Writers from Oxford United's League One rivals preview the 2020/21 season

ACCRINGTON STANLEY (Adam Lord, Lancashire Telegraph)

Storyline of the summer

Stanley owner Andy Holt was vocal, largely on Twitter, about shutting down the season. The whole club essentially went into hibernation with the playing squad and management also placed on furlough. Holt painted a bleak picture about what could happen financially with Covid and behind closed doors football but with the salary cap also in place, he’s steered the club through a tricky few months.

Transfer business

The Reds knew key man Jordan Clark would be off and he’s got a Championship move with Luton. As usual for Coleman he’ll have to get the best out of some untried talent with four loanees coming. They include Chelsea prospect Tariq Uwakwe who scored a hat-trick in the EFL Trophy hammering of Leeds’ kids on his debut.

Standing of the manager

John Coleman is Accrington Stanley. The 57-year-old is just shy of six years into his second spell, his first having lasted the small matter of 13 years. Part of the fabric of the club.

The mood among the fanbase

Just getting back to the Wham Stadium would be an initial lift for all. As ever they’ll hope to see some attacking football from Coleman and hope they can bloody the noses of a few of the big boys in the third tier.

Predicted finish

12th. Coleman has said he sees Wycombe as an inspiration but after 17th in the curtailed campaign finishing in the top 10 would be a real achievement.

AFC WIMBLEDON (Daniel Marsh, South London Press) 

Storyline of the summer

Wimbledon's brand new stadium, back at their spiritual home of Plough Lane, is now finally close to completion. That's really been the focus of the entire club this summer and in general since its reincarnation.

Transfer business

The Dons have seen a relatively high turnover of players, mainly due to the combination of COVID and player contracts expiring. Veteran midfield duo Scott Wagstaff and Anthony Wordsworth were probably the most notable departures, with Glyn Hodges utilising the loan market and free agents to rebuild the squad.

Experienced forward Ollie Palmer has joined the club after a productive campaign with Crawley Town. It's hoped that he, alongside non-league starlet Ethan Chislett and Brighton loanee Ryan Longman, will help to boost Wimbledon's prospects in front of goal. Alex Woodyard will shore up the middle of the park with Finnish youth international Jaakko Oksanen, who's also arrived on loan. Wimbledon have struck up a fruitful loan partnership with Brentford in the last year, with Marcus Forss in particular excelling. Both the Dons and the Bees will be hoping that Oksanen can thrive in a similar fashion.

Overall, I'd probably say the Dons squad is in a slightly healthier position following their business, with some needed attacking support for key forward Joe Pigott.

Standing of the manager

Glyn Hodges is Wimbledon through and through, and as you'd expect is popular with the fanbase. It's not just for sentimental reasons though. He helped steady the ship after a tough start last season and is the perfect man to lead the Dons back to their spiritual Plough Lane home.

The mood among the fanbase

With the stadium move on the horizon, the mood is obviously positive at the moment for Dons fans. There was no nervy relegation battle due to the curtailment of football, and the hope will be that there won't be one this year either - albeit in different circumstances!

Predicted finish

Wimbledon struggled for goals last year after Forss' premature departure and they'll need their new recruits to help ease the scoring burden on Pigott this year. Early signs are promising though, with the Dons coming from behind to topple Charlton and run Oxford close in cup competitions. I think they'll have enough to maintain their third tier status again this year.

BLACKPOOL (Matt Scrafton, Blackpool Gazette)

Storyline of the summer

Neil Critchley only took charge of two games before Covid-19 struck after replacing Simon Grayson in March. In hindsight, that’s worked out quite well for the former Liverpool Under-23 coach as he’s had the luxury of being able to assess his squad and work out what changes are required which, it turns out, there’s been quite a lot of. Blackpool, like all clubs at this level, have had a tough time of it in recent months but, thanks to the financial backing of owner Simon Sadler, they’ve remained pretty stable and look to be in a strong position heading into the new season. It doesn’t bear thinking about what position the club would now be in if the Oystons were still in charge.

Transfer business

The Seasiders have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, bringing in 11 players and moving on 17 at the time of writing (and they’re not done yet, either). All of the new arrivals fit into the 20-25 age bracket, with the club looking to add young and hungry players who have performed well at this level or the division below. Some much-needed pace and energy has been added to the midfield and forward departments which should allow Neil Critchley to play the high-pressing, on-the-front-foot style we’ve been accustomed to seeing from Liverpool.

Standing of the manager

Although we’ve only seen glimpses of what Neil Critchley can do, what we’ve seen so far has been hugely promising. He brings a far more entertaining style of football to the table, something the fans had been crying out for last season during the safety-first, handbrake-on approach under Simon Grayson. But with this being Critchley’s first job as a senior manager (or head coach, I should say), there’s a lot of intrigue about how he’ll get on.

The mood among the fanbase

Hugely optimistic. The club’s objective this season is clear: to win promotion and the fans are buying into that. I think most are being realistic though, as they realise going from 13th last season to the top two in one season is a big ask, especially when you consider the high turnover of players during the summer. If Blackpool can finish inside the play-offs, the supporters will be delighted (especially given the Seasiders are the most successful side in English play-off history…).

Predicted finish

I’ll be hugely disappointed if Blackpool don’t challenge for the play-offs as the bare minimum. I’ll go with fourth.

