IT'S that time of the year that all football fans look forward to.
The start of the new campaign is a time for hope and optimism, and the chance for supporters up and down the country to dream that this could be their club's season.
But as the League One programme kicks off this weekend, what do the pundits think?
All three relegated clubs went straight back up in 2017-18 – Wigan, Blackburn and Rotherham – and many fancy Sunderland to do the same.
Those backed to challenge them include Barnsley, Portsmouth and Peterborough in what looks a tough division.
Accrington won League Two against all expectation last season and it will be intriguing to see if John Coleman can continue to get them punching above their weight.
They are tipped to struggle along with the likes of Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon and Rochdale.
And what to make of the Bantams, who have had a complete overhaul of their squad and have the youngest manager in the league in Michael Collins?
Below, reporters for every League One club give their thoughts ahead of the big kick-off.
AFC WIMBLEDON
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Richard Cawley (South London Press)
CLUB MANAGER – Neal Ardley
GROUND – The Cherry Red Records Stadium
Main summer signings: Scott Wagstaff, James Hanson, Anthony Wordsworth, Tom King, Tennai Watson
Main summer exits: Lyle Taylor, Barry Fuller, Dean Parrett, Darius Charles, Jon Meades (retired)
Fans expectations
Struggled badly for goals last season but their summer dealings have been extensive and James Hanson provides a focal point to the attack. Mitch Pinnock, signed from Dover Athletic, has looked class in pre-season. Expect them to be mid-table contenders.
One to watch
Kwesi Appiah. If the former Crystal Palace man can avoid the injuries which dogged him in 17-18, he could be among the leading scorers.
Random fact
Wimbledon are hoping their new Plough Lane stadium is completed by the end of 2019.
Promoted: Barnsley, Southend, Peterborough
Relegated: Blackpool, Walsall, Coventry, Wycombe
ACCRINGTON STANLEY
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Suzanne Geldard (Lancashire Telegraph)
CLUB MANAGER – John Coleman
GROUND - The Wham Stadium
Main summer signings: Will Wood, Piero Mingoia, Sam Finley
Main summer exits: Aaron Chapman, Mekhi McLeod
Fans expectations
Accrington Stanley fans are rare breed in football in that they don’t have big demands and put pressure on the manager or players from the stands. They’re enjoying the ride and would snatch your hand off for survival.
One to watch
Billy Kee – picked up the Golden Boot last season to help fire Stanley to the League Two title with 25 goals. A personal best. Looking forward to proving himself at a higher level after only a handful of appearances for Scunthorpe in 2014/15.
Random fact
Accrington Stanley have played in the third tier of English football before but this is the first time they have won promotion to get there.
Promoted: Sunderland, Blackpool, Scunthorpe
Relegated: AFC Wimbledon, Walsall, Southend, Wycombe
BARNSLEY
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Doug O'Kane (Barnsley Chronicle)
CLUB MANAGER – Daniel Stendel
GROUND – Oakwell
Main summer signing: Kenneth Dougall
Main summer exits: Christoph Knasmullner, Stevie Mallan, Andy Yiadom, Adam Hammill
Fans expectations
Everyone is hoping to bounce straight back to the Championship after relegation in May. Many think that the club has taken a couple of big risks by appointing a German head coach, who is highly-rated but has no experience of English football, and backing almost the same squad who went down to go back up again.
Ones to watch
Tom Bradshaw and Kieffer Moore should be a very challenging strike force for League One defences, having excelled at that level for Walsall and Rotherham respectively. Barnsley have turned down bids for both this summer and will only sell for ‘exceptional offers’. Wales international wingers Ryan Hedges and Lloyd Isgrove also key.
Random fact
They were taken over by a Chinese and American consortium in December which includes baseball legend Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt in the film Moneyball.
Promoted: Peterborough, Portsmouth, Plymouth
Relegated: Gillingham, Shrewsbury, Walsall, AFC Wimbledon.
