My 2025/26 League Two Table Prediction

We're back again for another run down of where I think every League 2 team will finish in the 25-26 season. Last season I did this and generally I think I did ok, only being an average of 4.5 spots off. I got a number of teams spot on(and a few were way off) and I'm back to give it another go this time around.

I don't know if it's just me, but predicting this feels like it gets hard and harder. The list of obvious strugglers grows shorter. The list of teams who will fancy themselves as top 3/7 contenders gets longer. So, fingers crossed I don't get this horribly wrong. Here we go starting with the teams who could well be on their way to the National League. Note, each team's previous finish is in the brackets).

Relegated

24th - Newport County(22nd in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

I think the signing of Nik Tzanev and Ged Garner are savvy ones which could pay off nicely. And whilst I have misgivings about handing the managers job to a novice in David Hughes, there is nothing to say he can't mould this team into a decent one, as he is a complete unknown. And I'm sure they'll be happy to pin the relegation predictions up on the dressing room wall and let that be the motivation each week.

Reasons for Pessimism:

The've been hit hard this summer by the loss of Nick Townsend, Aaron Wildig and Shane McLoughlin, 3 experienced stalwarts of their team over the last 2 seasons. Then you factor in a rookie manager, the lack of quality replacing the losses and a team coming off the back of a 2-4-10 final 16 games in 24-25. They finished 22nd last season and it doesn't take too much to see their slide continuing, especially given the xG Table said they were the worst team in L2 last season.

Overall Verdict:

Hughes has a massive job on his hands to keep Newport up. 50 points and safety has to be the aim. I think they've made a couple of reasonable additions, but I just worry about their lack of quality all over the pitch. The loss of experienced pros over the last few years has progressively weakened them and I just don't think they've added enough quality to compensate for that. It's hard to see 2 teams definitely worse than them and it's for that reason I'm going to say they'll be heading back to the National League after 12 seasons in the EFL.

23rd - Accrington Stanley(21st in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

They've not lost any player who would be viewed as a big miss. They've retained most of their core from last season including the majority of their leading scorers/creators. Getting Shaun Whalley and Seamus Conneely back was vital, even if both are advancing in age. John Doolan is into his 2nd full season, so likely has learnt from some of his mistakes last season. And they'll no doubt be motivated by all the predictions like this one that say they'll finish in the bottom 2, much like Newport.

Reasons for Pessimism:

They finished 21st last season and haven't gotten better talent wise. Keeping a manager and group of players who struggled all season and then not making many moves to improve on that group doesn't give you much confidence that they'll suddenly click and finish higher this season.

Overall Verdict:

I know it's a lazy pick to put them here and they probably will do better than this as they so often do. But things do seem to be getting steadily worse for Stanley at the moment, on and off the pitch. Closing the academy, losing non-matchday incomes from their facilities thanks to local residents complaining about the noise. It's hard to see how they don't struggle badly this season and at this stage, I think they are set for the drop. Which almost certainly means they won't.

Set to struggle

22nd - Harrogate Town(18th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

Every year we put them down as relegation certainties and every year, they scrape together the 50 or so points they need to stay up. I don't see any reason why this season will be different. Simon Weaver knows how to set up his squad to grind out wins and whilst it's never pretty, they always get the job done. The signings Lewis Cass and Tom Bradbury should keep them from being too bad defensively once partnered alongside Anthony O'Connor.

Reasons for Pessimism:

The lack of goals in their squad is a big worry. They stayed up last season despite only scoring 43 times, their lowest figure since joining the EFL. They then lost 9 of those goals in Josh March and replaced them with Shawn McCoulsky and Mason Bennett. I'm not so sure about that.

Add in a defence that let in 60 goals in a weak L2 for attacks and it's not hard to envision them sliding from their 18th place finish last season to a lower spot this season, especially as stalwarts like Josh Falkingham, George Thomson and Jack Muldoon start to age out and move on.

Overall Verdict:

They scream relegation, but for that reason I think they'll stay up. 50 points will be the target and I think they'll get it, but not by much. They'll be a tough team to break down for sure and they'll continue to frustrate teams by grinding out low scoring wins. 9 of their 14 wins last season came via either a 1-0 or 2-1 margin. Expect that to be repeated.

