League Two: 1-24 season review 2022/23
One more for luck! The most unpredictable league in the country gets its club-by-club breakdown.
Ali Maxwell:
League Two’s USP is genuine unpredictability - it is the hardest of the three leagues to predict pre-season. In this renewal, teams that finished 20th and 21st in 2021/22 won promotion. That’s a beautiful sporting environment.
If you are as passionate about League Two as we are, I highly recommend joining the NTT20 Squad (with an initial two-week free trial!). I don’t believe there’s a dedicated League Two space quite like it anywhere. Entertaining, passionate, well-mannered - the fact that more than half of our guest writers for this piece are Squad members should tell you what you need to know.
A curtain-closing thank you…
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1st Leyton Orient
Words: Nick Clark
This season was perfect. A record-breaking start (28 points in the first 10 games), attractive passing football, getting promoted in the dark at Gillingham, and then winning the title at home a few days later.
Richie Wellens has the keys to Leyton, having taken us from relegation candidates to Champions in 15 months. He’s a club legend already and has the full backing of every supporter.
Our Player of the Season is Idris El Mizouni. The Ipswich loanee slotted into central midfield and made the Wellens system work. He played as a 4, a 6 and a 8 and excelled everywhere—great in possession, gliding past opposition players easily, breaking up play when he had to. The boy will go far.
The emerging talent in our squad is Dan Happe. Maybe he’s a bit old for this at 24, but after a couple of injury-plagued years, he was magnificent at centre-back for 22 games before getting injured again. Hope he re-signs as definitely good enough for League One and maybe higher.
The best opposition player to visit Brisbane Road was Dan Agyei of Crewe. Rob Hunt was superb for us at full back this season, but Agyei gave him a torrid time. Strong and quick on the wing, I hope he wants to return south and signs for us!
Next year we need to have a nice boring mid-table season. After two relegations and two promotions in the last nine years, I'd like our out-of-contract players to re-sign, bring in a few new faces and consolidate in the middle of League One (whilst I get to visit some nice new grounds!).
2nd Stevenage
Words: Reece Donnelly from The Stevenage FC Podcast
This season was the greatest season many will see from a Stevenage team. From the FA Cup run and victory at Villa to all the late winners scored in the league whilst constantly being written off. It was a pleasure watching this group of staff and players. It made every second of struggle (and there’s been a lot) worth it.
Steve Evans has understood what it means to be a Stevenage manager. We thrive on punching above our weight, and what we lack in ability, we’ll make up with hard work—and boy, has he managed to harness that, securing one of the best club turnarounds seen in League Two. Arguably as iconic as Graham Westley was for us. Evans is very Stevenage, and he is adored by most.
For me, our player of the season was Alex Gilbey. That drive and energy in the midfield have been defining factors in us getting points every week. But the one with all the plaudits, and probably rightly so, is Carl Piergianni. He wins everything in the air. Very rarely did he enter a duel and not come away the winner, and his leadership over the season made him a prime candidate for all the plaudits.
The emerging talent in our squad is Kane Smith. Smith took his time to settle, but when called upon, he offered real composure and quality on the ball. He could be a real asset in the league above, where there’s a greater demand for footballing ability.
Tough one. But the best opposition players to visit the Lamex are Andy Cook or Connor Hall. Andy Cook is an easy answer because he constantly causes the best centre backs issues in the final third, and there are very few that offer more threat in League Two. I was also really impressed with Hall for Colchester—strong, agile, excellent reading of the game, and a real asset.
Next season we need to adapt to bigger and better pitches and to sides playing dramatically different styles. Whether that means personnel changes, tactical tweaks or just a change from Evans. Our general approach will have to be more adaptable to survive, which, ultimately, next season is our sole aim.
3rd Northampton Town
Words: Alex Butcher
This season was heroic. To bounce back from last season’s finale, to overcome all the injuries, to get over the line on the final day. A gargantuan effort from all involved.
I think Jon Brady has silenced the doubters. He got stick last year and has got it again at times this year. But two seasons and a total of 163 points tell their own story. He might show ‘pashun’ and he might be local, but he’s bloody good.
Our player of the season is also the League Two player of the season, Sam Hoskins. Striker, winger, right back, stand-in skipper. Devoted to the cause and was the first Cobbler to hit 20 league goals since the mid-eighties.
The emerging talent in our squad is Harvey Lintott. What did Gillingham fail to see in this kid? Over 30 appearances in a breakout debut season. He’s got it all, and if he continues his development, the future is very bright.
The best opposition player to visit Sixfields was Noah Chilvers. No big names had it easy here, so I’ll go slightly left field. A real talent who gave us no end of problems despite his side, Colchester, losing. Oh, and Harry Lewis for Bradford – he was annoying.
Next season, we need to stay fit and stay up. We’ve built a strong core, but we need them available every week. Our stops in League One are always too brief – offer me 20th, and I’ll snap your hand off.
4th Stockport County
Words: Nick Lee - The Scarf Bergara Wore
This season was a very good one for our first season back in the league. A decent cup run, a trip to Wembley and ten minutes from holding on for promotion. We were solid if unspectacular for most of the season, so if we iron out the issues we should be capable of going one better next time round.