BRISTOL ROVERS (Sam Frost, Bristol Post)

Storyline of the summer

Since the Gas last played a League One game, there have been two significant developments which will tee the club up for future success. First, the club made the surprise announcement its long-awaited new training ground will open for this season, with the playing operation to move across in October. They had been leasing a base for many years, and the playing surfaces ay the Almondsbury Training Centre will be an exact replica of the top-quality pitch at the Mem.

Two weeks later a change in ownership structure saw club president Wael Al-Qadi take a controlling stake in the club and close to £20million in debt effectively written off.

These were two pieces in the enigma to unlock Rovers’ full potential. Focus now turns to finding a site for a new stadium – an issue which has plagued the club for decades.

Transfer business

Ben Garner, as expected, has carried out a significant overhaul of his squad. Senior pros Tony Craig and Liam Sercombe have been allowed to leave, while out-of-contract club captain Ollie Clarke opted to drop a level to reunite with former boss Graham Coughlan at Mansfield Town.

Rovers, for the most part, of recruited well so far. Max Ehmer has plenty of experience at this level with Gillingham and has been given the armband, and there are big hopes Zain Westbrooke – part of Coventry City’s title-winning team – can flourish as the main man in midfield.

Jayden Mitchell-Lawson’s return on loan from Derby County is a big boost, but the club lost star striker Jonson Clarke-Harris to Peterborough United a fortnight before the start of the season and they are desperately short of striking options as it stands.

Standing of the manager

Garner is under pressure from the fans for sure. There is near universal recognition of his coaching abilities and desire to implement long-lasting change, but there are questions over the rookie boss’ ability to grind out results.

Rovers won just twice since his first game on Boxing Day, plummeting out of play-off contention, and he must start well.

The board is keeping the faith and will tolerate growing pains, but he must start picking up results.

The mood among the fanbase

It has been very optimistic due to the debt and training ground news, but that has been significantly dented by a very poor performance at Portman Road in the opening round of the Carabao Cup which was littered with defensive mistakes.

Some fans have definitely lost patience, but the sense is the majority – barring a disastrous run of form in the open weeks – want to give him and his new-look squad the chance to gel.

Predicted finish

A lot depends on how they replace Clarke-Harris, but if they get some decent reinforcements in up top I believe Garner will get this team to a respectable mid-table finish and an improvement on last season’s 14th on PPG.

BURTON ALBION (Colston Crawford, Burton Mail)

Storyline of the summer

The obvious big news from Burton Albion was Nigel Clough standing down as manager. While much was made of him doing so to aid the financial position, it seems likely that he would have moved on had the season reached a natural conclusion anyway, with Jake Buxton having been groomed to be his successor.

A first-time manager has been very much the club's way for many years, certainly since Clough began his managerial career at Burton in 1998.

Transfer business

The theory - the hope, for supporters - was that Burton's perennial thrift and relatively low overheads would stand them in good stead emerging from the pandemic and, so far, that is how it has panned out, with Buxton being told a budget fairly early and subsequently making a string of signings earlier than most League One clubs.

The new manager has been able to retain a significant number of last season's squad and freshen it with experienced players. It will still be a small squad but most would fancy that the club are in a stronger position in terms of playing strength.

Standing of the manager

Buxton's honesty and straight-talking has always won over supporters who might not have rated him highly as a player and the supporters like what they have seen so far. As always as Burton, he will not be put under pressure by the chairman unless things go hopelessly wrong. There will be a lot of goodwill for him from the start.

The mood among the fanbase

Two seasons in the Championship tended to raise expectations unnaturally high with some supporters. Two seasons back in League One and now Covid appear to have calmed things down a little. Most will be patient with Buxton and the vast majority think he has made an encouraging start to the job.

Predicted finish

10th. I would predict upper mid-table again but, importantly, that supporters will be happier with that than they have been previously.

CHARLTON ATHLETIC (Richard Cawley, South London Press)

Storyline of the summer

I don't know where you really start or end with what can politely be described as the shenanigans at Charlton Athletic.

There is a court battle over the ownership of the club, not to mention an EFL transfer embargo which has hugely impacted on them being able to replace a host of first-teamers leaving - including talismanic striker Lyle Taylor.

It's always been a challenge for Lee Bowyer - but it could be even tougher if the current situation off the pitch doesn't get resolved.

Transfer business

Three deals in with Alex Gilbey looking a quality addition from MK Dons. Conor Washington has been added to the frontline and Bowyer has tended to draw the best out of frontmen he's worked with. Manchester United youngster Dylan Levitt, 19, is an unknown proposition.

But there have been notable exits - none greater than Taylor with Tom Lockyer exercising a relegation release clause to join Luton.

Squad badly needs beefing up.

Standing of the manager

Charlton fans are fully supportive of Bowyer, who has stuck around despite the trying circumstance. He's won promotion from this level before and with a bit of help in terms of playing personnel, he could achieve success again.

The mood among the fanbase The one thing they'd settle for right now is a proper owner who invests in the squad and helps rebuild. The goings on since January have been nothing short of farcical.

Predicted finish

Charlton should be in the top-six mix but that's going to become a whole lot harder if we don't see the ownership resolved. Without adding to their squad they probably lack the depth to be players near the top.

