver lining that is the higher-ups finding it harder to dismiss criticism, and kick fundamental change into the long green grass of home.
Whether fundamental change is exactly what the club has had this summer will take the test of time, but it does seem that when Brian Barry-Murphy interviewed for the head coach position, he enlightened key personnel around whatโs required โ and thatโs a start.
BBMโs thirst for development, which heโs proven both at Manchester City EDS, but also in his stint at Rochdale, should make him a great fit for some of the young talent, of which thereโs plenty.
Attacking midfielder Rubin Colwill has the capacity to win League One Player of the Year this season, while his brother Joel, busy and aggressive, rated as an equally talented prospect within the academy.
Elsewhere, the Bluebirds boast a generational talent in Dylan Lawlor, in central defence and he, bright forward Cian Ashford, speedy right-back Ronan Kpakio and technical left-back Luey Giles should get their moments to shine, to different extents.
So, with those prodigiously gifted talents combined with Barry-Murphyโs specialist knowledge of how to manage young players, and the immense tactical and technical detail he can offer to expand their skillsets, the results could be stunning.
City have proven quality elsewhere, too, in right-back Perry Ng, and his playmaking, former Crewe Alexandra teammate, Ryan Wintle โ both could significantly benefit from a style akin to the one they enjoyed at Gresty Road.
Meanwhile, they also have good defenders in Will Fish and Jesper Daland, a creative midfielder Alex Robertson and an incisive forward in Callum Robinson.
Plus, Yousef Salech thus far remains after bagging eight in the second half of last season, and could score 25+ at this level in a progressive, creative system.
BBMโs vision may not merge smoothly with a group not entirely accustomed to it overnight, but heโs an outstanding coach: donโt be surprised to see Cardiff get better as the season goes on.
*The football betting markets have Cardiff as second favourites to bounce back at the first attempt, but if they do, Gab thinks it'll be via the playoffs.
5. Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield look better-placed to challenge for a return to the Championship than they did 12 months ago.
When the Terriers first came down from the second-tier, they had a full squad still under contract, many of whom the club would have moved on if they could have done, but they had to work with what they had.
As such, they were only able to add eight senior players that summer, and ended up with a bloated squad, still with some of the cultural issues that contributed to their relegation from the Championship in 2023-24.
This summer, on the other hand, theyโve been able to release 10 senior players, rather than just the five, and bring in eight additions by mid-July, as opposed to just four at the same stage last year โ and the incoming octet significantly enhance the squad.
Goalkeeper Owen Goodman and centre-back Josh Feeney arrive on loan from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, after starring in League Two with Wimbledon and League One with Shrewsbury respectively.
In terms of permanent acquisitions, Joe Low, Jack Whatmough, Sean Roughan and Murray Wallace bring plenty of ability to the defence; Low will offer aerial dominance (ironically), Whatmough, intelligent assurance, Roughan, athleticism, and Wallace, experience.
With Ryan Ledson bringing some tenacity to midfield, after joining from Preston North End, the squad should have the resolve to avoid the cold streaks they suffered last season; four straight defeats, three straight defeats, six losses in eight, and six in a row (all separate).
With stronger defensive foundations in place, itโs just a question of whether new head coach Lee Grant can help raise the โForโ column, from last seasonโs 58.
Grant is unproven as a number one, but he was entrusted with being an in-possession coach at Ipswich, during their back-to-back promotions to, and in, the Premier League.
On the basis that in-possession work requires more creative thinking, from a coaching perspective, than the shape stuff, and given how good Ipswichโs patterns of play have looked under Kieran McKenna, thereโs definite cause for optimism around Grantโs potential.
So, an exciting coach and a good squad on paper that needs a nudge: Huddersfield might fall short of the top two pace, but they should secure a comfortable top six berth.
6. Wycombe Wanderers
On the one hand, last seasonโs 5th-placed finish, the third highest in the clubโs history, represents a glowing indication of how far Wycombe have come.
Impeccable form in the first half of the season, under Matt Bloomfield, shows whatโs possible when the Chairboys do have stability across the board.
The Buckinghamshire outfit boast a fantastic infrastructure, especially at the newly developed Marlow Road, and significant external investment from their new billionaire Kazakhstani owner, Mikheil Lomtadze.
Rewind a decade, and youโd have got long odds on Wanderers signing hot international prospects from Basel and Feyenoord, in poach Bradley Fink and goalkeeping distribution specialist Mikki van Sas respectively.
While the club have plenty going for them, however, CFO Dan Rice, among others, also have lessons to learn.
Clearly, Bloomfield didnโt feel valued by the new regime: otherwise, itโs hard to see why somebody whoโs represented the club for a combined 21 years would leave them in the middle of a serious promotion bid, that couldโve secured a second ever season in English footballโs second-tier.
Plus, that same month, the club sanctioned 10 new senior signings, which may have disrupted the intimate synergy of the group, as a possible factor behind the drop from 2nd to 4th โ although the XI itself didnโt change an awful lot.
Seven wins in 17 games under the new head coach was a dip rather than a plummet, and now Mike Dodds, regarded extremely highly as a coach from his time at Birmingham and Sunderland, has some experience in senior management under his belt.
Plus, heโs gained an opportunity to get some long-form ideas across to the squad in pre-season training, something there would have been less time for when the schedule was busier.
So, this season should really tell us what heโs capable of, and he does have a squad as rich in depth as anyoneโs, bar Luton, in this division.
The 39-year-old retains a dependable go-to core in athletic full-backs Jack Grimmer and Dan Harvie, box-to-box man Matt Butcher, leader Luke Leahy, consummate pro Garath McCleary, gifted wide forward Fred Onyedinma and talisman Richard Kone, remaining from last season.
Meanwhile, more could be to come from gifted January recruits, cultured defender Anders Hagelskjaer, expensive midfielder Magnus Westergaard and 22-year-old attacking midfielder Alex Lowry, recently of Scotland Under-21s.
Plus, theyโve added quality to that in spirited defender Dan Casey, set piece specialist Taylor Allen and flying wing-back Junior Quitirna, as well as the aforementioned Fink and van Sas, plus three midfielders.
Of those, Caolan Boyd-Munce has a good all-round game and a sweet left foot, Jamie Mullins has great pedigree, as an Ireland U21s prospect poached from Brighton, while Ewan Henderson stood out in the Belgian Pro-League last season for a poor Beerschot side.