21st - Crawley Town(21st in League One)

Reasons for Optimism:

Scott Lindsey is back and he seems to be trying once again to assemble a team of misfits and cast offs. It worked once before, so why can't it work again? They've gone for some more recognisable names this time around, with Kabongo Tshimanga, Harry McKirdy, Dion Pereira and non-league hot shot Danny Cashman leading the attack. Jay Williams is back in midfield and he'll offer a steady presence in there.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Those attackers named above. Cashman is totally unproven at this level, McKirdy's Swindon spell feels a long time ago now, Pereira has tried and failed twice to stick it in L2 and both he and Tshimanga are penalty merchants. Their defence, which conceded 83 goals last season, has only gotten worse with the loss of Toby Mullarkey and Crewe Alex fans will tell you all about Harvey Davies in goal.

Overall Verdict:

I just think Scott Lindsey is a bit overrated as a manager. Yes, getting Crawley up 2 seasons ago was an incredible achievement, but the way he did it was very unsustainable. With off field disagreements over recruitment being aired out in public and nagging doubts about the financing of the club, I just think they could struggle more than some people realise. I don't think they'll go down, but there are too many question marks right now to put them higher than this.

20th - Cheltenham Town(15th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

A new takeover seems imminent, which is good long term news, although how much of an effect it'll have on the current transfer window, I don't know. They've kept the core of a strong group together, although rumblings about Jordan Thomas, Ethan Archer and George Miller will be a concern to Robins fans. But they have an experienced manager, solid home form and have enough quality at the moment to suggest they'll finish clear of the drop.

Reasons for Pessimism:

The underlying numbers don't paint a pretty picture, nor do their defensive stats from last season, which won't have been helped by the loss of Tom Bradbury and Sam Stubbs. If they do cash in on Thomas, Archer and/or Miller, that could similarly impact them upfront, as the addition of Lee Angol wouldn't fill me with much optimism given his long line of injuries.

Overall Verdict:

They did finish 15th on 60 points, which for a first season back in L2 after relegation isn't too bad. But I think they are due for a slide. They overachieved last season based on the underlying numbers, which say they should have finished on closer to 50 points. With the takeover likely happening too late to see them find real quality in the transfer market this summer, this could be a season of real struggle for them.

19th - Barrow(16th in League Two)

Reason for Optimism:

Andy Whing was quietly effective after taking over midway through last season. They picked up 31 points from the 21 games he took charge of. That's a 68 point pace across the full season. They were hard to beat under him, losing just 6 games. If he can replicate all that this season, they'll be safe as houses, if perhaps not quite good enough to make the top 7.

Reason for Pessimism:

I think they've been decimated in the transfer window and have lost way more quality than what they've brought in. Innes Cameron is a huge gamble upfront and Tyler Walker has tried on several occasions to prove he's an EFL calibre attacker, with little success. I do like the signings of Regan Booty and Scott Smith in midfield, but I don't like much else. Charlie Raglan stepping back into the EFL at 32? Rekeem Harper, Jack Earing, gambles in Ben Winterbottom, Michael Adu-Poku and Lewis Shipley. I'm not convinced.

Overall Verdict:

I didn't even mention above the fact that they've lost a lot of stalwarts from last season in Paul Farman, Dean Campbell, Kian Spence, Theo Vassell, Emile Acquah and Robbie Gotts. Those 6 were amongst their top 10 in appearance makers. I get Whing is building his own team, but I'm not sure about what it is he's built. I think they are going to slide this season. Not enough to go down, but they could well struggle.

18th - Bromley(11th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

Continuity is the order of the day for Bromley. The same management and mostly the same squad as last season, although they've rightly said goodbye to fringe players carried over from the National League. They haven't made many signings, but Will Hondermarck, Ben Krauhaus and in particular Mitch Pinnock look good additions.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Their reliance on Michael Cheek cannot be understated. He was their top scorer and top creator last season with 32 goal contributions combined. With rumours abound that he wants out amid L1 interest, if he were to leave, it would leave an almost unfillable hole in their team. The losses of loan stars Danny Imray and Cameron Congreve are big holes as well.

