Six new sides compete in Sky Bet League Two this season, with two clubs promoted from the National League and four relegated from League One. Their arrival into the fourth tier injects fresh ambition and a competitive edge into the division.
All six will be hoping that they can get off to a perfect start even with their own personal challenges before a ball has even been kicked.
Exeter City
After a poor season last year that saw Exeter City relegated from League One with just 49 points, they’re back on the rebuild trail for the first time in four years with their first game of this campaign away to Grimsby Town. Manager Matt Taylor has remained to guide the club through this period of transition and momentum-building. While the Grecians’ transfer activity has been limited, they’ve made a few key acquisitions, including five players, two of whom hail from non-league football. However, securing Jayden Wareham, who scored 19 league goals last season, would be a significant statement after much transfer speculation this summer.
Northampton Town
Chris Hogg takes on the role of Northampton Town manager, entering the job as something of an unknown. His previous experience was as an assistant to Liam Manning at Norwich City before his departure in November. However, a few impressive pre-season results and the signing of solid League Two players like Janoi Donacien, James Maxwell, Lee Evans and Harvey Saunders demonstrate Hogg’s intention to build a team of experienced professionals familiar with the league. This should provide a much-needed boost of energy at the Cobblers and hopefully lead to a push towards the top of the table, with an important first game at home to Swindon Town being the perfect opportunity.
Port Vale
It was a little too late for Jon Brady at Port Vale last season, arriving in January. It seemed their fate was all but sealed even then, as the club were relegated from League One despite gaining a little momentum. Ultimately, Brady stays in charge, tasked with getting the club straight back into League One at the first time of asking. With their first game of the season against Oldham Athletic, the Aussie has plenty of experienced players at his disposal, such as former Norwich City winger Onel Hernandez, former Lincoln City centre-back Lewis Montsma, and former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Kyle Dempsey, all playing below their perceived level, showcasing the pull the club has and the hopes they have of an immediate resurrection.
Rochdale
It took a near miracle for Rochdale to reach League Two following a remarkable comeback in the National League play-off final, coming from 2-0 down to 2-2 before winning on penalties. Rochdale fans will believe that it’s the least they deserve after finishing on 106 points, two behind League winners York City. Rochdale go into this campaign without manager Jim McNulty, who departed to Stockport County following Dave Challinor’s abrupt departure. Instead, Ian Watson takes the reins of Dale’s first League Two campaign in three years. He has made no time in assembling his squad, with key additions like Jonny Smith from Wigan Athletic, goalkeeper Sam Walker from Harrogate Town and Cian Hayes from Peterborough United, showcasing great quality available to Watson in their first game since their return against Newport County.
Rotherham United
It has been a steady decline on and off the pitch for Rotherham United after back-to-back relegations, entering League Two for the first time in 13 years with Alex Bruce, son of Steve, now at the helm at the New York Stadium, with an intriguing first game away at Cheltenham Town providing a stiff test. The 41-year-old has made just shy of a dozen signings following over 15 players being released. Key signings made are right at the top of this level and look to be standout signings amongst the division, with former Wrexham striker Paul Mullin arriving on a free deal, Tom Bradshaw further strengthening the front line, with other key signings including Jamie Jellis and Manchester United loanee Sonny Aljipree also joining.
York City
York City fans may have been mistaken for believing the club were going to enter the season with the continuation of Stuart Maynard, but a shock dismissal due to a difference of opinion on the club’s future paved the way for Scott Lindsey’s arrival. York start their season at home to Bristol Rovers with several new faces through the door, with perhaps unconventional signings, which has seen the club aim for professionals as well as players they will look to see as a project; key names include Arthur Read, Harry Boyes, Jack Hunt and Frankie Maguire. For the first time in a decade, Minstermen supporters can see League Two football and will be hoping the club can reach the heights of days gone by.