Dave Challinor done a great job considering he’s also fairly new to the Football League. Things looked a bit shaky in the first ten games as he struggled to accommodate the new signings but our form over the final 36 was as good as anyone. He got a bit of criticism earlier in the season for not being proactive enough with his subs but he’s improved on that front as the season has gone on.
Our Player of the Season is Kyle Wootton. He was written off early in the season as we struggled to find a winning formula but he grew into a key player for us despite getting nothing from referees. His untimely injury towards the end of the campaign really caused us a problem as we didn’t have a backup target man. Stretton and Olaofe were both signed in January and did well, but nobody in the squad offers what Wootton does.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Ryan Rydel. He got something like 20 assists as we won the NL last season, and, but for a series of niggling injuries, would have been on course for similar this season. He is definitely one to watch; he’ll go on to play in the Championship, hopefully with us!
I was impressed by Luke Bolton at Salford. Proper tricky player with pace to burn. Wouldn’t mind seeing him sign for us but I’m not sure if our system suits him.
Next season, we need to be more clinical. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’d go a goal up and then fail to press home our advantage. We seem to come flying out of the blocks, but when we fail to score we seem to run out of ideas. The manager has improved throughout the season, so hopefully that trend will continue.
5th Carlisle United
Words: Lee Rooney - Brunton Bugle
This season was beyond our wildest expectations! I think we thought we might exceed the expert’s predictions and finish top half. But to be top seven and win the play-offs was incredible after finishing 20th last season. To do that, and at one point challenge for automatic promotion, despite having a huge injury list for a large chunk of the season, shows the incredible team spirit this squad has had - they're arguably the most likeable bunch of lads I've seen play for us.
Paul Simpson can walk on water! I don't think you'll find a more popular manager with his club's fans in the EFL. The job he has done in the last 15 months on a bottom-six budget is nothing short of miraculous. We can't believe our luck after years of dross. He’s getting closer to challenging Alan Ashman for the position of our Greatest Ever Manager.
Our Player of the Season is Owen Moxon. Honourable mentions for Jon Mellish and Kristian Dennis, but The Denton Holme Pirlo has been superb. To come from part-time football at Annan Athletic in Scottish League Two while working as a UPS driver to being the best midfielder in League Two is an amazing achievement. We'll struggle to keep hold of him this summer, but we're all just pleased we got to one incredible season from "One of Our Own".
The emerging talent in our squad is Taylor Charters. There's a strong argument for Jack Armer, an ever-present at LWB, but Charters broke into a very good midfield back in October and was unlucky to pick up a torn hamstring over the Christmas games. If Moxon goes, the hope is that Taylor can step up and put his own stamp on the team.
The best opposition player to visit Brunton Park has been Luke Bolton from Salford City. One of the few teams to really cause us problems at Brunton Park and Bolton's pace was a huge threat on the break for them. I can see them struggling to keep hold of him over the summer.
Next season, we need to avoid panicking and keep the momentum going. Simmo's building a good thing and keeping most of the excellent defence we had this season together is a big positive step. Hopefully, our Head of Recruitment Greg Abbott can pick up some top loan signings like he did when he was manager a decade ago too. On top of that, Dean Henderson being flogged by Manchester United for big money and us being able to clear our debts with the sell-on clause cash would be a lovely bonus!
6th Bradford City
Words: Will Rook
This season was a failure. Both manager and CEO made it clear from the outset that promotion was the aim, but it's not been achieved. Ultimately, the play-off semi-final gut punch at Carlisle was a microcosm of the issues we have faced all season: we've been unable to play under pressure, unable to control a game for long enough and unable to press home advantages when we do get ahead. With all of that said, there were a few fun bits too.
I think the manager has seen his aura wane among the fanbase. The Mark Hughes-factor afforded him a level of patience that other managers may not have seen, but it doesn't really exist anymore. The success of Leyton Orient and Stevenage, who appointed managers at a similar time to us, and their managers, who both were rumoured to be interested in the Bradford job, has not gone unnoticed.
Our Player of the Season is Andy Cook, obviously. We haven't had a player score over 30 goals in all competitions since the '80s. An honourable mention to goalkeeper Harry Lewis, too. It doesn't reflect well on the rest of the squad that we still didn't manage promotion with those players in the team.
The emerging talent in our squad is now back at Crystal Palace. Scott Banks is young, exciting and looks destined to play at a higher level. He loves cutting in on his left foot and can do so to devastating effect - see his goal at Sutton away. It's not been a stellar year for any of our own young talents, with most shipped out on loan.
The best opposition player to visit Valley Parade has been Owen Moxon. We're among the worst teams at defending set pieces in League Two, and Carlisle are among the best at creating goals from set pieces because of him; go figure.
Next season, we need to learn how to deal with playing under pressure. This season, it felt like every time we got ourselves within striking distance of achieving something, we blew it. Regardless of whether they should or not, our fans have a high level of expectation at this level, and there were plenty of missed opportunities in 2022/23.
7th Salford City
Words: Dave Farrar
The season was an improvement after we spent the previous three years attempting to reach the play-offs—this time we did.
After signing Neil Wood from Manchester United’s u23s, I think it’s fair to say the manager has learnt a lot in his first season as an EFL coach.