Overall Verdict:

I think they are ripe for regression regardless of what happens with Cheek. But were he to go, I honestly would put them even lower than this. They were solid last season, no doubt. But now that they are more of a known entity, will they suffer 2nd season syndrome? I think it's very possible. I like the continuity and signings, but I just think they are going to slip somewhat.

Mid-Table Mediocrity

17th - Shrewsbury Town(24th in League One)

Reasons for Optimism:

They've fixed their defence with the additions of Tom Sang, Tom Anderson, Sam Stubbs and Will Boyle. If Sam Clucas can stay fit, he'll be a good addition also. Elyh Harrison could be solid in goal and upfront between John Marquis and George Lloyd, they have 2 players who could score 20-25 between them should they click. They have the basis of a decent starting XI once you factor in Harrison Biggins and Alex Gilliead in midfield.

Reasons for Pessimism:

I'm not convinced by Michael Appleton. He's had a few hits for sure, but it feels like he misses more often. And their squad, for proven quality, is wafer thin. Behind Marquis and Lloyd, I don't see many goals in this side. Hoping Stewart and Mata score seems like a big gamble. I see even less creativity outside of Mal Benning and maybe Clucas. Maybe they're going for a "we'll win 1-0 approach"?

Overall Verdict:

I think they are destined to struggle, unless they pull off some impressive signings before the window closes. It's not just on the pitch that there are issues either, the "will he, won't he" sale rumours with Roland Wycherley are dragging on and the fans aren't impressed and want him out. It just doesn't seem a happy camp in Shropshire right now and for that reason, I think they'll finish in the bottom half.

16th - Tranmere Rovers(20th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

Some of their signings have been fairly decent. Ethan Bristow and Patrick Brough give them a rock solid left hand side and pair them with Cameron Norman on the opposite side and they have some of the better full backs in the division. I'm also a fan of Andy Crosby. I think he's learned his lessons from his struggles with Port Vale and seems to be slowly moulding a decent style of play on Tranmere.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Losing Regan Hendry to Mansfield will hurt and whilst it was probably time for a change, long term stalwarts in Josh Hawkes, Kieron Morris and Tom Davies have all departed, which will lead to a new feel of a dressing room. The biggest question marks, over their firepower, continue to persist, as they seem to do every year. Is Charlie Whitaker the answer? Will they actually add any proven quality upfront? If not, then I don't see them cracking the top half at this point.

Overall Verdict:

They've taken positive steps forward and I do think Crosby will get them moving in the right direction and away from danger. But as mentioned above, whilst they won't concede many goals, a strike force of Dennis, Saunders, Jennings, Taylor, Davison and Solomon probably aren't scoring many either. It's for that reason that I think their ceiling is limited and they'll continue to drop points and likely finish around 16th.

15th - Oldham Athletic(4th in the National League)

Reasons for Optimism:

They have a vastly experienced manager in Mickey Mellon who knows this league very well. They also have a wealth of experience and EFL quality. Garner might be getting up there in age, but it's not hard to see him bagging a few. Ryan Woods, Manny Monthe, Tom Pett, Keiron Morris. They potentially will have the most collective EFL appearances of any L2 club this season. That will steer them clear of trouble.

Reasons for Pessimism:

They didn't start properly planning for L2 until June 1st. Most other clubs had a months headstart on them. Now, that doesn't preclude them having a good season, but it does limit them a bit.

And whilst they have a lot of experience, they also have a very old squad. 5 of their new signings are over the age of 30 and when you add them to the 6 already in the squad either at that age or over, it gives them the oldest squad in the league. It's easy to see them wearing down towards the back end of the season, especially given the lack of a break this summer.

Overall Verdict:

All the reasons I listed above balance each other out to give me a mid-table team. Oldham fans will likely the targeting a promotion push, which might be realistic, but for me, I think a season of solidity and consolidation is the main aim for the Latics.

14th - Crewe Alexandra(13th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

This is a tough one. Where are the causes for optimism? Well, they have one of the best attackers in the division in Jack Lankester. And one of the best defenders in Mickey Demetriou. And for as poor as they were in 2025, they still finished 13th, which suggests that at worst they will be a mid-table side once again. I also don't think they've lost too many key players from last season's group. Plus the signings of March, Hutchinson and Tezgel seem like positive ones on paper.

