League One: 1-24 season review 2022/23
Arguably the EFL's most exciting division this season gets the club-by-club treatment.
Ali Maxwell:
Hello! Welcome to Part Two of our 1-24 Season Reviews, written by the fans, for the fans. We hope you enjoyed the Championship edition.
The EFL’s middle child was a cracking division this season. We had a strong and entertaining three-horse race for the automatic spots. In the end, all three teams won promotion, but not without some drama! The relegation scrap was brutal as ever.
It’s concerning how many mentions of ownership issues or frustrations are contained below, and that’s something to monitor next season. One thing is for sure: opposition fans and defences were terrified by the impish Conor Chaplin.
1st Plymouth Argyle
Words: Ben Fuller
This season was absolutely outstanding—League One Champions in a year filled with last-minute winners, a double over Exeter, and a Home Park filled and bouncing every week. Utterly perfect.
Steven Schumacher has achieved one of the best feats in this great club's history. To win the league with 101 points and fend off clubs with superior budgets in the way he has is truly remarkable. He has galvanised a squad, a club and a city. A real Janner.
Our Player of the Season is Bali Mumba. If I think of iconic moments of the season, so many of them include a piece of excellence from Mumba. He has a superb ability to beat a player inside and out and his direct running from wide towards the box has been such an important part to our attacking phases.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Adam Randell. It is no surprise that our winning run to secure the title came when Randell returned from injury. A Swiss army knife of a centre midfielder, Randell can do it all to such a high level.
We only lost two games at home, so it's tough to pick the best opposition player to visit Home Park. That said, James Wilson was superb for Port Vale against us earlier in the season. His movement and positioning pulled our centre backs everywhere.
In the Championship, we need to trust the process. This club was on the brink of liquidation at the bottom of League Two just over ten years ago. We are now a sustainable Championship club with a transparent, communicative board, smart recruitment and a blueprint for how to run a club properly from academy to first team. Regardless of what happens next season, I know the foreseeable future is bright.
2nd Ipswich Town
Words: Joe Fairs - Blue Monday Podcast
This season was one for the ages, with the most incredible run to finish the season to get our nose over the line in a season where the standard of the top 3 teams in League One was on a different level to anything ever seen. It took the greatest run of form in the history of the football club and Pep's Man City level of domination in the closing stages of the season to do it after a winter blip.
Kieran McKenna has the world at his feet. He has brought a style of play to the club that is as sophisticated as anything you would see at the top level and implemented it into a League One team where generally a more functional style of play has been the order of the day. He will be on the radar for lots of jobs, but he has a great one here.
Our Player of the Season is Conor Chaplin—26 league goals, including 17 in the second half of the season, when not even playing as a striker. Notable mention to skipper Sam Morsy who was the heartbeat of the team and had such a high level of performance with unerring consistency.
We’re blessed with a few emerging talents in our squad. Cameron Humphreys had a very good debut season and contributed at big times, but the likes of Leif Davis, Harry Clarke, Luke Woolfenden and Nathan Broadhead all look as though they will be able to step up to the next level and flourish.
The best opposition player to visit Portman Road has been Jack Taylor, and the long conversations he held on the pitch post-game with the Ipswich coaching staff, plus the seven-figure bids for him (as disclosed by Darragh McAnthony) indicate that he may be back at Portman Road next season despite Peterborough's playoff defeat.
Next season, we need to progress by adding wisely to the team with key players like we did in January and continue to ride the wave that has brought us to this level after a recent absence. We should be looking up, not down, though, and I am sure that is the attitude the club will have.
3rd Sheffield Wednesday
Words: Connor Thorpe
This season we climbed to the top of the rollercoaster; it looked like we might derail, but in the end, we managed to return ourselves to the tracks at the very last second. The 96 points accumulated is a record points total for Wednesday and the most anyone has ever achieved without getting automatically promoted in the EFL. At the start of 2023, we showed amazing levels of consistency to pull clear of those around us. We took to the job with little fuss. Then came a rapid decline and a dire showing in the first leg of the playoffs. We somehow managed to produce THAT comeback before winning it with the last kick of the game at Wembley.
I think Darren Moore has the backing of most fans, although some doubts still remain. Few people can doubt his man management and his ability to create team camaraderie and manage upwards, but question marks do still remain over his tactical ability. I do think he gets a rough ride from some fans, though, who will highlight the mistakes he’s made without praising him for the things he’s done well.
Our player of the season is Liam Palmer. Bannan deserves an honourable mention but Palmer pips him due to his incredible versatility. He’s also chipped in with a decent tally of 6 goals. He’d never scored more than 1 in a season before.
