Vital Lincoln City – League One Season Preview 2020-21 (Part One)
To keep up to date with the latest transfers of the Football Clubs in Part One, click HERE.
Part One – Page One: Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and Charlton Athletic.
Part One – Page Two: Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Gillingham, Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Part Two – Page One: Lincoln City, Milton Keynes Dons, Northampton Town, Oxford United, Peterborough United and Plymouth Argyle.
Part Two – Page Two: Portsmouth, Rochdale, Shrewsbury, Sunderland, Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic.
The article has been published with two pages (6 clubs on each page). To get to the second page, press “Click here for the next six clubs!” at the bottom right of the page!
INTRODUCTION
The information in this preview is complete to 5pm on 9 September 2020.
Managerial data is as accurate as I can make it: it is almost impossible to identify the exact dates managers joined or left minor non-league clubs 25 years ago, and detailed statistical information for minor leagues is not readily available. Online statistics databases have not been used due to the errors they can contain. As the figures are self-compiled, any errors therefore are my fault entirely. Firstly, sincere apologies to the subjects; secondly, any errors should be minor and not affect the overall impression; thirdly, it will be more accurate than Wikipedia.
An average points per game figure is given for each manager. In order to translate that into something more tangible, the table below shows how many points that figure equates to over the course of a 46-game season. Although other factors obviously come into play, it gives an indication of how likely that manager is to be involved in a relegation struggle (under 1.20 PPG), a play-off challenge (above 1.50 PPG needed) or an automatic promotion challenge (above 1.70 PPG needed).
As for the player sections, permanent transfers and longer-term loans in are included; all shorter-term loans and season-long loans out are not included. Players given their first professional contracts from academy status are not included as new signings. Remember that the transfer window does not close until 16 October, long after the season has begun: later signings may be significant.
Under normal circumstances, we would only note the results of standard 90-minute pre-season games. However, many games have not followed that format this summer for obvious reasons; therefore, we have listed every pre-season result regardless of format. Normal service will be resumed next year.
There is usually a caveat with these Season Previews, and this year it is a significant one. Last season was like no other, creating a set of circumstances that have generated an immeasurable number of variables. The advent of the salary cap and its transitional rules suggests that almost anything could happen once the season gets under way. For this reason, I have included a lot of financial information on each club in an attempt to clarify who the winners and losers may be.
Finally, bookmakers’ odds are for promotion.
Scotimp, 9/9/2020
ACCRINGTON STANLEY
Last season: 17th
P35 W10 D10 L15 F47 A53 Pts40
Average attendance: 2,862 (lowest in League One)
Chairman/owner: Andy Holt, 55 (appointed October 2015)
Manager: John Coleman, 57 (appointed September 2014)
John Coleman’s managerial record:
Players out (13):
Goalkeepers (1):
Dimitar Evtimov, 26 (CSKA Sofia – Bulgaria)
Defenders (4):
Phil Edwards, 34
Zaine Francis-Angol, 27 (Boreham Wood)
Callum Johnson, 23 (Portsmouth)
Matty Williams, 20
Midfielders (5):
Wilson Carvalho, 27 (Macclesfield Town)
Jordan Clark, 26 (Luton Town)
Érico de Sousa, 25
Lewis Doyle, 20 (Atherton Collieries)
Lewis Gilboy, 20 (AFC Bury)
Forwards (3):
Offrande Zanzala, 23 (Crewe Alexandra)
Alex O’Neill, 20
Andrew Scott, 20 (Larne)
Players in (8):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (2):
Stephen Sama, 27 (Heracles Almelo – Netherlands)
Cameron Burgess, 24 (Scunthorpe United)
Midfielders (4):
Matt Butcher, 23 (AFC Bournemouth)
Mo Sangare, 21 (Newcastle United – season loan)
Tom Scully, 20 (Norwich City)
Tariq Uwakwe, 20 (Chelsea – season loan)
Forwards (2):
Tom Allan, 20 (Newcastle United – season loan)
Ryan Cassidy, 19 (Watford – season loan)
Average age of players out: 24
Average age of players in: 22
Number of players in squad: 27
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Sean McConville, 31 (winger)
Season ticket sales: 770 (at 3/9/2020)
Ground capacity: 5,450
Visiting supporter capacity: 2,300 (1,800 standing, 500 seated)
Pre-season:
P5 W1 D1 L3 F7 A11
15/8 Oldham Athletic A 3-3 Pritchard, Cassidy, OG
18/8 Southport A 3-4 Allan, Cassidy, Perritt
22/8 Bolton Wanderers N 0-3 (at Bamber Bridge)
27/8 Blackburn Rovers U23 A 0-1
29/8 Salford City A 1-0 Cassidy (pen)
Commentary:
“My thoughts for this year, we got promoted two years ago winning League Two quite comfortably and the three teams who went up with us [Luton, Wycombe and Coventry], who we finished above, are all in the Championship so why can’t we aim for that? I seriously believe that. Why can’t it be us?” – Accrington manager John Coleman
Accrington had their largest ever squad last season of around thirty players, supplemented by a significant quota of loanees. That is a very high number for a small club at any time, and manager John Coleman confirms that this season will be very different. Despite the obvious challenges, he is confident that he can build a side capable of challenging for promotion this season. That may cause amusement in some parts of League One, but Coleman says he has been inspired by Wycombe’s success through the play-offs and his record is hard to dispute. He has four promotions to date from his nineteen seasons at Accrington – all as champions – but a fifth would be truly exceptional.
