League One 2024/25 Preview: Part Two
Bristol Rovers, Burton, Charlton and Crawley
Welcome to part two of our six-part series previewing the 2024/25 League One season. In part one (which you can read here if you haven’t already) we looked at four teams with their eyes firmly on the top end of the table. In part two, it’s a bit more of a mix.
In Charlton, they will hope that with Nathan Jones at the helm they can finally fulfil their enormous potential and compete at the top end - whether they have enough for the automatics is the question. In Bristol Rovers, we have a team who have made a few interesting signings and a coach in Matt Taylor who has been strong at this level before, but with the mood around the club it feels like a season that could go either way. And then in Burton and newly-promoted Crawley, two teams who it’s fair to say we’ll probably be keeping a keen on eye on for our own aims come the business end of the season.
Thanks again to all our fellow podcasters who submitted their answers for this preview. Subscribe to our website below to make sure all of our preview posts land directly in your inbox.
Note: these answers have been collated over the past few weeks, so in certain places they may be slightly out of date.
Bristol Rovers
By Matt Iles
Could you give us a quick summary of your 23/24 season?
Before a ball was kicked it was widely expected the Gas were expecting to be in and around the top half, and fans were told under new investor Hussein Al-Saeed that we were wanting to be a very competitive side in League One.
The first quarter of the season was disappointing and saw Joey Barton get the chop, whilst in his usual way causing a stir and creating fires with his words that could be odd, baffling and in the end tiresome. It was the right decision and one that was made very quickly as the club seemingly could see signs that it may have gotten progressively worse.
A seven game spell for caretaker coach Andy Mangan saw Rovers earn some decent wins against Northampton, Whitby Town and Carlisle, and it looked certain that he was set for the job. But in the end he was ousted by Matt Taylor, harshly some would say. He’d only very recently been sacked by Championship Rotherham, and with his arrival came some optimism.
We beat Bolton, Portsmouth and Oxford in the following weeks in some very decent performances, whilst also getting a credible 1-1 draw at Norwich in the FA Cup, which left a huge carrot dangling in the form of drawing Liverpool if we beat the Canaries in the replay.
We didn’t, and after that the season as a whole fizzled out and left many Rovers fans dissatisfied and disillusioned towards the end. Bad results, lack of attacking threat, no plan, no structure, and no identity meant the players were getting it from all angles from the terraces.
A horrendous run at the end season didn’t help matters, nor help Taylor who after a promising start is now up against it this year with the supporters.
How have you rated your summer business so far?
There’s been some decent acquisitions and the remit predominantly seems to be players who are young, don’t have big fitness issues and have a large amount of games under their belt for their age.
Joel Senior and Isaac Hutchinson are strong signings for me and it’s nice to see Rovers target the lower divisions to bring in what seems like good quality. There is a lot of pressure on him, as Antony Evans’ replacement he knows he has to deliver to justify his signature.
We’ve also brought in goalkeeper Josh Griffiths on loan from West Brom, where fans might have expected ‘one of our own’ Jed Ward to take the gloves instead, so there are some question marks around him too.
Up the pitch a surprise incoming was Ruel Sotiriou signing on a free from Leyton Orient. Reportedly on more money than his previous club, it could well turn into a masterstroke. He can play across the entire forward line and provide great support to an aging Chris Martin.
As far as departures go, I think it’s the right time for the players who were released to go; Sam Finley, Lewis Gordon, Jordan Rossiter and John Marquis just to name a few.
The notable departure as mentioned is Antony Evans. It was one that didn’t come as a major surprise. A real talent and with a year left on his deal you knew that we weren’t going to keep hold of him. He leaves on good terms but the disappointment of not holding out for a slightly bigger fee has maybe irked some supporters that we’ve practically given away a player of his calibre on the cheap.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
There are concerns about the lack of forward players. Aside from an aging Chris Martin we have a lack of depth in the number 9 position which is a big worry - as it stands Jevani Brown will have to start there on the opening day.
With Aaron Collins being sold well over six months ago, a replacement is yet to be found. The fans were told there was decent budget for someone but nothing has materialised as of yet.
Which of your players are you most excited to see play for you next season?
I’ve mentioned Hutchinson already but he is someone who I am keen to see. A player who shone at Walsall, who missed out narrowly on the play-offs, he was a standout in League 2 last season.
He’s a midfielder with great vision, good energy and can score all types of goals. He seems to have it all and when you watch his highlights he looks like a good replacement for Evans. It’s just a shame that they couldn’t both be in the lineup together.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
At the moment there’s an overriding feeling that many fans feel very disappointed by Taylor. Despite the early promise, not many trust or back him to be a success.