Our emerging talent is probably Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, although he’s been anonymous since the start of the season. We don’t have many young players, and that’s something we desperately need to resolve now the pressure of delivering League One promotion is over. I’m unsure if he’ll be here next season.
The best opposition player to visit Hillsborough? It’s hard to pick one and think back to all of the games over the season, but Mads Andersen was very good for Barnsley and they put it in the best away performance by a mile.
Next season, we need to consolidate and avoid getting drawn into a relegation battle, although I would accept that we’re likely to flirt with the bottom three at times. We need the squad to evolve with younger players that could potentially be sold on for profit. As long as we’re safe, I would accept a pretty boring and underwhelming season so long as we move towards a strategy of developing younger players for long-term success.
4th Barnsley
Words: Dale Parrish
This season was a fair old step in the right direction. The manager, Michael Duff, has certainly surpassed expectations. He’s brought a real togetherness to the club, something that was lacking after last season.
Our player of the season has been Mads Andersen. Not only is he a consummate professional and defensively rock solid, but he is also a true leader!
The emerging talent in our squad is Luca Connell. We signed him on a free from Celtic, and he is one of the best midfielders in the division. Shout out to Fábio Jaló in our U21s too—he could be a future star.
The best opposition player to visit Oakwell has been Luke Woolfenden for Ipswich. He was absolutely rock solid at the back, and he impressed me most out of all the opposition players to visit Oakwell this season.
Next season, we need to really push on from this season, add one or two players to the squad and ensure we keep the core of our current squad, including the manager—automatic promotion is a realistic possibility.
5th Bolton Wanderers
Words: Lee Tennant
This season was pretty much par for the course in terms of our league performance, another incremental improvement before falling short against a side who were in the Championship play-off’s 24 short months ago. There was a tasty take-away, in the shape of a thumping Papa Johns Trophy final victory over surprise league champions Plymouth Argyle at Wembley.
Ian Evatt has plenty of credit in the bank, and the support of 99% of the fanbase. The side has improved year-on-year, and while our best players this season aren’t guys owned by the club, he and his recruitment guru Chris Markham have slowly assembled a squad that has both guile and grit whilst retaining a resale value that is crucial at this level, in terms of operating sustainably.
Our player of the season is the Liverpool loanee, Conor Bradley. Perpetual motion with a fantastic engine, the Ulsterman proved a great pick-up and a perfect replacement for the much-loved fellow loanee Marlon Fossey at right wing-back. Conor’s star shone brightest amongst some stiff competition from fellow North-West loan star James Trafford, the relentless Kyle Dempsey and his fellow Northern Ireland international, 20-goal-man Dion Charles.
The emerging talent in our squad is pretty thin on the ground, realistically. Our best young players were the Premier League loanees. Despite the B team experiment, there is not a single player who I could honestly pinpoint as ‘our next big thing’.
The best opposition player to visit the UniBol has been the irrefutable, indefatigable Barry Bannan. What I wouldn’t give to have made this man’s loan move permanent back in 2015. The ultimate string-puller at this level, Bannan combines the artistry of a floaty playmaker with the drive and edge of a captain. He makes the impossibly hard look easy and is the absolute fulcrum of that Owls side.
Next season, we need to play with a higher tempo from the off more often. The amount of times we’ve been too slow to pick a pass or switch the play, enabling our opponents to organise themselves into their low block again, has been excruciating. On a similar level of frustration; the lack of composure we show when a team initiates a strong press on us means we often end up with the aimless pumping of aerial balls in the general direction of Dion Charles. Not a conducive way to win important matches at this level. Evatt either needs to concoct some nifty plan B’s and sharpish, or bring in superior players that can turn this team of smart, capable footballers into a well-oiled unit that is destined for the Championship.
6th Peterborough United
Words: Connor Knowling
This season was an emotional one - for obvious reasons - to be a Peterborough fan. That play-off collapse aside, Darren Ferguson has reinvigorated the club since returning, bringing back our attacking identity.
Our player of the season has been Jack Taylor. His driving runs and vast passing range were imperative throughout the season but more so than ever since the turn of the year. This lad is Championship quality all day long.
The emerging talent in our squad is Ephron Mason-Clark. He made a fantastic step up from Barnet in the National league. Predominately playing off the left, scoring 9 goals and getting 6 assists in his first season for the club. His strength, pace and directness have been a real asset in attack. If we can keep hold of him, I think he will take it up a notch again next season.
