League Two 2025/26 Preview: Part One
Accrington, Barnet, Barrow, Bristol Rovers, Bromley and Cheltenham
It’s all about to start again. Early Saturday mornings, late Tuesday nights, and maybe this season a few more considerably less miserable weekends than the last few years. Well, definitely maybe…
At the time of writing, United fans are still palpably buzzing with the excitement of welcoming Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu to the club, a player who just over a year ago made 11 appearances in the Premier League. It’s the sort of signing that has shifted the dial a bit. The mood is noticeably different this morning.
But what’s going on around the rest of the league? How are the fans of other clubs in our new surroundings of League Two feeling a week or two out from the season? And, what do they make of us? This is part one of four of our League Two preview pieces, where we’ve collated answers from fellow podcasters and content creators from clubs around the league to get a sense of what we’re entering into when we kick off on the 3rd of August.
Note: these answers have been collated over the past few weeks, so in certain places they may be slightly out of date.
Accrington Stanley
By Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
It was a season full of ups and downs but ultimately we survived in League Two. There were points in the season where we thought that may not happen, such as losing a 3-0 lead at home to Tranmere in April. Our FA Cup 3rd round trip to Liverpool was a welcome distraction.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
It has been an unsettled summer for us. We’ve lost the use of our bar facilities because of a noise dispute with neighbours resulting in much cost cutting. This has included the sudden closure of our academy. However, a number of key players have stayed on and we’ve done our usual business signing some non league players and loans from bigger clubs.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Having watched a couple of friendlies, it is clear we need a bit more up front. A proven League Two goal scorer would be ideal but they don’t come cheap.
Who are your key players for the new season?
Shaun Whalley is a major asset for us. He’s 37 but he’s still one of the fittest players at the club. Midfielder Ben Woods scooped up a number of awards at the end of last season. Also club captain Seamus Conneely is about to start his 11th season with us and brings plenty of experience and professionalism to the team.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
John Doolan had big boots to fill after previous manager John Coleman had completed 22 seasons over two spells and achieved four promotions. Whilst Doolan is very approachable and appreciative of our fans it wasn’t always easy to watch last season. However, many fans understand the tight budget he is working under and he did keep us in the EFL.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Many pundits are predicting us to finish bottom but that is nothing new to us in our 20 year spell in the EFL. We have had to cut costs but I believe we will survive again, our players and management will be up for the battle.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
It seems a long time ago when Cambridge beat us in our final home match in League One which meant a chance of survival for you and relegation for us! I notice your manager from then Mark Bonner is back at The Abbey and combined with Neil Harris, Cambridge have a strong management team. Whilst I don’t know much about your playing squad I would imagine you will be around the play offs. You certainly won’t do a Carlisle, that’s for sure! I always enjoy visiting the Abbey Stadium too.
Barnet
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
Well, it couldn’t have gone any better! 102 points, unbeaten at home, records broken left, right and centre. We were favourites to win the league with the bookies but we blew the rest of the league out the park really. Our recruitment prior and during the season was exceptional and Dean Brennan and his staff deserve all the plaudits they’re getting for the journey they’ve taken the club on since coming in.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
Firstly, we’ve kept hold of certain players we’d expected to lose such as Danny Collinge, Idris Kanu and Callum Stead. All of whom are a massive part of our team. This was the beginning of our recruitment plan. The next stage was improving the depth of our squad. We’ve made 11 signings so far with a mix of some of the National League’s most up and coming talents and some experience from the EFL. This mix of character is extremely important and it’s certainly exciting. From the insights we’re getting and from the naked eye, Adam Senior looks to be an immense signing from Halifax Town. He’s slotted into our already impressive back 3 seamlessly. Joe Hugill may have had some poor loans so far but we’re excited by the quality he has and given the number of chances we created last year, I’d expect him to surprise a few in this league.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Given the squad number restrictions, we believe we only have space for 1 more registered player. In which case, we may be lacking a number 10. We play a 3-4-2-1 which requires very specific criteria in players to be able to play this system. The number 10s need to be technically gifted but also be great runners on and off the ball. At the moment we have Zak Brunt, Rhys Browne and Callum Stead who play in the 10, but Dean Brennan ensures he always has two players for each position and it wouldn’t surprise to see one more in there. The signings of Dennis Adernian, Manny Osadebe and Scott High have beefed up our midfielder and it looks like all 3 have the ability to play in the 10, but one more specialist player in there wouldn’t go amiss. Additionally, Owen Evans is currently our only recognised goalkeeper, it’s clear we need a 2nd but this will come in time.
Who are your key players for the new season?