Summer business followed its usual pattern of losing a key player or two and an influx of Premier League loans. The loss of winger Jordan Clark to Luton was far from ideal, and he will be difficult to replace. The pick of the loans appears to be Ryan Cassidy from Watford, who is highly-rated by his own club and scored regularly in pre-season. Tariq Uwakwe hit a hat-trick on his debut in the 7-0 win over Leeds U21 in the EFL Trophy, with Cassidy adding two more. Tom Allan captained the Newcastle U23 side last season and scored a creditable 17 goals. German defender Stephen Sama from Dutch club Heracles has a good background, having played for the Manchester United academy. A poor set of pre-season results will have done little for confidence, although the win over Leeds may have resolved that. Accrington have a young squad that became even younger during the summer, and it may take some time for the renewed squad to gel.
John Coleman is set to pass 1,000 league games this season as a manager. Although the majority came outside of the Football League, it gives him great experience of the game which is almost unparalleled in League One. The bookmakers are forecasting relegation again despite Coleman’s promotion dream, but there are several clubs in League One with bigger problems to face than well-run Accrington.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 16/1
Prediction: Another bottom eight finish, but Coleman is a clever manager.
AFC WIMBLEDON
Last season: 20th
P35 W8 D11 L16 F39 A52 Pts35
Average attendance: 4,383
Chairman: None
CEO: Joe Palmer, 44 (appointed April 2019)
Manager: Glyn Hodges, 57 (appointed September 2019)
Glyn Hodges’ managerial record:
Players out (11):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (3):
Rod McDonald, 28 (Carlisle United)
Kyron Stabana, 22
Reuben Collins, 19
Midfielders (6):
Anthony Wordsworth, 31
Scott Wagstaff, 30 (Forest Green Rovers)
Dylan Connolly, 25 (St Mirren)
Mitch Pinnock, 25 (Kilmarnock)
Ossama Ashley, 20 (West Ham United)
Finlay Macnab, 19
Forwards (2):
Kwesi Appiah, 30
Tommy Wood, 21
Players in (7):
Goalkeepers (1):
Connal Trueman, 24 (Birmingham City – season loan)
Defenders (1):
Cheye Alexander, 25 (Barnet)
Midfielders (3):
Alex Woodyard, 27 (Peterborough United)
Ethan Chislett, 22 (Aldershot Town)
Jaako Oksanen, 19 (Brentford – season loan)
Forwards (2):
Ollie Palmer, 28 (Crawley Town)
Ryan Longman, 19 (Brighton & Hove Albion – season loan)
Average age of players out: 24
Average age of players in: 23
Number of players in squad: 27
Player of the Season 2019-20: Terell Thomas, 24 (centre-half)
One to watch: Joe Pigott, 26 (striker)
Season ticket sales: not known
Ground capacity: 18,439 (Loftus Road), 9,000 (Plough Lane)
Visiting supporter capacity: Loftus Road 1,800 – can be increased to 2,500 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P5 W4 D0 L1 F13 A4
8/8 Corinthian Casuals A 5-0 Chiabi 3, Guinness-Walker, Thomas
11/8 Leatherhead A 2-1 Woodyard, Assal
15/8 Tonbridge Angels A 3-0 Chislett, Pigott, Chiabi
19/8 Metropolitan Police A 3-0 Hartigan, Fisher, Guinness-Walker
22/8 Queens Park Rangers A 0-3
Commentary:
The headline for AFC Wimbledon is the imminent completion of their new £30 million stadium on Plough Lane, although paying for its construction has been far from plain sailing. A shortfall of £11 million has been partially addressed by a bond issue, which has raised £5.5 million to date, and a bridging loan of £4 million. Exactly how the bond will be financed on a long-term basis is another question, and the loan has to be repaid within 18 months. With such a degree of debt-gearing and the effects of the coronavirus suspension, it may be some time before AFCW can sail into clearer financial waters.
