Watch promotional favourites, demoted battles, and players
After a busy summer in the fourth tier, some clubs are preparing for a promotional battle, while others support themselves for the relegation battle.
League 2 is one of the most unpredictable and entertaining categories in football, with the same for 2025-26.
At 101 Greatgoals, beware and watch out for promotional favourites, relegation scrappers, and young guns.
Promotional Favorites
The MK Dons endured a disastrous 19th place finish last season, but Paul Warne’s arrival sparked optimism at Milton Keynes.
The club spent heavily on League 2 standards, paying £800,000 to sign Aaron Collins from Bolton and adding Will Colour from Stockport to bolster the spine.
Of the aspects that fell into this division, Bristol Rovers looks like the perfect spot for a quick return.
Darrell Clark knows the league on the inside out, and experienced duos Macauley Southam Halles and Josh MacChanlan brought in to complement exciting talents such as Kamil Conte and teenager Kofi Shaw.
Having entered the playoffs last season in eight of his final 13 games, Chesterfield holds key numbers John Fleck and Will Grigg, which could push Armando Dobra’s talent and some clever loan moves further.
Also, Notts County, a victim of a playoff heartbreak, had to deal with Talisman David McGoldrick’s departure for Barnsley.
It puts pressure on Matthew Dennis to achieve his goal, and Sony Aljoffrey’s loan signing from Manchester United looks wise.
Cambridge United, relegated from League One, showed improvement under Neil Harris. The addition of Dominic Ball and Bennite that summer should make them a candidate.
Walsall’s dramatic collapse after Christmas cost him an automatic promotion shot, but after losing the playoff final, Matt Sadler’s side is desperate to learn from that late slump.
Finally, newly promoted Burnett arrives full of momentum after bossing the National League, and Dean Brennan’s team is nothing to fear.
Playoff candidates
Salford City embraced Matthi Young after a successful loan from Sunderland.
With Carl Robinson at the helm and co-owner Gary Neville still having great ambitions, they aim to climb the table.
Gillingham, managed by Gareth Ainsworth, is where Bradley Dack stays healthy and Sam vOkes can rediscover his best form.
Crewe Alexandra’s consistency was the biggest issue, taking the playoff spot with a terrifying run of three wins in the final 20 games.
Manager Lee Bell got stuck and sharpened the attack by adding veteran striker Louis Mault.
Crawley town was chaotic last year, and cycling five managers before being demoted. They handed over many of the teams and Cabongo Zimanga came to provide their goals.
Bromley finished 11th in his debut Football League season (a brilliant achievement), but Grimsbytown and Colchester United are looking to build on a solid foundation.
David Altel is rewarded with his new contract at Grimsby, and Danny Cowley continues to develop a young and promising Colchester team.
Now, under the colorful Ian Holloway, the town of Swindon welcomes the welcome home of Billy Bodine. Holloway’s pedigree dreams of a top seven finish for fans.
Relegation candidate
Newport County’s commitment to owned-based style has earned them praise, but they also scored points last season, especially in set pieces.
Previously in the Manchester United Academy setup, new boss David Hughes is taking on a big challenge now.
The town of Harrogate was a perennial survivor and had their transfer business early to give them the opportunity.
Oldham Athletic returned to the EFL after a non-league stint and strengthened the ranks alongside veteran players to avoid a quick drop.
The town of Shrewsbury was relegated from League One after a disastrous year, with Will Boyle, Tom Anderson and Tom Sun trying to rebuild Michael Appleton by forming new spines. Survival is your first target.
Transmere Rovers has been stagnant in recent years, but adding Richie Smallwood and Jason Lowe can make it happen to them.
It could be another tough year at Accrington Stanley, which slightly avoided drops last season. Budget constraints have led to just two new signatures from non-leagues, which have once again limited recruitment.
Barrow sheds light on the numbers under Andy Wing, with former Barrow manager Pete Wilde leading the town of Fleetwood.
The town of Cheltenham also appears vulnerable after a quiet summer.
Young talent to see
Matus Holicek (Crew, 20) – A technically talented Slovak midfielder who wants to add goals after one strike in 38 appearances last season.
Kelly n’mp (Salford, 21) – The Dutch-born winger has shown a flash of talent on loan, and is looking to make a bigger impact this year.
Voh Ameen (Swindon, 18) – The front of the Iraq Under 20 exploded into the scene with a knock on Manchester United from the FA Youth Cup. He followed it with goals and two assists in his senior appearance last season.