It’s a funny question that we get asked all the time. We got 102 points last season but if you ask any opposition fan, they will all name a different player who they thought was our best. From a Barnet point of view, we get to see this unique team on week in week out and I think it’s possible to narrow it down to a couple who play the biggest roles. Firstly, Nik Tavares is an absolute Rolls Royce in the middle of our back 3. Sometimes referred to as the non league Van Dijk last season, he’s exceptional one vs one and superb in possession which are so important given our aggressive style of play. Anthony Hartigan is the metronome in our team, he completed the most passes in the league last season and is the centre point of every attack. Finally, Callum Stead score 20 goals from number 10 last seasons, this could very much be his big breakthrough in the EFL.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Legend. Absolute club legend. When Dean took over the club in 2021, we were a running joke amongst football fans. We’d finished bottom of the National League the season before but were sparred relegation by Covid. He took charge midway through the following season, again, with us in a relegation battle. He kept us up. Then we finish in the play offs in the two following years before getting over the line last season. This is his first season in the EFL, having turned down several opportunities at this level and above. We have full faith that he will be successful with Barnet as he’s proven his ability to get the best out of all types of player over his tenure so far.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Any normal fan from a promoted side would say that the first season should be a consolidation year in which their club should attempt to stay up. However, the difference between the top of the National League and League Two is not big and winning the National League with 102 points shows the force of our squad. With the additions we’ve made and the togetherness of the group, there is no reason we can’t prove to be a massive underdog in this league and make a push for the play offs. It’s a big ask and I think most reasonable fans would take a solid mid table position but the management team are extremely ambitious and the play offs are certainly not put the question.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
Looking from an outsider, you have to feel that a club under the management team headed by the experience of Neil Harris would be successful at this level. I can imagine that he’s been well backed and I think a top half finish would be the lowest expectation for Cambridge. It’s always tough to bounce straight back from any relegation, especially with such a poor record in the previous season. However, Harris is a good manager and I’d expect to see Cambridge within the play off battle along with Barnet!
Barrow AFC
By Daniel Cooper
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
We started strongly but ultimately Stephen Clemence’s tactical inability hampered our season alongside injuries to key defender and captain Niall Canavan and goalkeeper Paul Farman. By the time the board realised he was incompetent many were worried we could get dragged into a relegation battle. Andy Whing came in and brought some stability back to the side. His style of play started getting results and brought hope to the town for a positive upcoming season.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
It’s been a very busy summer! We’ve lost 12 players either out of contract or sold. As well as six returning to their parent club! In their place we’ve already brought in 10 players with nine being permanent signings. There’s plenty of optimism with most of our signings but they have big boots to fill with us losing our three starting midfielders (Gotts, Spence and Campbell) from last season.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
We are missing a right sided wing back, a right centre back and a couple of forwards. Many are keen to see Tyler Smith to come back from Bradford and that’s the mould of striker we need, a quick pacey forward to play off the big man in the centre.
Who are your key players for the new season?
Isaac Fletcher will have a breakout season. Signed from Spennymoor in January, the attacking midfielder contributed with touches of class in his 11 games last season. After a full pre season I think he’ll definitely stand out this year. Also, goalkeeper Wyll Stanway has been given the number one shirt. The 24 year old has only played in goal for six years but he’s had a very quick rise to the football league.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Andy Whing is a very strong manager. His rise to the EFL has been very impressive. He’s worked ridiculously hard starting at the bottom with Banbury. Being a football fan himself he knows exactly what the fans expect and want and he’s very good at portraying that to his players.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
I’m expecting us to have a very strong season. We could potentially push for the top seven. I think many are writing us off after a very busy summer. However, having seen how well Whing did with players that weren’t in his mould, I think he can really succeed this season.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
A typical Neil Harris side is hard to beat. I expect every Cambridge game to be very tight with them edging more games than they lose. A strong defence will get you far in any division. I don’t think it’ll be pretty to watch but I fully expect Cambridge to be pushing for the top seven if not the top three!
Bristol Rovers
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
A season to forget. The worst season I’ve ever witnessed since I’ve been watching Rovers. We ended the season horribly with 0 wins in our last 10 games after beating Bolton at home.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
I think our fans our fairly happy. 7 new signings including Luke Southwood, Jack Sparkes, Josh McEachran & Macauley Southam-Hales - although none of them played many games last year apart from Jack Sparkes.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Personally I still think we’re missing 5 players: CB, CM, Winger & 2 Strikers.
Who are your key players for the new season?
I’d say Connor Taylor, Kamil Conteh, Sotiriou, Thomas, Hutchison & Kofi Shaw.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
I’d say 95% of the fanbase are very happy with the return of Darrell Clarke. He’s a manager who loves the club & the fans love him. The last time he was with us he won back-to-back promotions, so hopefully more of the same this time around.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
It has to be promotion. Right now I’d say 5th with the way our current squad is looking but if we can sign those 5 more players then I’ll say 3rd. The last two times we’ve been in League 2 we’ve finished 3rd.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I think you’ll definitely be in and around the promotion mix. You’ve got a class gaffer, made some good signings so far & you’ve kept most of your good players so I think you’ll have a successful season. It would be nice to see us both got straight back up.