For me, I think it’s a big summer because he now has the opportunity to bring in players he wants and get rid of those he doesn’t. I have the feeling a change could be made very early on if expectations are clearly not met.
What sort of season are fans hoping to have?
There can’t be many that think this will be a successful improvement to last season. Despite some good signings, there are still question marks over the manager and certain areas of our squad that troubles some fans and we fear that a season of struggle could await us.
Realistically, if you had to give me a position you think you’ll finish in, what would it be and why?
The league this year has gotten massively stronger and more competitive. If you fail to score enough goals over the season you will massively struggle, and I have a genuine fear that will happen again for the Gas.
Whilst a midfield of Conteh, Ward, and Hutchinson sounds promising and encouraging, the options ahead of them and players to finish chances is something that needs to be sorted. I think we’ll be okay but down the bottom end.
Who are your early predictions for promotion and relegation?
Birmingham, Huddersfield and Rotherham, Charlton
Crawley, Shrewsbury, Cambridge and Northampton
Finally, no offence taken, how many points are you expecting you’ll take off Cambridge in our fixtures?
Every season there’s some sides I look at and think we need to beat them twice to finish above them, and sadly for U’s fans your boys are that - but don’t worry I’m sure this season the feeling’s mutual and you feel the same about us.
I predict we’ll both struggle this season for goals so beating each other twice is a must to make sure we are aren’t sweating about another side potentially finishing above us.
Burton Albion
Could you give us a quick summary of your 23/24 season?
Glad it’s over! There was pre-season hope and decent-looking recruitment under a boss in Dino Maamria who had himself made a big deal of the club’s turnaround in PPG under him. He ultimately had an inconsistent first half of the season though and was gone by early December.
A period of around six weeks under interim management, which included some precious Christmas time results, and then a season closed with a rookie manager in Martin Paterson. He had a great first month, but his football and press conferences got stale, and if it wasn’t for April wins against Stevenage and Reading, we probably wouldn’t be playing you this season!
Completely different look and mood around the place now, as you can imagine.
How have you rated your summer business so far?
The summer business is unlike one I have ever seen the club have before. Burton’s takeover by the Nordic Football Group (NFG) has seen a new strategy for the club, and a clear increase in available resources.
That increased pull has dragged some attractive figures to the club, with the funds now available to bring in both young prospects on long-term contracts, and also attract in-demand figures from League Two like Danilo Orsi and Ben Whitfield.
It’s a first summer with sporting director Bendik Hareide at the helm, and though no one can be sure about his track record yet, his data-driven approach looks very encouraging.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
It really depends on the system Burton will play. Mark Robinson has hinted at a flexible, adaptable 4-3-3, which if chosen still requires natural full-backs, natural wingers, and a clear creative-minded midfielder. There’s also a need to add depth in wide areas and bring in a back-up goalkeeper to Player of the Season Max Crocombe..
Which of your players are you most excited to see play for you next season?
Three primarily for me:
Elliot Watt, deep-lying midfielder with strong assist output whilst at Salford City.
Charlie Webster, 20-year-old all-round midfielder bought from Chelsea.
Danilo Orsi, striker signed on the back of a career-best campaign with Crawley Town. Very sharp poacher when used right.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Mark Robinson is maybe still remembered most for his difficult end at AFC Wimbledon, but that’s ignoring all the great work done before and the factors which contributed to the Dons struggles when in League One.
Robbo is being left to do what he does best, work on the pitch and develop players. With Bendik Hareide handling the recruitment, there looks to be a squad built in his image, primarily young with lots of room to grow and develop a good-passing game.
We await his first games eagerly to see what kind of football has been implemented.
What sort of season are fans hoping to have?
Think it depends on who you ask. Whilst you try to stay grounded, it is easy to get carried away and excited when everything is so new and shiny with lots of potential both on and off the pitch.
Realistically, if you had to give me a position you think you’ll finish in, what would it be and why?
Myself personally, I recognise the immense strength of the league and the fact that no one yet knows how all this new-look squad and staff will click. Survival in this first season is fine, a year away from the relegation battle would be fantastic after the last few terms. I would say 18th for now, couple of good wide players in may boost my thoughts!
Who are your early predictions for promotion and relegation?
With the budget I’ve heard the club flexing, there’s no excuse really for Birmingham City to be anywhere other than first.
Second and play-off battle looks really good with loads of candidates. I would just favour Bolton at this stage.
Relegation? Crawley, Shrewsbury and 2 others (I haven’t got a clue really). No doubt Cambridge will be on the list of many again (although I’m quite keen on Lavery).
For anyone who’s never been, can you tell us one unique thing about your stadium?
