We are now fast approaching that wonderful time of year when England aren’t making us cry, transfer rumours are starting to fly and the beginning of the football league season is only just around the corner. League One in England this year is looking like a must follow, with a number of big sides in action. Firstly, relegated from the Championship last time around, we have Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United.

Likewise, up from the 4^th tier four exciting looking teams in Stockport County, Mansfield Town and Crawley Town, plus who could forget Hollywood FC themselves Wrexham. Promotion hopefuls from last season’s campaign, Peterborough United, Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley all looking to finish slightly higher this time around.

Now I myself am not a fan of a League One club but over the last 5 or so years I have watched a number of games in this division, with a good mate of mine watching a lot Sunderland games, with family at Peterborough pretty regularly and at Burton Albion as it is my closest team geographically. Without further introduction I am now going to map out my league overview and prediction for the forthcoming League One season.

Champions – Huddersfield Town 

I suspect this may be the slightly easier section of the table to predict, Huddersfield are probably the biggest team in the division and have most recently been in the top flight of English football, with only Birmingham City remotely close. They have made some shrewd business with the incomings of Anthony Evans, Lasse Sorensen and Herbie Kane all for under a million pounds. Sadly, going the other way there have been some sad outgoings, arguably their best player from the past few years, Jack Rudoni departing to Championship high flyers Coventry for perhaps a slightly under valuation £6 million but still a decent return of £4 million for the now 3^rd tier side. Additionally, long standing goal scorer Jordan Rhodes who supplied 113 goal involvements in 212 games for the club has left on a free to division rivals Blackpool. All in all, though I predict a good season for the Terriers and for them to return to the Championship at the first time of asking. Which can prove difficult for some teams as League 1 is never and easy division to get out of.

Runners Up/Other Automatic Promotion Spot – Bolton Wanderers

Consistently over the past few seasons in League One Bolton have been one of the form sides but yet, have underperformed in terms of finishing position. Ian Evatt plays a robust, attacking style of football that is not awful to watch and yet should be solid enough to get out of the division. Without wanting to sound like every hopeful football fan in August “this could be their year” in returning to the Championship for the first time in 5 years. They have managed to keep hold of lot of their stronger players such as Ricardo Santos at Centre Half and Aaron Morley as well as, Jay Matete in midfield who himself has an excellent track record of promotion in the division and most importantly, Dion Charles up top, who we know can score 15 goals in the league comfortably.

Transfers wise, Chris Forino from fellow League one side Wycombe is one to look out for, Luke Sothwood from Cheltenham is a decent acquisition in goal, Scott Arfield bringing some experience to the midfield and Ajax academy graduate and Hungarian international Szabolcs Schön who has been purchased from his native country for a million pounds. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to a new country. In terms of outgoings, two long term servants Declan John and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson have left on frees which I Imagine will be taken unhappily by a number of fans.

3^rd – Rotherham United

Rotherham United, one of League ones perpetual yoyo teams back at it again but can returning coach Steve Evans whom rather unexpectedly took charge at the back end of last term with his own Stevenage side teetering on the playoffs whilst The Millers were almost certainly doomed to the 3^rd tier. However, a very good friend of mine put it recently that he is the “League one whisperer” so perhaps it’s where he feels at home. In all fairness to Evans, he has made a number of astute free signings for a long hard slog in League 1. Such as, Jonson Clarke Harris (a proven goal scorer at League 1 level), Cameron Dawson in goal who I reckon is still Championship quality; Joe Powell who needs to get away from being the big fish in a small pond at Burton and two more than decent full backs in Reece James on the Left and Joe Rafferty whom can play either side. Outgoings wise, Viktor Johansson has left for Stoke for a million pounds, a more than talented keeper that got more practice than he bargained for last term and Peter Kioso a man that Posh fans will know well, a leader of men from roaming right back whom has been snapped up by promoted Oxford. A few aging players left on frees such as Cafu, Sam Clucas; Sean Morrison, Tyler Blackett and Shane Ferguson.

To conclude, I feel that the Millers will have a successful campaign even including their slightly underwhelming last few years.

4^th – Birmingham City

Perhaps a slightly controversial pick this next one, but I feel that Birmingham still have enough championship quality to finish this high up if not definitely in the playoffs in the forthcoming season. A number of fans and pundits have condemned the way the club has been run since the new American owners took charge and rightly so, they were 5^th in the playoffs last season under John Eustace before sacking him unceremoniously and falling to a poultry 19^th during embarrassing few months reign under Wayne Rooney. Sadly, a poorly Tony Mowbray had to step down before being able to save The Blues from the eventual drop. Given the slightly impulsive spending that has taken place this summer many have not been kind about their prospects but I predict an ok season given the circumstances. The standout acquisition in my opinion, ignoring the amount of money that has been spent given the level. Would be Alfie May from relegated Cheltenham on a free, a proven goal scorer at this level. On the departures side, I feel it’s a shame that Alex Pritchard couldn’t make it work.

