League One Preview: 6 August

So here we go, it’s that time of the year again when the Football League season begins. Following last season’s drama and a summer of international European Championships in France, 24 sides in League One begin another campaign which will include ups and downs a plenty.

For the first time this season, here is your League One Preview:

Bolton Wanderers vs Sheffield United 

Two former Premier League sides meet at the Macron Stadium as relegated Bolton welcome Sheffield United.

Phil Parkinson will take charge of the Trotters for the first time as the former Bradford and Charlton manager looks to take his side back to the Championship at the first time of asking. The 48 year old, who replaces Neil Lennon following the club’s relegation, lead Bradford to the League One play-offs last season, but decided to switch to the greater Manchester side.

As for the opponents, Sheffield United too have a new manager in former Northampton boss Chris Wilder. Wilder, who made over 100 appearances for the Blades as a player, lead the Cobblers to automatic promotion from League Two last season after winning the league. Wilder follows from Nigel Adkins, who could only gide the club to an 11th placed finish last season.

 

Bradford City vs Port Vale 

Bradford begin life without Phil Parkinson as the League One side begin the season with a home game against Port Vale.

The Bantams have brought in Stuart McCall as Parkinson’s successor, and he’ll be hoping to replicate the relative success of last season, finishing in the play-offs and working some impressive cup runs in that time too.

After Robert Page left to join Northampton, The Valiants have brought in Portuguese manager Bruno Ribeiro as his replacement. The 40 year old, who played for Leeds and Sheffield United in the late 90’s, is relatively unknown as a manager, but has brought in ten new faces as they look to improve on last season’s 12th placed finish.

 

Bury vs Charlton Athletic 

Bury begin their second season in League One with a home game against relegated Charlton Athletic.

Manager David Flitcroft, who guided the Shakers to promotion from League Two two seasons ago, has made some experienced signings in the shape of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and midfielder Neil Danns as they look to improve on last season’s 16th placed finish.

As for Charlton, their always seems to be drama at the club, and following last seasons relegation from the Championship, that seems to be continuing. Former Cardiff City manager Russell Slade becomes the Addicks seventh manager in just two years and will hope to guide the club back to the second tier of English football. The signing of Swindon Town striker Nicky Ajose has been a hit, but a lack of transfer activity could be a cause for concern for the former Premier League side.

Millwall vs Oldham Athletic 

Millwall had a sound season in League One last time out, finishing 4th, but will be hoping to go one better this season with promotion on the cards, and they begin their campaign with the visit of Oldham.

Lions legend Neil Harris remains in charge, and will certainly be focused on automatic promotion back to the Championship. As for Oldham, they’re currently the longest serving side in the third tier, now playing at this level for 20 years. Last season’s 17th placed finish was another average campaign, particularly after losing two managers in the shape of David Dunn and John Sheridan. As is, the Latics will look for a play-off push at best.

 

Northampton Town vs Fleetwood Town

League Two champions Northampton begin life in League One with a home game against Fleetwood.

The Cobblers, now under new management in the shape of Rob Page following Chris Wilder’s departure to Sheffield United, haven’t made a lot of signings heading into the new season, and have struggled in pre-season.

As for Fleetwood, their hopes of a solid season will come down to the experience of new manager Uwe Rosler. The German will hope to bring consistency to the side, and has brought in seven players over the summer in the hopes of improving from last seasons 19th placed finish.

Oxford United vs Chesterfield 

Oxford are back in League One for the first time in 15 years after gaining promotion from League Two, and Michael Appleton’s side begin the campaign with a home game against Chesterfield.

The U’s had an exceptional season last time out, finishing 2nd, beating Swansea City in the FA Cup and playing at Wembley in the JPT Final. Over the summer, inevitably, Appleton was unable to keep hold of two star players in the shape of Kemar Roofe and Callum O’Dowda, who joined Leeds and Bristol City respectively. That said, they’ve brought in some good replacements in the shape of the SPL second top goalscorer Kane Hemmings, and defenders Curtis Nelson and Aaron Martin from Plymouth and Coventry respectively.

As for Chesterfield, Danny Wilson’s side will be looking for improvements from last seasons 18th placed finish. Wilson has brought a few new faces through the door at the Proact Stadium, and a top half finish could be on the cards.

 

Rochdale vs Peterborough United 

Two of last seasons mid table sides meet at Spotland as Rochdale host Peterborough.

The Dale, managed by Keith Hill, will be looking to improve on last season, but has had a quiet summer in terms of transfers compared to other clubs.

As for the Posh, they too will be looking to improve, and have a new manager in the shape of Grant McCann, a former Northern Ireland international who also made well over 100 appearances for Peterborough. The 38 year old has made some key signings so far as he looks to shape up the squad for the upcoming campaign.

 

Scunthorpe United vs Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers begin their League One campaign after last seasons promotion with a trip to Glanford Park to face Scunthorpe.

The Iron, under new management in the shape of former Fleetwood boss Graham Alexander, finished last term in 7th, so a similar season would go down well with the supporters.

As for the Gas, they’ve had a brilliant few seasons under manager Darrell Clarke. After relegation to the Conference, the club have gained back to back promotions back to League One, and have managed to keep hold of last seasons top scorer Matty Taylor too, despite transfer rumours about him leaving The Memorial Stadium.

 

Shrewsbury Town vs MK Dons 

After relegation from the Championship, Karl Robinson’s Dons begin their season with a trip to Shrewsbury.

Salop, who finished in a disappointing 20th position last season, will be looking to push up the table this time around, still under the management of Micky Mellon, who lead them to promotion from League Two the previous season.

As for the Dons, they’ll be looking to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt after finishing bottom last season. Robinson has brought in a few new faces, including goalkeeper Lee Nicholls.

Southend United vs Gillingham 

Southend welcome Gillingham to Roots Hall for their opening game of the season.

The Shrimpers, who finished in mid table last season, will hope for a promotion push this time around, with manager Phil Brown bringing in the likes of former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger. But the Essex club have lost some key players, particularly goalkeeper Daniel Bentley who has joined Brentford.

Gillingham finished just outside the play-offs last season, and Justin Edinburgh will be looking for a slightly better outcome this season. With the experienced singing of Paul Konchesky and talent in Lee Martin and Scott Wagstaff, the Gills could see themselves in a top six spot by the end of the campaign.

 

Swindon Town vs Coventry City 

Promotion favourites Coventry travel to Swindon for their opening fixture this season.

The Robins, who finished 15th last time out, are looking to improve from last season, with Luke Williams still at the helm after replacing Martin Ling in December. The Robins have lost top scorer Nicky Ajose however, and they could struggle this season.

As for the Sky Blues, they just missed out on the play-offs last season, and Tony Mowbray will be looking to go one better this time. The former West Bromwich manager has made some key signings as the Midlands club look to promotion to the Championship.

 

Walsall vs AFC Wimbledon 

AFC Wimbledon begin their first ever season in the third tier of English football with a trip to Walsall.

The Saddlers, who finished 3rd in League One last season, have brought in some strong singing as the Midlands club look for automatic promotion. They have lost a few players too, but after last seasons unexpected finish, a similar situation could be on the cards.

What a story for AFC Wimbledon. The history with the former Premier League club, the controversy surrounding MK Dons and the arrival of a new non-league side in the shape of AFC, they’ve made it to League One. Not only that, but Neal Ardley’s side are now in the same league as their Dons rivals. Ardley has brought some new additions to Kingsmeadow after gaining promotion to League One through the play-offs, and they’ll be looking for a solid debut season.