After a busy summer time within the fourth tier, a number of golf equipment are gearing up for a promotion combat whereas others brace themselves for a relegation battle.
League Two stays some of the unpredictable and entertaining divisions in soccer, and 2025-26 needs to be no totally different.
101greatgoals has you coated on your promotion favourites, relegation scrappers and younger weapons to be careful for.
Table of Contents
Promotion Favourites
MK Dons endured a depressing Nineteenth-place end final season, however the arrival of Paul Warne has sparked optimism in Milton Keynes.
The membership has spent massive by League Two requirements, paying £800,000 to signal Aaron Collins from Bolton and including Will Collar from Stockport to strengthen the backbone.
Of the edges dropping into this division, Bristol Rovers look the very best positioned for a fast return.
Darrell Clarke is aware of the league inside out, and the skilled duo Macauley Southam-Hales and Josh McEachran have been introduced in to enrich thrilling abilities akin to Kamil Conteh and teenager Kofi Shaw.
Chesterfield, who stormed into final season’s playoffs by profitable eight of their final 13 video games, retain key figures John Fleck and Will Grigg, whereas the aptitude of Armando Dobra and some intelligent mortgage strikes may push them additional.
Notts County, additionally victims of play-off heartbreak, have had to deal with the departure of talisman David McGoldrick to Barnsley.
That places stress on Matthew Dennis to ship targets, whereas the mortgage signing of Sonny Aljofree from Manchester United appears good.
Cambridge United, relegated from League One, confirmed enchancment below Neil Harris, whose summer time additions of Dominic Ball and Ben Knight ought to make them contenders.
Walsall’s dramatic collapse after Christmas price them a shot at computerized promotion, however after shedding the play-off closing, Mat Sadler’s facet shall be determined to study from that late-season stoop.
Finally, newly promoted Barnet arrive filled with momentum after bossing the National League, and Dean Brennan’s crew received’t concern anybody.
Playoff Contenders
Salford City have stored maintain of Matty Young after a profitable mortgage from Sunderland, an essential step after shedding Curtis Tilt to Bradford.
With Karl Robinson on the helm and co-owner Gary Neville nonetheless harbouring massive ambitions, they may intention to climb the desk.
Gillingham, managed by Gareth Ainsworth, may additionally mount a problem if Bradley Dack stays match and Sam Vokes can rediscover his greatest kind.
Consistency is the most important subject for Crewe Alexandra, whose dreadful run of three wins of their closing 20 video games price them a play-off spot.
Manager Lee Bell has caught round and added veteran striker Louis Moult to sharpen their assault.
Crawley Town have been chaotic final yr, biking by way of 5 managers earlier than being relegated. They have turned over a lot of their squad, with Kabongo Tshimanga coming in to offer targets.
Bromley completed eleventh of their debut Football League season – an outstanding achievement – whereas Grimsby Town and Colchester United want to construct on strong foundations.
David Artell has been rewarded with a brand new deal at Grimsby, and Danny Cowley continues to develop a younger, promising Colchester squad.
Swindon Town, now below the colorful Ian Holloway, welcome dwelling Billy Bodin. Holloway’s pedigree could have followers dreaming of a top-seven end.
Relegation Candidates
Newport County’s dedication to a possession-based model earned them reward but in addition price them factors final season, notably at set items.
New boss David Hughes, beforehand in Manchester United’s academy setup, has a giant problem forward.
Harrogate Town are perennial survivors and did their switch enterprise early to present themselves an opportunity.
Oldham Athletic return to the EFL after a stint in non-league, bolstering their ranks with seasoned gamers to keep away from a fast drop.
Shrewsbury Town, relegated from League One after a disastrous yr, have Michael Appleton making an attempt a rebuild with Will Boyle, Tom Anderson and Tom Sang forming a brand new backbone. Survival is the primary goal.
Tranmere Rovers have been stagnant lately, however including Richie Smallwood and Jason Lowe may give them the nous to remain up.
It could possibly be one other grim yr at Accrington Stanley, who narrowly prevented the drop final season. Budget constraints have once more restricted their recruitment, with simply two new signings from non-league.
Barrow, below Andy Whing, look gentle on numbers, whereas former Barrow supervisor Pete Wild now leads Fleetwood Town, who should address shedding Phoenix Patterson and Brendan Wiredu.
Cheltenham Town additionally look weak after a quiet summer time.
Young Talents to Watch
Matus Holicek (Crewe, 20) – A technically gifted Slovak midfielder who will need to add targets after only one strike in 38 appearances final season.
Kelly N’Mai (Salford, 21) – The Dutch-born winger has proven flashes of expertise on mortgage and can look to make a much bigger impression this yr.
Botan Ameen (Swindon, 18) – The Iraq Under-20 ahead burst on to the scene by knocking Manchester United out of the FA Youth Cup. He adopted that up with a objective and two assists in 14 senior appearances final season.