BLACKPOOL
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Matt Scrafton (Blackpool Gazette)
CLUB MANAGER – Gary Bowyer
GROUND – Bloomfield Road
Main summer signings: Joe Dodoo, Ben Heneghan, Mark Howard, Ryan McLaughlin, Paudie O'Connor
Main summer exits: Will Aimson, Colin Daniel, Kelvin Mellor, Clark Robertson, Kyle Vassell
Fans expectations
As is so often the case with Blackpool, a lot depends on what transpires off the pitch rather than on it. But Gary Bowyer has, once again, defied that uncertainty to put together a strong squad capable of matching last season's surprise 12th-placed finish, which most fans would be satisfied with.
One to watch
Paudie O'Connor. The centre back arrives with good reviews from fans of his parent club, Leeds United, who were hoping to see him involved in their first team this coming season. He is described as an aggressive defender who refuses to take any prisoners and will be an ideal replacement for Clark Robertson.
Random fact
Blackpool are the most successful side in English play-off history, winning five times from eight attempts.
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Portsmouth
Relegated: Wycombe, AFC Wimbledon, Rochdale, Shrewsbury
BRADFORD CITY
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Simon Parker (Telegraph & Argus)
CLUB HEAD COACH – Michael Collins
GROUND – Valley Parade
Main summer signings: Jack Payne, Sean Scannell, Anthony O’Connor, Hope Akpan, Richard O’Donnell
Main summer exits: Colin Doyle, Tony McMahon, Romain Vincelot, Charlie Wyke
Fans expectations
It is a real step into the unknown. After the way last season caved in from the turn of the year, there has been real anxiety that 2018’s annus horribilis could continue.
Appointing Michael Collins is a big gamble but recruitment has been getting considerably stronger, so who knows?
One to watch
Tyrell Robinson. The lightning-quick winger burst on to the scene last season with a late winner at Wigan and made the step-up from development football.
If he can build on that exciting first year, with the experience of coping with the lows of City’s fall out the play-offs, he can have a big impact.
Random fact
The Bantams are the only club in the Football League to wear claret and amber colours – although the amber is only trim on the shirt this season!
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Peterborough
Relegated: Wimbledon, Walsall, Blackpool, Gillingham
BRISTOL ROVERS
NAME/NEWSPAPER – John Evely (Bristol Post)
CLUB MANAGER – Darrell Clarke
GROUND – The Memorial Stadium
Main summer signings: Ed Upson, Sam Matthews, Gavin Reilly, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis
Main summer exits: Ellis Harrison, Lee Brown, Rory Gaffney
Fans expectations
As always the fans are looking for the club to mount a top six push having finished 13th last season. In reality continued strong form at home and better defensive performances on the road would make them happy.
One to watch
Ed Upson. The man signed as a free agent after leaving MK Dons has really impressed in pre-season in midfield and looks exactly the sort of player Rovers needed to shield the defence but also chip in with a goal. A set piece threat.
Random fact
Bristol Rovers have not beaten their record transfer fee for 26 years. Back in November 1992 the club paid £370,000 to sign Andy Tillson from QPR.
Promoted: Sunderland, Bristol Rovers, Barnsley
Relegated: Wycombe Wanderers, Accrington Stanley, Coventry City, Rochdale
BURTON ALBION
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Joshua Murray (Burton Mail)
CLUB MANAGER – Nigel Clough
GROUND – Pirelli Stadium
Main summer signings: Scott Fraser, David Templeton
Main summer exits: Tom Naylor, Lloyd Dyer, Hope Akpan, Tom Flanagan
Fans expectations
With Burton heading into a season off the back of a relegation for the first time in 41 years, positivity is not at its highest among all Brewers supporters.
But there is genuine interest in seeing how Clough's Albion can adapt back in League One with the core of their Championship side maintained.
Focus will be on their form in the opening weeks – the first eight or 10 games will give a good insight into how achievable their goal of bouncing straight back is.