The best opposition team to visit was Ipswich Town and it wasn’t even close; they were a relentless attacking force. On an individual level, Conor Chaplin ran us ragged home and away this season - glad we don’t have to face him again next season.
Next season we need to retain some key assets, continue to impose an attacking philosophy and try to instil a more ruthless mentality. Also, Weston Home Stadium has been disappointing following the enforcement of safe standing for home fans in the terrace. Many fans calling for home fans to be transferred into the newer ‘Deskgo’ stand to improve the home atmosphere going forward.
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7th Derby County
Words: Andy Rowan
This season was somewhat refreshing. Yes, the way it ended was disappointing, but a squad thrown together before the permanent manager was appointed gave it their best.
I think Paul Warne has time on his side. Our new owner David Clowes seems patient and level-headed. This will be Warne’s first summer and pre-season with us,and despite high expectations next year, I don’t think it is promotion or bust.
No doubt our player of the season was Didzy. David McGoldrick managed his best-ever goal haul in a season, with 22 league goals at the age of 35. He oozed class and looks a level above League One… fingers crossed he sticks around.
There are two obvious young talents within the squad. No surprises here—they are Eiran Cashin and Jason Knight. They started 43 and 33 league games respectively, and despite their youth, are key figures in our best eleven.
Conor Chaplin was the best player I saw at Pride Park. Similar to McGoldrick, he looks too good for League One and I’m excited to see how he performs in the Championship next season.
Next season, we need to use the experience of this season. We just missed out on the play-offs, and that wasn’t due to losing against Wednesday on the last day; it was down to needless points dropped at home. That’s where we need to improve if we’re to get over the line. A playoff run will be the fans’ minimum expectations.
8th Portsmouth
Words: @HancockAnalysis
This season was ultimately a failure despite an improvement in both results and performances under John Mousinho, and with another year in League One on the horizon, pressure is mounting on the ownership.
I think Mousinho is carrying a lot of pressure on his shoulders from the fans, he’ll get time from the board, but the fanbase and city are desperate for promotion from the third tier.
Our player of the season has undoubtedly been Colby Bishop, not just because of his 20+ goal tally in all competitions, but his overall work ethic and performances have been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for the club.
The emerging talent in our squad is Koby Mottoh. Currently lining up for our U18s squad, there has been interest from Manchester City after a campaign that saw him become the top goalscorer for that squad from right wing-back.
The best opposition player to visit Fratton Park has been Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Utterly dominant and silky on the ball; he caused us a torrid time when visiting PO4 and it’d be nice if we never had to play against him again.
Next season we need to get play-offs as an absolute minimum, this club cannot endure another year in League One, and if we have another similar season as this one, the situation with the ownership may become untenable for many fans.
9th Wycombe Wanderers
Words: Tom Hancock
In the end, it was an anticlimactic season. I suppose that was to be expected after losing the greatest manager in the club's history and having a change in the dugout for the first time in more than a decade, but it's quite a comedown from our last two campaigns at this level. On the flip side, it's nice to know for certain early on which division we'll be in next season!
Matt Bloomfield has to be given time. It rather goes without saying that Gareth Ainsworth was going to be a nigh-on impossible act to follow, and I think it's important that we don't compare every minute detail of the job Matt Bloomfield does to his legendary predecessor. That said, I was initially apprehensive about Blooms' appointment as I felt it was overwhelmingly sentimentally motivated.
Our Player of the Season is Josh Scowen. The answer is always Josh Scowen. One of the top ball-winning midfielders in the league, he also reminded us this season what a cracking goal he's capable of scoring. Already signed up for next season, which is absolutely huge.
The emerging talent in our squad is Tjay De Barr. Signed in the summer of 2021, he had to wait until this season for his proper first-team breakthrough, but he's shown himself to be a dependable attacking option with his combination of brute determination (which has led to some nicknaming him Tjay De Barge), nimble movement and creativity.
The best opposition player to visit Adams Park has been Mike Cooper. We might have beaten Plymouth that day if not for the best goalkeeper in the league (marginally ahead of a certain Max Stryjek...) having a blinder.
Next season, we need to lower our expectations. I'm sure chairman Rob Couhig still has his sights set on the Championship, but a season of consolidation under Bloomfield has to be the realistic focus.
10th Charlton Athletic
Words: Dan Jeacock
The season ended in a disappointing 10th-place finish, but this was what most fans realistically expected back in August. I think Dean Holden has done pretty well with the squad he inherited mid-season. He’s very popular with the fans, who are happy to see him be given a chance next season.
