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