One to watch
Liam Boyce was signed last summer to be the man that could fire Albion to Championship safety. An ACL injury in pre-season robbed him of that chance, and it was not until the final month of the campaign that we saw what the Northern Ireland international can do when at peak fitness.
He is a proven goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership, but it is his all-round attacking play and control which mark him down as a crucial figure.
Random fact
Their drop from the Championship in May was the club's first relegation since 1977 – and Nigel Clough's first as a manager.
Promoted: Sunderland, Portsmouth, Charlton
Relegation: Wycombe, Accrington Stanley, Walsall, Gillingham
CHARLTON
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Richard Cawley (South London Press)
CLUB MANAGER – Lee Bowyer
GROUND – The Valley
Main summer signings: Lyle Taylor, Darren Pratley
Main summer exits: Ezri Konsa, Ahmed Kashi, Harry Lennon, Brandon Hanlan, Johnnie Jackson (retired)
Fans expectations
Last season’s play-off semi-finalists face a test to boost their promotion prospects as owner Roland Duchatelet – fed up that takeover talks have not reached fruition – has trimmed back the budget. Charlton’s first-choice 11 are a match for anybody, the question is whether injuries and a lack of squad depth will badly damage their prospects.
One to watch
Lyle Taylor. A star man for AFC Wimbledon and needs the same kind of scoring return for the south London club, who have lacked a prolific finisher in the past couple of seasons. Hold-up play is excellent.
Random fact
Keith Peacock was the Football League’s first ever substitute.
Promoted: Barnsley, Southend, Peterborough
Relegated: Blackpool, Walsall, Coventry, Wycombe
COVENTRY
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Andy Turner (CoventryLive/Coventry Telegraph)
CLUB MANAGER – Mark Robins
GROUND – Ricoh Arena
Main summer signings: Abu Ogogo, Junior Brown, Dujon Sterling, Jonson Clarke-Harris, Brandon Mason
Main summer exits: Marc McNulty, Ryan Haynes, Chris Stokes
Fans expectations
Many were hoping to maintain the momentum and feel-good factor around the club following promotion back to League One at the first attempt via the play-offs. The post-Wembley euphoria sparked plenty of talk of another play-off push and back-to-back promotions until the sale of 28-goal Marc McNulty to Reading, which has some what dented those aspirations.
Goals are a major cause for concern after failing to score in three of the first five pre-season friendlies.
One to watch
Tony Andreu. The French playmaker joined the Sky Blues from Norwich City last summer but played just six games before a ruptured ACL put him out for ten months. He scored 22 goals, 19 on loan for Dundee United in the Scottish Championship, the season before joining Coventry and hopes are high that the 30-year-old will provide much-needed creativity and goals.
Random fact
Last season's play-off final success at Wembley was the club's first promotion since Jimmy Hill guided the Sky Blues to the old First Division in 1967 and, remarkably, City's first top-six in finish in any division in some 48 long years.
Promoted: Sunderland, Portsmouth, Charlton
Relegated: Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Walsall, Gillingham
DONCASTER
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Liam Hoden (Doncaster Free Press/Sheffield Star)
CLUB MANAGER – Grant McCann
GROUND – Keepmoat Stadium
Main summer signings: Ali Crawford, Mallik Wilks (loan), Tom Anderson, Max Watters
Main summer exits: Mathieu Baudry, Andy Williams, Craig Alcock, Liam Mandeville (loan)
Fans expectations
After consolidating last season, the expectation will be for a strong push for the top six. The change in manager following Darren Ferguson's resignation has brought an element of the unknown heading into the campaign but new boss Grant McCann is positive Rovers can make a strong challenge.
One to watch
Beyond the usual key men at Rovers, there is plenty of excitement about Mallik Wilks who has signed on loan from Leeds. The young forward is pacy, powerful and direct and seems to fit in perfectly with Grant McCann's aggressive, positive style.
Random fact
Doncaster Rovers is part of the expanding Club Doncaster organisation which also includes rugby league side Doncaster RLFC, a college, a charity foundation as well as supporting individual sportspeople from the town.