Reasons for Pessimism:

This is much easier. A lot of their better attackers are out injured and either won't be back at all this season or won't be back for several weeks/months. Which leaves them wide open for a very slow start and playing catch up for the rest of the season. Then we have the manager who has to win back some sections of the fan base after a 4 wins from 22 run to end last season. Things still feel fragile and could implode.

Overall Verdict:

Like a few clubs lower down the table, the Alex will be held back by their attack. With only a few preferred starters fit currently, they will likely start slow and have to wait for said injured attackers to return. I think they'll hover around mid-table for most of the season and not trouble either end of the division.

13th - Barnet(1st in the National League)

Reasons for Optimism:

They are coming off the back of a romp to the National League title. And when you consider how good a season previous NL title winners have gone on to have in L2 the following season, you can't blame them for feeling confident that they'll continue that momentum and have a strong first season back in the EFL. They've kept most of the key players from last seasons squad, including Callum Stead, Ryan Kenlock and Antony Hartigan.

Reasons for Pessimism:

I do think this season will be harder for them than they might think. They have a manager that is new to the league and not much proven EFL quality in the squad. And they've gone hard in the transfer market, signing 11 players so far. That seems a crazy high amount for a side that, on paper, didn't need much improvement.

Overall Verdict:

Barnet fans would do well to remember that since the turn of the millenium, they have only managed 1 top half in L2 across 12 seasons. For them to manage a top half finish should be seen, like Bromley last season, as a fantastic achievement. I'm going to put them just below the top half, but I do think they could, if things go sideways a bit, finish lower than this.

Potential Play-Off Challengers

12th - Cambridge United(22nd in League One)

Reasons for Optimism:

I think Dom Ball and Ben Purrington are solid additions and the duo of Neil Harris as manager and Mark Bonner as Director of Football feels a decent one. They've kept a number of their better performers like Liam Bennett, Shayne Lavery and James Brophy. And in Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, they have top quality player in midfield. Under Harris they'll be solid, organised and tough to break down, which should see them to a few results if they can add a bit more craft and firepower upfront.

Reasons for Pessimism:

They didn't exactly improve much once Harris took over in the final third of last season, going from a 32 point pace to a 49 point pace in their final 15 games. And the fact is, we talk Harris up as this supposedly decent manager, but his record is fairly average wherever he goes. This is his 'prove it' moment.

The biggest concern, as with most teams, is their firepower. Show me the 15 goal scorer. In fact, show me any player who you'd be confident can bag double figures. I'm struggling. Ben Knight are their sole attacking addition? Ok then.

Overall Verdict:

They've got bullets left to fire for reinforcements you feel, but they are like a few sides in that they appear to be quite solid in defence, but lacking that spark and firepower upfront. They are also like a few teams in that should they finish 18th, I wouldn't be surprised. Nor would I be if they made it into the top 7. So, I'll split the difference and put them slap bang in mid-table.

11th - Walsall(4th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

They still have a good group of players left over from last season. Connor Barrett, Jamie Jellis(assuming he doesn't get a betting ban) and Charlie Lakin aren't a bad set to build around. And whilst the 2nd half of last season was a disaster, they did show spirit to get to Wembley, so have the money from that to rebuild. Harrison Burke and Aden Flint look to be a good additions to their back line, as do Jonny Stuttle and Aaron Pressley upfront.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Well, this is fairly easy isn't it? They've been decimated for players. Of the 13 players to play over 1,000 minutes for them last season, 6 are gone, including all of the top 5. They have signed 9 players and seen 10 leave. So far. This will be an almost completely new team to the one that clicked in the first half of last season.

Mat Sadler is under fire from the fans and after their Wembley no-show, they will be under a lot of pressure to recapture the magic from the first half of last season. Which I see little evidence of right now.

Overall Verdict: 

I don't think they will be terrible, but I'm having a really hard time seeing them as finishing in the top 7 either. They've gone young with most of their signings, with all of them bar Flint being aged 24 or younger so far. That does give them a fresher feel and add them into the veterans like Flint, Matt and Adomah and they do have a decent blend of quality, experience and youth.

