League One 2023/24 season preview: How YOUR club will fare this season

League One season preview 2023/24 LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Tony Craig of Millwall holds up the trophy during the Sky Bet League One Playoff Final between Bradford City and Millwall at Wembley Stadium on May 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
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The League One season preview 2023/24 is especially intriguing, because no division has been tougher than this one in recent times – the likes of Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland all needed years to get out of it. Now they’ve gone, will it be any easier? Don’t bet on it…

In recent years, the division has become the EFL’s ultimate test of character. Plymouth Argyle missed out on the play-offs with as many as 80 points in 2021/22, but bounced back emphatically to win the title last term, combining with Ipswich to deny Sheffield Wednesday a top-two berth, even though the Owls finished on 96. Brutal. 

Instead of going up comfortably, the Owls had to overturn the biggest first-leg deficit in play-off semi-final history, before Josh Windass’ 123rd-minute winner at Wembley completed the mission.

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It shows that the path to the Championship is gruelling and unforgiving – so who can stay the course? Having gone very close last year, Bolton look as well equipped as any: the Trotters made early signals of their intent to spend this summer, to add to an already healthy squad, and they’ve retained manager Ian Evatt, who only knows success.

No such luck for Barnsley, who lost gaffer Michael Duff, but if they keep squad turnover to a minimum, they can challenge after play-off final heartbreak. Also beaten in last term’s coda were Peterborough, for whom Darren Ferguson stays on, targeting an astonishing fifth promotion with one club. 

The Posh, though, have lost star midfielder Jack Taylor to Ipswich, plus reliable right-sider Joe Ward to Derby – the Rams missed out on the top six last season, but can prepare more smoothly this time around, without the takeover uncertainty of 12 months ago. 

Portsmouth have one of the EFL’s top sporting directors in Richard Hughes. He’ll hope boss John Mousinho can repay a show of faith to poach the rookie from his role as player-coach at Oxford in January. The Yellows, themselves, have a revamped recruitment strategy, and with the exciting addition of Ruben Rodrigues should improve drastically on last season’s disappointing 19th-place finish.

Leyton Orient celebrate with the trophy after the Sky Bet League Two match between Leyton Orient and Stockport County at The Breyer Group Stadium on April 29, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Leyton Orient come up from League Two as champions (Image credit: Getty Images)

Expectations are more guarded for two of the teams coming down, as Wigan and Reading require huge rebuilds. Blackpool have more hope after reappointing their 2020/21 promotion-winning boss, Neil Critchley. 

Coming up are Leyton Orient, where Richie Wellens won his second League Two title. Following the O’s are Steve Evans’ solid Stevenage, along with Carlisle and Northampton, where respective bosses Paul Simpson and Jon Brady guided their sides up through chronic injury crises. 

Those three could be in the dogfight with Cambridge, who needed five wins from the final nine games to stay up last season, so club legend Mark Bonner must get this rebuild right. 

It’s been a turbulent summer for Fleetwood and a turbulent decade for Charlton, where boss Dean Holden needs the space to do the job, after last term’s 10th-placed finish. Burton and Cheltenham were delighted with lower mid-table outcomes, as were newly promoted Exeter and Bristol Rovers: with key men departing all four, more savvy recruitment is essential to avoiding a season in the mire.

Blackpools Ian Poveda breaks during the Sky Bet Championship between Reading and Blackpool at Select Car Leasing Stadium on February 25, 2023 in Reading, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Both Reading and Blackpool have dropped into League One, alongside Wigan (Image credit: Getty Images)

If they need inspiration, look no further than Lincoln and Shrewsbury, now established in League One. Yet the Shrews’ fate this campaign will depend on how former Walsall manager Matt Taylor replaces Steve Cotterill at New Meadow.

It could be a tough year for Port Vale, who may rue last season’s call to part company with the revered Darrell Clarke. Another club legend was replaced at WycombeGareth Ainsworth left in February – so it’s down to Matt Bloomfield to write the next chapter at Adams Park. Could it be as thrilling as the last? 

Bloomfield and his counterparts know that League One can be relentlessly unforgiving, but while Argyle and Wednesday were hard done by at times, both now have their prize, and therein lies the lesson. 

This season’s third tier might not be as fearsome, but it is almost designed to knock clubs and coaches off course. Those who stay measured throughout this test of character will eventually get their A*.

League One 2023/24 season preview

Barnsley

Barnsley season preview 2023/24 Liam Kitching of Barnsley celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers at Oakwell Stadium on May 19, 2023 in Barnsley, England.

