League One Fan Preview 26/27
Hundreds of fans. All 72 EFL clubs. Squad ratings, predictions, key players, breakout stars and everything rival supporters need to know for 2026/27.
This is the one
This is the one
This is the one
Oh, this is the one
This is the one, (League One)
I've waited for
Across 261 responses, roughly half the division appears capable, in the eyes of its own supporters, of mounting some kind of play-off challenge. And why the heck not?
What’s striking is that anxiety about where teams might finish doesn’t necessarily translate into anxiety about the people managing them. Nine out of 24 clubs’ supporters are expecting difficult seasons while remaining remarkably confident in the man in the dugout, when we know that more than 50% of EFL managers lost their job last season. Something, eventually, will have to give.
As ever, the numbers come with a health warning. Some clubs generated a small army of responses; others, a handful. But, taken together, they give us a pretty revealing snapshot of how League One supporters see the 2026/27 season before on-pitch realities take hold.
A thank you to everyone who took part
This preview is your handiwork. Some 750 supporters across the EFL shared predictions, squad ratings, player picks and, most importantly, their view of their own club. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, shared the survey or helped to spread the word — and a quick reminder that responses closed on 3 August, so later transfers and developments aren’t reflected.
Oh, and remember: they’re your views, not ours.
League One Fan Preview 26/27
My expectations this season are...
...a fight against relegation, but this time not quite having enough to stay afloat. (Charlie Dowse)
...battling at the bottom end of the table. It’s not easy to find four teams that will finish below us. (Tim Hanson)
...a struggle, but to avoid relegation again. (Ed Hewison)
...to be competitive, not relegation fodder, but unfortunately I think we’ll fall just short. (Sean)
What could define the season is...
...how we use the loan market, and whether either goalkeeper can show they’re League One level. (Willo)
...the lack of depth. Beyond the first 13 or 14 players, there’s a sharp drop-off in quality. (Matt Singfield)
...loans. We still need a target man and more depth in midfield and defence. (Matt W)
...our post-January run. Every season under [Johnnie] Jackson we’ve slumped after Christmas. (Charlie Dowse)
What other fans should know about my club is...
...be prepared to pay £7 a pint within a mile of the ground! (Oliver Fox)
...we’re one of the few fan-owned clubs in the EFL, and we’re committed to living within our means. (Not Haydon)
...fans have overwhelmingly backed moving towards a 50.01% majority fan-ownership model. (Ed Hewison)
...we’re a better team than we are individuals: well drilled, with good chemistry. (Calum Lightfoot)