But the slide from last season is hard to ignore. Can Saddler rebuild the team and come back with a very different group? It could be tricky. They could surprise and get back into the top 7, but for now I'll say they'll be good, but not great.

10th - Notts County(6th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

They still have some very talented players at the time of posting. Alesana Jatta is good for 15 goals at this level and Jodi Jones, if he can stay injury free, is also a top player. Matty Palmer, Jacob Bedeau, Matty Platt. They have retained most of their players in midfield and defence and that should keep them in the top half at least.

Reasons for Pessimism:

All the above being said, it's hard not to say that County have got significantly weaker over this summer. David McGoldrick leaving for Barnsley is a hammer blow and the departure of loan star George Abbott and keeper Alex Bass have hit the morale of the Magpies fan base.

They still look wafer thin upfront and they are gambling heavily on Matthew Dennis to replicate what was a very short spell of form at Carlisle. They seem to have added well around the edges, but I don't see the creativity outside of Jones and I don't see the goals outside of Jatta. If Jones gets injured again(as he often does) and if Jatta gets sold(as he could well do), then this position looks wildly optimistic.

And as for the wacky management structure they have implemented this summer, I could write another 1,000 words on how bizarre it is. It just doesn't feel like a recipe for success.

Overall Verdict:

The lack of quality in forward areas. The controversial and widely disliked managerial appointment, on the eve of pre-season starting no less. And their approach to the whole team management....What a mess of a set up. Envisioning them having a good season(by their standards) under this arrangement is just a step too far for me. I don't think they'll slide too much, but they look well short of a top 7 outfit at this stage.

9th - Swindon Town(12th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

I think they've quietly had a decent window. Darren Oldaker, James Ball, Billy Bodin and Tom Nichols should improve them. And whilst it remains to be seen if we're witnessing an Ian Holloway renaissance, the fact is they put up play-off form in the 33 games he was in charge of last season, scoring 58 goals in that time. Whilst they remain a circus off the pitch, there is ample evidence to say they might be moving in the right direction on it at least.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Is this really an Ollie revival? Or like Nigel Adkins at Tranmere last season, is he going to implode in spectacular fashion. And as with any attack minded manager like him, you have to ask if he'll find a way to keep Swindon balanced, as they might have scored 58 goals under him last season, but they also conceded 45 as well.

And you do question whether Clem Morfuni's interference and poor ownership could wreck the on pitch momentum. Maybe he forces Harry Smith's sale to Cambridge. Maybe him and Holloway clash and he forces Holloway out. There are lots of scenarios where you can things completely imploding here.

Overall Verdict:

Things feel delicately balanced at the County Ground. Robins fans seem incredibly frustrated with Morfuni and his off the pitch dealings, but also appear cautiously optimistic that a good season on the pitch might be possible. You can't keep this club down for long, so seeing them make another jump after they improved 7 spots last season is definitely possible. I'm just not quite sure they'll make the leap into the top 7. It'll be close though.

8th - Salford City(8th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

They've retained some of their better players. Cole Stockton is a 15 goal striker on a bad day and in Jamie Jones, Haji MNoga, Ossama Ashley, Ben Woodburn and Kelly N'Mai, they've got quality running through the spine of the team.

And whilst it's easy to say now, they were a win at Carlisle on the final day last season away from making the play-offs over Chesterfield. It's not hard to see them going one better this time around, especially with the capable Karl Robinson at the helm.

Reasons for Pessimism:

They've seen a lot of experience and quality depart in this window. Watson, Lund, McAleny, Tilt, Taylor, Adelakun. That's a big chunk of players who were part of the team that almost made it into the play-offs last season.

And I'm unconvinced by their business. Jay Bird upfront is a roll of the dice and most of their other signings are gambles too, with very little proven talent added. They could turn into masterstrokes. Or they could be complete disasters.