Promoted: Sunderland, Peterborough, Oxford
Relegated: Walsall, Gillingham, Shrewsbury, AFC Wimbledon
FLEETWOOD
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Rosie Swarbrick (Blackpool Gazette)
CLUB MANAGER – Joey Barton
GROUND – Highbury
Main summer signings: Ched Evans, Tommy Spurr, Craig Morgan, Jason Holt, Dean Marney
Main summer exits: Nathan Pond, Chris Neal, Toumani Diagouraga
Fans expectations
Since Joey Barton took over initial trepidation has thawed to a feeling of optimism.
Barton has recruited well by adding experience and left-sided defensive options to the talented young crop he inherited.
The new boss has been addressing issues of last term like set-pieces and fans are eyeing a top-half finish... if Barton can stay away from controversy.
One to watch
Conor McAleny. If the striker can get his first ever 30 plus-game league season, he is my tip for the Golden Boot. If he stays fit the 25-year-old Everton academy product has the pedigree to become the first Fleetwood player since Jamie Vardy to score more than 20 goals in one term.
Random fact
Fleetwood have never been relegated from the Football League
Promoted: Sunderland, Fleetwood, Barnsley
Relegated: Wycombe, Accrington, AFC Wimbledon, Walsall
GILLINGHAM
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Luke Cawdell (Medway Messenger/kentonline)
CLUB MANAGER – Steve Lovell
GROUND – The Medway Priestfield Stadium
Main summer signings: Dean Parrett, Regan Charles-Cook, Josh Rees, Brandon Hanlan, Barry Fuller
Main summer exits: Lee Martin, Scott Wagstaff, Jake Hessenthaler, Ben Nugent
Fans expectations
A season without the threat of relegation would be nice after finishing 20th and 17th in the last two years. Any kind of progress would be welcome and a play-off challenge shouldn't be beyond them.
One to watch
There are high hopes for a fit-again Billy Bingham, who missed much of his first season through injury. Could be a key man for the Gills, holding things together in midfield and bringing experience to a young squad.
Random fact
The club was formed 125 years ago as New Brompton FC and this season’s black and white striped away shirt is a replica of their first kit.
Promoted: Bradford, Barnsley, Sunderland
Relegated: Walsall, Fleetwood, Accrington, Rochdale
LUTON
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Mike Simmonds (Luton News)
CLUB MANAGER – Nathan Jones
GROUND – Kenilworth Road
Main summer signings: Jorge Grant, Matty Pearson, Sonny Bradley, Andrew Shinnie
Main summer exits: Olly Lee, Scott Cuthbert, Johnny Mullins, Jordan Cook, Lawson D’Ath
Fans expectations
Hatters fans aren’t quite as expectant as last campaign when getting out of League Two was just everything. This season, they would no doubt like to see another promotion challenge, although through the play-offs could be a more realistic target.
One to watch
Danny Hylton. You can’t fail to witness a Hatters game without Hylton doing something, whether it be scoring a goal, producing some outrageous skill, getting booked or winding up the home crowd as the pantomime villain. Been a sensational signing for Town though, scoring 50 goals in just two seasons.
Random fact
The ground is situated in two different postcodes, so when Olly Lee scored from inside his own half against Cambridge last season, he unleashed his shot from LU4, with the goal actually going in in LU1.
Promoted: Sunderland, Charlton, Portsmouth
Relegated: Accrington, Wycombe, Wimbledon, Walsall.
OXFORD UNITED
NAME/NEWSPAPER – David Pritchard (Oxford Mail)
CLUB MANAGER – Karl Robinson
GROUND – Kassam Stadium
Main summer signings: Jamie Mackie, Gavin Whyte, Marcus Browne, Samir Carruthers, Luke Garbutt
Main summer exits: Ryan Ledson, Kane Hemmings, Wes Thomas, Joe Rothwell, Mike Williamson
Fans expectations
This season is about forgetting the last 12 months and getting back to where the side was when Michael Appleton left at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
That means a challenge for the top six come the spring, rather a repeat of last season’s run-in, when they were nervously looking over their shoulders.