So, while there remains some unknowns, for no, about whether Dodds can translate his coaching brilliance into management, the quality and depth of the squad should be a significant help, as Wycombe aim for successive top six finishes.
7. Plymouth Argyle
The next chapter in Argyleโs story will be defined by the clubโs ability to learn.
Owner Simon Hallett retains widespread support from large swathes of the Green Army, on the understanding that it would have been difficult to survive a second season in the Championship, given the financial climate of the league.
At the same time, mistakes have been made, and as much as itโs great to have an owner thatโs trusting, he probably trusted the wrong ideas and people, with decision-making over contracts, sales, recruitment and managerial appointments all in question.
There has since been a much-needed shake-up, though, with the club naming a new Head of Football Operations, Head of Recruitment, and Head Coach, in former player David Fox, Tom Randle, and Tom Cleverley respectively.
Cleveley had a positive first season in management last year, in the Championship with Watford, demonstrating the ability to maximize the strengths of his squad, namely ball-carrying, rather than confine them within an overly regimented system that may have limited individual expression.
If the former Manchester United midfielder can channel those qualities at Home Park, the Devonians should see the best of wing-backs Bali Mumba and Matthew Sorinola, who have both been top-end performers at this level before, most notably in 2021-22 with Argyle and MK Dons respectively.
Argyle have lost most of their better players from an improved second half of last season in the Championship, under Miron Muslic: defenders Nikola Katiฤ and Maksym Talovierov, midfielders Darko Gyabi, Callum Wright, and Adam Randell, plus forwards Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie, who scored 10 apiece.
Theyโve retained, however, the aforementioned Mumba and Sorinola, strong shot-stopper Conor Hazard, defender Kornel Skucs, cultured centre-back Julio Pleguezuelo, versatile stalwart Joe Edwards, and talented forward Freddie Issaka.
Like Issaka, coming through an academy with an enormous catchment area, are midfielder Caleb Roberts, forward Tegan Finn, and prolific poacher Joe Hatch, a Wales youth prospect who scored nine goals in six for the Under-18s at the start of last season, prior to injury.
Meanwhile, theyโve added more oven-ready quality in nine permanent additions, including up-and-coming defender Brendan Wiredu, dynamic wide man Xavier Amaechi, and seasoned attacking midfielder Jamie Paterson.
Itโs a big rebuild, though, so a slow start could see Argyle just miss out on the top six.
8. Lincoln City
Michael Skubala has shown enormous potential in his first 18 months as Lincoln City boss, establishing himself as one of the most advanced, technical coaches in the EFL.
The Imps became one of the form sides in League One in 2023-24, after he took charge in November, narrowly missing out on the Play-Offs on the final day, before they secured another top half finish under his watch last season.
The interpersonal aspect of his work may need a tiny bit of fine-tuning, if weโre being super picky, but he does have an assistant in Chris Cohen who is a good man manager and popular with the players.
So, if they can both consciously lean on the otherโs primary strengths, it should ensure that all the boxes of management, including the more relational facets, get ticked one way or another.
If so, then, again, those words enormous potential spring to mind.
City amassed a respectable 61 points last season, and begin this one with 13 of their 24-man squad being aged between 20 and 24; just about to hit a huge spike in their development, hopefully, and in many cases hit their peak.
Commanding goalkeeper George Wickens, wide dribbler Erik Ring, direct attacking midfielder Jack Moylan, and brutish wide forward Jovon Makama could be ready to star at this level, after a year or two to find their feet.
Itโs the same for hardworking striker Rob Street, who returns from a successful League Two loan, in which he bagged 12 goals in 22 games in the second half of last season to fire Doncaster to promotion.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Zane Okoro is one of the most prodigious talents in the country, and hasnโt inked a three-year contract at Sincil Bank with the intention of playing no minutes.
So, the anticipated growth in the squad, even with the likely departure of star midfielder Ethan Erhahon, means getting those extra 14-18 points that could nudge them into the Play-Offs isnโt beyond them.
Especially, that is, with the knowhow of energetic right-back Tendayi Darikwa, defensive organiser Sonny Bradley, and hold-up front-man James Collins, who bring much-needed balance.
Expect the Imps to go closeโฆ
9. Blackpool
It often seems, in modern football, that the managers who havenโt achieved anything yet get rated higher than the ones that have.
Steve Bruce was appointed Blackpool boss in early September to widespread scepticism - which this writer shared โ with only a tough stint at West Brom having followed his Newcastle exit in 2021.
On the flip side to that, though, you donโt manage in the top two leagues of English football across four different decades by accident, so perhaps we shouldnโt be too surprised that the Tangerines accrued an impressive 65 points from 42 games under the Geordie.
If the Seasiders can match or better that form across an extra four matches, theyโll be well in the Play-Off shake-up, so the good news is that theyโve retained much of the desired personnel.
Yes, attacking midfielder Sonny Carey and winger Rob Apter have gone to Charlton, while on-loan defender Odel Offiah will be missed.
Forward Niall Ennis has returned permanently, however, after scoring seven in 19 in the second half of last season, while a reappearance for goalkeeper Harry Tyrer isnโt off the table.
Meanwhile, Playersโ Player of the Season centre-back Oli Casey, solid left-back James Husband, reliable midfielders Lee Evans and Albie Morgan, attacking left sider Hayden Coulson and mercurial wide man CJ Hamilton all remain at Bloomfield Road.
Elsewhere, thereโs more to come from fit again right-back Andy Lyons, talented centre-back Dan Sassi, steady left-back Zac Ashworth, midfielder Ryan Finnigan, dribbly forward Tom Bloxham and athletic forward Kylian Kouassi.
Rocking up on the Fylde coast, on the other hand, are top shot stopper Franco Ravizolli, aerially dominant centre halves, Michael Ihiekwe and Fraser Horsfall, ball-carrying right-sider Danny Imray, on loan, and industrious midfielders George Honeyman and Jordan Brown.
Thereโs a simplicity to Blackpoolโs template that may limit them, as they bid for a top six berth, but could just as easily enable familiarity, consistency and rhythm.
*Coral are offering a top price of 14/1 on Blackpool in the table above, and you can read more about Coral the brand on our Coral review guide.
10. Reading
The end of Dai Yonggeโs ill-fated ownership will go down as one of the most joyous moments in Readingโs modern history.