Overall Verdict:

There are issues for them to fix for sure. Their home form, the 6 wins from their final 22 and the secondary scoring behind Stockton. But they've got a solid core and whilst he's not a nice person, they have a good L2 manager in Robinson. They'll be a pain to play against every week and in a weak field for play-off contenders, seeing them make it back in for the 2nd time in 4 years is very plausible. I just think they'll fall slightly short once again.

In the Play-Offs

7th - Fleetwood Town(14th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

Their midfield continues to rank as one of the best in the division, although the loss of Ryan Broom and Danny Mayor does seem to have thinned out the depth in that area. Still, even despite it not being Pete Wild's team, he got them to produce a 63 point pace in the games he was in charge of last season. It would only take a small improvement to see them take the leap into the play-off picture.

The signings of Toby Mullarkey and Denver Hume should compliment them nicely though and if James Norwood and Ched Evans still have some gas left in the tank between them, a combination of them alongside Ryan Gradyon, Ronan Coughlan and Will Davies could see them improve going forward.

Reasons for Pessimism:

The losses of a key player in Brandon Wiredu will sting, as will the departure of Phoenix Patterson to Stevenage. The signing of Davies does feel like a gamble, as strikers stepping into the EFL and being productive scorers beyond the age of 25 can happen, but they are rare. I have the same question marks over their defence that I did 12 months ago and will they do what Pete Wild teams do and wear down in the 2nd half of the season, as happened twice at Barrow?

Overall Verdict:

I had them lower down for the longest time, but the signings of Norwood and Evans made me put them higher up at the last moment. Whilst neither player will likely be a regular starter, those 2 behind Graydon and Coughlan/Davies gives them a real boost in firepower and the addition of Hume gives them more creativity as well. I can see them making the jump into the top 7 this season.

6th - Grimsby Town(9th in League Two)

Reasons for Optimism:

They seem to have quietly had a very impressive transfer window. Christy Pym in goal, experience in Jamie Walker upfront. Up and coming talent in Zack Gilsenan, Reece Staunton and Jaze Kabia. And a manager who took them from 21st to 9th in his first full season. If they continue to improve at the rate they have been doing, then there is no reason why they can't crack the top 7 in what looks to be a relatively level playing field.

Reasons for Pessimism:

There are definitely drawbacks to the Mariners under Artell. Inconsistent results, poor home form and consistently rolling over in the bigger games are all things he'll need to fix from last season. Losing their biggest creator in Denver Hume will hurt and they definitely feel light on numbers upfront.

Gambling on giving Kabia the number 9 shirt after moving up from the National League South is a lot of pressure to put on such an unproven player as well.

Overall Verdict:

I do think they need a couple of need some gamebreaking talents in the loan market, which as of posting this they are yet to use. But overall, I think it's fair to say they've added pretty well in this window and if Artell's plan with them goes just as it did with Crewe Alex, the Mariners could well fly this season. So for that reason, I'm sticking them in the top 7.

5th - MK Dons

Reasons for Optimism:

For the 2nd summer in a row, they've gone big in their signings. Aaron Collins headlines the additions and close behind him is Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and recent addition Callum Paterson. Will Collar, Gethin Jones and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy would be marquee signings for a lot of clubs at this level, but with MK they are secondary additions. Their squad is stacked and they've now brought in a manager who has a proven track record at higher levels.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Is it just me, or is there just this uneasy feeling that Warne is a terrible fit here? They are a side that for years have recruited players who can play a silky style of football. The idea of them being route one, effective and hard to break down is a tough one to reconcile with. If the style of play is poor and the results don't come in quickly, will their trigger happy owners, who fired 2 managers last season, pull the plug on another manager and start again?

Overall Verdict:

I just feel wary about putting them near the top of the table about being burnt by doing that last summer. But at the same time, putting them outside the top 7 feels foolish too, as eventually the amount of money spent has to translate into progress. Right? I'll split the difference and say they will improve dramatically on last season, but also won't finish as highly as most pundits might predict.

4rd - Gillingham

Reasons for Optimism:

Seb Palmer-Houlden and Sam Vokes have been added to their weakest area, which makes sense and should finally solve their long standing firepower issues. And they quietly ended last season in relatively good form, going unbeaten in their last 12 games. Ainsworth has got them hard to beat and all he needs now is a bit more spark upfront and they should fly.