 5^th – Peterborough United

If you’re in the area it can be a decent day out at London road with the football not being too bad and a number of the stewards being very helpful people. Nevertheless, I’m not convinced that I can give you an accurate take on The Posh right now, given another month of transfer dealings and I’d have a more exact assessment of what their starting season squad will look like. However, I think the leavings and missed opportunities column is more of a talking point as this moment in time. Firstly, some massive sales League players of the season in talisman Harrison Burrows and young gun centre half Ronnie Edwards (both for £3.5 million respectively). Perhaps not having the funds to bring Kioso in from Rotherham in January could well prove a long term error. Additionally, Josh Knight and Jonson Clarke Harris departing on frees. If something special doesn’t happen in the next month in terms of incomings, it could be a long season for Darren Ferguson’s men. 

6^th – Barnsley

I think that it might be a slightly up and down campaign for The Tykes incoming, failing to achieve promotion back to the Championship last season has resulted in some big departures and perhaps yet worse to come. Herbie Kane, Devante Cole; Jordan Williams and Nicky Cadden all departing without getting a single penny in as transfer revenue is a big oversight and your only standout arrival being an aging Connor Hourihane. However, I reckon they will still be playoffs   

7^th – Blackpool

I feel that Blackpool will always be there or there abouts come the end of the season conversation simply due to their knowledge of the league. they’re not necessarily setting the world on fire in the transfer market with Jordan Rhodes probably being their standout signing, which says a lot given his age. However, Neil Critchley is a talented coach and has got them doing ok since he took charge. the fact that typically, they can attract an upper end league one calibre of player. Signings such as Eliot Embleton from Sunderland being stand out, and Neil Critchley had a stop/start return to Blackpool but we know he has the ability to get Blackpool into the playoffs and would be a dark horse to watch out for this season.        

8^th – Wigan Athletic

Wigan could be one of the surprise packages of the season in League one with some more than decent loan signings with the likes of Calvin Ramsay from Liverpool (if he can stay fit) and Sunderland academy graduate now Man United youngster Joe Hugil. In addition, their financial difficulties look to be clearing up, and without a points deduction they could be one to watch again. Shaun Maloney has had them playing consistently, and they will fancy them to beat anyone in the league. Despite Charlie Hughes looking to be Jacob Greaves’ replacement at Hull.

9^th – Leyton Orient

Orient have a knack for going under the radar and appearing uninspiring, however Richie Wellens is doing a fine job at Brisbane Road, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Leyton Orient replicate what Stevenage did last season, and be resilient, tough to beat, goalscoring and a cause for upset for the bigger teams. Leyton Orient have quietly been recruiting well this summer, Lewis Warrington from Everton on a free, who is a very neat midfielder and accomplished on the ball, Jaiyesimi from Charlton is a good signing on the wing as well, but converting Joe Piggott into a permanent deal is a key signing, as he has proven many times his ability to score at this level. Other key players for Leyton Orient include Omar Beckles, who has always been a stalwart in this league at the back, and Ethan Galbraith, who shocked most when he moved to Leyton Orient despite plenty of interest from above. An exciting team who love playing at home. Wouldn’t be surprised to See Leyton Orient better their 11th placed finish last season, and put plenty of pressure on those playoff places. Interesting to see if this prediction comes good come the end of April.

10^th – Lincoln City

Lincoln over the past few years in the football league have been an up and coming side with a solid business model leading to a few decent FA Cup runs and to a more than solid position in league 1 where I predict they’ll continue to be, come the end of the season. I imagine they may flirt with the playoffs for a time but there are definitely stronger teams ahead of them. Transfer wise, they have brought in some decent league experience in Tendayi Darikwa, Tom Bayliss and Connor McGrandles. Likewise, a decent youth prospect Tom Hamer from the Brewers. Sadly, Sorensen arguably one of their best players over the past few years has been poached by Huddersfield for a cheap £500k. However, I predict a pretty decent season for The Imps.              

11^th – Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe have been hit and miss under Matt Bloomfield; however, they will always be one of the most threatening teams aerially, and everyone can attest that Adams Park isn’t an easy place to go and win. I would suggest that Wycombe could be an outsider for the top 6, however their time may have come and gone, as the league is strengthening around them and they may not have the quality over the season and thus will eventually drop into midtable obscurity.

12^th – Stockport County

Edgely Park nestled next to train line one stop before Manchester Piccadilly is a must visit for any football fan let alone those in League 1. If you enjoy proper English football grounds and one of the best pies I’ve ever had, giving Accrington Stanley a run for its money as what I thought was the previous king. Get it booked for when your team makes the trip. On the football side of things Dave Challinor and his men providing 2 promotions in 3 years playing some very easy on the eye football at the same time has to be commended. The former Hartlepool manager has shown some intent in the transfer window as well, with relatively big money (for the size of the club) signing of Man City youngster Lewis Fiorini, as well as some smart young but league experienced free transfers such as Callum Connolly, Lewis Bate; Jack Diamond and Jay Mingi. To bolster the squad further, two highly thought of Premier League youngsters Louie Barry and Tayo Adaramola have been signed on loan from Villa and Palace respectively. Sadly, going the other way, is talismanic striker Paddy Madden who will be missed but is the wrong side of 30 now. All in All, I predict an impressive first season back in the 3^rd tier for 15 years from The Hatters.      