One to watch
Gavin Whyte. The winger is virtually unknown outside of his native Northern Ireland, but United believe they have unearthed a gem. Scoring more than a goal per game for Crusaders last season, the 22-year-old has pace to burn and if he adjusts quickly to English football, he may not stay in League One for long.
Random fact
This season marks the 125th in the club’s history (they were known as Headington United until 1960)
Promoted: Sunderland, Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle
Relegated: Walsall, Gillingham, Wycombe, Rochdale
PETERBOROUGH UNITED
NAME/NEWSPAPER: Alan Swann (Peterborough Telegraph)
CLUB MANAGER: Steve Evans
GROUND: The ABAX Stadium.
Main summer signings: Jason Cummings (loan), Alex Woodyard, Siriki Dembele, Jason Naismith, Aaron Chapman
Main summer exits: Jack Marriott, Gwion Edwards, Jack Baldwin, Leo Da Silva Lopes, Junior Morias.
Fans expectations
Promotion basically. Fuelled by the sheer optimism of the chairman and the manager, Posh fans expect us to get back into the Championship before every season. The sheer turnover of players and the loss of the two best players (Marriott and Edwards) are concerns though.
One to watch
Young winger Siriki Dembele has turned a few heads this summer since arriving from Grimsby, but I suspect defensive midfielder Alex Woodyard will be a more reliable performer. He's been handed the captaincy even though he didn't arrive until this summer.
Random facr
Posh are currently enjoying the longest spell outside the bottom division since entering the Football League in 1960 (11 years).
Promoted: Barnsley, Sunderland, Portsmouth
Relegated: Shrewsbury, Accrington, Wycombe, Walsall.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Chris Errington (Plymouth Herald)
CLUB MANAGER – Derek Adams
GROUND – Home Park
Main summer signings: Former Everton pair Calum Dyson and Conor Grant, central defenders Niall Canavan and Scott Wootton, and striker Freddie Ladapo
Main summer exits: Sonny Bradley, Oscar Threlkeld, Luke McCormick, Gary Miller, Aaron Taylor-Sinclair
Fans expectations
After a surprise seventh place finish last season, some of the Green Army are hoping their team can clinch a play-off place this time around. Others, though, would take a top half finish and further consolidation.
One to watch
Graham Carey remains the main man for Argyle. He has scored 43 goals – many of them spectacular ones, and quite a few penalties too – during his very impressive three seasons at the club. His delivery at set pieces is usually excellent, as is his shooting from distance.
Random fact
Home Park will be a three-sided ground throughout this season because of redevelopment work on the grandstand.
Promoted: Sunderland, Peterborough United, Burton Albion
Relegated: Accrington, Blackpool, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers.
PORTSMOUTH
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Neil Allen (Portsmouth News)
CLUB MANAGER – Kenny Jackett
GROUND – Fratton Park
Main summer signings: Craig MacGillivray, Lee Brown, Tom Naylor, Ronan Curtis, Anton Walkes
Main summer exit: Kal Naismith
Fans expectations
It was an encouraging eighth spot finish upon last season’s League One return, while five points short of the play-offs.
None of the regular first-teamers have left this summer, so the club are seeking progress, which naturally focuses on at least breaking into the play-off positions.
One to watch
Jamal Lowe. The non-league recruit who scored twice to win Pompey promotion in 2016-17, continued his remarkable rise last term, establishing himself in the League One team.
The right-sided winger is pacy, hard-working, tricky and has an eye for goal. He was last season’s leading assist maker and continues to flourish.
Random fact
When Pompey won the League Two title in 2016-17, they had occupied top spot for only the final 32 minutes of the entire season.
