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Contenders
How did it come to this, that a club crowned Premier League champions a decade ago are down in the third tier? Chronic mismanagement across the board has been Leicester’s problem for too long and they need to reset under Russell Martin. Many of the top earners have been shipped out and not much brought in, but there remains enough quality to challenge at this level. Martin has at his disposal plenty of young talents who could finally be given their chance thanks to circumstance and who will be ably supported by Harry Souttar and Stephy Mavididi.
It is all change at Stockport after Jimmy McNulty replaced the long‑serving Dave Challinor following defeat in the playoff final. A strategy of signing youngsters has been implemented under a coach known for improving players. Stockport are, however, a slick operation and know the value of experience, with Ben Osborn, returning permanently after impressing on loan last season, and Eoghan O’Connell brought in on free transfers.
New ownership and a squad overhaul make it difficult to assess Sheffield Wednesday but signing Louie Barry is a sign of intent. Whether they can get the best out of the forward will go a long way to determining where they finish.
Jack Wilshere has had time to settle at Luton and understands the relentlessness needed at this level. The additions of Kasey Palmer permanently and Callum Marshall will add plenty of thrust. Things seem more settled around Reading, who have brought in the former Accrington manager John Coleman as Leam Richardson’s assistant, which could prove a shrewd move.
After missing out in the playoff semis, Bradford have been tweaking the squad as they try to improve. Callum Connolly’s arrival is smart, while Adam Phillips will add plenty in central midfield. Plymouth have come down and lost the striker Lorent Tolaj to Bristol City, but Tom Cleverley will feel he has enough in the ranks, with Will Evans tasked with being the new goal threat.
Hopefuls
Martin Drury is in his first senior managerial role at Huddersfield but has surrounded himself with knowhow, such as Alan Knill. Procuring Matty Young on loan from Sunderland and signing Ashley Fletcher provides an upgrade at each end of the pitch. MK Dons moved quickly to build on promotion, bringing in players who have proved themselves at this level; Ryan Wintle, Cohen Bramall, Dan Barlaser, Sam Silvera and Sam Nombe have not joined just to make up the numbers.
Promotion pushes at Wigan and Blackpool appear unlikely, with neither’s transfer business suggesting a surge up the table. The Latics have focused on younger players, while the Tangerines have barely made a splash. Daniel Stendel is back at Barnsley, tasked with getting the most out of a young squad, with star turns such as Reyes Cleary. Everyone is excited to learn about Aaron Ramsey as a full-time manager at Oxford, wh could go either way at a club in flux. Frankie Kent injuring his ACL less than a month after signing was a blow, magnified because he was one of only two incomings the club managed to get over the line before the EFL imposed a transfer embargo, and fans do not expect a quick return upwards on account of a lack of depth in the squad.
There is no desire for another relegation battle at Leyton Orient. Fin Stevens, Joseph Olowu and Isaac Hayden will inject quality and defensive steel. Dom Ballard’s departure takes away a lot of goals but the club were quick to reinvest in the club-record signing Jaze Kabia from Grimsby. With Michael Duff settled in the Wycombe hotseat, there is a prospect something can be built on the foundations of Steve Cook, a free transfer at the back. The losses of Charlie Goode and Harvey White are a blow to Stevenage, but they have a smart coach in Alex Revell, who will relish the challenge. With Mikel Arteta the only manager in English professional football who has been in his role longer than Nigel Clough, Mansfield will be hoping longevity is the secret ingredient. Either that or acquiring David McGoldrick and Michael Smith to create a strike partnership with a combined age of 72.
Peterborough are always hard to predict because they have a lot of young talent with great potential but that does not always translate to success at this level. Doncaster will be aiming to build on a comfortable mid-table finish upon their return to the third tier, with the goalkeeper Tommy Simkin an impressive loan signing from Stoke.
after newsletter promotion
Strugglers
Notts County’s summer transfer business is aligned with their statistics-based recruitment model but signing two players who were relegated from League Two, among others, suggests the playoff winners are in for a battle, especially after selling the star striker Alassana Jatta. The League Two champions Bromley are on a meteoric rise and find themselves mixing with some much bigger clubs, without the resources to match. After two consecutive seasons finishing one place above the dropzone, Burton know their reality. Corey Addai is an upgrade in goal but doubts linger if Matthew Dennis can replace Jake Beesley up front.
Cambridge came up automatically and have signed players with knowhow in this league to complement the talented Ben Knight. AFC Wimbledon would be happy with survival at this stage after a quiet summer, but are safe in the knowledge that Jayden Stockley will bring goals.
Ones to watch
James Bailey, Stockport, 18 A free transfer after spending his formative years at Manchester United, the left-footed teenager is an old-school midfielder, wanting to win the ball but with the ability to play. When he signed, he caused much mirth because his grizzled looks give the impression of a man twice his age.
Will Grainger, Sheffield Wednesday, 17 Attracted Premier League interest but the Owls fan, who joined the club aged eight, did not contemplate leaving and signed a three-year deal. Very good technically, the Wales youth international is a clever No 10 with an eye for a pass and goal.
Vimal Yoganathan, Barnsley, 20 Good with both feet, the central midfielder became a regular last season and will be hoping to push on. A clever player who also possesses speed and determination, the 20-year-old has received international recognition with Wales.