CREWE ALEXANDRA (Dave Powell, Chester Chronicle)

Storyline of the summer

A pretty big summer after the season was ended as the points per game method meant that it was promotion to League One for the Alex - and deservedly so.

Transfer business has been a driving force all summer and additions and the return of Luke Murphy after seven years away probably the headline act.

Transfer business

Crewe released some of the old guard such as Paul Green and Nicky Hunt while James Jones rejected a new deal to sign for Lincoln City.

But Artell stated he wanted proven League One experience and signings such as Offrande Zanzala, Mikael Mandron, Murphy, Donervon Daniels and Omar Beckles certainly bring that and have added undoubted quality.

The side definitely stronger, but whether that is strong enough to make an impact on League Two remains to be seen.

Standing of the manager

There is probably no manager in the EFL under less pressure than David Artell.

A promotion in only his second full season, League Two Manager of the Year and widely welcomed summer transfer business means that his stock is high at a club that doesn't pull the trigger hastily on managers.

The mood among the fanbase

It's cautious positivity.

There'll be no memes of 'Going Up Juice' or 'objects appear closer than they seem', but there is real hope that the Alex have a side and a manager that can establish them at League One level again, despite their limited resources.

Predicted finish

It will be tough and there is a question mark over whether there is enough physicality, but I predict comfortable survival and a 14th placed finish.

DONCASTER ROVERS (Liam Hoden, Doncaster Free Press)

Storyline of the summer

Like many clubs at League One level it's been about navigating through the financial impact of the pandemic to ensure survival. That has involved a reduced playing budget and, unfortunately, redundancies at the club to help them get back on more solid footing. Thankfully, there has been no change in manager, which happened unexpectedly during the two previous summers. It has allowed Darren Moore to carry out the recruitment desperately needed with the squad being low on numbers following last season.

Transfer business

Rovers make good use of the loan market each season so it does leave them with plenty of work to do in the summer. Key players Seny Dieng, Niall Ennis, Jacob Ramsey and Ben Sheaf all returned to their parent clubs. But Moore has managed to secure permanent deals for two other former loanees Jason Lokilo and Cameron John. Rovers lost top scorer Kieran Sadlier, who turned down a new contract and long serving winger Matty Blair, who offered a great deal of versatility.

Recruitment so far has been promising. They have loaned England U21 goalkeeper Josef Bursik from Stoke City, attacking midfielder Taylor Richards and striker Tyreece John-Jules from Arsenal - all of whom come highly-rated. John and Lokilo both impressed on loan so having them in permanently to continue their development is a positive while Moore has also snapped up midfielder Ed Williams from Kidderminster Harriers, who could be set for a fairytale story as he rises out of non-league after six years.

It's hard to say whether Rovers will be in a stronger position because there is still work to be done but it feels like Moore has made his biggest impression on the squad so far.

Standing of the manager

Moore was appointed a year ago to near universal approval and he retains plenty of that to this day. There have been a few grumbles from supporters over his style in the transfer market, which is to play a waiting game for the specific targets he wants rather than acting quickly. But with the team playing some impressive attacking football and getting decent results last season, most are on side. Plenty of faith has been put in him by the Rovers board too so there's not likely to be any considerable pressure on his shoulders.

The mood among the fanbase

The positivity has grown over the last few weeks. There were a few grumbles from a section of the support about the focus on loan signings and shorter term contracts but the return of John on a two-year deal was a definite mood-changer. In a division that looks wide open, I think there is a good deal of positivity that Rovers can achieve their usual aim of a challenge for a top six finish.

Predicted finish

I think League One as a whole is so hard to predict this season but I have a good deal of confidence that Rovers can be pushing at the right end of the table once again. It feels like Moore is building something and that only gets stronger with each piece he has added. A play-off place would not surprise me at all.

FLEETWOOD TOWN (Tom Sandells, Blackpool Gazette)

Storyline of the summer

Since the season was ended early Fleetwood have had the play-offs! They were lucky that their season wasn't entirely over but it didn't exactly go to plan. An eventful first leg did all the damage really but it was another step for Barton's side and certainly something to build on. They were unlucky that they were one of the form teams in the country prior to the curtailing and had just beaten almost everyone around them.

Transfer business

It's been quite slow so far for Fleetwood's standards but that won't last forever. The most notable departures have been Lewie Coyle (off to hometown club Hull City), Kyle Dempsey (released on a free) and highly rated young 'keeper Billy Crellin getting a good loan move to Bolton.

Of the incomings, Callum Camps could be one to watch, tipped to be an attacking threat from midfield, while Mark Duffy is another smart and seasoned midfielder who could play alongside Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan. The defence is being bolstered too after losing several loanees from last season. Morgan Boyes is in from Liverpool on loan and Sam Stubbs permanently from Middlesbrough. They would have potentially played in front of new man Joel Coleman in goal but his season is put on hold after injury.

So far they've probably broken even on their strength from last season but there is still time and they will likely only get stronger.

Standing of the manager

Joey Barton's sixth place finish last season (dropping one on PPG) has only enhanced his reputation on the Fylde coast. He's well liked around these parts anyway but a first play-off campaign in his tenure is hopefully a sign of things to come. Barton was set on the automatic places and it was hard to argue as they approached the run-in. He's entering the final year of his contract, his aim since taking the job to have promotion secured by the end of it.