As hard as it may be to match the promotion party against Derby in 2006, the 6-0 thumping of West Ham, or Mikele Leigertwoodโs winner against Forest, this was about more than an outcome of a season: rather, the continued existence of the club.
Right now, itโs almost impossible for new owner Rob Couhig to represent to supporters anything more than simply not being his predecessor.
Nonetheless, the Americanโs early media appearances highlight both great ambitions for the club, and a realistic path for how to get there, based on strong infrastructural foundations and steady growth.
A good start has been made by retaining goalscoring midfielder Lewis Wing, as well as, so far, pocket-rocket right-back Kelvin Abrefa, intelligent midfielder Ben Elliott, top scorer Harvey Knibbs, Wales international midfielder Charlie Savage, Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira, speedy winger Mamadi Camarรก, 17-year-old prospect, Andre Garcia, at left-back.
As expected, The Royals have had less joy in central defence, where Tyler Bindon goes back to Nottingham Forest and Amadou Mbengue has moved to QPR, but the reliable Paudie OโConnor joins from Lincoln to give the back-line more of a rugged feel.
Meanwhile, theyโve loaned holding midfielder Fin Burns, left-back Matty Jacob and striker Mark OโMahoney from Man City, Hull and Brighton respectively, with all three possessing Championship experience.
Although thereโs talent at the club, however, and a thriving academy that head coach Noel Hunt knows well from his time in the youth setup, this feels like a rebuilding period.
Plus, thereโs high-profile coaches and established managers, that Hunt will be doing battle with on the touchline, as he bids for the top six.
11. Leyton Orient
After Mayโs 1-0 Play-Off Final loss to Charlton, emotions for Leyton Orient were a mixture of overwhelming pride, tinged with a slight sense of missed opportunity.
On the one hand, the Oโs challenged ahead of schedule, reaching the top six in their second season up in League One, without a huge amount of external investment.
And, with incoming majority shareholder David Gandler making all the right noises around trusting existing personnel, and simply being there to support with the extra few quid, last seasonโs progress could be a springboard for an exciting new era in E10.
And yet, in the short-term, at least, the squad that got to Wembley has been broken up.
Star loanees, goalkeeper Josh Keeley and forward Jamie Donley, have gone back to Tottenham, likewise left-back Jack Currie and top scorer Charlie Kelman, to Oxford and QPR respectively.
Elsewhere, star playmaker/right-back Ethan Galbraith has gone to Swansea, ball-winner Jordan Brown has moved to Blackpool, while wide forward Dan Agyei has relocated to Turkey, with Kocaelispor.
On the one hand, the club can argue that, if you look at the replacements for those players in isolation, theyโve done very well.
Aaron Connolly looks to have got himself into the right physical and mental place, now, and could be ready to re-establish the talent that made him an eight-figure asset at Brighton in 2019, making him an excellent replacement in prospect for Kelman.
Tyreeq Bakinson and Michael Craig, meanwhile, are great replacements for Brown, whilst also offering greater midfield depth, and the latterโs ability to cover at right-back, where theyโre now lighter.
Similarly, Josh Koroma and Demetri Mitchell offer depth and competition in wide areas after signing from Huddersfield and Exeter respectively, negating the loss of Agyei.
Tommy Simkin, meanwhile, is very highly-rated at Stoke, was part of England Under-21sโ European Championship winning success, and comes into his spell at Brisbane Road with experience under his belt in the lower divisions โ something Keeley didnโt have.
Plus, the loss of Galbraith is mitigated somewhat by the return of midfielder Idris El Mizouni; although a different profile of player, the physical ball-carrier was adored in E10 in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns.
As much as the club deserve credit for that, though, there are two unavoidable problems.
Firstly, nobody theyโve brought in can replace Galbraith, arguably the best player in League One last season, taking Birmingham out of the equation, on current ability. He was just on another level.
Thatโs not anybodyโs fault - Orient couldnโt reject ยฃ1.5M and stand in his way - itโs just a fact of life, and it may have a bearing on this season.
Secondly, although theyโve replaced those six first-team players admirably, doing it all in one window is sub-optimal, and the new lads may take time to settle on a comparable dynamic.
From those perspectives, itโs likely that this could be a season of rebuild for Orient, who will be keen to establish some foundations that can see them challenge again in 2026-27.
The best news, though, is that of those key departures, boss Richie Wellens wonโt be among them: the Mancunianโs meeting with Gandler went swimmingly, and he subsequently signed a renewed three-year contract, quashing external interest.
When the 45-year-old leaves Orient, it could be with them as a Championship club โ just maybe not next summer.
12. Peterborough United
Peterborough suffered a sizeable drop-off last season, following 2023-24โs 4th-place finish with a disappointing 18th, although they did manage to retain the EFL Trophy.
That disappointment, though, comes with mitigation, for the management at least, with four key men departing all in one window and their replacements being much further back on their development.
With that in mind, then, one would have thought the silver lining would be a bit more stability this summer, with high retentions, yet thereโs been another set of five departures of first-team players โ Emmanuel Fernandez, Hector Kyprianou, Kwame Poku, Mallik Mothersille and Ricky-Jade Jones - all of relative importance, if to different extents.
On the plus side, selling four players one year and five the next โ although they only got fees for three of the above while Jones will go to a tribunal โ does ensure financial stability, which is far from a given in the EFLโs current financial climate.
On the minus side, it also risks Posh putting themselves in the less desirable position of suffering from the teething problems that come with giving young players their first senior experience, without enjoying the benefits theyโd expect to get when they reach a decent standard.
And, if they carry on like this, theyโll continue to be in a healthy position off the field, but constantly in rebuilding mode on it; as much as fans will be grateful for the former aspect, they can only get so excited by bank balances.
Thatโs not to say this summerโs recruitment doesnโt offer some encouragement, however.
Sam Hughes returns to bolster central defence, after a solid second half of last season, Alex Bass was one of the best goalkeepers in League Two last season, while even Brandon Khela can offer a similar range of qualities to Kyprianou, albeit being further back on his development.
Then again, thatโs a rather familiar theme. For Peterborough to make meaningful progress, despite another five key exits, theyโll need players further back on the conveyor belt to make rapid strides.
Right-back James Dornelly, centre-back George Nevett, left-back Harley Mills, midfielder Donay OโBrien-Brady, winger Cian Hayes and striker Gustav Lingren could be capable of such strides, along with Odoh and Conn-Clarke.