Promoted: Sunderland, Scunthorpe, Luton
Relegated: AFC Wimbledon, Shrewsbury, Walsall, Wycombe
ROCHDALE
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Richard Partington (Manchester Evening News/Rochdale Observer)
CLUB MANAGER – Keith Hill
GROUND – Crown Oil Arena
Main summer signings: Aaron Wilbraham, David Perkins, MJ Williams, Brad Inman, Stephen Dooley
Main summer exit: Keith Keane, Niall Canavan, Steve Davies
Fans expectations
There is a strong feeling that Keith Hill has a much stronger and fitter group of players this time around. That should help cut out the tendency to concede late goals on a regular basis. They are no longer reliant on talented but injury-prone players like Keith Keane and Steve Davies, there is quality all over the pitch and the midfield – an area of weakness last season – looks well stocked.
One to watch
Dan Adshead. He's only 16 years old but Manchester United have been linked with a move for him and senior players in the squad have been raving about him for several months. He won't be a regular starter as Keith Hill will treat him with kid gloves, but he's a real prospect in midfield.
Random fact
Promoted in 2014, this is Rochdale's longest spell in League One
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Scunthorpe
Relegated: Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Shrewsbury, Bristol Rovers
SCUNTHORPE UNITED
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Paul Crute (Scunthorpe Telegraph)
CLUB MANAGER – Nick Daws
GROUND – Glanford Park
Main summer signings: Olufela Olomola, Stephen Humphrys, Andy Dales, James Horsfield, Jonathan Flatt
Main summer exits: Murray Wallace, Hakeeb Adelakun, Neal Bishop, Tom Hopper, Sam Mantom
Fans expectations
After two seasons where the Iron have reached the play-off semi-finals, fans are a bit more sceptical about what will happen this year. Some of the club's best players have left and there has not been a massive influx. Midfield looks a major problem. At the present time a mid-table finish looks likely but one or two decent signings could change that.
One to watch
Providing he stays, Duane Holmes. The midfielder came into his own last season and his pace and skill caused problems for many defences. He was the club’s second top scorer with eight goals and provided five assists last season and will be expected to cause plenty of problems for opponents again.
Random fact
When Scunthorpe United sold Neil Cox to Aston Villa in 1991, they also received 1,600 blue seats to help provide seating for their away end.
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Peterborough.
Relegated: Gillingham, Walsall, Accrington Stanley, Wycombe
SHREWSBURY TOWN
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Lewis Cox (Shropshire Star)
CLUB MANAGER – John Askey
GROUND – Montgomery Waters Meadow
Main summer signings: Fejiri Okenabirhie, Josh Laurent, Charlie Colkett (loan), Joel Coleman (loan), Alex Gilliead
Main summer exits: Abu Ogogo, Junior Brown, Alex Rodman, Craig MacGillivray, Ben Godfrey/Carlton Morris/Dean Henderson (last season’s loans returning to parent clubs)
Fans expectations
Paul Hurst’s instant exit following the play-off heartbreak left fans gutted. The appointment of National League champ John Askey brought optimism but he had a tough start losing key out-of-contract players. Signings since, and some decent friendly displays, has seen confidence improve and Town should not find themselves in a relegation scrap this term. Mid-table safety would be great.
One to watch
Alex Gilliead comes highly rated from Newcastle United, where Town beat a host of rivals for his signature. The 22-year-old former Bantams winger has impressed on previous loans but this is a key time for him after departing his boyhood club. Askey likes to play with width and he fits the bill.
Random fact
Shrewsbury Town became the first team in England or Wales to install safe-standing in their all-seater stadia. It will be used for the first time against the Bantams in the curtain-raiser on Saturday.
Promoted: Sunderland, Charlton, Peterborough
Relegated: Wycombe, Accrington, Gillingham, Rochdale
SOUTHEND UNITED
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Chris Phillips (Southend Echo)
CLUB MANAGER – Chris Powell
GROUND – Roots Hall
Main summer signings: Harry Lennon, Timothee Dieng, Sam Mantom, Tom Hopper, Luke Hyam
Main summer exits: Anthony Wordsworth, Josh Wright, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Michael Timlin & Jermaine McGlashan
Fans expectations
Hopes are quite high among the fans following the improvements made under Chris Powell in the second half of last season.