Our Player of the Season is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (on loan from Crystal Palace). He has been the clear standout with 15 goals and 8 assists with brilliant skill, dribbling and end product.
The obvious emerging talent in our squad is Miles Leaburn. A 19-year-old with 12 goals in his debut season. Starting more games and hopefully fewer injury problems should mean he can score 20+ goals next season.
The best opposition player to visit The Valley has been Conor Chaplin. He was unplayable in our 6-0 defeat away at Ipswich, scoring a first half hat-trick.
Next season, we need to sort out the ownership situation. Then we need to somehow replace Rak-Sakyi’s attacking impact, keep hold of Leaburn and sort out our leaky defence.
11th Lincoln City
Words: Gary Hutchinson - The Stacey West
Very few fancied us to be out of the bottom six all season - a rookie head coach and threadbare squad pointed to a season of struggle; it wasn’t. I think the manager has had a good season. Mark Kennedy has done well, built a decent side, and put us in the top half of the table.
Our Player of the Season is Paudie O'Connor, but unlike last season, there were at least five in the running. Regan Poole, Ben House, Carl Rushworth and Adam Jackson were all close.
The emerging talent in our squad is plentiful. Ethan Erhahon is going to be a star, but can a player you believe was signed for a club record be an emerging talent? Dylan Duffy, Freddie Draper, and Elicha Ahui are all ones to watch out for next season. The latter two are on loan at Drogheda in Ireland and earning rave reviews.
The best opposition player to visit Sincil Bank has been Mark Helm at Burton. What a wonderful talent he is, and it isn't easy to be a special player in a bang-average team. Barry Bannan stood out as well - he's just an architect.
Next season, we need to keep doing what we're doing. A year of moulding will make us better than last season, and staying out of the bottom four would give us our longest stint out of the fourth or fifth tier since 1962.
12th Shrewsbury Town
Words: Ollie Warner - Salopcast
Overall, the season was a success, and a 12th-placed finish surpassed most fans' expectations. For several years, we have been involved in (and, at best, been on the fringes) of the League One relegation battle. So it made a refreshing change to be comfortable in mid-table. During an underwhelming January transfer window, Salop went on a fantastic run of six straight games, triggering talk of a play-off run. Sadly, a small squad, several injuries and an increasingly more difficult fixture list meant play-off dreams were short-lived.
The manager has been a fantastic success. The fans understand Salop have one of the smaller budgets in the division, and the progress under the manager has earned him a high approval rating. Steve Cotterill’s popularity with the fans has never been better, despite a disappointing end to the season. The manager’s position at the club next season is not guaranteed, and if the club change manager, it will not be a popular decision.
Our Player of the Season is Luke Leahy. There were a number of candidates, including Chey Dunkley and Tom Bayliss, but Leahy was Town’s most consistent performer. Leahy played every minute of the season, worked tirelessly in midfield, contributing nine goals and four assists. I am delighted the club extended Leahy’s contract.
The sad reality is we don’t have any emerging talent. Our most recent crop of youth
players were all released. Shrewsbury have not had a youth player transfer into a first
team regular since Connor Goldson and Ryan Woods burst on the scene, however, they last played for Salop in 2015. The lack of youth development is likely one of the reasons the Chairman decided to recruit a Director of Football.
The best opposition player to visit the Montgomery Waters Meadow has been Jack Taylor. Taylor had a fantastic game at the Meadow in early April in which Posh ran out 3-0 winners, Taylor scoring a tap-in late in the second half and dominating midfield. It will be interesting to see if Taylor will be in League One next season.
Next year we need to try and achieve another mid-table finish, but it won’t be easy, as Shrewsbury ended the season in turmoil. After a week of will he-won’t he, Shrewsbury Town recruited Mickey Moore from Cheltenham Town as their first Director of Football. The retained list was issued on time. However, it is unclear who was behind the retained list. It seems unlikely Steve Cotterill will remain as manager, creating a headache but also an opportunity for Moore. Our new Director of Football needs to assess the current squad, create and implement a strategy to take Shrewsbury Town forward, hire a manager to fit that strategy and then sign players to meet the manager’s needs. It is going to be an interesting summer.
13th Fleetwood Town
Words: Name - @ftfcknappers
Scott Brown has done well, stabilised us, made us hard to beat, better defensively. Our shape is much better, and we finished a lot higher up the table. That’s a good job within 12 months, now it’s about taking the club to the next level.
Brendan Wiredu was my player of the year. A man mountain that can play centre midfield or centre back. Commanding, great on the ball, links up play and can also make a stern tackle, improved game on game, and that’s down to the coaching staff.