Plus, Declan Frith and Kyrell Lisbie sign from FC Thun and Braintree Town respectively to bring explosive pace in attacking areas.
Meanwhile, midfield all-rounder Archie Collins represents the one remaining pillar of reliability, giving Fergusonโs side some semblance of continuity.
Yet, with no other proven top-end performers for the level, this feels like a second rebuilding season for Peterborough, whoโd hoped for just the one.
And, while we can expect much of their squad to develop due to the age profiles, which could help them reach the top half, parts of that development will merely serve to redress the footballing deficit.
*One time a bigger name in the division, Gab and the bookmakers think Peterborough won't be at the top end this year. As big as 33/1 to win the league with many brands, including Talksport Bet, and you can check out our Talksport Bet review to find out more about what they offer to customers.
13. Barnsley
Barnsley havenโt always quite known whether to embrace ambition or realism.
On the one hand, theyโre a club crying out for a substantial rebuild, a period of stylistic and developmental progress, especially as a means of raising the financial value of their squad, as a club without heaps of external investment.
And yet, theyโre also one of the bigger clubs in League One with an extensive second-tier history, so seasons at this level will always come with an expectation from the fanbase of being one of the better teams in the league, competing towards the top.
So, do the Reds dismiss the wishes of natives in the name of long-term growth, risking criticism and a fall in season ticket sales?
Or, do they recruit for short-term ends, to reclaim their status as a top six side at this level, risking leaving themselves with an even bigger rebuild if that doesnโt go to plan?
Well, the solution has been to appoint Conor Hourihane, perhaps with the intention of leaning towards the developmental end of the spectrum, but with the Irishmanโs legendary status keeping the fanbase just about on-side.
That may be wise because, since reaching the Play-Offs under Michael Duff in 2022-23, and looking an excellent side, Tarn have had two seasons of underwhelming performances and poor home form โ although they did reach the Play-Offs again in 2023-24, before last yearโs 12th-place finish.
The remaining squad, meanwhile, has few high-end League One performers: aggressive defender Maรซl de Gevigney, withdrawn forward Davis Keillor-Dunn, and goalscoring midfielder Adam Phillips are among the few exceptions, and the latter may have suitors.
There are, however, players who have the potential to reach those levels, this season or next.
Committed defender Jack Shepherd and midfield presser Vimal Yoganathan furthered their respective first team cases with excellent loans in League Two and the National League with Bradford and Oldham respectively.
A big season could be ahead, too, for electric wide forward Fรกbio Jalรณ; the teenager will feel like heโs almost owed opportunities, after committing to the club in January 2024, at a time when he was playing regularly for Portugal U19s.
More is to come, too, from wing-backs Kyran Lofthouse and Georgie Gent, while goalkeeper Kieren Flavell and midfielder Jonathan Bland have both signed new deals after coming through the academy.
Even playmaker Kelechi Nwakali, although peak-aged at 27, has a stunning passing range, and could start to show the ability that earned him a place in Nigeriaโs squad for the 2021 African Cup of Nations.
So, thereโs some potential there, both on the pitch and in the dugout.
The problem is, thereโs also fulfilled potential elsewhere in the division, so patience could be the order of the day.
*In loving memory of Alan Smith
14. Doncaster Rovers
It was Doncasterโs high floor, rather than ceiling, that won them the League Two title last season.
While Grant McCannโs side werenโt always able to turn on the style in the way they did at Bradford in October, or at home to Carlisle in March, they retained an uncompromising solidity, boundless energy, and a willingness to press their opponents with athleticism, aggression and intent.
Donny have a strong mentality, too, which saw them finish the season 11 games unbeaten, where many of their promotion rivals struggled with the pressure of the high-stakes part of the campaign.
All those qualities should translate well to a higher league, in which itโll take plenty of resolve and out-of-possession diligence to tick over a steady flow of points to keep themselves in midtable.
In all-action full-back Jamie Sterry, and his right wing-man Luke Molyneux, talented defender Jay McGrath and midfielder Owen Bailey, Rovers retain a core of players capable of helping them do just that.
McCann has added some higher-level pedigree to that group, too, in experienced, battle-hardened defender Matty Pearson, direct winger Glenn Middleton, and speedy forward Brandon Hanlan, from Huddersfield, Dundee United and Wycombe respectively.
The Northern Irish boss has injected a smattering of elite talent, as well, in Damola Ajayi, on loan from Tottenham; the energetic wide forward, who scored a delightful strike in the Europa League last season, looks a serious prospect.
Doncaster have arguably enjoyed a slight upgrade in the goalkeeping department, too, loaning the familiar Thimothรฉe Lo-Tutala from Hull, after the Frenchman contributed to 2023-24โs two-month rise from 20th to 5th in his first spell.
So, with Robbie Gotts looking a fine addition to the midfield, to complement Bailey and George Broadbent, it looks like a squad more than ready to attack League One, and bloody a few noses.
15. Wigan Athletic
In swapping Shaun Maloney for Ryan Lowe, Wigan Athletic have compromised a developmental ethos and an intimate, close-knit feel around the club, for somebody they feel is likelier to deliver short-term results.
In terms of CVs, Loweโs was clearly the best on the table: the Liverpudlian has won League Two promotion with Bury and Plymouth Argyle, leading the latter to the top-end of League One, before delivering midtable form on a bottom six budget for two-and-a-half years with Preston North End, in the Championship.
Loweโs sceptics, however, would argue that heโs previously made certain decisions in his career that have prioritized his own individual reputation, sometimes over clubs heโs represented.
Whether or not that scepticism is fair, especially in an industry as unstable as football management, itโs at least reasonable to presume that his focus will be on the outcome of this season, whereas Maloney cared deeply about the bigger picture in a very nurturing and paternal way.
Then again, he might argue thatโs not exclusively a bad thing, as he looks to bring an urgency to the club, light fires and shake the โTics out of last seasonโs malaise, while letting sporting director Gregor Rioch worry about the macro picture.
And, if he does leave for a bigger job in-season, itโll be because heโs done good work at a club thatโs had little to shout about for three years.
Whether it pans out that way, could depend partly on whether right-hand men Glenn Whelan and Nicky Adams can provide the same coaching brilliance as he had in Steven Schumacher at two of his previous clubs โ but neither have a profile on which to confidently bank.
