League Two 2025/26 Preview: Part Three
Grimsby, Harrogate, Milton Keynes, Newport, Notts County, Oldham
Well you can wave goodbye to pre-season. And with it you can wave goodbye to relaxing, stress-free Saturdays. After yesterday’s 1-1 draw at home to Charlton, United officially completed their pre-season schedule, and the headline from the game was less about who played well on the pitch, but who couldn’t even make it on it in the first place. You’ll be shocked and stunned to have seen the news that Shane Lavery is injured, for ‘a few weeks’ according to Harris. And it’s that hamstring again. It’ll surely be a busy week in the market trying desperately to get a deal over the line in time for the Cheltenham game next week.
But in the meantime, why not find out what’s going on around the league, and how other clubs’ fans are feeling a week or so out from kick off. This is the third part of our League Two season preview. The fourth and final part will be live tomorrow, and on Tuesday you can listen to our bumper season preview pod before we get back into the normal routine. Enjoy!
Note: these answers have been collated over the past few weeks, so in certain places they may be slightly out of date.
Grimsby Town
By DN35 Podcast
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
Surprising for most of us and thoroughly enjoyable after the season we’d had previously. Expectations were for lower mid table and I would imagine we exceeded the expectations of most fans. There was a little tinge of disappointment given how the season finished. We had it effectively in our hands to reach the playoffs with 45 minutes of the season to go, but ultimately it was a huge progression from what we’d seen in the past and set us up well for the coming season.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
It’s really disconcerting, everyone seems to be very happy with what we’ve brought in. There’s a mix of experience as well as some lesser known players that we’ve become synonymous with recently. We’ve also been able to keep hold of the majority of the squad we would have liked to from last season. The big things were to make sure we had an experienced keeper and we added pace to support Danny Rose upfront all of which I think we have achieved or are close to doing and we haven’t even started picking up loan signings yet.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Given who we’ve signed so far, I think we’re probably missing a centre back. There was always rumours of Ryan Bennett returning before you grabbed him but given what we’ve got so far that’s probably the area we’d be looking to strengthen between now and the start of the season.
Who are your key players for the new season?
It’ll be good to find out, but if it’s any continuation from the season before George McEachran is gonna be pivotal to our success as is Keiran Green, both of whom are dynamos in the middle of the park. Danny Rose will continue to lead from the front both in his work rate and his goals.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
I can’t even think of one disenchanted voice on social media even amongst the fringes of our support. He got off to a rocky start but that was most likely due to the players he had available to him. He changed the way he played to make sure we survived and then last season he really showed how good he is at improving players and pushing the team on. He’s got the full support of the fans and has just signed a contract for three years.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
I think expectations this season will be to reach the playoffs and to see how we can move that one step further on. I could see us doing a bit of a Mansfield though, spending a couple of seasons just around the fringes of the play offs. Building up the squad, learning from mistakes and then going onto better things in League One. That league seems to have a huge gap so the better prepared we are should we ever get promoted the better.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I really don’t know where you guys are right now. I mean, my big worry is quite a few teams that seem to fall through from League One fall through the divisions pretty sharply, just look at Carlisle, Accrington, Morecambe and Franchise all of whom have been up in League One very recently. It’s always a great place to come and we look forward to coming up and taking a punt on 3 points (genius pun I know).
Harrogate Town
By Neil Hirst
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
From the perspective of one of the smallest clubs in the league with one of the lowest budgets, last season was deemed as a success as we avoided the drop into the National League. Before the season started, Harrogate looked light in attack and the midfield lacked the physicality to compete. The club addressed the midfield situation in the January transfer window, helped by the money gained by a decent FA Cup run. However, the lack of striking reinforcements led to a dearth of goals with only two clubs scoring fewer than the Sulphurites. Thankfully, we finished the season in 18th, a huge 11 points away from the drop zone.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
There's been plenty of incomings and outgoings and positively, most of the work was done early on suggesting we got the men we were targeting. The most immediate need was to address the striking options, especially since the departure of Josh March to Crewe Alexandra. This came in the form of former Derby, Millwall and Burton striker Mason Bennett and Shawn McCoulsky signed from non league Maidenhead. We've also supplemented our central defensive area with the signing of Tom Bradbury from Cheltenham. Are the fans happy? The window hasn't closed yet but I think we might need a couple more signings.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
I'd still be hopeful that Harrogate can obtain a new left back and most importantly for a team struggling to score goals, I'm thinking we could do with a new creative number 10 type player who can unlock the door and fashion some more goal scoring opportunities.