Mood amongst fanbase

Town fans are hopeful of more of the same. There is a level of trust in the club and Barton in that despite some popular faces and names leaving, they have not gone backwards - quite the opposite really. The departure of Coyle six months into a permanent deal is likely the only shock departure so with the right singings, and the club have a good record of late, their expectations will be to be in amongst the top six once again.

Predicted finish

There is still time in the market and I do think the squad will improve but for now I'll go 5th, at least an improvement on last season. A good season in the top end of the table.

GILLINGHAM (Luke Caldwell, Kent Online)

Storyline of the summer

It's been a rebuild at the Gills this summer, losing several players including captain Max Ehmer, as the club refused to hand out any contracts until a date for the new season was known. Manager Steve Evans only had a handful of contracted players return from the Covid lockdown, seven in total I believe, including two who were transfer listed and have now departed.

Transfer business

Signings are in double figures but that's purely because they had so few to start with. Eighteen were named in the EFL Trophy match at the weekend and there were none in reserve. Steve Evans has put his contacts to good use, however, with a couple of youngsters coming in from Arsenal, former Wolves player Jordan Graham signing permanently and other promising additions including Kyle Dempsey and Jacob Mellis. The newcomers have added to the group but the squad remains thin on the ground.

Standing of the manager

Steve Evans had to win over the fans when he turned up at the start of last season but many of those doubters are now behind him. He's turned a relegation team into one who weren't far off the play-offs last season. Fans were delighted to have a season without relegation fear and he's got them on side.

The mood among the fanbase

There seems to finally be a bit of optimism and belief around the place after several years of battling at the wrong end of the table.

Predicted finish

Bettering 10th place would be the aim, which is where they ended up last season. The league is stronger but Evans looks to be building a better squad so I'll go for seventh, with a fighting chance for sixth and sneaking into the play-offs.

HULL CITY (Philip Buckingham, Hull Live)

Storyline of the summer

It’s been a short and sobering one for Hull City. Relegated from the Championship with the mother of all capitulations, they now find themselves at their lowest level since 2004-05. The recent days of reaching the Premier League and an FA Cup final suddenly feel an awfully long time ago.

Grant McCann has attempted to regroup and has made no secret of his target to win promotion at the first attempt. To do so he will have to chase away the demons of 2020 and inject new belief into a squad that has forgotten how to win.

Transfer business

The high earners all moved on, such as Jon Toral, Kevin Stewart, Eric Lichaj, Jackson Irvine and Stephen Kingsley, shedding a huge amount off the wage bill ahead of a League One return.

Every player signed so far has experience of the level Hull City are joining. Richie Smallwood, Josh Emmanuel, Lewie Coyle and Greg Docherty have all enjoyed success in League One but, predictably, it is hard to make a case for this squad being stronger than last season.

Standing of the manager

Grant McCann will be under enormous pressure from the outset. He has accepted he is fortunate to be in a job after winning only one of 20 league games and only a positive start can possibly win over supporters that have already cast their judgement. His experience managing in League One is perhaps the only reason he was spared the axe this summer.

The mood among the fanbase

The slide from Premier League to League One inside four seasons ensures supporters are struggling for optimism. There is apathy fighting with anger against the club’s owners, the Allam family, whose business model has been blamed for the decline. Fans want change, as they have done for at least four years. If there is some positivity, it stems from the assembly of a capable League One squad. A top-six finish ought to be the expectation.

Predicted finish

The hangover from last season will be a heavy one and not easy to shake at a lower level. I’ll go with eighth.

IPSWICH TOWN (Stuart Watson, East Anglian Daily Times)

Storyline of the summer

Will Flynn Downes go? The homegrown midfielder was Ipswich's standout player last season, but he has handed in a transfer request after the club turned down two offers from Premier League club Crystal Palace. Speculation that James Norwood, who scored 11 goals last season, could be allowed to leave isn't going away either.

Transfer business

It's been a far smaller turnover of players compared to others in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Left-sided specialist Luke Garbutt, who scored six goals on loan from Everton last season, has been the only significant departure so far. He's been replaced by veteran Republic of Ireland international Stephen Ward (Stoke, free) - someone who will bring some much-needed leadership qualities.

Towering striker Oli Hawkins (Portsmouth, free) will provide the physical option up front that was lacking, while goalkeeper David Cornell (Northampton, free) arrives to battle for the No.1 spot.

Standing of the manager

Paul Lambert has got a lot of work to do to win back the hearts and minds of the fanbase following last season's 11th place finish.

Ipswich were in relegation form from early November onwards (19 points from 21 games). It was an unacceptable collapse and, potentially, the Covid-19 pandemic may have saved his job.

Owner Marcus Evans may have handed the Scot a five-year deal in January, but he'll know that the club can't afford to be stuck in this division too long.

The pressure is on from game one.

The mood among the fanbase

There's a lot of deep-rooted cynicism among Blues fans and understandably so after a near decade with virtually nothing - no cup runs, no derby wins, no Wembley trips - to get excited about. After years of steady stagnation and several false dawns the mood was, it seemed, pretty gloomy heading into the new season.

Then Ipswich swept aside Bristol Rovers 3-0 in the Carabao Cup with a very impressive performance last weekend. It's the hope that kills you.