The management team, though, can rely on one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in the country in Sam Tickle, for now, as well as the likes of Will Aimson and Jason Kerr in defence, and Matt Smith and Baba Adeeko in midfield.
So, with tireless forward Dara Costelloe joining permanently from Burnley after excellent loans with Accrington Stanley and Northampton, thereโs some room for optimism.
As such, some would argue that the trade-off โ swapping a nurturing ethos for tomorrow in exchange for a more vigorous pursuit of results today โ is worthwhile, and that the bigger picture will be dictated largely by what happens right now anyway.
If this goes awry, however, the clubโs progress could be set back significantly.
16. Port Vale
Port Valeโs mission to become a Championship-ready club could be back on.
Owner Carol Shanahanโs ambition looked a long way off in 2023-24, when a bright start under Andy Crosby descended into a slump that Darren Moore was initially unable to arrest, before the 51-year-old took the club straight back up at the first time of asking last season.
After a summer 2024 of heavy but wise spending to build a large, flexible squad, Mooreโs rotation policy bore fruit at the business end of the season, with Vale peeling away from the chasing pack with seven wins in their last 11 to secure automatic promotion.
From that group, fan favourite right wing-back Mitch Clark, athletic left wing-back Jaheim Headley, vibrant forward Rico Richards, target man Jayden Stockley and poacher Lorent Tolaj should step up, but the strongest area of the squad is undoubtedly midfield.
Next season, Moore will have to pick three from high-pedigree all-rounder George Byers, who starred at this level with Sheffield Wednesday in 2022-23, anaerobic box-crasher Ben Garrity, talented playmaker Rhys Walters, and ball-winner Ryan Croasdale โ a lovely problem to have.
Defender Cameron Humphreys should improve the Vale as well, having shown immense potential at Championship level previously with Rotherham, while goalkeeper Marko Marosi has won this division before with Coventry in 2019-20.
Additions like Jordan Gabriel, Liam Gordon, Jordan Shipley and Ben Waine donโt really strengthen the best XI, but a couple of them do enhance the squad, so Vale have once again favoured quantity, possibly over quality in certain areas.
As such, they might not have a best XI good enough to trouble the top half at this level, but they can also limit the impact of injury crises by being able to draft in competitive first team players from the sidelines, which should ensure they keep the points tally ticking over in tougher moments.
A season of consolidation looks to be in store.
*Back to back promotions for Port Vale look a long shot, as big as 25/1 with Parimatch for promotion. If you've not heard of the brand, our Parimatch review details everything they have to offer new players.
17. Stevenage
Alex Revell can be content with a 14th-place finish, in his first season of his second stint at the helm.
Revell maintained key defensive foundations that had been imposed under his predecessor, Steve Evans, with a water-tight rearguard led by the imperious Carl Piergianni recording a whopping 17 clean sheets โ only five League One sides kept more.
Meanwhile, the former Boro striker, assisted by Scott Cuthbert and the more experienced, former Arsenal coach Neil Banfield, imposed a more aggressive press, and at times more progressive football.
Essentially, Revell has maintained everything that was good about his side previously, whilst adding some new layers.
At the same time, thereโs definite room for improvement: the Hertfordshire outfit scored the third-fewest goals in the league, 42, with failures to notch being as frequent as the shut-outs.
Some of that will come with great ruthlessness in front of goal, as an xG For of 51.33 suggests wasteful finishing from the likes of Jamie Reid, whoโd caught fire the year before as League Oneโs joint-third top goalscorer, was a sizeable factor.
So, they need โBig Goal Reidyโ to return to โ15+ Goal Reidyโ, although that has less of a ring, and they also need others to chip in, taking the burden off him (eight goals) and attacking midfielder Dan Kemp (10).
As much as Kemp lit up the Lamex last year with some vibrant, creative displays, nobody else mustered more than four league goals, so itโs a โneeds improvementโ card for forwards like Jake Young, Louis Appรฉrรฉ and Tyreece Simpson.
Despite this, the Boro may have continued to keep faith in the aforementioned quartet, because theyโve not signed a senior striker by mid-July, despite making six other signings, so their prospects could hinge on the quality of the remaining additions.
Theyโve added creativity, though, in Chem Campbell, Phoenix Patterson and Bez Lubala; Campbell, now 22, was Wolvesโ youngest ever player, Patterson produced some great deliveries at Fleetwood, while Lubala featured regularly in Wycombeโs promotion challenge last season.
So, if Stevenage can retain those sturdy foundations, benefit from extra creativity and add firepower, through recruitment or improvement within existing personnel, then they could build on last season and even trouble the top half.
On the other hand, if Taye Ashby-Hammond struggles with reclaiming the number one jersey, after Murphy Cooper returned to QPR, and those issues in front of goal persist, they could find themselves at the other end.
Reality may lie somewhere in between.
18. Burton Albion
If Nordic Football Group werenโt aware of what their biggest challenge was, when they took ownership of Burton Albion from Ben Robinson 12 months ago, they will be now.
NFGโs reign will be defined by their ability to implement their stylistic and developmental vision, but in a way thatโs realistic about the challenges that come with being an underdog in League One.
The balance was off-kilter at the start of last season, when Mark Robinson coached some decent in-possession patterns, but the team was far too easy to carve open โ the former Chelsea coach might argue he wanted to pivot to a more pragmatic approach, but was asked not to.
Either way, Robinson failed to oversee a single victory in his 11 league games in charge, before two wins in eight under the interim stewardship of Tom Hounsell.
So, when Gary Bowyer began winless in six, leaving the team bottom, 11 points off safety with just one game in hand, the Brewers looked dead and buried.
Instead, Januaryโs 2-1 victory at Wigan ignited a great escape, with a whopping nine wins in the final 21.
Shock survival stories arenโt new to League Oneโs masters of escapology, with the Brewers experiencing three of them in the last five seasons, in which theyโve always been in the bottom nine.
And yet, there was something about 2024-25โs recovery that felt different, in terms of both the spirit and togetherness in the camp, and even the experience and quality of management it came under.
Since Nigel Clough left in 2020, Burton have never had a seasoned Football League manager at the helm, and now they have that kind of pedigree in Gary Bowyer, who has done solid work everywhere heโs been.
To continue that work, though, Bowyer needs players of a certain standard, so Burtonโs chances depend on whether they can retain right wing-back Udoka Godwin-Malife, dynamic midfielder Charlie Webster, and athletic forward Rumarn Burrell.