Powell took the Shrimpers from just above the relegation zone to 10th place in just 18 games.
One to watch
Dru Yearwood. The 18-year-old midfielder broke into the team last season and was named in an England under-18 squad in the summer.
He will be looking to push on again and enhance his ever-improving reputation.
Random fact
Last season Southend went 18 away games, between September and April, without scoring in the second half.
Promoted: Charlton, Sunderland and Plymouth
Relegated: Wycombe, Accrington, AFC Wimbledon and Walsall
SUNDERLAND
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Richard Mennear (Sunderland Echo)
CLUB MANAGER – Jack Ross
GROUND – Stadium of Light
Main summer signings: Jon McLaughlin (goalkeeper), Jack Baldwin (defender), Dylan McGeouch (midfielder), Luke O'Nien (midfielder), Jerome Sinclair (forward), Charlie Wyke (forward)
Main summer exits: Paddy McNair, Wahbi Khazri, Joel Asoro, Jason Steele, John O'Shea
Fans expectations
The majority of fans would expect promotion from League One, with Jack Ross building a very competitive squad. Secure two strikers before the window shuts and this Sunderland side should be targeting automatic promotion after a dramatic summer on Wearside that has seen a major summer overhaul.
One to watch
Dylan McGeouch. The Scotland international has been superb in pre-season since arriving in the summer, the deep-lying central midfielder makes Sunderland tick.
Random fact
Sunderland AFC were formed in 1879 at a meeting of schoolteachers called by James Allan. The club has been a member of the Football League since 1890.
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Luton Town
Relegated: Accrington, Rochdale, Walsall, AFC Wimbledon
WALSALL
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Joe Masi (Express & Star)
CLUB MANAGER – Dean Keates
GROUND – Banks's Stadium
Main summer signings: Andy Cook, Zeli Ismail, Josh Ginnelly, Chris Dunn
Main summer exits: Erhun Oztumer, Florent Cuvelier, Mark Gillespie, Jack Fitzwater (loan), Julien Ngoy (loan)
Fans expectations
After narrowly avoiding the drop last year, supporters are now hoping for a brighter campaign under club legend Dean Keates.
With signings still to be made though, the squad is light on quality, experience and numbers.
A top half-finish, which lays foundations for the future, is the aim.
One to watch
Andy Cook has been snapped up after scoring 51 goals in 89 games for Tranmere in the National League.
He’s already made a positive start after netting a brace in a 2-0 friendly win over Ajax.
A target man who can finish, Cook will be key to Walsall fortunes.
Random fact
Dean Keates won three promotions with Walsall as a player. He was also in charge of a Wrexham team that last season registered 23 clean sheets, a club record.
Promoted: Portsmouth, Sunderland, Peterborough
Relegated: Doncaster, Wycombe, Accrington, AFC Wimbledon
WYCOMBE
NAME/NEWSPAPER – Nick Tunney (Bucks Free Press)
CLUB MANAGER – Gareth Ainsworth
GROUND – Adams Park
Main summer signings: Darius Charles, Ryan Allsop, Curtis Thompson
Main summer exits: Scott Brown, Max Muller, Will De Havilland
Fans expectations
I think the expectation will be just to survive but they could definitely surprise a few teams. After an absence of six years, Wanderers are back in League One in probably the best shape they have ever been and Gareth Ainsworth is one of the best young managers in the country
One to watch
Adebayo Akinfenwa. ‘The Beast’ has been an incredible signing for the Chairboys and scored 18 goals last season as the Blues got promoted. Teams see Akinfenwa as just a battering ram but his close control is exceptional and his ability to bring team-mates into the game is second to none. He will strike fear into League One defences this season.
Random fact
Voted one of the most beautiful grounds in the country last season.
Promoted: Sunderland, Barnsley, Portsmouth
Relegated: Accrington, Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon, Walsall
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel