The football season is over and teams will be part of England’s fourth tier via promotion or relegation, so we take a look at the teams joining Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers in League Two next season…
Promoted from National League:
Macclesfield Town
Macclesfield had a spectacular season in the National League winning it by 10 points. The Silkmen’s performance in the National League when compared to last season’s League Two table would’ve seen them finish second, just a point off champions Accrington Stanley. This speaks volumes about the quality of their squad and they’ll definitely be a challenging team to face next season for both Cheltenham and Forest Green Rovers.
Top scorer Scott Wilson enjoyed his debut season for the Silkmen with 19 goal contributions (14 goals/5 assists) in 35 games, a great return for a free signing. Macclesfield will be hoping to keep hold of the 25-year-old as they look to impress on their return to League Two after a seven-year absence.
- Macclesfield won more games away from home (14) than any other team in the National League last season.
Robins and Rovers fans will need to make the grueling trip up the M5 if they are planning on attending the away fixture at Moss Rose.
Predicted finish: 15th
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers were promoted after an eventful play-off final match against Boreham Wood that ended 2-1 to the Rovers.
Tranmere had a man sent-off after a minute of play for a dangerous tackle, took the lead after six minutes, had a bottle thrown at one of their players and made all three substitutes before half-time. If that game is anything to go by, League Two could have an exciting addition.
After losing in the play-off final last year, Tranmere have taken their chance this year and will be a tough opponent for anyone in League Two if they can replicate their dominant home performances and continue to score freely in attack.
- Tranmere’s attacking partnership of Andy Cook (26) and James Norwood (20) scored a combined total of 46 goals last season.
- Cook and Norwood contributed to 59% of the 78 goals scored in the season.
Fans of Cheltenham and Forest Green can expect another long travel north up to Prenton Park, but it may be worth the trip considering Tranmere seem to always entertain.
Predicted finish: 18th
Relegated from League One:
Oldham Athletic
The Lactics suffered a disappointing season in League One which saw the departure of three-time serving manager John Sheridan in September after an underwhelming start, only winning one out of their first eight games.
Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, was interviewed for vacant role as manager but turned it down. Caretaker boss Richie Wellens took charge in place of Sheridan but was unable to steer Oldham to safety. Their fate was sealed after a dismal 2-2 draw with fellow relegated club Northampton Town.
Defender Brian Wilson and midfielders Oliver Banks, Mason Fawns, Paul Green, Kallum Mantack, Abdelhakim Omrani and Tope Obadeyi all depart the Lactics this summer.
Meanwhile, they have chose to extend the contracts of Cameron Dummigan and Ousmane Fane.
Jamie Stott and Ryan McLaughlin have been offered new deals, while Wilfried Moimbe, Jonathan Benteke and Gevaro Nepomuceno are also in discussions.
Chairman Simon Corney was ‘removed from his position’ following relegation to League Two after a shareholders’ meeting.
- 63% of Oldham Athletic‘s matches ended with both teams scoring
- On average, the Lactics conceded a goal every 55 minutes in the league last season.
A three hour journey beckons for Robins and Rovers fans who decide to make the trip to Boundary Park.
If Oldham perform like they did last season, then Cheltenham and Forest Green could enjoy their games against the Manchester-based club. Serious changes need to be made not just on the pitch but behind the scenes too.
Predicted finish: 4th
Northampton Town
Northampton had a difficult season under ex-Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink which saw the Dutchman get sacked in April. Caretaker boss Dean Austin, who was assistant to Hasselbaink, has now taken on the manager’s role permanently for the upcoming season.
The Cobblers are currently on the market with the owners ‘reluctantly’ putting the club up for sale after a dispute with the local council. In April, chairman Kelvin Thomas described Northampton Borough Council as “an immovable force” after plans for a new development at Sixfields stalled.
- Northampton Town conceded more goals (77) than any other team in League One last season.
Northampton are in a good position financially and are expected to strengthen in key areas over the summer.
They were champions of League Two back in 2016 and will be looking to repeat their success again next season.
Predicted finish: 3rd
Milton Keynes Dons
After an ‘unacceptable’ season as their chairman Peter Winkelman described it, MK Dons sacked two managers and even scrapped their first-team players awards.
A decade on since MK Dons last won League Two, they find themselves back in the fourth tier of English football under caretaker manager Keith Millen.
The Dons are missing a top-striker that will offer an outlet and goal-scoring threat. Kieran Agard was their top scoring striker with six goals in the league, which is simply not a good enough return.
• Milton Keynes Dons scores an average of 0.93 goals every game – a goal every 97 minutes.
A big summer lies ahead for The Dons who will be hoping for a swift return to League One.
Predicted finish: 6th
Bury FC
Bury have recently appointed caretaker boss Ryan Lowe as their manager on a two-year contract. Lowe won two of his six games as player-manager of the Shakers after Lee Clark was sacked in October.
They have also re-signed midfielder Nicky Adams for a third spell after his contract with Carlisle United ended. The 31-year-old was offered a new deal with the Cumbrians, but will now rejoin the Gigg Lane club instead.
On his return to the club, Adams said: “I just want to come back and help bring the good times again.” Whether Adams can deliver and get Bury back into League One remains to be seen.
Bury midfielder Neil Danns and goalkeeper Joe Murphy have both signed new one-year deals and will remain with the club during their first season back in League Two.
- The Shakers won only ONE game away from home last season, the worst record in the league.
- Bury failed to score in 12 of their 23 home matches
Bury return to League Two after a three year absence with the club needing to make big changes on the pitch if they’re to have any chance of a return to League One.
Predicted finish: 8th