Our player of the season was midfielder Elliott Watt; he made the League Two team of the year too. And our brightest emerging talent is probably Luke Bolton, an ex-Man City academy prospect and full back.
The best opposition player to visit was Owen Moxon. He was the standout when Carlisle beat us 4-1.
The expectation is quite simple: next season, we will need to go up automatically.
8th Mansfield Town
Words: Sam Binch from MTFC Musings
This season was one of hovering around the positions we craved to be in without ever quite feeling we would be good enough to attain our aim of promotion. To miss out on the play-offs by one goal was tough to take, but for me personally, I don’t think our performances ever hit the heights of the previous campaign.
The majority of fans are on Clough’s side. A social media poll suggested 70% wanted to see him given a new contract. He has signed that deal, but the fact it’s only a one-year contract with an option of a second suggests he must deliver this time around. Better luck with injuries and some surgery in defence should see us there or thereabouts again.
Our Player of the Season is Elliott Hewitt. At times it seemed he was gliding down the right wing. He performed excellently in all positions across the defence and at wing back. It’s quite the turnaround from his early days at the club, and he was rewarded with a new contract. Unfortunately, an ACL injury means he will be out until 2024.
The emerging talent in our squad is James Gale. The 21-year-old striker was snapped up from local non-league side Long Eaton United. He’s 6ft 3, mobile and strikes with power in both feet. When given a chance at the business end of the season, he notched three goals in 225 minutes, which impressed Nigel Clough enough to say he will be part of the first-team squad next season instead of heading out on loan.
I think the best individual opposition performance at the One Call Stadium was probably Remeao Hutton of Swindon. They beat us 5-2, playing us off the pitch, and Hutton ran riot down the right hand side, flicking balls over defenders heads at will. After that game, I think Swindon’s form fell off a cliff, and I heard no further rave reviews about Hutton’s displays.
Next season, we need to concede fewer goals. We were the top goalscorers in the league and will have the same attacking players next season (all being well). Clough has said he is targeting at least three defenders, suggesting he thinks the problem lies with individuals underperforming rather than his systems. If we get the players he is targeting, we will get to test that theory out.
9th Barrow
Words: Daniel Cooper
This season was beyond any of our wild-est dreams. A glut of wins early doors certainly got fans dreaming of an unlikely play-off challenge. However, following a few patchy runs of form throughout the season, we’ve had to settle for a 9th-placed finish. After two seasons back at this level battling relegation, a season with little fuss on and off the pitch and a comfortable top-half finish was needed. Now we seem to have developed some real foundations to build on for the future.
The manager has been a breath of fresh air. We HAD to get our managerial appointment correct last summer after going through the likes of David Dunn, Michael Jolley, Mark Cooper and Phil Brown since returning to the Football League. I don’t think we made it a secret Pete Wild was our number one target, and he has already overseen some historic victories, like beating Blackpool in the Carabao Cup last season. There’s still work to be done on his tactical approach to some games, but overall, we couldn’t be happier with him. I expect he’ll continue to be linked with jobs elsewhere, but the longer he stays, the more success I see us having.
Our Player of the Season is Niall Canavan. Canavan played every minute of the season at the heart of our defence. He has led by example on the pitch and, wearing the captain’s armband, has brought some vital experience to the side. Special mentions have to go to Ben Whitfield, who started the season strongly and got five goals and 12 assists, and Josh Gordon, who led the line excellently, getting 15 goals along the way.
The emerging talent in our squad is currently being discovered! We have been a club that has mainly relied on loan players in recent seasons. With last season no exception, Sam McClellend (Chelsea) and Harrison Neal (Sheffield United) both impressed. However, we are in the middle of setting up a B team which will be managed by former Barrow centre midfielder Jason Taylor who will hopefully oversee a progression for youngsters into our first team.
The best opposition player to visit Holker Street has been Louie Barry. The Salford forward ran rings around our defence. It was a shock to see he hasn’t managed to chip in with many goals and assists, as based on that display, you’d have thought he was a 10-15 goal-a-season winger.
In 2023/24, we need to build on this season. Finishing 9th is nice, and having a comfortable season with a cup run is great. However, standing still is moving backwards, and we have to continue to push forwards. I think if we can add some consistency and reduce the length, if not the appearance of patchy form, then we could really knock on the door of the top seven. Another thing we must do is keep hold of the manager. If we start strongly again, I suspect many clubs that haven’t will have their eyes on him.
10th Swindon Town
Words: Rich Benke
This season was disappointing. Following the positivity of last season and reaching the play-offs, hopes had been high that we might build on that and have another crack at going up. Unfortunately, following another turbulent summer, that never transpired. In the early months, it felt like we were on the right side of low-margin games. However, from November onwards, more often than not, we were falling on the wrong side of those types of games. Results really tailed off dramatically, and for the second half, we were in relegation form, conceding late goals like they were going out of fashion. On top of that, the matches were tediously dull to watch, and a toxic apathy set in.
The appointment of Flynn seems to be a relatively popular one amongst the fanbase. We had very obvious weaknesses in our squad last season, and Flynn seems like the type of manager that can remedy them. Despite the early positivity, though, he’ll need to get it right from the start. A poor transfer window or a slow start to next season, and he’ll be under pressure straight away.