We have plenty of youngsters coming through. One of which is Cian Hayes, who has looked bright, and just needs to add a couple of things to his game to be even better.
The best to come to Highbury? On his day, Conor Chaplin. The man is too good; he linked up play, scored goals. I thought he would score three or four times as well—just a gem.
Next year we just need to build on this season. Have a go at the top six or top ten, no reason we can’t, add a bit to the already good core of players we have (Vela, Rooney, Earl, Stockley, Marriot and co) and be a bit braver in our approach.
14th Exeter City
Words: Jordan Rogers
I think the manager has done an okay job. He took over at the start of a tough run of fixtures and steadied the ship. We did enough to stay up, but with a high turnover in the summer, he needs to get his signings spot on.
Our player of the season is Sam Nombe. A true fan favourite, one of the top scorers in the league and a powerhouse striker. If he does move on in the summer, we wish him all the best.
The emerging talent in our squad is Sonny Cox. The young, energetic striker has scored some goals out on loan, as well as getting his first league goal for the club this season. Hopefully, he will get some more minutes next season and find the back of the net a few more times than our last emerging striker…
The best opposition player to visit SJP has been David McGoldrick. A player that oozes class, technically one of the best players you will see at this level, and has a rocket of a right foot. I look forward to seeing him take to the SJP surface again next season.
Next season, we need to rebuild the squad. City will have a high turnover of players next season with players out of contract moving on, and a little bit of deadwood to clear out. Rebuild, re-gain and survive.
15th Burton Albion
Words: Anton Williams
This season, a mixture of poor summer recruitment and a style of play that was inappropriate for the players we had, made the task of staying up almost impossible. Thankfully the manager achieved effective results after using the free agent and loan market in January to find a style that played to our strengths and ensured we stayed in League One.
Dino Maamria completed the almost impossible in keeping us up after such a poor start under the previous manager of one point in the first eight games. This has made him a fan favourite, but he now needs to build an entertaining brand of football that makes us competitive and entertaining to watch to hopefully attract more fans.
Our player of the season was Sam Hughes. Getting better and better each week and also gaining a lot of experience with ex-Prem player Adrian Mariappa made him the first name in the team sheet every week. He has grown in confidence and the higher teams in League One and the Championship will be circling around to try and prize him away this summer for sure.
Emerging talent in our squad can be seen by players such as Terry Taylor and also Josh Walker. Two players who have a lot to offer already but also have already shown they can be capable of plenty more.
The best opposition player to visit the Pirelli was Barry Bannan; maybe not at his best when he played us, but he was by far the best player in the league with his passing, creativity, vision and leadership skills.
Next season we need to slowly rise up the league and play a brand of football that will get the Burton public off their feet, into the Pirelli and get it rocking.
16th Cheltenham Town
Words: Dave Cohen
Wade Elliott had a tough task on the face of it, inheriting the post from club legend Michael Duff. He did struggle initially, with an FA cCp defeat at home to Alvechurch the low point of his tenure so far. But a resurgence of form in 2023 saw Town climb away from relegation threat and into mid-table obscurity, with Elliott doing an admirable job overall.
Our Player of the Season? Who else but Alfie May? The striker has been talismanic in both his seasons in League 1, and scored 20 out of Town’s 45 league goals this season. Some were truly special, including a magical halfway-line volley against Peterborough. Most fans expect May to leave the club for bigger things in the summer - and it would be well deserved.
The Emerging Talent in our squad has been young left wing back, Will Ferry. He’s flown slightly under the radar this year but has shown real quality at times at both ends of the pitch. Only in his second full season of playing in the EFL, I expect Ferry to kick on next season and really improve his attacking output, which we have seen in flashes throughout.
The best opposition player I’ve seen was Aaron Collins—two goals and an assist in a poor 4-1 home defeat to Bristol Rovers. Although his form may have dropped off since, it was easy to see why Collins at the time was contributing so much - ability of both feet, silky skills and awareness in the box, amongst other things.
It is perhaps pessimistic to say it, but next season we need to do more of the same. Staying up in League One is a massive achievement for the club. We need to continue to bring in quality loan players as we have been doing over previous seasons - as well as strengthen up top with May likely to leave. But with the core of the squad remaining, I see no reason why mid-table isn’t achievable yet again.
17th Bristol Rovers
Words: Max Alderson - @GasCastPodcast
This season started off strongly for Rovers as we rode the wave of promotion to climb up the table. Sadly, the team experienced a sharp decline in form and results after the turn of the year, with performances falling below the standards set internally over the last 18 months. Despite glimpses of potential and improvement, the season has been overshadowed by a concerning number of goals conceded and a disappointing series of results - consolidation is the keyword, but 17th won't be an acceptable finish next season.