13^th – Reading

Reading is another team that has fans and pundits divided on where they will end up this season. I predict a rather more positive campaign than some but this depends on a few factors. Firstly, whether or not a takeover can be established withing the next month, as financially they have suffered in recent years from regular points deductions leading to their ejection from the Championship. Whilst Man City still sit pretty at the top of the premier league free from punishment, but anyway I digress. Secondly, is whether or not their current squad is strong enough to compete over a long hard season, midtable for them is a fair assessment for them. Only time will tell if that can improve or worsen.

14^th – Wrexham

Now to Deadpool FC and to jump on the hype train that has been Wrexham’s rise over the past few seasons. Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over and started splashing the cash The Robins have risen back to the football league for the first time in nearly two decades with two back to back promotions. Amazing what can be achieved when two actors buy a team and start spending money like it’s going out of fashion. I predict that they’ve finally reached their celling at least for the time being a more than comfortable mid table finish will be achieved. However, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a shopping spree could take place within the next month and their playing staff increases in quality. With that being said though, there are still teams better than them in this division and fans of the Disney plus will not have a fairly tail promotion this season. The true hero of Wrexham Football Club The Bootlegger will be devastated. Finally, their season could finish could hinge on the goals from Paul Mullin.            

15^th – Charlton Athletic

Once upon a time some older fans can remember Charlton in the Premier League with the likes of Scott Parker, Paulo Di Canio and Dean Kiely being led by Alan Curbishley but that was 20 years ago and times at The Valley have not been so filled with joy. Charlton are great example of plain poor ownership off the field, which yet again will see them struggle this season. Neither recruited excitingly, and Charlton particularly are going into the season significantly weaker losing their top scorer Alfie May and midfielder George Dobson to Birmingham and Wrexham respectively. Would be very surprised if either of these teams caused any issues to the top half of the table.

16^th – Stevenage

Stevenage had a very good season last season, however losing Steve Evans was a bigger loss than any player, so it’s hard to see them picking up any real momentum at any time during the season. However, there’s still a solid enough back bone of the squad and infrastructure for a relatively comfortable lower midtable finish. They’re hasn’t been a lot of movement in the transfer window so that might be something that needs to change in the next month if this prediction is going to change.   

17^th – Exeter City

A relatively comfortable if uninspiring season ahead for Exeter after a decent 13^th placed finish last campaign, they sadly haven’t recruited well enough to compete more than lower midtable as the league is improving around them. Ryan Woods is good signing in midfield but the loss of Zak Jules to divisional rivals Rotherham without any fee being accrued will be felt. 

18^th – Northampton Town

Similarly to Exeter, after a solid enough season last time out The Cobblers with drop to just above the drop zone due to lack of investment and the league improving past them. Jack Baldwin is a good signing at centre half, must be slightly awkward for the former Posh man though.  

19^th – Burton Albion

The Brewers have lost some key players in this window and there has been a massive overhaul in playing staff, as there is at football league clubs on occasion. Powell and Hamer will be big losses especially with no money coming in. Although, big money signing Terence Vancooten from Stevenage for £600k could provide some quality, as well as free signings Billy Bodin and Udoka Godwin-Malife. I imagine this season will go similarly to the last, a tough slog but the Brewers will survive the drop. Just.      

20^th – Mansfield

You cannot look past some of the promoted sides such as Mansfield to struggle, simply due to the difference in quality that league one and league two demands, however they have been in ruthless goalscoring form in League two last season, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt tactically to league one life.

21^st – Cambridge United

Cambridge another one who narrowly missed the drop last time out, but we know can perform consistently at this level. However, I don’t feel they have done enough this summer to avoid the drop back to League Two after a number of season at this level.

22^nd – Bristol Rovers

They will consistently pick points up against teams from across the table, however we know they’re susceptible to very poor results, and the occasional battering. This will sadly lead to poor goal difference and eventual elimination from the division.

23^rd – Shrewsbury Town

They will consistently pick points up against teams from across the table, however we know they’re susceptible to very poor results, and the occasional spanking. They have teetered on the drop zone for a few seasons now and this year I feel might be the one. 

24^th – Crawley Town

Sadly, I think this will be a quick visit for Crawley, simply due to the fact that there are bigger teams and quality all over the division that League two simply doesn’t provide. However, like Mansfield they have been ruthless goalscoring teams in League two last season, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt tactically to league one, but I’m not holding out any hope.

To conclude, I think we have a very exciting season ahead with number of big games ahead, great goals and high drama. I hope you have enjoyed my take on things and that I haven’t upset any one to much with some of my calls. A special thanks to a very good friend of mine Callum Beddow, who leant me some of his thoughts for this preview/prediction.

By Will Cooling