Predicted finish

A big part of me thinks Lambert's 'tough love' approach with the squad this summer could quickly end in tears.

But it's also hard to not to be excited by the thought of Kane Vincent-Young, Teddy Bishop, Jack Lankester and Norwood staying fit, plus the likes of Andre Dozzell, Alan Judge, Freddie Sears and Emyr Huws kicking on.

I've been pretty encouraged by the purposeful play in 4-3-3 system so far this summer. And a big squad could prove useful for what will be a hectic schedule.

Prediction: 4th.

LINCOLN CITY (Mark Whiley, Lincolnshire Echo)

Storyline of the summer

As expected, there’s been a complete overhaul from manager Michael Appleton with the older, higher-earning and out-of-contract players leaving and 11 new signings coming in There are now just a couple of players left from the Cowley era.

It’s younger squad but with an experienced spine.

Keeper Alex Palmer, who won promotion with Plymouth last season, has come in from West Brom on loan. There’s two experienced centre-backs in Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh. Midfielder Liam Bridcutt has signed permanently following a successful loan spell last season while Tom Hopper is now an experienced striker at this level.

Transfer business

New players have arrived in all positions and there’s no doubt the squad is stronger than before the shutdown. It’s not the biggest squad but there’s competition in all positions while Appleton hasn’t been afraid to bring teenagers through from the first-team.

Standing of the manager

Overall, there’s a mood of positively towards Appleton. They like the style of football he is trying to implement. There’s a clear game plan, bringing through younger players, developing them and then possibly making a profit to be reinvested back into the squad. It’s what he did at Oxford and it worked wonders there.

The mood among the fanbase

Aside from not being able to go to games, the mood among the fans is upbeat. I think everyone would be happy with a mid-table finish. Predicted finish Lincoln have got an exciting looking side on paper. Now Appleton has the squad he wants, they should at least improve on last season’s 17th place. I’ll go for 11th.

MK DONS (Toby Lock, Milton Keynes Citizen)

Storyline of the summer

When Dons started to turn things around under Russell Martin, the summer storyline should have been how to progress from there. But with the surprising sales of Player of the Year Alex Gilbey to Charlton and top-scorer Rhys Healey to Toulouse, it's now a case of how to replace them.

Transfer business

The ins have been pretty positive, recapturing a few of the players who really made them tick last season, while bringing in some much-needed defensive nous and experience. Richard Keogh is probably the headline-grabbing addition, with Stoke midfielder Lasse Sorensen also looking an astute capture. But the sales of Healey and Gilbey will prove difficult to replace, and like-for-likes won't be common. It may not be until January that Dons can really establish their standing in League One.

Standing of the manager

The jury is probably still out on Russell Martin in terms of how good he can be with the club. Going from player in a miserable dressing room to the manager has been a fairly smooth transition though, and his rescue job at the end of last season cannot be overlooked and has earned him the right to put his mark on the club. With a pre-season behind him, a transfer window to go out and get who he wants for his vision for the club, Dons will begin to look a different proposition to the one which ended the campaign in 19th last time out.

The mood among the fanbase

The unrealistic ambition would be to attempt a play-off run, but most fans would be satisfied with a finish in the high teens, maybe top half if they're feeling greedy!

Predicted finish

Finishing towards the top of the bottom half would be a great turnaround I think, but it will all hinge on whether they can find a striker with a few goals in him before the windows close.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN (James Heneghen, Northampton Chronicle & Echo)

Storyline of the summer

For a long time supporters were riding the crest of a wave following Northampton's exhilarating play-off victory at the end of June. However, that positivity has been somewhat tempered by the loss of big players and a mixed pre-season campaign as reality begins to set in about the challenges of League One. Promotion almost felt a bonus given everything that happened last season but now fans want to see the club make the most of it and consolidate their position in the third tier.

Transfer business

It's hard to judge whether Northampton are in a better or worse position than last season due to the amount of movement in the transfer market. Players who were crucial to their promotion success, such as Charlie Goode, Callum Morton and Vadaine Oliver, are no more, while Keith Curle has also had to build a completely new-look defence. Nine players have joined the club and while they are largely unknown or unproven at this level, Curle has earned the trust of supporters following his impressive recruitment since being appointed manager two years ago. The main signings include Joseph Mills, Christopher Missilou, Cian Bolger and Benny Ashley-Seal.

Standing of the manager

Due to the changes in the playing squad, it was vital Northampton kept hold of Keith Curle so confirmation of a new deal in July was welcomed by supporters. He brings continuity and a clear identity with him as the Cobblers make the step up to League One, something that will be crucial given the amount of changes in the playing squad. He's yet to win over everyone but the vast majority were happy to see Curle sign up for another two years.

The mood among the fanbase

Depends who you talk to! It's a mix of excitement and apprehension with some expecting a top-half finish and others simply happy to avoid the drop. Generally though, most people would be content with 20th place or higher and consolidation in the third tier. That might be setting a low bar but fans are aware of the challenges that await in League One this season and too many times before they've seen their team waste the achievement of promotion by following it with relegation within one or two seasons.

Predicted finish

It'll be a tough campaign for Northampton and there will be some difficult days ahead, but I fancy they have enough to avoid relegation by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: 15th place.