Reasons for Pessimism:

They went big in previous summer windows and it didn't pay off. Well, they've done similar this time around, but will it be any different? Similar questions about their quality in midfield remain and it's still hard to see where the creativity is in the squad, even if they do appear to have more players who can stick the ball in the net.

Overall Verdict:

For the third season in a row, I'm predicting Gillingham to do well. Will I be let down for the 3rd time? This is Ainsworth's time to shine. Is he a one trick pony and can only find success at Wycombe? Well, the spotlight will properly be on him now, far more than it was at QPR. He'll have a lot of pressure on him to produce. I think eventually they'll find traction and start moving forward and this season could well be it.

Title Contenders

3rd - Colchester United

Reasons for Optimism:

They finished just 3 points off the play-offs last season and it was only a poor finish to the season, with 2 wins from their final 9 games, that cost them. Their 10th place finish was impressive given they underwent a big transformation 12 months ago, with a lot of outs and ins. This summer seems to be more about continuity and I see no reason why they can't kick on from last season and move up the table.

Reasons for Pessimism:

The questions over their creativity and lack of firepower won't go away. They scored 52 goals last season, the lowest in the top 10. They don't seem to have done a lot to improve on that by signing any particular attacking quality, with only Will Goodwin added of any note. And the off field takeover saga could prove to be an unnecessary distraction and they could they also cash in on Samson Tovide, thereby further weakening their firepower.

Overall Verdict:

Last season felt like step 1 in a 2 step process in the Cowley's turnaround of Colchester. First they turned defeats into draws and made them hard to break down and hard to beat, losing the fewest games outside of the top 7. Now the trick is to turn those draws into wins. They've retained a lot of their better players and should they strike gold on some extra firepower, then I think the top 3 is more than attainable.

2nd - Bristol Rovers

Reasons for Optimism:

Darrell Clarke is back and that in itself could be enough. The signings of Alfie Kilgour, Macauley Southam-Hales and Jack Sparkes give them proven quality across the defence and they still have plenty of quality in the likes of Jack Senior, Ruel Sotiriou, Isaac Hutchinson and Kamil Conteh. A few final additions and they could quickly bounce back.

Reasons for Pessimism:

I feel like a broken record, but if they have a weakness, it's up front. Does Chris Martin return from injury and if so, what does he have left at 35? Promise Omochere and Shaq Forde underwhelmed last season, so hoping they suddenly find goalscoring form is optimistic at best. They need a proven option, but how many of those strikers are available at this point of the window?

Overall Verdict:

They just do not stay in this league very long. When they dropped down in 2011, they were in L2 for 3 seasons before being relegated. On the way back up in 2015-16, they spent 1 season before heading to L1. The last time they were relegated, in 19-20, they were down for 1 season and up they went at the first attempt. I see no reason, with Clarke at the helm, they can't make this visit to L2 another short one.

1st - Chesterfield

Reasons for Optimism:

They've kept most of their better players and seemingly done a good job of clearing out the leftovers from their National League season who weren't quite up to it. Oh and on top of having probably the best manager in the division, they've had a very strong summer, bringing back loan star Dilon Markanday on a permanent deal plus other impressive signings in Adam Lewis, Zach Hemming and Ryan Stirk.

Reasons for Pessimism:

Whilst Cook likes his teams to play attractive, attacking football, that does come with defensive weaknesses. We saw that brutally exposed by Walsall in the play-offs in May. Ok, they've taken steps to address this issue, but their style does lead to them being naturally more open at the back, which might cost them points across the season.

They'll also be desperately hoping the injury issues which wrecked their promotion chances last season don't come back around to bite them a 2nd time. And with the news that one of their new signings, Devin Tanto, is out for 8 weeks already, they aren't off to a good start.

Overall Verdict:

It's hard to see a better side right now. They have a good manager and management team, are coming off a surprise top 7 appearance despite a crippling injury list and have recruited well in all the right areas. If there is a better side out there in L2, I'd like to see them. They feel like the team to beat and if you finish ahead of them in the table, you're probably going up automatically. They are my pick for the champions, which would be their 4th title(and 3rd L2 title) in 16 years. A ridiculous stat.