The Brewers may have to sell one or two of those at the right price, like almost every club, but having already lost top shot stopper Max Crocombe, influential centre-back Ryan Sweeney and focal point Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, theyโd prefer not to part with too many more key men.
They do have a good collection of centre halves, though, despite Sweeneyโs exit, with Jasper Moon putting himself in the conversation after a productive League Two loan at Harrogate, and Terence Vancooten, Jack Armer and Jason Sraha also in the mix.
And, with Toby Sibbick signing from Wigan, the East Staffordshire outfit do have defenders who can cover multiple positions, either within the back-three or including wing-back spots, which should give them the flexibility to navigate injury crises.
So, some form of progress looks likely, even if it may be masked slightly in a strengthened league.
With new Sporting Director Richard Dorman highly-regarded at SJK Seinรคjoki, the Brewers have the ingredients to bring NFGโs ownership regime into life.
19. AFC Wimbledon
If Wimbledon stay up, in their first season back in League One, itโll be because of their spirit, togetherness, and defensive resolve.
The Dons conceded the fewest goals, 35, in League Two last season, with (excluding the COVID-disrupted year) only 2020-21 Salford and 2022-23 Leyton Orient shipping fewer at that level in the last decade.
It was not just the ability to rack up clean sheets that was impressive for Johnnie Jacksonโs side - who finished with four consecutive 1-0 victories to secure a Play-Off spot on the final day, reach the Final, then win it โ but also how rarely they conceded more than once.
On top of 21 clean sheets, the Londoners conceded only one goal in 16 other games, shipping more than once just nine times โ eight twos and one three to be precise.
In other words, they consistently keep their games low-margin and therefore take points from a lot of them, which is a tendency that should translate perfectly to a survival bid in a higher league.
In aerial specialist Ryan Johnson, talented Riley Harbottle, battler Joe Lewis, athlete Isaac Ogundere and leader Sam Hutchinson, the Dons retain a tight-knit group of central defenders, of which three will start.
And, while the Wombles have a talented goalkeeper to replace, in on-loan Owen Goodman, theyโve also brought in one permanently in Nathan Bishop, who will gain the tutelage of one of the best goalkeeping coaches around in Ashley Bayes.
Bishop, plus the chosen defensive trio, will be protected well by conductor Jake Reeves and the powerful Ali Smith in midfield, with the latter re-signing from Lincoln amid interest elsewhere, after being second top scorer last season with six goals.
Reeves and Smith will operate either behind the creative Marcus Browne, who has found form at this level before with Oxford, and/or alongside one of ball-carrier Myles Hippolyte, all-rounder Callum Maycock or the energetic Delano McCoy-Splatt, who joins from Fulham this summer.
Wing-back areas, meanwhile, have taken a hit with Josh Neufville and James Tilley departing for Bradford and Wycombe respectively, although the tenacious Steve Seddon returns to the club, best remembered for his role in 2018-19โs great escape under Wally Downes.
The biggest question mark, however, lies in attack, where selfless target man Omar Bugiel and poacher Matty Stevens were favoured for much of last season, but neither have pedigree at this level.
Bugiel suffered from not having a suitable rotation option last year, looking jaded in the run-in and even dropping out of the XI at the business end, while Stevens finished with one goal in his last 19 โ although he was still comfortably top goalscorer with 17.
So, with Josh Kelly unlikely to be more than an option from the bench at this level, Wimbledonโs chances could hinge on the quality of their remaining attacking additions.
But, if they can restrict the inevitable fall in defensive form at the higher level to about a third, theyโll keep roughly 14 clean sheets and concede once another 14 or so times.
Therefore, if they enhance their attack sufficiently to reach a modest goal a game average, then theyโre on course for 50-55 points which might, just about, be enough.
*Favourites for relegation from League One, but fancied to stay up by Gab. Betfred are offering 11/10 on AFC Wimbledon to go down, they head the betting at the moment.
20. Bradford City
When Antoni Sarcevicโs last-gasp deflected winner sent Bradford City up on the final day, the overwhelming joy among a 24K sea of claret & amber was tinged with relief.
League Twoโs goliaths of six years, the Bantams were no longer entirely weighed down by decades of mismanagement dating back to their top flight days, now returning to a level slightly more befitting of their stature.
David Sharpe should take huge credit for the resumption of normality, with the Director of Football bringing a level-headed footballing nous to Valley Parade, allowing CEO Ryan Sparks to focus on his strengths in marketing and commercial operations.
In the dugout, meanwhile, Graham Alexander has shown admirable adaptability, especially in response to target man and talisman Andy Cookโs injury in January.
Helped by the returns of energetic midfielders, Alex Pattison and Antoni Sarcevic, Alexander was able to promptly pivot, and embrace a new way of playing: early balls down the sides for striker Calum Kavanagh to chase โ rather than long balls - with aggressive pressing for seconds.
With the work of the aforementioned trio, and athlete Bobby Pointon as the left-sided attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1, City imposed themselves vigorously on games in the second half of the campaign to win promotion, capitalizing on Walsallโs slip-ups.
And, since the promotion party, thereโs been some positivity in terms of recruitment, with reliable defender Joe Wright, flying wing-back Josh Neufville and individualistic forward Stephen Humphrys, after a respectable nine goals for Barnsley, all hitching up on Manningham Lane.
Despite that positivity, however, there remains five lingering question marks around the Bantams, ahead of their League One return.
Firstly, was it the correct decision for the club to keep faith in Sam Walker as a number one goalkeeper at this level?
The club would argue he deserves that faith after some big saves last year, but he also made mistakes and itโs hard to see more than one or two clubs in League One who would trade their own โkeeper for him.
Secondly, are defenders like Aden Baldwin, Neill Byrne and Curtis Tilt good enough for League One?
They might not need to be if the likes of Matt Pennington and Joe Wright, who comfortably are, can start most games, but injuries would be a problem, while Jack Shepherd, back at Barnsley, could be missed - depending on whether Ciarรกn Kelly can recover his pre-injury form.
Thirdly, will they retain or replace flying wing-back Tayo Adaramola? Recruit Ibou Touray replaces his athleticism, unquestionably, but not his technical talent, while Lewis Richards began pre-season still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Then, have they adequately replaced the ball-playing qualities of Richie Smallwood in midfield? Max Power offers similar experience and bite, but arguably isnโt as cultured.
And, finally, have they got the right centre-forward?