Our Player of the Season is Remeao Hutton—12 assists this season is a great contribution from a defender. He looked exciting when he got on the ball and ran at defenders, and his crossing often caused all kinds of trouble to opponents. Honourable mentions to Frazer Blake-Tracey and Sol Brynn who were also highlights in a poor season.
The emerging talent in our squad is Jacob Wakeling. Given how much he played this season, it’s easy to forget how young he is. Eight goals and six assists is a good output for him in his first full season of senior football. I can only see him developing further next season, and he could really learn a lot from Charlie Austin.
The best opposition player to visit The County Ground was George Moncur. Although it was early on in the season, the Swindon-born son of a former Swindon player was a real handful when Orient visited. Every time he got on the ball, he looked like he would play a killer pass.
Next season, we need to be more defensively robust and physically stronger. Too often this season, we’ve been bullied. Flynn has already highlighted the need to be better from set pieces too.
11th Grimsby Town
Words: Alex Green - DN35 Podcast
This was, unbelievably, our highest league position in 17 years! We kept the majority of the squad together, which had got through that whirlwind Play-Off campaign, and that helped pull us through some tough fixtures this season. Our cup run was a once-in-a-generation experience and one that will be remembered long into the future. There is a feeling it was very much ignored by most in the national media, but it really was something very special. We have set the foundations for a push out of this league next season.
Paul Hurst and Grimsby Town now go together like fish and chips. There will always be those who are frustrated with a manager who has been with us for nearly a decade in total. They are, rightly, very few in number and across the wider fan base, Hurst is hugely popular. Within a year, he fixed the mess Holloway left us with and returned us back to the Football League while also getting us to an FA Cup Quarter Final (not sure if we mentioned that?). If he can find another gem like he did with Hearn, Bogle or Amond we will be top 7 contenders next season. There will be a level of expectation with the money earned from our cup run making a tidy transfer fund to use. He does need to work on turning around our feast or famine form.
Player of the season? Harry Clifton. He has continued to grow in his ability; he’s adaptable to most positions across the midfield and is becoming a real leader even at a young age. Has shown this season he can find the net by becoming the clubs leading goal scorer and notching against much better teams like Burton and Luton. Please don’t take him away from us.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is not even our player. Andy Smith on loan from Hull City has been here for two seasons, so feels like part of the furniture. Has been a goliath at the back and learned from the experience of Luke Waterfall and Shaun Pearson. Brave in a tackle and composed on the ball, he had the mental fortitude to overcome a small downturn in form and will be sadly missed now he’s gone back over the bridge to Hull.
Dan Kemp ripped us apart this season scoring a hat-trick for Hartlepool. Luton and Plymouth players looked listless at Blundell Park, and thank god for that.
Next season, we need to take our chances when we get them: only three teams created more chances than Town this season. Like many clubs, we’re missing the man to put those chances away.
12th Tranmere Rovers
Words: Matthew Glazier
This season was largely uneventful. Even the sacking of Micky Mellon didn't raise too many eyebrows. The fans were promised attacking football, and in the end, it was sadly a far more mediocre brand—a mid-table unmemorable campaign.
I think that Ian Dawes is a solid appointment despite it being largely unpopular among supporters. Dawes deserves a chance after a few caretaker stints, and I sense he will want to let the shackles off the team. With Nigel Adkins being appointed Technical Director, things could work well.
Our Player of the Season has to be our full-back, Josh Dacres-Cogley. Whilst the obvious emerging talent in our squad is Lee O'Connor. He's made a seamless transition from full-back to midfield.
The best opposition player to visit Prenton Park has been Kieran Trippier (in the League Cup, and that doesn’t count). So I’ll have to with Northampton’s Sam Hoskins, who scored the only goal of the game in a 0-1 loss.
Next season, we need to be more adventurous. Under Mellon, our game plan seemed to rely upon keeping things tight until after the break, especially away from home. Fortune will hopefully favour the brave.
13th Crewe Alexandra
Words: Tim Robinson from The Railwaymen Podcast
This season was dull, for large parts anyway. We went the best part of six months without scoring more than one goal in a single match between a 2-2 draw at home to Northampton in August and a 2-2 away at Crawley in February. We finished with a promising run of form, especially at home. Just a tantalising glance at what this team could be. Enough to whet the appetite for 2023/24 anyway.
Fans think the manager has done okay after a ropey start. The way he was appointed wasn’t for everyone, and the management structure still feels a bit clunky. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of Alex Morris or Kenny Lunt left the club over the summer. Lee Bell has got the backing of the majority of the fans for now.
Our Player of the Season is Concrete Rod McDonald. It was a close run race between him and Dan Agyei, who came on leaps and bounds in the second half of the season. Consistency meant Concrete just edged it.
The emerging talent in our squad is more like a full flock of 20-year-olds, who all played their part towards the end. Connor O’Riordan has all the materials to be a top centre half. His mate Zac Williams came back towards the end of the campaign after illness and injury. Charlie Finney looks like he will compete with Rio for left back, Tom Booth did well in goal for the final few games, but the one who has achieved most is probably Joel Tabiner. He made thirty appearances, and a couple of cracking goals from his attacking midfield position made it a great season for him. He could be one of the most exciting young players in League Two next season.