OXFORD UNITED (James Roberts, Oxford Mail)

Storyline of the summer

It's scarcely believable that the vote to end the season was only three months ago, as it feels like a lifetime. United's play-off final defeat to Wycombe was extra painful as they shot themselves in the foot somewhat, but the noises coming out of the club suggests they have put that behind them. Some promising signings have created the feeling that they will avoid a hangover from last season.

Transfer business

Supporters were ecstatic to see striker Matty Taylor, who scored 17 goals on loan last season, return on a permanent deal. Liam Kelly is back for a second loan spell and could be a real asset if he stays fit, while Sean Clare and Joel Cooper have filled holes at right back and on the left wing respectively. Former Arsenal and Barcelona B midfielder Marcus McGuane has shown touches of real class in pre-season, so it will be fascinating to see how he performs with a run of games. The only major departure is centre back Rob Dickie to QPR, but United had braced themselves for that. You still feel they need a back-up striker, another left winger and a reserve left back, but it has been a good window so far.

Standing of the manager

Karl Robinson signed a new four-year contract this week, with the deal all-but confirmed. He often goes on about how much the club means to him and the feeling is mutual. After getting through a sticky first six months in the job, he has now been at United for two and a half years and remains popular with the fans.

The mood among the fanbase 

While losing the play-off final seemed like a huge missed opportunity, the positivity around the club last season has carried over to this one. Supporters seem pretty content with most aspects of the club and will be expecting United to mount another play-off push.

Predicted finish

Expecting United to challenge for promotion again, if the remaining gaps in the squad are filled. 6th. 

PETERBOROUGH UNITED (Alan Swann, Peterborough Telegraph)

Storyline of the summer

Posh co-owner (or El Presidente as he likes to be called now) Darragh MacAnthony has dubbed this season 'Operation Vengeance' after the coronavirus and EFL dithering scuppered the 2019-20 campaign when the team were in great form and facing a relatively simple run-in.

However his Vengeance Tour is a dangerous outlook for a team who haven't even reached the play-offs in any of the last six seasons and could well come back to bite him.

Transfer business

Losing Ivan Toney leaves a huge hole which the club are hoping Jonson Clarke-Harris will mostly fill, but the multi-million pound sale also financed the return of Sammie Szmodics which is massive.

10 of the team who finished last season so well are back again, but the one that's missing was the key to the post-January success.

Accepting the best player had to be sold transfer business has been as good as it could have been, although the transfer listing of Posh legend George Boyd was sad, yet inevitable.

Standing of the manager

Manager Darren Ferguson under no pressure at all. It's a long-term project which MacAnthony and his partners are committed to. Ferguson is a much more relaxed character than in his previous spells, but the fans will doubtless get grumpy with him if all the hype turns into failure again.

The mood among the fanbase

They were happy and then Szmodics returned and now they are deliriously happy.

Predicted finish

They must make the top six this time surely?

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (Chris Errington, Plymouth Herald)

Storyline of the summer

Argyle were promoted from League Two in third place on a points-per-game basis. The club has been protected from the worst of the financial fall-out caused by COVID-19 by a £3.5 million cash injection from club owner and chairman Simon Hallett. That means that, in the circumstances, Argyle are relatively stable at the moment.

Transfer business

Ryan Lowe has made eight summer signings, with striker Ryan Hardie and left wing-back/midfielder George Cooper both returning after successful loan spells in 2019/20.

Hardie is on a season-long loan from Blackpool and Cooper was signed from Peterborough on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, both much to the excitement of the Green Army. There are high hopes for both of them. Standing of the manager Ryan Lowe was a breath of fresh air in his first season at Home Park, and leading Argyle to immediate promotion after their relegation from League One in 2018/19 only enhanced his already high standing with the fans. His positive, attacking style of football is very popular with them.

The mood among the fanbase

After the team's promotion from League Two, plus some potentially good summer signings, there is a mood of optimism among the Green Army, with some even talking about a promotion/play-off push.

Predicted finish

All football clubs will miss having fans at games at the start of the season but Home Park really would have been rocking had the Green Army been allowed to attend matches such has been the positivity created by Lowe and his players. A solid mid-table finish would be a good achievement on Argyle's return to the third tier of English football.

PORTSMOUTH (Neil Allen, The News)

Storyline of the summer

Pompey returned to prepare for a play-off semi-final which subsequently saw their elimination on penalties.

Yet hopes of strengthening by launching a necessary clear-out never materialised.

Fiercely against the salary cap, Pompey’s £4m playing budget must now be crammed into £2.5m, while the necessity to meet squad size criteria left them with two available slots in the transfer window.

The summer has been one of frustration and disillusionment.

Transfer business

Pompey’s lack of recruitment this summer has been hugely disappointing.

Sean Raggett’s loan from Norwich was made permanent, while in the last fortnight Cameron Pring has come on loan from Bristol City and Callum Johnson arrived from Accrington.

That has been the only activity, with the club hampered by the salary cap and squad size restrictions.

Meanwhile, Player of the Year Christian Burgess has departed and not been replaced.

Overall, the team has stood still and is clearly no better than last season.

Standing of the manager

Kenny Jackett enters a fourth season at Fratton Park with a fanbase mostly disillusioned and advocating change.

Pompey have lost in successive play-offs and there are those among the Fratton faithful who no longer believe he is the man to win promotion and are fed up with his brand of football.