Success on the pitch and the repayment of those debts will depend on how many of their 9,000 new seats the club can fill, and for how long. Various plans have been proposed to attract supporters to the new venue and to tie them in for the long term. A complex debenture scheme has been launched: operating over a ten-year period, it offers a 50% discount on the price of a 2020-21 season ticket price, a 5% discount thereafter, and eleven years for the price of ten in exchange for a minimum fee of £45 per month. A maximum of 50-60% of total capacity will be available for debenture purchases when the stadium opens in late October. A more immediate aim was to raise £1 million to see them through the coronavirus suspension, supplemented by the sale of non-refundable season tickets.
The 2019-20 season was far from spectacular for the Dons. There was upheaval in September when manager Wally Downes was charged with gambling irregularities and suspended by the club. After being found guilty in October, Downes was sacked and replaced by his assistant Glyn Hodges. Whether Downes would have kept his job for much longer anyway was a moot point: when he was suspended from his job on 25 September, AFCW were second from bottom of League One without a win from their first ten games. Hodges led the side to six wins from his first eleven games to lift them out of the bottom three, although only two more games were won by the time football ceased in early March. Dons finished the curtailed season just three points above the drop zone, and may be grateful for Bury’s demise and the shambles at Bolton for keeping them in League One.
On the playing side, what does the 2020-21 season hold for AFCW in their new home? Success on the pitch is vital if those debts are to be repaid, but the immediate outlook is not promising. The size of the squad has been reduced, and the pick of the signings appears to be defensive midfielder Alex Woodyard from Peterborough. Striker Ollie Palmer scored 30 goals in two seasons at Crawley, but he has never kicked a ball in League One. Pre-season offered few clues to the side’s ability, with four straightforward games against junior non-league opposition and the other against QPR.
Manager Glyn Hodges believes AFCW can do better this season, which seems a tad optimistic when the financial pressures he is operating under are considered. However, the sense of achievement when they step into that new stadium should not be underestimated, and may give the side the impetus needed to stay in League One.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 40/1
Prediction: Unsuccessful relegation battle, but that new stadium may raise their game.
BLACKPOOL
Last season: 13th
P35 W11 D12 L12 F44 A43 Pts45
Average attendance: 8,770
Chairman/owner: Simon Sadler, 50 (appointed June 2019)
Manager: Neil Critchley, 41 (appointed March 2020)
Neil Critchley’s managerial record:
Players out (12):
Goalkeepers (3):
Mark Howard, 33
Chris Mafoumbi, 26
Myles Boney, 22 (South Shields)
Defenders (2):
Ryan Edwards, 26 (Dundee United)
Sean Graham, 19
Midfielders (3):
Jay Spearing, 31 (Tranmere Rovers)
Sean Scannell, 29 (Grimsby Town)
Yusifu Ceesay, 25 (Altrincham)
Forwards (4):
Nathan Delfouneso, 29 (Bolton Wanderers)
Armand Gnanduillet, 28 (Altay SK – Turkey)
Owen Watkinson, 19
Tony Weston, 16 (Glasgow Rangers)
Players in (11):
Goalkeepers (1):
Alex Fojtíček, 20 (Manchester United)
Defenders (1):
Marvin Ekpiteta, 25 (Leyton Orient)
Midfielders (6):
CJ Hamilton, 25 (Mansfield Town)
Jordan (MJ) Williams, 24 (Rochdale)
Ethan Robson, 23 (Sunderland)
Oliver Sarkic, 23 (Burton Albion)
Demetri Mitchell, 23 (Manchester United)
Daniel Kemp, 21 (West Ham United – season loan)
Forwards (3):