I think the manager has taken on the challenging task of nurturing a young squad in a demanding division, doubling down on player development with his trial-by-fire approach that saw such success last season. After exploring several formations early in the campaign, he has eventually settled on a system that has more balance, but lacks dynamism. Barton says feels like he has failed this season, but myself and many fans can see the solid foundations he is striving to establish.
Our Player of the Season is undoubtedly Aaron Collins. Having achieved a double-double in goals and assists by New Year’s Day, the Welshman far exceeded expectations this season. Quick, intelligent, versatile, and impressively two-footed, the League One player of the year will be a difficult one to keep hold of this summer - but with a lengthy contract and no release-clause, it would take a sizable offer for Rovers to sanction his transfer.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Luca Hoole, who has developed as much physically as he has technically over the last twelve months. Having made his debut in League Two, many, including myself, had concerns over whether he could make the step up, but he has kept James Gibbons out of the side consistently and looks a real threat going forwards. One to keep an eye on next season.
The best opposition player to visit the Memorial Stadium has been Sam Nombe. He looked unplayable in our 3-4 dramatic defeat over Christmas, that really could have gone either way at the death. His lethal finishing, movement, and intelligence around the area caused us constant problems in a game that was attack vs attack.
Next season we need to add some real quality. Whilst Collins has been dynamite, we cannot be a one man team if we want to progress into the top half of the table, and new additions are needed with an emphasis on quality over quantity. If we keep developing the young talent in the squad, there's no reason we can't keep moving on up.
18th Port Vale
Words: Adam Walker
It’s hard to judge the managerial performance given the sacking of Darrell Clarke at the end of the season. I think the general fan consensus is that DC was a great manager doing a great job under tough circumstances, given our tight budget. However, results speak for themselves post-December, with us picking up just 16 points from a possible 63 between Plymouth away at the start of Dec until his sacking after Lincoln.
Our player of the season is Nathan Smith, Mr Port Vale. Always available for selection, rarely puts a foot wrong, held his own against most of the high profile strikers in this league. He's just signed a new two year deal which will take him near the top of the all-time appearence holders for Vale.
The emerging talent in our squad is our eighteen-year-old striker/winger James Plant. Impressed on loans with both Nantwich town and Sailsbury this year, enough to be given a run in the first team at the end of the season in which he scored twice playing as a right wing back.
The biggest standout performance by an opposition player at Vale Park has been James Trafford’s. That may be a bit left field. But he'll be a top, top keeper in years to come.
Next season we need to recruit better. This season’s recruitment has been very very poor and left us weak in a number of areas. With a good number released at the end of the year, hopefully, it will be a chance to refresh the squad and make League one life a bit more comfortable next year.
19 Oxford United
Words: George Elek - NTT20
This season was terrible by every measure. A summer where the successful model went out of the window in favour of spending decent money on falling stars such as Josh Murphy and Yanic Wildschut, a January where nothing was done to right those wrongs and a lot of bad football in between. It spelled the end of Karl Robinson’s long and generally successful time at the club. It was sad to see a once popular figure lose all goodwill with the fans, but there is an example here about why good results shouldn’t be rewarded with near-total control.
Fans think the manager has brought a calmness back to the club which saved us from relegation. Liam Manning brought a structured approach and focussed on tightening up Oxford at the back, which enabled us to finally keep some clean sheets and win a couple of games. He’s a very measured speaker, which is a nice antidote to what came before, and generally has fans feeling optimistic about what he could do with a decent League One squad.
Our Player of the Season is Ciaron Brown, which says a lot about our season. He’s played at LB for most of the season despite preferring playing as a left sided centre-back. He’s pretty good and always fully committed, which was enough to earn the accolade in a hellish campaign.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Tyler Goodrham. We’ve actually got a very good crop of academy grads with Gatlin O’Donkor, James Golding and Josh Johnson all playing some part last season. Goodrham is the one for me though, a diminutive winger who can beat a man and has an eye for goal and also really puts himself about despite his size. Think he’s got a big future.
The best opposition player to visit the Kassam has been… well, Bukayo Saka! But in the league, Alfie Mawson showed he still had it when putting in a dominant defensive display in Wycombe’s 1-0 and pulled off one of the assists of the season too. A huge shame he’s had to hang up his boots.