The best opposition player to visit Gresty Road has been Owen Moxon when Carlisle beat us 0-3 between Xmas and New Year. He scored a good goal and generally ran the show.
Next season, we need to sort the pitch out. It was nothing short of a disgrace this year. On it, after finishing 13th this season, I’d expect top half will be the aim. To achieve that, we will need to replace Mellor (RB), Agyei (LW) Beadle (GK) and Finnigan (CM) with players of a similar standard. If we manage that, it will be a successful summer, and Crewe fans should be optimistic for 23/24. Realistically, the “if” is doing a lot of heavy lifting there. Ultimately, any success is likely to be driven by how much our young players kick on.
14th Sutton United
Words: Neil Oastler
The manager is as popular as ever - he's under no pressure. In fact, I would say Matt Gray is the most Teflon-coated manager in the EFL. That said, fans were disappointed to finish 14th, but it essentially came down to two runs of injury and illness at either end of the season. That’s what cost us - not any fault of the manager.
Our player of the season was Craig Eastmond. If you cut him open, he would bleed Amber. The only player whose level of performance never wavered. Whilst our best emerging talent is Kylian Kouassi. I think next year will be his breakthrough season, and we’ll see him start more and more games. Homegrown and a massive physical presence who has skill with his feet as well. He is going to be a star.
In terms of the best player to visit GGL, I’d have to go with Kieran Sadlier at Leyton Orient on loan from Bolton.
Next season we need to recruit wisely: another midfield creator and WBs to replace Randall and Ajiboye. But essentially, we need to score more. Defensively this season was comparable with previous, but we were 20+ goals short. Oh, and we need to stop conceding late goals.
15th Newport County
Words: Dan Grace
This season was a lot better in the second half than the first. We started poorly, with James Rowberry eventually getting sacked. Graham Coughlan came in and steadied the ship, sorted out the defence and pulled us clear of a relegation scrap into mid table. I think the manager has done a good job since coming in. Coughlan has made us much tougher to beat and seems to be building a strong connection with the supporters.
Our player of the season is Cameron Norman. He’s played every league game and has been extremely consistent. He’s a very good wing back and also, a bit strangely for his position, the most fouled player in the league by a distance. I’d expect him to move to a club higher up the pyramid this summer with him being out of contract.
The emerging talent in our squad is Kiban Rai. Only 17, he had a few cameos off the bench in the last few months of the season before starting up front on the final day and not looking out of place. Would expect to see him have more involvement next season.
The best opposition player to visit Rodney Parade has been Luke Bolton. He looked a level above when Salford beat us 3-2 towards the start of the season.
Next season, we need to get much better at going forwards in open play. Coughlan has given us a great platform to build on in sorting out the defence and making us a big threat from set pieces. If we can improve our attacking output in open play, we can be a good side in League Two next season.
16th Walsall
Words: Matt Vale
This season was one that promised so much but delivered so little. If our 2022/23 had been a Netflix show, it would’ve started slowly, gained real momentum and excitement halfway through but ultimately ended in disappointment and frustration. Yet another springtime sacking and yet another bottom-half finish.
I think the manager has work to do. Former player and coach Mat Sadler has been appointed as our new Head Coach, and although Mat is a young progressive coach with all the right qualifications, the internal nature of the appointment brings its own baggage and derision. He might prove to be a massive success, but I was really hoping for a fresh face with exciting new ideas.
Our player of the season is one of two. Danny Johnson may have departed in January, but his 12 league goals in 22 games may have just been the difference between a comfy finish and a terrifying relegation scrap. DJ aside, Donervon Daniels is perhaps most deserving of the award for some excellent displays in a defence which was the one shining light in an otherwise forgettable league campaign.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Isaac Hutchinson. Despite being 23, this was Hutchinson’s first full season, and 7 goals and 6 assists is an excellent return in a team that was otherwise devoid of any real creativity. Playing as a number 10 or a left-sided forward, he was always looking to find the right pass, always looking to make things happen. He’d look even better in a team with more attacking swagger.
The best opposition player to visit the Poundland Bescot Stadium has been Salford’s Elliott Watt or Carlisle’s Owen Moxon. I’m a sucker for someone who can pass a football, and these two are the best in the business at creating chances. Special mention to the entire Stockport team, who produced a performance at Bescot in December, which was as good as I’ve seen since our relegation in 2019.
Next season, we need to not get relegated—19th, 16th and 16th signals that we’re treading water until it’s ultimately our turn to go down. So staying up is the first objective, but I would like to see some progress and a top-ten finish. I’d also love to see some stability and definite signs that we’re starting to deliver the Chairman’s new football strategy. A clear playing identity, better recruitment and some continuity. The constant turnover of managers and players is unsustainable.
17th Gillingham
Word: Matt Boosey from Gills In The Blood
This season was one of two halves. Pre-Christmas, we couldn’t buy a goal, let alone win a game, and the cup runs were the only saving grace. Since the takeover, though, the turnaround has been simply staggering and means we can approach 2023/24 with some real optimism.
The fan base has rightly questioned Neil Harris at times throughout the past campaign, and it’s fair to say most managers who win two of their first 23 league games would be sacked. However, he was clearly working under extenuating circumstances and has proved since the takeover that he is the right man for the job. The bottom line is next season, he will have no excuses about budget or players, so we will see how he gets on with expectations raised.