Keshi Anderson, 25 (Swindon Town)
Jerry Yates, 23 (Rotherham United)
Bez Lubala, 23 (Crawley Town)
Average age of players out: 25
Average age of players in: 23
Number of players in squad: 25
Player of the Season 2019-20: Liam Feeney, 33 (winger)
One to watch: Sully Kaikai, 25 (winger)
Season ticket sales: 3,020 (at 18/8/2020 – limited to 4,000)
Ground capacity: 16,750
Visiting supporter capacity: 2,500 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P6 W3 D1 L2 F14 A15
8/8 Southport A 4-0 Ward, Kaikai, Anderson, Yates
15/8 Port Vale A 2-1 Kaikai, Anderson
18/8 BARROW H 2-1 Thorniley, Virtue
22/8 EVERTON H 3-3 Hamilton, Kaikai, Ward
25/8 BLACKBURN ROVERS H 1-3 Virtue
5/9 Liverpool A 2-7 Hamilton, Yates (pen)
Commentary:
“We’ve been able to capture some fantastic players and I couldn’t be more thankful to Simon Sadler and the board for the support they’ve given me and my staff. I think we’re bringing in the right players, players who are on the up and want to be here. You look at the club and where we are at the moment, and there is a real feel-good factor around the place.” – Blackpool head coach Neil Critchley
When Hong Kong businessman and Blackpool native Simon Sadler acquired the club in June 2019, there was light at the end of a very long tunnel at Bloomfield Road. The Oyston era was finally over, and optimism abounded for a promotion challenge in 2019-20. Unfortunately for the Tangerines, the new stability proved an illusion as Blackpool worked their way through four managers during the course of the season. Terry McPhillips quit before the first ball was kicked, and former club hero Simon Grayson was relieved of his duties in February with Blackpool in fifteenth place. David Dunn looked after first-team affairs until Neil Critchley was appointed at the start of March. The natural result was a finish in the bottom half, and more will be expected this season after significant investment in the squad.
Planning for the new season did not get off to the best of starts when captain Jay Spearing and top scorer Armand Gnanduillet rejected contract offers. However, summer signings were impressive, including a substantial six-figure fee for in-demand striker Jerry Yates. Yates and fellow new signing Keshi Anderson scored 19 goals between them for League Two champions Swindon last season. More cash was splashed on winger CJ Hamilton from Mansfield, rumoured to be around £200,000, and the average age has been reduced with the addition of several players from Premier League 2. That was to be expected, given manager Critchley’s background with the U23s. There was a slightly puzzling pre-season game away to Liverpool which Blackpool lost 7-2. An interesting exercise that may have generated income, but will do nothing to build confidence.
New head coach Neil Critchley is unusual in today’s game, having made only one appearance in the Football League as a player. Nonetheless, he is one of only sixteen coaches to achieve the FA’s now discontinued Elite Coaches Award, the equivalent of the UEFA Pro Licence. Whether that translates to success on the pitch at senior level remains to be seen. Summer signings suggest that Blackpool could mount a serious promotion challenge, subject to Critchley making that step up to senior football.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 5/1
Prediction: Promotion challenge if Neil Critchley makes the transition from the U23s
BRISTOL ROVERS
Last season: 14th
P35 W12 D9 L14 F38 A49 Pts45
Average attendance: 7,397
Chairman: None
CEO: Martyn Starnes, 65 (appointed July 2018)
Manager: Ben Garner, 40 (appointed December 2019)
Ben Garner’s managerial record:
League games only – play-offs and cup games not included.