Who are your key players for the new season?
There are few players that spring out as our key players. First of all, James Belshaw - in my humble opinion one of the best 'keepers in the division and has single handededly saved us more points than I care to remember. He'll no doubt be kept busy again.
Anthony O'Connor at centre back is another integral part of the team. A dominant centre half, physically commanding but with the guile to go with it, he's a real fans favourite.
Finally and more offensively minded, Ellis Taylor is a player we brought in from Sunderland. If I'm honest, I thought another club may have come in for him by now but that's not come to pass (yet). He's a player with a wand of a left foot and quite often takes our set pieces. He is skillful, creative and usually found out on the flanks and loves to cut inside.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Simon Weaver is well known for his long tenure at the club and being in the unusual position of having his Dad as his boss. Generally speaking, I think most fans like him, appreciate the deck is stacked against him in terms of finance and applaud the fact he's kept us in League 2 for as long as he has. I have heard some dissenting voices from some quarters when we've been going through one of our bad patches and that some feel his 'in-game management’ isn't as proactive as it should be. However, I believe these are the minority and most wouldn't chose to swap him.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
We're usually one of the favourites to go down and this season is no exception. However, if you look past the relatively small budget and modest ground, we're working hard to sustain our place in League 2 for another season. I don't think it'll always be pretty and we're going to have to show that true 'Northern grit', but I genuinely believe we'll do enough to stave off relegation. I can see Harrogate Town finishing around the dizzy heights of around 17th position.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I think if mention 'Cambridge' to any Harrogate fan, they'll have flashbacks to the 5-4 game at Wetherby Road back in 2021 featuring a hat trick from Brendan Kiernan. Looking as an outsider, I think you've got a manager in Neil Harris who has the capacity for great things. Looking at the squad though and comparing it against some other teams in the league, I'm not totally sold on the idea you're going to bounce straight back up (nor do I think you'll tumble down again like Carlisle). I wouldn't be surprised to see you finish in the top half but perhaps falling just short of the play-off places.
Milton Keynes FC
By MK1 Podcast
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
Rubbish in a word. Too much change, lots of lows and players not performing to the levels we know they can get to.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
Arguably the most transformative summer we have ever had in terms of players, at least on paper. Aaron Collins, Will Collar, Mendez-Laing as a trio alone would raise a lot of eyebrows but Hepburn-Murphy to add to that as well others to come have set the precedent.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
Whilst we have signed attackers, we are still missing some physicality up top. Other than that, some depth at full back may be needed but it feels like Warne has the majority of his squad sorted heading into August.
Who are your key players for the new season?
Aaron Collins has to be the player that stands out - he could tear up the league and be a real problem for opposition teams.
Mendez-Laing could also do the same. Pace and power is his game and he will be a big presence in this league.
Jack Sanders was a rock to end the campaign under Warne and should be a strong contender to start most games this coming campaign.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
Paul Warne has come in and installed his own beliefs and taken over the club. Alongside the ownership, the club has had a bit of a face lift which felt much needed and will hopefully send us on a positive trajectory.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Promotion, it has to be the aim. I don’t care where Dons finish in the top 3, but that has to be where everyone is aiming.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I like Cambridge’s chances to bounce back and have a strong campaign. With some strong additions and a lack of real impactful departures, it does look like Neil Harris can mount at least a respectable finish this year. Top 7 for me.
Newport County
By 1912 Exiles
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
We finished the season in 22nd place, the worst side in the Fourth Division to not be relegated, and we exited all three cup competitions at the first hurdle. A vintage season it was not. The mitigating factor is that it was the first full season under a new chairman, and there was a transition towards a young and inexperienced squad. We got through it, we survived, but fans understandably now expect to see upwards progress.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
Recent Cymru international Matt Smith was the marquee signing, and not a name we expected. Last summer saw a swathe of inexperienced 22-year-olds being granted two-year deals – and whilst some paid off, others didn’t. We badly needed experience in the squad, and in the likes of Smith, Ged Garner and Nik Tzanev we seem to have found it. There’s still a sense that we could do with one or two more, especially with us not having created a great deal in pre-season friendlies, but traditionally we’re often a last-choice destination for players and so we often leave it until the very end of the window.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
We’ve been saying since last October that we badly need a midfield bastard. If we get to the end of this window without one, it’s going to be another very long season. You can have all the fancy dan creatives you want in this league, but there is truth in the cliché that you need to earn the right to play.
Who are your key players for the new season?