Cook can be unplayable but is a major fitness doubt, Calum Kavanagh has a great work ethic but struggled with the physicality in League Two, and will have to win more duels in isolation this season, while Stephen Humphrys is a very good forward at this level but not an out-and-out striker.
Two or three of those questions could be answered emphatically, either through form of pre-existing squad members or further recruitment, while another two or three areas might prove their Achillesโ heel.
Hold onto your hats - this could be a close callโฆ
21. Rotherham United
It seems increasingly unlikely that Rotherham United can have another sustained, successful era between now and the point at which owner Tony Stewart sells up.
After saving the club from financial oblivion in 2008, the boyhood Miller has put a lot of his money into the South Yorkshire outfit, contributing to five promotions - and four relegations but none outside the Championship, yet โ meaning he retains some goodwill for the past.
Despite this, thereโs a prevailing feeling that Stewart has outstayed his welcome, as his stubborn refusal to either sell, adapt, or cede operational responsibility to those better suited to having it, begins to grate on supporters.
The clubโs tendency to almost exclusively hire people they know for key positions, like legendary figure Richard Wood being named first-team coach straight after retiring at Doncaster, can be a double-edged sword.
Yes, the fact it means that little bit more to coaches can count for something, creating an intimate togetherness around the club, thatโs helped them to thrive in the past.
Yet, realistically, what are the odds that the people who have a prior connection with the club, also just so happen to be the best people for the jobs, out of everyone who could have been interested?
In a highly scientific, data-driven era of football, other clubs pick their coaches from a wide pool of prospective candidates, so Rotherham, employing more traditional methods, risk falling behind.
Meanwhile, their squad is looking thin on depth, at the time of writing, and arguably low on quality.
Solid shot-stopper Cameron Dawson, aggressive right-back Joe Rafferty, driven left-back Reece James, technical midfielder Joe Powell and industrious striker Sam Nombe, presuming the latter two stay, are dependable operators at this level, while some fans would put defender Zak Jules in that bracket as well.
In terms of signings, Lenny Agbaire arrives highly-regarded from Scotland, while Dan Gore is hoping to translate the potential heโs shown at youth level into senior football, after a couple of injury-interrupted loan stints.
Meanwhile, Ted Cann will be back-up to Dawson, while Kian Spence will bring boundless energy, after stepping up from League Two football with Barrow.
Four signings by mid-July, though, with all of them having something of a step up to make in their different ways, is concerning given that only four of the eight players who started 30+ league games last season remain.
Moreover, Rotherham have lost their creator-in-chief, for now at least, in on-loan Mallik Wilks, theyโve lost one of their most consistent players, Hakeem Odoffin, and theyโve also lost the best finisher at the club, Jonson Clarke-Harris, although he might not have been the right cultural fit.
And, while the players theyโve brought up might step up, itโs hard to be as confident in them as in the likes of Wilks and Odoffin.
So, the Millers got to 59 points last season, their squad looks worse on paper, and they have arguably only Dawson, Powell and Nombe playing at their peak.
Hamshaw might feel that his side can mitigate those question marks with a nurturing, family culture, stronger than the one fostered by predecessor Steve Evans, and more akin to the one under Warne that brought repeated success at this level.
He might also feel that the age profile of the squad, framed as a shortage of peak-aged performers, might actually manifest itself as a healthy blend of youth and experience.
In truth, though, Rotherham only have nine players of a reasonably compelling standard at this level.
That number may expand, if the likes of midfielder Ben Hatton, winger Jack Holmes and Northern Ireland U21s forward Ciaran McGuckin continue their progress, from a youth academy that might now get more attention.
Conversely, it may shrink if those lads arenโt ready to step into the first-team squad, the remaining additions arenโt up to scratch, and injuries bite.
As much as the more optimistic angle is valid, Hamshawโs attempts to foster unity could be undermined if things start badly, and the relationship between the fanbase and the ownership sours, causing a fractured environment during games.
This could get diceyโฆ
22. Mansfield Town
Mansfield Townโs 2025-26 prospects rest on their recruitment massively improving the squad, and those remaining from last season, maintaining the same level of performance.
The 17 players staying, following last seasonโs 17th-place finish have an average age of 28, of which the only ones under 26 are defender George Cooper and goalkeeper Owen Mason: the former has been loaned out and the latter might be, if heโs not a first team deputy.
So, with none of their pre-existing senior squad expected to hit a steep incline in their development, and most being at risk of decline, the recruitment will have to do a lot of heavy lifting.
The good news, then, is that they do indeed seem to have added extremely well.
In terms of preventing goals, theyโve signed an outstanding shot-stopper in Liam Roberts, an athletic right-sided defender in Kyle Knoyle, Burtonโs best centre-back, Ryan Sweeney, and a highly-rated, versatile left-sider, Kyle McAdam, on loan from Nottingham Forest.
The Premier League locals have also helped them out with a loan deal for athletic, tenacious midfielder JJ McDonnell, who looks an outstanding capture, after a stunning loan spell at Colchester.
To help them score goals, meanwhile, theyโve added creativity in Regan Hendry and Nathan Moriah-Welsh, poached from Tranmere and Hibernian respectively, and an attacking talent in Joe Gardner, another one on loan from Forest.
There are, however, two significant question marks remaining: firstly, do they have enough pace in their team, especially in attacking areas?
For a side that might be on the back foot more often than not, they donโt have much to work with in terms of outlets โ except Gardner, who might not even start if Clough opts for experienced forwards โ which massively raises the bar for their in-possession work.
There will certainly be games in which their in-possession work will be good enough to navigate the dearth of speedy outlets, but there could also be a lot more games in which the issue invites a high line from the opposition, putting a lot of pressure on the deeper operators.
Secondly, and as referenced above, can their group of players who remain from last season continue to perform to a reasonable League One standard.
They have eight players โ Stephen McLaughlin, Elliott Hewitt, Aaron Lewis, Jordan Bowery, George Maris, Rhys Oates, Frazer Blake-Tracy, and maybe Louis Reed โ who, were they free agents this summer, would likely only have got external offers in League Two.
Lucas Akins would be in that category, too, if the club elect to use him.
Thatโs over a third of the 23-man squad, which isnโt ideal when you need to dig deep and look for strong options in reserve, especially if the team suffers injuries.
So, to say Mansfield might go down isnโt to question the standard of recruitment, which has been a good 8/10 overall โ and the signings of Roberts and McDonnell are 10/10.