Players out (15):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (5):
Tony Craig, 35 (Crawley Town)
Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, 24
Rollin Menayese, 22 (Mansfield Town)
Ben Morgan, 21
Josh Bailey, 19
Midfielders (6):
Liam Sercombe, 30 (Cheltenham Town)
Ollie Clarke, 28 (Mansfield Town)
Sam Matthews, 23 (Crawley Town)
Luke Russe, 21 (Chippenham Town)
Theo Widdrington, 21 (Lewes)
Lewis Clutton, 19 (Penybont)
Forwards (4):
Tom Nichols, 27 (Crawley Town)
Gavin Reilly, 27 (Carlisle United)
Jonson Clarke-Harris, 26 (Peterborough United)
Rhys Kavanagh, 21
Players in (8):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (4):
Max Ehmer, 28 (Gillingham)
Jack Baldwin, 27 (Sunderland)
David Tutonda, 24 (Barnet)
Josh Grant, 21 (Chelsea)
Midfielders (3):
Sam Nicholson, 25 (Colorado Rapids – USA)
Zain Westbrooke, 23 (Coventry City)
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson, 20 (Derby County – season loan)
Forwards (1):
Jonah Ayunga, 23 (Havant & Waterlooville)
Average age of players out: 24
Average age of players in: 23
Number of players in squad: 32
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Zain Westbrooke, 23 (central midfield)
Season ticket sales: 1,500 (at 7/7/2020)
Ground capacity: 12,300
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,350 (1,100 standing, 250 seated)
Pre-season:
P6 W3 D1 L2 F13 A8
8/8 Bristol Manor Farm A 4-0 Walker 2, Clarke-Harris, Tomlinson
15/8 EXETER CITY H 2-1 Mitchell-Lawson, Hargreaves
21/8 Newport County A 1-1 Hare
22/8 Forest Green Rovers A 3-4 Clarke-Harris 2, Westbrooke
25/8 Cheltenham Town A 2-0 Trialist, Leahy (pen)
28/8 CARDIFF CITY H 1-2 Tomlinson
Commentary:
“This pandemic has brought into focus the need for everyone within the game to look at the finances and how we make ourselves sustainable. This is a journey that we started at the club a year ago and all costs continue to be reviewed and all incomes need to be maximised. Under Ben Garner’s stewardship, we want to develop young players, bring them into the first team and give them their opportunity within the game. We hope that we can play an exciting and attractive brand of football whilst doing this.” – Bristol Rovers owner Wael Al-Qadi
Last season proved another disappointment for Bristol Rovers after a catalogue of disruption. Chairman Steve Hamer left the club abruptly in November, followed by a change of manager in December from Mansfield-bound Graham Coughlan to rookie Ben Garner. Unfortunately, Garner was almost immediately forced to take leave of absence from the club due to ill-health in his family. These problems effectively derailed what promised to be a great season, with Rovers sitting in fourth place in December. However, the side took just 11 points from the final 16 games to finish in the bottom half for the third successive season. With a challenging run-in, there appeared to be little prospect of an improvement when the season was eventually ended.
Things are looking far more promising at the Memorial Stadium after a busy summer. Off the field, club president Wael Al-Qadi took full control in June, leaving Rovers substantively debt-free after years of astounding losses: £9.7 million in the last four years alone. The Jordanian has bought a controlling stake in the League One side’s holding company Dwane Sports by buying out members of his own family and capitalising £34.9m worth of loans. A massive £18.4m was owed by the club to Dwane Sports itself. The debt will be capitalised through a share issue, although some supporters are disappointed that this action will dilute the shareholding of the Supporters’ Club. Al-Qadi has also written off £2.1m of interest on the loans, meaning Rovers’ only debts are ordinary trade creditors and leasing agreements. Work is under way on their new training base at Almondsbury, due to be opened later in 2020, although talk of a new stadium remains inconclusive.
On the playing side, there was a significant turnover during the summer with 15 leaving. Rovers were very active during the early stages of pre-season with six players signed by the start of August. Zain Westbrooke from champions Coventry is the pick of the bunch, a surprising move for a player promoted to the Championship, and he should plug the midfield gap left by the departure of Ollie Clarke to Mansfield. There should be few problems at the back with the arrival of Jack Baldwin from Sunderland and Gillingham central defender Max Ehmer, who has been named captain. The main question is who will score the goals. Top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris was sold to Peterborough for a rumoured £1m fee, and new signing Jonah Ayunga has never played in the Football League before. Expect there to be at least one addition up front before the transfer window closes.
This could prove an interesting season for Rovers. Ben Garner starts his first full season in management, and supporters were critical of his tactical approach as last season fizzled out. The retention of Jonson Clarke-Harris could have made them serious contenders at the top, and that will only happen if they can find a viable replacement. The club is far more stable now than for a number of years, and the platform is in place for a return to the second tier they have not graced since 1993.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 13/2
Prediction: Mid-table, with a play-off push if Clarke-Harris is replaced.