As well as Matt Smith (mentioned above), a lot rests on experienced centre-half and captain James Clarke staying fit and marshalling a lot of the youngsters around him. And from the pre-season games we’ve seen, Michael Reindorf (on a season-long loan from Cardiff) looks like our most likely source of goals.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
David Hughes arrived in June, having been a youth coach behind the scenes most recently at Manchester United as well as various other similar roles previously elsewhere, including Cardiff City. He is well-regarded in the game, and has spoken very well in his interviews so far, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. He is our second consecutive gaffer cutting their teeth at Newport County, and whilst as fans we are behind the principle of picking an up-and-coming boss rather than another from the lower-league carousel, we do want to see progress.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Fans expect to see some baby steps being taken up the table, and a more coherent style of play. Throw in a cup run, and most of us will be content. It’s hard to gauge currently, in mid-July, but 19th feels like a reasonable guess presently.
And finally what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
The sides who come down traditionally take until Christmas to turn the momentum tanker around, so I wouldn’t expect you to bounce straight back – whereas the sides who come up from the Conference tend to hit the ground running. But it’s such a topsy-turvy league, where anyone can genuinely beat anyone else on their day, and a month of good form can totally transform a season. I’d expect you to finish top half, and I’m looking forward to a potential trip to the Abbey having not been there for a good few years.
Notts County
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
The season was really boring despite finishing in the playoffs. We were lucky in a lot of games and the football was so slow and sideways. Glad the season came to an end to he honest.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
A very mixed summer. We've lost quality in McGoldrick, Bass and Abbott returning on loans and very few fans feel we've adequately replaced them.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
We are missing a number 10. I hate to say it, but we still haven't replaced Dan Crowley.
Who are your key players for the new season?
Jodi Jones should be back to full fitness and I'd keep an eye on our new striker Dennis, who finished the season well in a relegated Carlisle side.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
We actually interviewed the new manager Martin Paterson on Tuesday evening and it's refreshing to see how honest he is with his answers. He's got a hell of a lot of people to convince and his record at Burton doesn't fill many with confidence.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you’ll finish in?
Right now, I'm expecting a lower finish than last season. I genuinely wouldn't rule us out finishing anywhere from 15th to 5th.
And finally, what’s your outsider view of Cambridge, how are you expecting we might do back in League 2?
I've never really had anything against Cambridge. It's an away day I'm looking forward to and a new ground to tick off. I think you've signed a few to sure up the defence which is important in this league as we found out conceding over 80 goals a couple of seasons ago. I wouldn't be surprised with a playoff fight, but there are some teams I feel are well clear of both of our teams and will get autos.
Oldham Athletic
Could you give us a quick summary of your 24/25 season?
We started well, had a couple of great days out in the FA Cup (beating Tranmere and only succumbing to Leyton Orient in the 119th minute after their keeper equalised in the 99th minute of normal time) and hoped to challenge for the title. The wheels came off after Christmas, with Josh Stones and Sam Clucas leaving and key injuries to players like Monthe, Ogle and Conlon. Our performances nosedived, but happily, we hit our best form at the exact right time in the play-offs.
How has your summer been, and are fans happy with the signings so far?
Short - our season didn't finish until June 1st! We're sorry to see some of our play off heroes go, but football moves on and in Micky we trust. We've all been too busy reliving Wembley and enjoying the pissboils over Kian Harratt’s chair-throwing shenanigans and our new kit (which is now being redesigned) to keep up with our new signings.
What do you still think you’re missing from your squad?
We were light up front last season due to injuries. With James Norwood leaving, we could definitely do with another striker.
Who are your key players for the new season?
God's number 9, Mike Fondop, was superb last season and we're all praying that his great form continues. Manny Monthe and Reagan Ogle were defensive colossuses (colossi?) and I'm looking forward to seeing how Donervon Daniels fits in with them.
What’s the general opinion on the manager?
We oscillated between denouncing him as a dinosaur and calling for him to be sacked and hailing him a football genius last season. He was vindicated when they played Hey Mickey by Toni Basil at Wembley, but I dare say we'll do the same this season.
What sort of season are you expecting to have, and what position do you think you'll finish?.
I'm hoping for back-to-back promotions (Mellon's done it before); I'll settle for a top-half finish.
What's your outsider view of Cambridge and how do you think we might do back in L2?
Speaking from experience, bouncing back from relegation is always tougher than you think it will be. I hope you do well, Cambridge is a cracking day out. I'm sure the astronomical clock in Prague is lovely, but only in Cambridge have I been able to see both a Chronophage AND the Chip The Skip challenge.