There were (perhaps oddly, given our form in 2022) actually a few candidates for player of the year. But for me, it rightly went to the ageless Glenn Morris between the sticks. He has shown no signs of slowing down despite approaching 40 and picked up an impressive 15 clean sheets.
The emerging talent in our squad was young midfielder Dom Jeffries, who was very impressive from the autumn onwards, having arrived in the summer from Brentford B. For 2023/24, I think that both Jayden Clarke (an attacking midfielder plucked from non-league Dulwich Hamlet) and Ethan Coleman (a January arrival from Leyton Orient) are two to keep an eye on.
The best opposition player to visit Priestfield has been Kelechi Iheanacho. He was the difference between us and Leicester in our FA Cup tie back in January, to the point where I feel if we’d played them at the end of that month, we’d have beaten them. In the League, I would say it was a flip of a coin between Junior Tchamadeu and Andy Cook.
Next season, we need to sort out our away form. As impressive as the change in results from January onwards was, we still didn’t win (only three all season) enough games on the road. Getting that right while maintaining the home form could lead to an exciting nine months.
18th Doncaster Rovers
Words: Ryan Fisher
This season was, in short, a complete miserable failure. An 18th-placed finish in League Two (our lowest finish since returning to the EFL in 2003) is unacceptable for a club that has spent the vast majority of the last 20 years at the top end of League One and the bottom half of the Championship. A squad lacking depth, budget constraints, inexperienced managers and a late-season injury crisis have made for a thoroughly shocking season.
With Danny Schofield now relieved of his duties and Grant McCann coming in as his replacement, it is safe to say upon reflection that Schofield had very little popularity and success during his short time at Rovers, having only been appointed in October 2022 to replace Gary McSheffrey. I cannot recall a Rovers manager/head coach having such pressure put on him by the supporters as Schofield, but only two wins in our last 16 games ultimately justified this.
Had Kyle Knoyle not left us in January to join Stockport, he would’ve been the only candidate for player of the season. Instead, I’m going to choose Harrison Biggins. The central midfielder has been one of the few Rovers players to show a modicum of consistency throughout this season. He has proven his attacking qualities by chipping in with 5 goals 2 assists during the campaign, and I’d expect these statistics to improve under the predicted 4-3-3 system McCann will deploy next season.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is 18-year-old centre-half, Bobby Faulkner. He has, unsurprisingly and quickly, become a fan favourite this season. Born in Donny, McSheffrey gave Faulkner plenty of minutes at the start of the season. He was arguably man of the match when we defeated Northampton 1-0 in late August and has since added his first two EFL goals this campaign. Schofield somewhat froze him out when he came in and was briefly loaned to Spennymoor Town at the start of 2023. He regained his place back into the Rovers squad in April and played the full 90 minutes of the last seven games of this season.
The best opposition player to visit the Eco-Power Stadium has been George Lapslie. He had a superb game when Mansfield defeated Rovers 3-1 at the beginning of September—his creativity and trickery from midfield were on full display. His cleared cross led to the spectacular opening goal scored by Ollie Clarke before teeing up George Maris for Mansfield’s second goal. He then won a penalty which was duly converted by Lucas Akins to seal the three points for Mansfield. He has since joined Gillingham in January 2023.
Next season, we need to re-assemble a squad that can, at the very least, challenge for a place in the top seven of League Two. Error-prone and underperforming players such as goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell and centre-half Ro-Shaun Williams have been released to free up a good portion of the wage bill. McCann needs to be able to craft his own squad (with the aid of DoF James Coppinger), and if he can, we should expect a much more positive 23/24 season.
19th Harrogate Town
Words: HTFC Fan Voice
This season was an underrated success. After a disappointing start, we were very strong in the new year, only kept in a relegation battle by other teams around us also improving. Being a realist, confirming another season in the EFL was a resounding success.
I think Simon Weaver is doing a great job on one of the smallest budgets in the League. However, opinions across the fanbase are very mixed. Some feel he may be out of his depth at this level, but I think the older fans in the fanbase will agree with me when I say he is the man for the job.
Luke Armstrong is my player of the season. To score as many as he does for a struggling team like us is a testament to how good he is. While I am completely biased, I truly believe he is the best striker in the League. Honourable mentions include Kazeem Olaigbe, Tom Eastman and Josh Falkingham.
In terms of emerging talent, Matty Daly has struggled at other teams at our level but has been great for us. He has been released by Huddersfield, and we are widely linked with him; if he can continue to improve, he could be a great player for us.
The best player to visit Wetherby Road was Tyreik Wright with Bradford, in my opinion. He always turns up against us, and I was more than relieved when he was recalled and went to Plymouth.
Next season we need to build on the squad we have, starting by securing Tom Eastman on a permanent. We must also make the most of our link with Huddersfield again to help us secure more loan players. If we continue next season where we left off, then we have the ability to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.