BURTON ALBION
Last season: 12th
P35 W12 D12 L11 F50 A50 Pts48
Average attendance: 2,986
Chairman/owner: Ben Robinson MBE, 74 (appointed June 1995)
Manager: Jake Buxton, 35 (appointed May 2020)
Jake Buxton’s managerial record:
Players out (7):
Goalkeepers (2):
Stephen Bywater, 39 (retired)
Teddy Sharman-Lowe, 17 (Chelsea)
Defenders (0):
Midfielders (4):
Scott Fraser, 25 (Milton Keynes Dons)
Oliver Sarkic, 23 (Blackpool)
Joe Sbarra, 21 (Solihull Moors)
Ethan Vale, 19 (Newcastle Town)
Forwards (1):
Kwame Thomas, 24 (Wrexham)
Players in (7):
Goalkeepers (1):
Teddy Sharman-Lowe, 17 (Chelsea – season loan)
Defenders (2):
Michael Bostwick, 32 (Lincoln City)
Neal Eardley, 31 (Lincoln City)
Midfielders (1):
Steven Lawless, 29 (Livingston)
Forwards (3):
Luke Varney, 37 (Cheltenham Town)
Kane Hemmings, 28 (Dundee)
Charles Vernam, 23 (Grimsby Town)
Average age of players out: 24
Average age of players in: 28
Number of players in squad: 24
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Kane Hemmings, 28 (centre-forward)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 6,912
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,800 (1,400 standing, 400 seated)
Pre-season:
P6 W2 D2 L2 F8 A8
?/? MANSFIELD TOWN H 2-1 Hemmings, Akins
?/? NOTTINGHAM FOREST U23 H 1-1 Fox
?/? LEICESTER CITY U23 H 1-2 Hemmings
22/8 Stoke City A 1-0 Hemmings
25/8 COVENTRY CITY H 2-3 Hemmings 2
29/8 Walsall A 1-1 Brayford
Commentary:
“I’ll be surprised if it [salary caps] doesn’t go through. I think there will be enough clubs who see the importance of reining in overspending. The Covid crisis and the financial pressures it’s created for clubs brings that more into focus. It’s going to make clubs think more about how they run their business.” – Burton chairman Ben Robinson
As one of the poorest supported clubs in the EFL, it is no surprise that Burton Albion’s long-serving chairman Ben Robinson is in support of salary caps. At the start of July, Albion announced a record loss of £1.2 million for the year ending 30 June 2019, a large sum for such a small club. That was prior to the corona shutdown, which can only have worsened Burton’s financial plight. Despite chairman Robinson putting £400,000 of his own money into the club to keep it going, it was still necessary to part company with club legend Nigel Clough and his management team as an economy measure. Clough’s place has been taken by captain Jake Buxton, who intends to continue as a player. Burton were also one of a small number of clubs not to offer refunds on unused season tickets, all of which suggests a prudent approach to the coming season at the Pirelli Stadium.
Burton’s mid-table finish last season ensured further stability after relegation in 2018, and the side even sat in the top six in January. There were good runs in the two main cups including a 2-0 League Cup win over Premier League Bournemouth before losing to neighbours Leicester.
Summer activity saw a number of existing contracts reportedly renegotiated on smaller wages and on a one-year term, and it was not surprising to see new signings made on the same basis. With the exception of strikers Charles Vernam and Kane Hemmings, all new arrivals have signed up for a year only. Those one-year deals include former Lincoln defenders Neal Eardley and Michael Bostwick, both well into their thirties now. Age has been a common theme for Burton, with five of their seven signings having an average age of 31. They are the only club in League One to have increased their average age – it will be interesting to see whether that comes back to bite them as the intensity of the coming season makes its mark. Striker Kane Hemmings is the standout signing, scoring five in pre-season alone. Burton are his eighth club in eight seasons, and he will be keen to find a more permanent home. The loss of midfielder Oliver Sarkic to Blackpool was the only departure of note, and the squad has a reasonably stable look to it.
It will be interesting to see how Burton get on without the talismanic Clough, whose association with the club began in the Southern League in 1998. The financial limitations are obvious, and they have a rookie manager at the helm. With an average home support of little over 2,000, Burton have punched above their weight for a long time. The question is, can they continue to do so?