Jackett, though, has a win percentage of more than 50 per cent, the best of any Pompey manager in the last 70 years, was undefeated in the league at Fratton Park last season and continues to have the full backing of the owners.

The mood among the fanbase

There is a lot of disillusionment among a fanbase who have seen their team lose in successive play-off semi-finals. In fact, Pompey have never won a play-off game in their history.

An uninspiring transfer window has done little to raise morale, while Kenny Jackett has lost a lot of support.

Nobody is expecting automatic promotion this season. The play-offs again are perceived as the best-case scenario.

Predicted finish

Pompey have stagnated and there is absolutely nothing to suggest they can better last season’s play-off finish, particularly considering the lack of recruitment.

However, Jackett remains a safe pair of hands who possesses the nucleus of a good team and can be banked on to comfortably finish in the top 10.

Of course, that would be nowhere near good enough for Pompey - or the under-pressure Jackett.

Still, I believe they can once again make the play-offs - which is punishment in itself after never winning a play-off game in eight fixtures.

ROCHDALE (Mike Minay, BBC Radio Manchester)

Storyline of the summer 

Since Covid brought the League One season to a premature end, Rochdale have managed themselves well from a financial perspective – but what else would you expect? Their big story came from the transfer stories – letting eight first team players go at the end of their contracts, including Ian Henderson who was three goals away from levelling the all-time record at the club. It brought about a war of words between club and player, but ahead of 2020/21 it looks like both have moved on.

Transfer business

As mentioned above – eight first team players left, with ‘Hendo’ being the biggest one. They are arguably weaker and will want to make some more signings before Deadline Day. They have brought in Alex Newby from Chorley who has started brightly at the Crown Oil Arena, plus a couple of season-long loans from Manchester City’s increasingly successful academy. They also binned off the old pitch and have relayed a new one, which shouldn’t wear as easily, and drain better – a much needed transfer.

Standing of the manager

A popular figure with the fans, he will only come under pressure if the club falls off the pace. Rochdale know they significantly kick their legs to keep their head above water in League One – but as the manager himself said, they are the underdogs and they feed off that. Seven years in League One this season!

The mood among the fanbase

The fans respect the board and their decision to cut cloth accordingly. Ending the season with a look forward to an eighth League One campaign will done the supporters nicely.  

Predicted finish

Expect nothing but the same from Rochdale. Won’t pull up trees but won’t sink without a trace. Mid-lower half of the table. I’ll say 18th.

SHREWSBURY TOWN (Lewis Cox, Express & Star)

Storyline of the summer

The storyline for Town has very much been centred on how to make the team more attacking, front-footed, easy on the eye and crucially score more goals.

Town were low scorers on the way to finishing 15th last term, netting the second-fewest (31 in 34 games) after Bolton.

But Ricketts has ripped up the plan and drilled his side to a new 4-3-3 formation and the additions so far have all added pace, energy and mobility.

The likelihood is they will be more open and concede more goals but the fans were calling for more entertainment and will likely get it. The 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough a week ago looked decent for starters.

Transfer business

As it stands there have been five additions, Scott High, Marlon Fossey and Matija Sarkic on loan from Huddersfield, Fulham and Wolves. The former has caught the eye and the latter, a goalkeeper, is viewed as a coup.

Josh Daniels, a tricky winger, has checked in from part-time Northern Ireland outfit Glenavon and forward Rekeil Pyke joined from Huddersfield.

In the other direction have gone Josh Laurent, to Championship side Reading, which was a blow. Long-serving defender Omar Beckles has departed for League One new-boys Crewe.

Ricketts plans to add some genuine League One quality to his ranks before October 16.

Standing of the manager

Supporters are intrigued to see how the new style and system promised by Ricketts, who has been at the club getting on for two years, plays out.

Town have been a solid and organised outfit under the Welshman but the fans have been calling for more expressive football.

There is no suggestion that Ricketts is under pressure at the club but fans are hopeful that the new style of football can yield some exciting action and positive results. It will be interesting to see how things play out if the season starts with some difficult results - though the manager has said it takes time to implement a new system.

The mood among the fanbase

Heading into their sixth campaign in a row in the third tier, the fans are hopeful of seeing Salop push towards a mid-table to top half finish.

They are realistic that Town are far from the division's big spenders but after reaching the 2017/18 play-off final, Town fans know what can happen if the manager gets it right and everything falls into place.

Last season's Covid-affected finish of 15th was the second-highest at this level for three decades, so from the outside looking in it reads a good achievement - particularly when factoring in the FA Cup adventure to Anfield. Building and improving on that - with some exciting attacking football and plenty of goals - is what the fans desire.

Predicted finish

15th. Town will end up in a similar position to last season, but will be far more of an attractive watch, yielding some interesting results. They will score and concede more goals.

SUNDERLAND (James Hunter, Chronicle Live)

Storyline of the summer

Once the controversial decision was taken to curtail the season, Sunderland fans turned their attention to owner Stewart Donald and his attempts to sell the club.

The supporters had made it very clear to Donald at Christmas time that he had outstayed his welcome, and in response he told them he would actively seek a buyer.

A deal was apparently close in March, but the Covid-19 shutdown changed the landscape around football in League One and progress seemed to grind to a halt.

Various groups and characters – some more credible than others – have since been linked with the club, and Donald has let it be known that he is in talks with a prospective new owner, although their identity remains shrouded in mystery.