20th Colchester United
Words: Jamie Wooler
This season was ultimately a mixed bag. Finishing 20th does not point to a particularly fun or exciting season, and it was anything but. However, I was not expecting us to be competing in the top half of the division, and a relegation battle was always more likely with the squad we had at the start of the season. There were some highlights to note; the 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient after being 2-0 down heading into the 89th minute. Plus the 1-0 win at Ipswich in the Carabao. But in the end, it was always like to be a season of transition with a bloated, aged squad.
I think the majority of the fanbase will agree that Ben Garner has done a good job since arriving in March. He inherited a squad which was being built for a coach (Matt Bloomfield) who had us playing a different style compared to Garner's previous teams (particularly Swindon). He deserves credit for not immediately ripping up what Bloomfield had done when he came in because we remained fairly attritional for the first handful of games. It seemed to me he recognised it wasn't the time to immediately change things as we remained in a precarious position in the division, particularly with the form of teams around us starting to improve. However, we began to see a gradual change, which came together in the dominant home wins against Crewe and Sutton in April. 8/10 for Garner so far.
Our player of the season is an easy one, Junior Tchamadeu. He cleaned up at the club’s awards, was in the League Two TOTS and won League Two Young Player of The Year. He's been linked with Championship clubs and will likely leave this summer for a six-figure sum.
There are a couple of contenders for our best emerging talent. But the standout player is Samson Tovide. He probably hasn't got the plaudits he deserved because he's yet to score goals regularly. However, he's been a handful for most of the defenders he's been up against. He's got decent pace, he can hold the ball up, and he harries opposition defenders out of possession. I can see him playing higher up the pyramid if he adds more goals to his game. It's fair to say he likes the dark arts too! Special mention to Ossama Ashley and Marley Marshall Miranda.
The best opposition player to visit the Jobserve Community Stadium has been Jordan Gibson. I'm basing this solely on how he performed during our game at the JCS earlier in the season, and I appreciate he was in and out of the Carlisle team, but he was so good on the day. Ayoub Assal and Luke Armstrong do run him close.
As for many clubs at this level, this summer will be important. We've released eleven players, which was needed as the squad was bloated. Assuming Garner intends to set up with a 3-5-2 again, we need a GK, LWB, RWB (assuming Tchamadeu leaves) and RCB at the very least. The last two windows have been encouraging, and I have more confidence in the club getting that recruitment right than in previous seasons. Our owner has spoken about us having a 'top-7' budget (although this was said before Wrexham and Notts County were promoted), so there will be expectation amongst the fanbase of us pushing for the play-offs. The foundations are there for us to be challenging next season, as I do believe we have some of the better players in the division in their respective positions (Connor Hall, Noah Chilvers and Matt Jay) and a good coach, but a lot will depend on recruitment.
21st AFC Wimbledon
Words: Tim Hanson from Plough Lane By Numbers
This season was frustrating. It was perhaps unrealistic to expect to hit the ground running on the back of a 27-game winless run the previous season. After a shaky start, we thought we might’ve turned a corner after a 10-game unbeaten run at the end of 2022. But Wimbledon's second half of the season was verging on disastrous - with a haul of 14 points in 23 games resulting in a drop from playoff contention to narrowly escaping a relegation fight. Leads were frequently taken and quickly surrendered. We lost 40 points from winning positions over the campaign (no one else in the top 4 tiers has dropped more than 36 in a season in the last 9 years). There were extenuating circumstances—notably the loss of Assal and others in January and an injury crisis. But I think even the most pessimistic fan was expecting to finish higher than 21st.
The manager has pressure on him. Johnnie Jackson inherited a tricky situation at Wimbledon, but the causes of the disappointing season go beyond him. I think he has underachieved and, after picking up 14 points in the last half of the season, is perhaps fortunate to keep his job. He needs a good start next season to get the fans behind him.
Our player of the season is Jack Currie. Ali-Al Hamadi won the official award, and it's perhaps hard to argue with that for his ten goals and all-round impact since signing in January. But I'm reluctant to make a January signing player of the season, so I'll opt for Currie for an excellent debut league season at left-back, and being the most consistent performer over the campaign.
The emerging talent in the squad is Morgan Williams. It might be a bit hasty to pick a player who played four league minutes on final day. But there are high hopes for the 18-year-old, who has been at the club since he was five. He has much of what you'd want from a midfielder: passing ability, goals and assists, awareness and intelligence, and excellent work rate. A couple of successful loans over the past season should set him up well for more first-team involvement in 2023-24.
The best opposition player to visit Plough Lane has been Luke Armstrong. 'Best' is clearly subjective, and others have shown more technical prowess (Moxon, Watt, Smyth, to name three). But I love a powerful centre-forward, and I've not seen a better one in League Two this season than Harrogate's Armstrong.
Next season we need to start to build some positive momentum at Plough Lane. I still love going to our new ground, but Wimbledon's record there in front of fans is pretty terrible (9 wins from 46 league games). The prospect of a more successful team, a better bond between players, management and fans, and a packed-out Plough Lane is an enticing one. It would be lovely to enjoy the excellent beer, food and DJ at the ground in the aftermath of a few more wins next season.
22nd Crawley Town
Words: Dan Jones
This season was unmitigated chaos. Between the fallout of the John Yems case, the upheaval of our playing squad and ill-advised interventions from our owners both on and off the pitch, it has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. Scott Lindsey was able to find a settled and motivated team amidst all the noise, but given the talent at our disposal, this season has been much more of a struggle than it should have been.