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How the Tykes will overcome heartbreak from last term

Barnsley finished fourth in League One last season. They reached the play-off final, but lost to Sheffield Wednesday after Josh Windass scored in the 123rd minute of the game. 

Blackpool

Blackpool season preview 2023/24 Blackpool's Dominic Thompson during the Sky Bet Championship between Blackpool and Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road on April 7, 2023 in Blackpool, United Kingdom.

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Why there's huge pressure at Bloomfield Road

Blackpool finished 23rd in the Championship last time out, confirming their relegation to the third tier of English football. 

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers season preview 2023/24

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Why promotion is the only thing that matters

Bolton reached the play-offs last term after finishing fifth in the regular season, but couldn't find their way past Barnsley in the semi-finals. They did beat Plymouth 4-0 in the Papa Johns Trophy final, though.

Bristol Rovers

Joey Barton Bristol Rovers manager

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Why Joey Barton is demanding progress

Bristol Rovers had to settle for 17th place in League One in 2022/23, and Joey Barton has set the club the target of reaching the Championship within the next couple of years. 

Burton Albion

Burton Albion season preview 2023/24 Ethan Ingram of West Bromwich Albion competes with Josh Gordon of Burton Albion during the Pre-Season friendly game between Burton Albion and West Bromwich Albion at Pirelli Stadium on July 22, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens - WBA/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)

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Are the Brewers hoping to consolidate?

A 15th-place finish looks better than last season ultimately was for Burton, and fans will be hoping for a little less drama this time around. 

Cambridge United

Cambridge United season preview 2023/24 HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Jack Lankester (L) of Cambridge United celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Sky Bet League One between Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United at Adams Park on October 25, 2022 in High Wycombe, England.

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Are Cambridge destined for another relegation scrap?

Losing top scorer Sam Smith, who bagged 14 times last campaign as Cambridge finished 20th, indicates it could be a difficult season for United.

Carlisle United

Carlisle United react during the penalty shootout during the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Off Final between Carlisle United and Stockport County at Wembley Stadium, London on Sunday 28th May 2023. (Photo by Tom West/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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How Carlisle plan on staying in League One

Carlisle earned promotion to League One via the play-offs, after beating Bradford and Stockport County. They finished fifth in the regular season.

Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic season preview 2023/24 Charlton Athletic getting ready during the Sky Bet League 1 match between Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley, London on Saturday 25th March 2023. (Photo by Ivan Yordanov/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Do the Addicks have enough to reach the play-offs?

A 10th-place finish placated Charlton fans, but they're demanding a lot more in the new season. They did reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup, though. 

Cheltenham Town

Cheltenham Town season preview 2023/24 Curtis Davies of Cheltenham Town during a pre season friendly against Cheltenham Town at Completely-Suzuki Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Cheltenham, England

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Do the Robins have enough to stay up?

Cheltenham stayed up in League One last season relatively comfortably, finishing 16th. They've lost top scorer Alfie May, who bagged 22 times for them, though.

Derby County

Derby County season preview 2023/24 Korey Smith of Derby County (R) celebrates after scoring during the pre-season friendly match between Derby County and Sheffield United at Pride Park on July 29, 2023 in Derby, United Kingdom. (Photo by SportImage/Getty Images)

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Why the Rams are confident of promotion

Derby agonisingly lost out on the play-offs on the final day of last season, finishing seventh. Manager Paul Warne has been promoted three times before from League One, and he's aiming for the same once again. 

Exeter City

Exeter City season preview 2023/24 Exeter City's Sam Nombe during the Sky Bet League One between Exeter City and Lincoln City at St James Park on March 11, 2023 in Exeter, United Kingdom

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Will the Grecians be League One's surprise package?

Exeter consolidated in the third tier last season, finishing 14th and picking up some strong results along the way. 2023/24 could be more of the same for City. 

Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood Town season preview 2023/24 players line-up ahead of kick-off to pay their respects to the newly crowned Charles III after yesterday's King's Coronation during the Sky Bet League One match between Fleetwood Town and Ipswich Town at Highbury Stadium on May 07, 2023 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

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Why off-field controversy won't affect on-field performances

While owner Andy Pilley has been sentenced for fraud, Fleetwood will be expecting another mid-table finish after coming 13 in League One last time out. 

Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient season preview 2023/24 Leyton Orient players celebrating with the trophy after winning the league 2 during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Leyton Orient and Stockport County at the Matchroom Stadium, London on Saturday 29th April 2023. (Photo by Ivan Yordanov/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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Why Orient are confident of a mid-table finish

Last season was a dream for Leyton Orient, as they walked League Two as champions. Though they aren't expecting back-to-back promotions, Orient could cause some upsets in the third tier. 