It used to have Faggots and Peas on sale in the concourse, but I think we’ve stopped doing them now.
Burton’s known for its brewing heritage, so I would go with the pubs around the town that get their fair share of use on a matchday. There’s the Beech Hotel, the designated away pub, up Derby Road from the stadium that all away fans should be aware of.
Finally, no offence taken, how many points are you expecting you’ll take off Cambridge in our fixtures?
3/4. Win at the Pirelli, then what’ll likely be a big shift needed to take something at the Abbey. Haven’t seen us win there since winning the L2 title back in 2015. I’m glad your days of having Sam Smith in the team are over!
Charlton Athletic
Could you give us a quick summary of your 23/24 season?
I’ll keep this short: it was an outright disaster.
Our worst season in 98 years was down to a whole plethora of reasons. Our summer recruitment turned out to be a disappointment with only a few making an impact. Dean Holden didn’t work out and was sacked, Michael Appleton came in and was a disgrace. Results were terrible and he was let go far too late. We signed some decent names in January but almost none of them were able to make a difference and largely underperformed. Nathan Jones stepped in and got us on a 14-game unbeaten run, but it was far from inspiring with 10 of those games being draws.
We stayed up and that’s the most important thing, but finishing 16th place for a club of our size is unacceptable.
How have you rated your summer business so far?
Very, very good. We’ve acted fast and brought in seven permanent signings before our first pre-season game, which is incredibly unusual for Charlton!
Among those new recruits are some standout names such as Luke Berry coming in from Luton, which is a ridiculous signing for League One level, Alex Mitchell from Millwall who was excellent at the back with Lincoln last season and Greg Docherty, who alongside Berry takes our midfield to a whole new level.
Will Mannion from you guys I hope will prove to be an upgrade in between the sticks as it’s a position that was so weak last year. Josh Edwards has done very well up in Scotland but comes to England as an unknown identity.
We’ve lost Alfie May, our top scorer and the golden boot winner, to Birmingham and the arrivals of Matt Godden and Gassan Ahadme soften the blow slightly, but it will still be a significant blow up top.
Overall, it’s been a very solid start to the summer window, one that we desperately need to get right and we’re on the right track.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Jones wanted nine players this summer, so with seven in now, that leaves just two to go. He has made it clear that he wants to sign two goalkeepers this summer (Mannion being one of them) but I feel like we need to further strengthen in other areas of the pitch, considering we now have, in theory, three keepers able to do a job at this level.
Personally, I feel we could do with another option in midfield and at centre back. We’ve signed well in both positions so far but they were areas where we really struggled last season and an extra bit of quality won’t hurt to have going into this year.
Which of your players are you most excited to see play for you next season?
For me, Thierry Small is the big one. He came in in January and was the only one to make an impact straight away. At only just 19, a full season of him in a Charlton shirt is an exciting prospect.
Miles Leaburn could have a big season this year provided he can keep himself fit and the same goes for Lloyd Jones at the back, who was a solid performer up until his injury towards the end of the season.
As well as our new signings, I’m also interested to see how players we signed in January get on, such as Conor Coventry, Macauley Gillesphey and Rarmani Edmonds-Green. All three struggled to get going when they joined us, but with a pre-season under their belt and knowing their teammates a lot better, hopefully they can come good this season.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
I think the general feeling around Nathan Jones is very exciting and we are looking forward to the future under him. He’s had a great track record of getting out of this league and also loves a project, as seen at his time with Luton.
However, me personally, I do have a sight bit of scepticism and it’s not down to Jones, it’s mainly down to the amount of managers we’ve had in recent years and how so many of them have failed miserably.
While results did improve when Jones came in, the performances was still underwhelming and nothing to be excited about, although he could only deal with the hand that he was dealt, which was a very poor one.
He has been backed by the ownership so far and he’s been able to get the players he wants in, so let’s just hope this time it all goes to plan.
What sort of season are fans hoping to have?
With our club stature and history, our players and manager, many Charlton fans and other League One fans will be expecting us to mount a promotion challenge.
However, for me personally, I’d be happy if we missed out on the playoffs but gave it a good go and were competitive. I think honestly that’s what many Charlton fans would be happy with; if we were just competitive in the league, which is what we haven’t been for the last three years.
Realistically, if you had to give me a position you think you’ll finish in, what would it be and why?
Right now, probably 8th. We’ve done well this summer so far and we’re more prepared for the season than we have been in a long time. However, I still feel that there are some gaps in this side and there are a lot of unknowns going into this season.
I’m hopeful we can compete, but compared to the teams around us, I feel that we will just miss out on the top six.
Who are your early predictions for promotion and relegation?