I think the manager has earned the trust of the fans. For me, the biggest contributing factor to our survival has been the fact that Lindsey, from the start has his tenure, has been able to transcend the fan disdain towards the ownership and got the fans behind this team. At his first game – a 3-2 win at home to Salford – we finally saw our team play with a freedom that had been missing under prior regimes and saw a manager who spoke to us with genuine passion. The WAGMI out chants slowly faded to the background, and the remainder of the season saw us set a home attendance record in a vital clash with Rochdale and take over 250 fans to Hartlepool, where we saw the win that all but secured our survival. I do not believe this would have happened if it wasn’t for the belief in our team that Lindsey had instilled.
Our Player of the Season is Jack Powell. Amidst all the upheaval in our squad, this boiled down to a two-horse race between Nick Tsaroulla and Jack Powell, but given his constant availability and massive performances in key games, nobody can begrudge Powell winning this. He offers excellent ball progression, a strong presence on the pitch and can be relied on for a weekly 7 out of 10 performance. Add in his set-piece ability and the fact that he contributed no less than half of our goal of the season nominees, and he was a more than worthy winner in a difficult season.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Corey Addai. This feels like a bit of a cop-out, given that he’s a 25-year-old, but this is the first time in his carer that he’s been a first-choice goalkeeper. Addai started every game since February and looked like a different player to the one we saw in the opening stages of the season. He has been much more willing to take risks in playing out, has looked commanding of his area in situations that would have made fans hold their breath earlier in the season and made some enormous saves at pivotal times – the penalty save in our home win against Tranmere standing out.
The best opposition player to visit the Broadfield Stadium is Paris Maghoma. In a 2-0 win for Wimbledon in August, he appeared to be exactly the type of midfielder that we were crying out for. He controlled possession and tempo all game and was seemingly able to pick out Josh Davison at will. He may have went on to be relegated with MK Dons, but I would be shocked to see him playing at this level next season.
Next season, we need to let people do their jobs. So much of our on-field struggles and off-field angst has stemmed from interference from our owners in playing matters. In January, there appeared to be a change in tact from our prior over-reliance on academy players, and with a new Director of Football to be appointed this summer, we can only hope this continues, and Lindsey has a squad he has faith in come August.
23rd Hartlepool United
Words: Jack Wheelhouse from HUFC Chat
This season was a disaster from start to finish. There was some hope towards the end, but we got what we deserved as a whole. That said, I think the manager has certainly gained our respect for what he has tried to do since he’s come in. John Askey got us playing some good football and restored a bit of pride where it had all but vanished. I think it’s fair to say he’s popular amongst fans, and as the song goes, “he knows exactly what we need”...
Our Player of the Season is probably Dan Kemp. The loanee from MK Dons was a breath of fresh air with his contributions. His Good Friday hat trick will live long in the memory, and also the occasions that he scored a brace without which we would’ve lost games. He knew what it meant to us supporters to play for the blue and white and always gave it his best each time he walked out.
The Emerging Talent in our squad is Dan Dodds. The youngster joined us from that club that shall not be named, and we are certainly expecting big things based on what he’s done for us so far.
The best opposition player to visit Victoria Park (Suit Direct Stadium to be PC!) is Andy Cook from Bradford. I think it’s fair to say if you stop Andy Cook, you stop them; that was certainly the case from what we saw during our encounters.
Next season, we need to restore some pride and hope to the town and have a completely fresh start. It’s going to be the most important summer we’ve had in a very long time, and it’s going to take a lot to win back certain supporters. It’s important to point out, though, that that’s completely understandable. It feels like we’ve completely thrown away what Dave Challinor and his staff worked so hard to build and ultimately get us back to the EFL in 2021.
24th Rochdale
Words: Chaff from RochdaleAFC.com
This season was about as big a disaster as you can get without going bust. The chairman told me in January last year that he expected play-offs this season. A combination of poor management, recruitment and boardroom decisions have ultimately cost us our place in the EFL for the first time ever.
I think the manager has done quite well with a squad that two previous managers couldn't get a tune from. We started with Robbie Stockdale, who was sacked before September. He was replaced by Jim Bentley, who was never the first choice or even third or fourth, and we were probably even worse. Then Jim McNulty took over as interim and has now been made permanent manager following an upturn in form.
Our Player of the Season is Richard O'Donnell. He's been excellent for the most part, and it's unfathomable to me that Bentley dropped him for a spell. Honourable mention to Danny Lloyd, who came in and became a fan favourite for his endeavour first and foremost but was a shining light in a dark season.
The emerging talent in our squad is 19-year-old midfielder Ethan Brierley. His transfer to Blackburn fell through on deadline day, and that deal is now off, but he's a wonderful talent with a high ceiling. His future belongs at a much higher level than Rochdale.
The best opposition player to visit the Crown Oil Arena has been Charlie Austin. You can't score four goals against us in one match and not receive that accolade, surely?
Next season we need to survive as a football club. That sounds dramatic, but we're a club haemorrhaging money, entering non-league for the first time in our history. Investment and a complete restructuring of the business model are required. The club's chairman and directors are putting too much of their own money in for it to be sustainable.