Instead, itโs a recognition of how big an impact the signings will have to make, in order for Mansfield to retain their League One status for a third season: the ask might be too big.
23. Exeter City
Securing a fourth consecutive season in League One is a fantastic achievement for fan-owned Exeter, given that Wimbledon and Wycombe are the only other Trust-run clubs to compete at this level in the last decade.
City are yet to finish in the bottom eight, on one of the divisionโs lowest budgets, finishing 11, 17 and 10 points above the drop zone in the previous three campaigns.
And yet, it can often feel as if outsiders are more impressed with the Grecians than parts of their own fanbase, and boss Gary Caldwell doesnโt always get the credit he deserves for consistently delivering emphatically in tough circumstances.
The style of football has proved highly effective - if not always the most entertaining to watch for some, as their physical, experienced front-man Josh Magennis cast an isolated figure, at times, last season.
Meanwhile, the clubโs development of homegrown talent has moved somewhat to the back-burner, with focus understandably shifting towards being competitive at this level.
One possible factor could be the standard of coaching at academy level dropping off in recent years, between Dan Greenโs exit for Aston Villa in 2022, and his return as Development Phase Coach last summer.
Either way, the Devonians have relied heavily on loans, and with plenty of short-term success stories, and the club will be delighted to have brought Joe Whitworth back from Crystal Palace, after the goalkeeper won Fansโ Player of the Year last season.
Meanwhile, cultured defender Sil Swinkels joins on loan from Aston Villa, having already tasted life at this level with Bristol Rovers, plus playmaker Ethan Brierley looks an excellent pickup on loan from Brentford, and should bring bags of much-needed creativity to the midfield.
At the same time, City have to be a selling club, and while they have recently recouped seven figures on Sam Nombe and Millenic Alli, thereโs not a huge amount of resale value in the current squad.
Of the seven permanently contracted senior players who are under 25, only two made a double-figured number of league starts last season, Ed Turns 13 and Johnly Yfeko 11, with the combined total being 38.
On the one hand, leaning on peak-aged and experienced players, plus using the loan market extremely well, is part of why theyโve been able to achieve these excellent results.
On the other hand, itโs somewhat in contrast to the continuity the club enjoyed in League Two, through long-term squad-building, and itโs hard to see whether another big money sale, like Alli, is coming in the next 12 months.
Nonetheless, the Grecians have a dependable group remaining from last season, in industrious wing-backs Jack McMillan and Ilmari Niskanen, left-footed defender Ed Turns, utility man Ed Francis and Magennis - defender Johnly Yfeko can come into that category, too, if he finds fitness.
Plus, theyโve added to that with four quality loan deals including the aforementioned trio, and the more experienced Ryan Rydel, who is an aggressive, pressing wing-back who fits nicely into Caldwellโs blueprint.
And, if Wales Under-21s defender Ed James, midfield prodigy Pedro Borges and poacher Sonny Cox can fly the flag for the academy once again, then more midtable stability is possible.
Whatever the approach, though, thereโs often a shelf-life to the durability of fan-owned clubs at this level, in the modern financial climate, before they begin to need that extra investment.
Without it, this could be a struggle.
24. Northampton Town
With a history of yo-yoing between English footballโs third and fourth tiers, Northampton Townโs modus operandi is to break that cycle, and stabilize in League One.
The Cobblers have started well in that regard, since promotion to this level in 2022-23, with a safe, midtable finish attained in their first season up, before they survived with relative comfort last year, despite boss Jon Bradyโs December exit.
Kevin Nolan maintained the organisational framework in place and, from when he took charge, only Wigan, Reading, Blackpool and Lincoln, outside the top six, conceded fewer goals than Teyn.
So, with the blood-and-guts centre-half Max Dyche, gladiator Jon Guthrie and the tenacious Nesta Guiness-Walker remaining, and fellow defenders Conor McCarthy and Jordan Thorniley arriving, Nolanโs side retain some sturdy defensive foundations.
In midfield, where Liam Shaw and Ben Perry strengthened them in the second half of last season, theyโve retained the former and lost the latter, but replaced him with three new additions.
All-action Jack Perkins has good reviews at Under-21s level, but is playing at this one for the first time, Dean Campbell is billed as a confidence player from Barrow, while Tyrese Fornah has some lovely qualities, but can also dwell on the ball and slow the play down at times.
Meanwhile, two major question marks remain.
Firstly, was retaining faith in goalkeeper Lee Burge - which looks likely after a presumable deputy in Ross Fitzsimons was poached from Scunthorpe - a mistake?
Burge would argue that a CV reading 140 games for Coventry and 51 for Sunderland shows ability, but he can be error-prone and itโs unlikely that more than one or two clubs in League One would trade their own stopper for him, based on recent seasons.
Secondly, do they have enough quality in attack?
Theyโd say they have Sam Hoskins, who was prolific in both the promotion-winning campaign and their first season up, but he only grabbed seven last season, albeit without being in a settled position, and is now 32.
22-year-old Kamarai Swyer, poached from West Ham, is the kind of signing that might counter-balance any drop-off from Hoskins, but other forward additions, Elliott List and Michael Jacobs, are now midtable League Two standard.
Tom Eaves carries an aerial threat at the back stick but has limited mobility, now 33, while 18-year-old Neo Dobson might be a fun wildcard option, after a productive step-4 loan with Corby Town, but most likely only from the bench for now.
Cameron McGeehan can chip in on the numbers, as a forward-thinking midfielder with great goalscoring instincts, but a collective 27 open play goals for the Cobblers last season shows they have real difficulty in carving teams open.
So, an optimist might be confident that their impressive defensive structure can do a lot of the heavy lifting, allowing the Teyn to churn out the points they require to stay up, without needing to create or score an awful lot.
A pessimist, however, would fear that their lack of attacking threat would cause too much pressure being applied to their defensive strength, and even that could still be undermined by Burge making a few mistakes.
Despite great work from Nolan last season, a tough campaign could be in store.
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What about at the other end of the table? Here are the latest odds for Relegation into League Two.
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Don't forget that we've got Gab Sutton's EFL tips every single week of the new season, covering the biggest and best games from all three divisions.
Elsewhere, ahead of the football season, we'll have plenty more sports on offer with our daily betting tips page, as we have experts covering horse racing, greyhound racing, darts, golf and much more!