We need to leave last season behind and get back to buying young talent and giving them the platform to succeed before selling on when the time is right. League One looks a poor renewal next season, and there’s no reason why we can’t build a squad capable of getting back to challenging for the play-offs.
20th Cambridge United
Words: Under The Abbey Stand
This season was a bit of a rollercoaster (putting it lightly). But ultimately, survival is a success. Significant parts of the season were not up to the required standard with a six-month period in which we lost virtually every game we played in seemingly every conceivable way. BUT - survival on the last day of the season, thousands of fans swarming the Abbey pitch, what more could you want?
I think the manager has done well in overcoming a huge amount of pressure. He stayed loyal when others came calling; the board stayed loyal in turn when most other clubs would’ve made a change. But ultimately, Mark Bonner stuck to his guns and pulled off a remarkable ‘great escape’. He’s Cambridge through and through, so we literally could not have asked for a better outcome.
Our Player of the Season is Lloyd Jones. Even despite a large part of the season being mostly underwhelming, Jones always stood out as a reliable part of a back four which did not always perform to the required level. Honourable mentions to Sam Smith (7 crucial goals in the last 9 to keep us up) and Harrison Dunk (who scored the winners against P*sh and on the last day as we survived).
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Liam Bennett. Spent the first half of the season out on loan tearing it up for Walsall in League Two, ended the season tearing it up for Cambridge in League One. Next season should be fun.
The best opposition player to visit The Abbey has been Charlton’s Rak-Sakyi. Absolutely ruined us at The Abbey. Tough to add more than that; anyone who has seen him play will understand. Far, far too good for the division.
Next season, we need to up the quality. We’ve survived for two seasons (largely) thanks to a group of extremely dedicated but largely limited players. We saw the impact the additions of McGrandles, Bennett (Ryan) made - we need a few more of them in the squad from day one next season to ensure we’re not involved too closely in any similar scenarios to the end of last season, enjoyable as it was!
21st MK Dons
Words: Matt McGinn
This season was disastrous. Fans expected some teething problems following such high turnover in the summer. Twine, Darling, and other key cogs in last year’s machine had left. Mistakes at every level, from Chairman to Sporting Director to Coach(es) to players, led to a worse outcome than anyone imagined.
I think the managers (Liam Manning and Mark Jackson) were dealt a tough hand with the players they had – Manning especially – but still played their hands badly. Jackson improved performances and, as a nice guy and a fist-pump merchant, was a popular figure, but ultimately failed in his brief and lost his job.
Our Player of the Season is erm… pass? None of the players emerge with much credit. Goalkeeper Jamie Cumming won the official award, and I’ll suppose he’ll do, on the basis that he was an ever-present and broadly competent figure.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Conor Grant. An elegant, technical ‘10’ signed from Rochdale last summer. Grant featured so scarcely in the first half of the season that I almost forgot he existed. When he finally got a run of games in the final months, he showed real promise. I’m looking forward to seeing him next season.
The best opposition player to visit Stadium:MK has been Sam Morsy. A real midfield general. A mention too for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who tore us apart like it was 2011.
Next season, we need to start quickly to regain some positivity. The managerial appointment will be key. Pete Winkelman has suggested he’ll opt for an experienced League Two coach. It’s also a big summer for Sporting Director Liam Sweeting, who still has credit in the bank following several excellent windows, but it’s running low.
22nd Morecambe
Words: Tom Collins
This season was disappointing and frustrating. We lost our League One status after two seasons in the third tier for the first time ever. The main disappointment was that we ended up being very close to staying up, despite some major headwinds – one of the smallest budgets in the division, a want-away-Cole-Stockton and, of course, major off-field ownership challenges. So close, but not enough.
I think Derek Adams has the opportunity to rebuild us in League Two if he has the desire to do so. However, there are so many moving parts with the Sarb Johal takeover in limbo that it’s difficult to predict too far ahead. If things don’t change, we will have a heavily reduced League Two budget.
Our Player of the Season is Connor Ripley. I don’t remember a player having played for us for just one season to have had the impact he had. First of all, his performances and ability to pull of huge saves kept us in games we shouldn’t have been in. We got used to him pulling off at least one unbelievable save per game. A major reason we have fallen for Connor is his passion and desire to be at the club. He ‘got us’ from day one and found his home, after a torrid spell at Preston. I’ll be sad to see Connor not pull on the Morecambe shirt next season for his quality and for being a great bloke.