Lincoln City

Lincoln City season preview 2023/24 Lincoln City's Paudie O'Connor, left, and Lincoln City head coach Mark Kennedy applaud the fans following the pre-season friendly match between Lincoln City and Rotherham United at the LNER Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Lincoln, England.

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Is a play-off push realistic?

Lincoln are looking for progress in the new season, after finishing 11th in 2022/23. They're not as strong on paper as other sides in the division, though, so they could just miss out on the play-offs. 

Northampton Town

Northampton Town season preview 2023/24 Ben Fox of Northampton Town is congratulated by team mates after scoring his sides third goal during the Pre-Season Friendly between Milton Keynes Dons and Northampton Town at stadium:mk on July 29, 2023 in Milton Keynes, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

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Why survival is the only thing that matters

Getting promoted from League Two by finishing third saw the Cobblers return to League One, but fans know it'll be a lot more difficult continuing their form in a new tier. 

Oxford United

Oxford United season preview 2023/24 Marcus McGuane of Oxford United looks dejected as they are consoled by Liam Manning, Manager of Oxford United, after the Sky Bet League One match between Oxford United and Portsmouth at Kassam Stadium on April 18, 2023 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

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How Oxford plan to forget last term's woes

Oxford were fighting for survival last season, scraping 19th place in the process. Things are looking up at the Kassam Stadium now, though.

Peterborough United

Peterborough United season preview 2023/24 Kwame Poku of Peterborough United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg match between Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday at Weston Homes Stadium on May 12, 2023 in Peterborough, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

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Will Posh be able to recover from  play-off heartbreak?

Peterborough's 2022/23 season ended in the cruellest of ways: 4-0 up in their League One play-off first-leg tie with Sheffield Wednesday, Posh conceded four at Hillsborough then lost the penalty shootout to forego a trip to Wembley.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth season preview 2023/24 Colby Bishop of Portsmouth celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Sky Bet League One between Barnsley and Portsmouth at Oakwell Stadium on March 07, 2023 in Barnsley, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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Why this is finally the year Pompey gain promotion

As they enter their sixth consecutive season in League One, Portsmouth need to improve on their 8th-place finish last time out. Play-offs should be the minimum expectation. 

Port Vale

Port Vale season preview 2023/24 Nathan Smith of Port Vale celebrates scoring his team's opening goal with teammates during the Sky Bet League One between Port Vale and Barnsley at Vale Park on February 14, 2023 in Burslem, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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Are Vale destined for the drop as budgets are reduced?

Port Vale finished 18th last season - in the new campaign, it could be much more of the same. There's a new manager at the helm, though that doesn't necessarily signal improvements. 

Reading

Reading season preview 2023/24 Andy Carroll of Reading FC celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the Sky Bet Championship between Reading and Birmingham City at Select Car Leasing Stadium on April 07, 2023 in Reading, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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Why the Royals will have to rebuild before dreaming of promotion

Coming 22nd in the Championship, following a points deduction, meant Reading drop into the third tier for the first time since 2022. They aren't expected to bounce straight back, either. 

Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury Town season preview 2023/24 Ryan Bowman of Shrewsbury Town during the pre-season friendly between Shrewsbury Town and Notts County at Montgomery Waters Meadow on July 29, 2023 in Shrewsbury, England. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

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Can the Shrews secure another impressive top-half finish?

Fan-favourite Steve Cotterill has departed the club, despite leading them to 12th in the League One table last term. Matt Taylor has taken the manager's job as a result. 

Stevenage

Stevenage season preview 2023/24 amie Reid of Stevenage celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Aston Villa and Stevenage FC at Villa Park on January 08, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

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How Boro plan to build on their League Two promotion 

Steve Evans impressively earned promotion with Stevenage from League Two last season, pushing Leyton Orient for the majority of the campaign. 

Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic season preview 2023/24 James McClean #11 of Wigan Athletic gesticulates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Norwich City at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday 18th February 2023. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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How the Latics will recover after starting with a points deduction

Wigan will start the League One season with -8 points, after a failure to make salary payments in the last couple of months. While they finished bottom of the Championship, things are more positive now there's new owners. 

Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe Wanderers season preview 2023/24 Jason McCarthy during the Sky Bet League One between Wycombe Wanderers and Lincoln City at Adams Park on April 22, 2023 in High Wycombe, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Vaughan - CameraSport via Getty Images)

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Will Wycombe be a play-off contender this campaign?

Wycombe came 9th last season, falling away from the play-offs in the latter stages. They should compete again, but a Championship return seems unlikely. 

Season previews for the Premier League, League One and League Two are all available HERE

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Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 

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