Birmingham immediately spring to mind. With the budget they have and the squad they’ve put together, them not winning the league would be basically an embarrassment.
I’d throw Bolton, Rotherham and Huddersfield into that promotion picture as well. Bolton have a well-established manager and squad at this level and this year really has to be their year, Rotherham are building a mega team under Steve Evans and with Michael Duff in charge, Huddersfield can’t be scoffed at either.
As for relegation, Crawley look almost certain to go straight back down, Shrewsbury are a mess both on and off the pitch, Burton have made some decent signings but as we’ve seen in the past, their numerous signings have struggled to get them out of being stuck at the bottom of the table, and I feel this season could be the year it’s too much for them. For the fourth and final team, it’s going to be very close, but I’ll go for Northampton.
For anyone who’s never been, can you tell us one unique thing about your stadium?
The Valley has been Charlton’s home since 1919 and in the ground’s early days, the east stand, now known as the Alan Curbishley Stand, was just one huge standing terrace built by the fans.
The old terrace could occupy up to 30,000 people, which is why at the time, Charlton had one of the biggest attendances in the country, with a record of over 75,000 spectators.
Finally, no offence taken, how many points are you expecting you’ll take off Cambridge in our fixtures?
I’ll say four points. I would go overconfident and say six, which I guess you could say is what is expected from Charlton against Cambridge, but the truth is we have found you guys hard to play against, as evidenced last season with two draws.
There are no easy games in this league and I fully expect that to be the same when we both lock horns in 2024/25.
Crawley Town
By Simply Redz
Could you give us a quick summary of your 23/24 season
23/24 was a fantasy. Expecting a nightmare and got a dream. Favourites by everyone to go down (90% of Bet365 relegations bets involved Crawley Town) but ended up getting promoted through the play-offs.
It started off positively which really helped, however we did struggle after that start including a 6-0 defeat to Swindon. The end of the season was a rollercoaster as we crawled over the line, but as we hit play-offs we took it in our stride and enjoyed every second, never looking back. Wembley was the culmination of one of the best seasons we’ve ever had and the perfect way to end by winning on our first visit.
How have you rated your summer business so far?
I think a lot of our fan base were concerned by the fire sale that took place in early July. Decimating a squad that was so together and got us here it hurt that they wouldn’t have the chance to go again. Having just had our first friendly I think some of the incomings look competent enough to fill the void, however would like some more attacking options to come in. We are seemingly heading down the route of bringing in some more experienced heads for the coming season.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
I think pace out wide, as well as a target man. Although it is not how we play normally, it was definitely something we evolved into when chasing games last season where we struggled to break teams down who sat back.
Which of your players are you most excited to see play for you next season?
From a new signing perspective Josh Flint at CB. We’ve just signed a winger from Bournemouth on loan (Dacosta Gonzalez) who’s highly thought of and he’s a profile I thought we were missing last season. From the remaining players (not that there is many) I’m hoping Ronan Darcy plays a big role this season. Him and Jay Williams in the middle are going to need to have as high standards as they did last season.
What’s the general opinion of the manager?
Give him the freedom of Crawley and a lifetime contract. What he’s done on and off the pitch to create a positive professional attitude is nothing short of outstanding and he’s so highly regarded by the entire fan base.
What sort of season are fans hoping to have?
Safety. Just survive. It is going to be a long hard season, but when you consider we will be 2 divisions higher than where most thought we’d be this season, why not just enjoy it as it’ll be only our 4th ever season in the 3rd tier.
Realistically, if you had to give me a position you think you’ll finish in, what would it be and why?
19th. I’d take 20th, but I think we will actually accumulate some decent points in the early part of the season and that’ll help to have those in the bank when we hit a poor run of form which is inevitable when you consider this is likely the toughest League One in history.
Who are your early predictions for promotion and relegation?
Promotion: you’d be silly to look past Birmingham. Rotherham and Stockport are going to be my dark horses with the business they’ve done.
Relegation is tough. We’re odds on but I’ve already predicted us to stay up… Shrewsbury, Northampton, Stevenage, and… Leyton Orient as a bit of a bold call.
For anyone who’s never been, can you tell us one unique thing about your stadium?
Not sure about unique… probably the smallest in the EFL, both stands behind the goals are standing only and our east stand is technically a ‘temporary’ stand we’ve had since we first came up to League One way back in 2012.
Finally, no offence taken, how many points are you expecting you’ll take off Cambridge in our fixtures?
I think we need to make the most out of playing you. Neither team is thinking about breaking into the top half with some of the other squads in the division. We play you early on so I do hope we maximise the promotion buzz. I’d think minimum 4 points is a must - 1 away, 3 at home. If we get 3 that’s not the end of the world.