The emerging talent in our squad is clearly Adam Mayor. We only had six to choose from, but he adapted to first-team football immediately. Playing 1,746 minutes is a testament to the job he fulfilled for the team. Not only was he contributing in the attacking third (3 goals and 3 assist), but to get regular minutes under Derek shows he was doing his defensive duties to script. If Adam Mayor stays with us for League Two (two years left on his contract), he could be our ray of light and be a lot of fun to watch.
The best player to visit The Mazuma in 22/23 has to be Will Grigg. Two almost identical goals in the six-yard box condemned us to a 4-0 defeat. Our defence was terrified.
Next season, we need to resolve the ownership issues as the number one priority. The longer the issues drag on, the more damage it does to the hard work everyone has put in. I’d take 22nd place right now for 23/24 in LG2 with decent owners sorted.
23rd Accrington Stanley
Words: RawMilk Fanzine
This year was our first relegation since 1999. Since then, the club has gone through 4 promotions. What that really means is the vast majority of Accrington fans have never seen relegation. For those that have, we have gone from watching a team in the Northern Premier League to being an accomplished Football League outfit, mostly down to the fact that John Coleman has been overseeing our team.
There may have been a few fans for the first time this season that questioned his position in charge, and who had a right to, such is the layout of modern football. But, ultimately, Coleman has more than enough credit built up to be able to have a crack at rebuilding our squad for the coming year. And I think that is a point understood by most fans.
I would give player of the season to Harvey Rodgers, he emerged as a fringe player to someone who was perhaps the first name on our team sheet. He gave his all every single week, and I hope we manage to convince him to sign a new contract as he could be a top defender in League Two.
The emerging talent in the squad is Dan Martin. He’s looked very bright this year and is someone the club seem increasingly excited about. Watch this space because he has the raw ability to be a very good footballer.
It’s tough to pick a best opposition player to visit The Crown because the league has seen a lot of quality this season towards the top of the table. Match that with the fact we have been abject for many games and you get loads of players running around having the best time playing against Accrington. Conor Chaplin came on after an hour against us and completely changed the game for Ipswich way back in November. The game was on a knife edge and he came on to get them over the line, playing a part in both of their goals.
Next season, we need to take stock and avoid what many clubs do and struggle once more. There’s a feeling after our retained list was released that we should be pushing towards a promotion straight away. I would, of course, love that, but I ultimately feel like the long-term stability of Accrington Stanley is more important than getting back to League One immediately. Because of that, I just want to see a safe and sound football club back to winning a few games and doing the right things off the field.
24th Forest Green Rovers
Words: Tom Carter
This season was difficult. There were glaring issues with the summer recruitment, that resulted in us starting the season in League at Bristol Rovers, with a squad weaker than our final game against Mansfield in League Two. Losing Wilson, Cadden and Adams as free agents was far from ideal. This, coupled with Rob Edwards leaving a few days after winning the title, was deflating for the club. I think any promoted side losing the spine of their team, alongside their Head Coach and DOF would struggle to stay in what is an incredibly competitive division. Bristol Rovers, Exeter and Port Vale have proven the value of stability, both on and off the pitch.
Duncan Ferguson inherited a very tricky situation. He arrived at the end of an ultimately unsuccessful January transfer window, with only 18 games to turn the season around. Whilst the results haven't been what DF would have anticipated, there is a growing rapport between DF and the FGR supporters. The wider fan base is appreciative of the accumulation of issues the clubs faced in the past 16 months and how in reality, DF hasn't yet had the time to put his mark on the club.
Our Player of the Season is Dylan McGeough. I imagine this would be unanimous across our supporters. He's come in and been a step above the rest of the squad, in terms of consistency of performance and leadership. He quickly established himself as club captain and has managed to stay injury free.
The emerging talent in our squad is Harvey Bunker, without a doubt. To come into a struggling team and stand out at 20 years old has been great to watch. He's captained the team on a few occasions and has looked comfortable playing in some difficult situations. Now tied down to a long-term contract, I'm excited to see how he progresses in Leauge Two.
Hard to pick one opposition player to visit The New Lawn. The three that immediately come to mind are Jonson Clarke Harris, Sam Morsy and Bali Mumba. The best I'd have to say was Bali Mumba. Unplayable and looked a step above the level.
Next season, we need to stabilise as a club first and foremost. We've just appointed Allan Steele as our new DOF. He'll now work with DF to identify & secure the bulk of the squad for 23-24 onwards. I'm expecting a fairly large number of incoming players, potentially 12+. As for the season’s aim, it will be tough to gauge until much later in the summer. Historically, teams relegated from League One have struggled in League Two, I'm hoping we can be an exception to this!
Thanks for reading, and… go well!