Bromley
By The Bromley FC Breakdown Podcast
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
An absolute rollercoaster of emotions. We had a pretty strong start to the season, which was a great way to begin our EFL campaign. It dropped a little after Christmas, but we finished strong, and I think the fans are happy with finishing 11th.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
It’s been nice to have a break from the travelling. I attended all but two of our away days, I didn’t realise League Two covered so many miles! The signings we’ve made so far are great, although I think there’s still a few more to come.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
A replacement for Danny Imray now that he’s gone to Blackpool. He was a huge asset to our club last season.
Who are your key players for the new season?
It’s great to have Ben Krauhaus back on loan, and Marcus Dinanga has been great in our pre-season friendlies so far. I’m looking forward to seeing both players in league action.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Andy Woodman’s Black and White Army! Woody is great. From the conversations I’ve been lucky to have with him he seems firm, fair and determined to take Bromley even higher than they are now.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Now that we’ve had a season of EFL football, I think we’ll remain consistent throughout. My prediction is that we’ll hopefully finish 7th. We have a solid squad already and the motivation is building.
And finally, what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I organise the supporters’ coaches for Bromley, so I’m excited to be visiting your ground for the first time. You have some great players, and I think you'll finish in the top 5.
Cheltenham Town
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
After relegation from League One the majority of Cheltenham town fans were hoping for a consolidation season after seeing our rivals Forest Green drop straight through. Not like we were complaining. You see it happen too often so a consolidation season was needed. After a thrilling 3-2 win on the opening day of the season at home to Newport County, it went down hill very quickly with some very below par performances that came to a head after a 3-2 home defeat to local rivals, Swindon Town. We picked up after that and went on a stretch of positive results that saw us by February in with a shout of the play offs. We ended up drifting out to 15th and finished 10 points from the play offs. Saying that we did only lose 1 of our last 5 games. Consolidation secured and 75% of the fan base happy.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
The summer has been slow and that has been mainly down to the imminent takeover from Mike Garlick. We have a few still under contract so we knew we would have to play the market sensibly to be able to add quality rather than just quantity. We put 4 players on the transfer list and none have moved on so far, and we have made three new signings. Rob Cundy come in from Notts County, he has had injury problems but if we can keep him fit will be a very good signing and may replace Sam Stubbs. Lee Angol: some fans have described him as an underwhelming signing, but maybe we were missing a target man so he could be a good fit. He’ll help the likes of Jordan Thomas and Ethan Archer find more space whilst he occupies defenders. Taine Anderson is a young left back on loan from Bristol City, we don't know too much about him but he comes with a bit of pedigree.
Overall, it's been a quiet summer but once the takeover is completed, anticipated by the end of July, we may see a few more come in that would usually be out of Cheltenham Town’s price range. Out of 10, the fans are at 5.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
I feel we still need a goalkeeper to challenge Joe Day for the number 1 spot. I still think we need one more centre half, if we can move Bakare on, then 2. Another left back to challenge Taine Anderson would be nice. Midfield I think is the strongest part of our squad, so not sure we need anything there. I feel we could do with another striker, especially as it seems Matty Taylor will finally be off; nothing against him but he's the highest earner at the club and started 15 games last season. His wages could free up potential for two new players.
Who are your key players for the new season?
Ethan Archer and Jordan Thomas are definitely Cheltenham’s most influential players that in reality should be playing League One football, but they're still here and that makes us a threat. Arkell Jude Boyd, a right back, is another who's better going forward than he is defending but his movement and pace more often than not pins fullbacks and opposition wingers back due to his threat. Harry Pell has been out injured for a year and could be like a new signing. His ability to manage games will be a massive plus.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
The general opinion is he's done what he was asked to do in stopping us from doing the double dip, but some took a dislike to him from day one, purely because we played his home town club in his first game, and he was overly complimentary of them. He gets a lot of flack for seemingly having mates in his team, i.e. Joe Day and Scott Bennett, who both played and served him well at Newport. The general feeling is content, but fans want to see improvement on last season.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you'll finish?.
At the end of last season the feelings was play offs, but because the takeover has dominated the off season, and there seems to be a clear plan to not rush signings through and hope Mike Garlick can enhance the budget a bit more, fans have now watered down their expectations a little bit. An improvement on last season would suffice. Some will still want play offs but with another summer of upheaval and a major new chapter in the club’s history on the horizon, another consolidation season with maybe a cup run would be pleasing for most fans with a hope we can have a right go in 26/27.
What's your outsider view of Cambridge and how do you think we might do back in L2?
Cambridge have always been a decent club, very well ran especially since they returned back to the Football League. The one thing that has always impressed me about, Cambridge is they have always seemed to average between 5/6k on gates. Dropping back into League 2, I can see you having the same expectation as we did, consolidation and build for another promotion push. L2 seems to have more money than ever in it with the likes of MK Dons, Chesterfield, Notts and now even Salford City having the better squads. Barnet and Oldham have come up and fancy their chances of having a go, especially Oldham. My prediction and a realistic aim for Cambridge this season would be between 10th and 14th.