The latest update is that a deal could be finalised by the end of September, but fans are treating it with a mixture of scepticism and concern – sceptical that it will happen at all, and concern that if it does, they do not know who will succeed Donald.

Aside from the curtailment and the ownership issue, the other bone of contention this summer has been the EFL’s decision to bring in a salary cap in League One, which Sunderland were firmly against.

They feel that a flat cap is a blunt instrument because it takes no account of a club’s income – trying to impose the same spending constraints on Sunderland (average attendance last season 30,000) and, at the other end of the scale, Accrington Stanley (average attendance 2,800) is less about sustainability, and more about leveling the playing field.

Transfer business

Phil Parkinson has spent the summer reshaping his squad, while having to work within the parameters of the salary cap.

Half-a-dozen senior players – Alim Ozturk, Jack Baldwin, Kyle Lafferty, Joel Lynch, Jon McLaughlin, and Duncan Watmore – were out of contract and left the club, while youngster Bali Mumba was sold to Norwich City.

And Parkinson has brought in a similar number of replacements, with Aiden O’Brien, Bailey Wright, Morgan Feeney, Remi Matthews, Danny Graham, and Arbenit Xhemajli joining the club. Parkinson is also hopeful of bringing in one more new face before the window closes.

It’s early days, but the squad looks slightly stronger going into this season than it did last term.

Standing of the manager

Parkinson got off to a terrible start when he took over in October, winning just two of his first 14 games in charge and at that stage he was under immense pressure.

But after Christmas they won nine and lost only one of their next 12 league games to put them right back in the promotion hunt and in the process Parkinson won over a lot of his critics.

A four-game slump that culminated in a defeat at Bristol Rovers just before the season was halted proved costly though as Sunderland dropped out of the play-off spots, meaning they missed out on a shot at promotion – with some fans raising doubts over Parkinson once again.

No manager is ever universally popular, but the vast majority of Sunderland fans recognise that Parkinson has a lot of experience at this level and has won promotion from League One with Colchester and Bolton, and they seem willing to give him a fair crack of the whip in his first full season in the job.

The mood among the fanbase

Sunderland fans expect promotion this season, just as they did last season, and the season before that.

The 2018-19 season was only Sunderland’s second season outside the top two divisions in the club’s history, and yet the current campaign will be their third in a row in the third tier.

They lost in the play-off final in 2018-19, the Covid-19 disruption meant their fate was determined with an abacus last season when they were just three points outside the automatic promotion places, but there can be no excuses this time round.

Predicted finish

Sunderland have strengthened over the summer and I think they will finish in the top two come May. A play-off spot would be seen by fans as a disappointment, but one that could be redeemed as long as the club wins promotion. But to fail a third time would be a crisis.

SWINDON TOWN (Jonathan Leighfield, Swindon Advertiser)

Storyline of the summer

Town were awarded the League Two title via the PPG system – something that both delighted and frustrated many at the County Ground. On the one hand, it was widely believed that Richie Wellens’ squad would have gone on to complete the job anyway, therefore the title was deserved. On the other, it was sad not to be able to lift the trophy in front of the fans who had travelled in great numbers all season.

Transfer business

Several members of last season’s title-winning squad departed for pastures new, including Eoin Doyle. Most left the club with good wishes, however it has left Wellens with another considerable rebuilding job. The incomings such as Jack Payne, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Matej Kovar have restored some faith, but a handful more signings will be needed to compete at the right end of the table.

Standing of the manager

Richie Wellens is still very much liked by all Swindon fans for his straight-talking, openness when dealing with all matters surrounding the club. Not to mention, in his first full season, the Mancunian managed Town to the title.

The mood among the fanbase

I’m not sure anyone expects Town to set the league alight, but a disappointing result and performance in the League Cup against Charlton possibly checked the mood even more. I’m sure most would consider a top-half finish and taking six points from the team in yellow down the A420 a huge success though.

Predicted finish

What I want to happen and what I think will happen are probably quite far apart. But I believe Town will finish in mid-table with a win over Oxford coming at home in controversial circumstances.

WIGAN ATHLETIC (Paul Kendrick, Wigan Today)

Storyline of the summer

I'm sure it doesn't need me to explain what's been going on at Wigan over the summer. It's been a story that would have been thrown out of Hollywood for being too far-fetched - and there's no sign of it ending any time soon. Heartbreaking stuff.

Transfer business

As bad as it gets. Pretty much every player worth anything has been moved on, with their places in the squad being filled from the club's Academy. There's no lack of quality in the youth ranks, but they're being thrown in at the deep end. Experienced back-up needs to arrive ASAP.

Standing of the manager

Leam Richardson has been thrust into the spotlight after years as Paul Cook's number two. It remains to be seen whether he'll stay on if/when the club is sold, depending on their plans. He'll provide some desperately needed continuity and stability.

The mood among the fanbase

The mood among the fans is still one of sheer disbelief after the events of the past few months. We should have been gearing up for a genuine go at the Championship play-offs. Instead, we could well end the campaign in League Two.

Predicted finish

It's impossible to say at the moment, while the ownership of the club is still up in the air. But at the moment - and after seeing what's happened to Bolton in the last year - staying in League One would probably represent real success at this moment in time..