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 10/1
Prediction: Lower mid-table, they should have the players to avoid any problems.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Last season: 22nd in the Championship (relegated)
P46 W12 D12 L22 F50 A65 Pts48
Average attendance: 18,128
Chairman/owner: possibly Paul Elliott, 50 (appointed June 2020)
Manager: Lee Bowyer, 43 (appointed March 2018 as caretaker, September 2018 permanently)
Lee Bowyer’s managerial record:
Players out (13):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (7):
Chris Solly, 29
Naby Sarr, 27
Tom Lockyer, 25 (Luton Town)
Lewis Page, 24 (Exeter City)
Kenneth Yao, 21
Toby Stevenson, 20
Sam Keefe, 19
Midfielders (2):
Taylor Maloney, 21
Abraham Odoh, 20
Forwards (4):
Tomer Hemed, 33
Lyle Taylor, 30 (Nottingham Forest)
Wilberforce Ocran, 20
Kareem Isiaka, 18
Players in (3):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (0):
Midfielders (2):
Alex Gilbey, 25 (Milton Keynes Dons)
Dylan Levitt, 19 (Manchester United – season loan)
Forwards (1):
Conor Washington, 28 (Heart Of Midlothian)
Average age of players out: 23
Average age of players in: 24
Number of players in squad: 23
Player of the Season 2019-20: Dillon Phillips, 25 (goalkeeper)
One to watch: Macauley Bonne, 24 (centre-forward)
Season ticket sales: 1,400 (at 19/8/2020)
Ground capacity: 27,111
Visiting supporter capacity: 3,000 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P3 W0 D1 L2 F3 A7
22/8 Birmingham City A 1-1 Doughty
25/8 SOUTHEND UNITED H 2-3 Davison (pen), Lapslie
29/8 Crystal Palace A 0-3
Commentary:
“Since coming back from lockdown we’ve been the better side in most of the games and that’s what cost us. We should have still been safe with the players we’ve got, but it didn’t happen.” – Charlton manager Lee Bowyer
And so Charlton Athletic return to League One after just one season in the Championship. Relegation came as a huge disappointment, especially considering the way the play-off winners started the season. Four wins and two draws from their opening six games left them in second place, and they remained in the top six until the middle of October. A run of one win from seventeen games dropped them into the bottom half, but as manager Lee Bowyer says, they should still have had enough points on the board to stay up comfortably. Unfortunately, the decline continued, and a run of three points from their final seven games saw them relegated on the final day. It was certainly no way in which to celebrate the centenary of The Valley.
There are a number of reasons why Charlton were relegated. Problems in the boardroom have become a familiar feature in recent years, and 2019-20 proved disastrously similar. Following years of strained relationships between the club and its supporters, vilified owner Roland Duchâtelet sold the club to East Street Investments in January. It looked like a new dawn for Charlton, but it proved a false dawn. The new joint owners Tahnoon Nimer and Matt Southall immediately fell out over the club’s investment strategy, sparking a transfer embargo and an EFL investigation when proof of funding was not forthcoming. In June they sold East Street Investments to Manchester-based property magnate Paul Elliott, who also ran into problems with the EFL for the same reason. The presence of lawyer Paul Farnell as part of Elliott’s consortium also rang alarm bells: he was Bury’s lawyer when Steve Dale purchased the ailing club for £1. The takeover was formally rejected by the EFL on 7 August due to three unnamed persons being subject to a disqualifying condition. Two of the ‘unnamed’ persons resigned from the board, and Farnell was dismissed as the club’s lawyer, leading to the transfer embargo being partially eased following a meeting with the EFL.
The middle of August saw Colorado-based businessman Thomas Sandgaard arrive as the latest prospective owner, although deciding exactly who owns what is probably the biggest challenge. Danish-born Sandgaard admits that he also considered acquiring fellow basket case Wigan Athletic, which does little for his credibility with supporters. It is probably best not to mention his previous interest in QPR, Sunderland and Swansea. A delegation of fans responded by occupying the boardroom as a protest against East Street Investments and the EFL’s ownership rules. A court ruling at the start of September cleared the way for the sale of the club, so watch this space with interest.
Meanwhile, back on the pitch: another possible reason for relegation was the loss of leading scorer Lyle Taylor, who refused to return to playing after the lockdown. Furthermore, the transfer embargo meant that manager Bowyer was unable to sign players during the winter transfer window. Summer squad building was always going to be a challenge against that backdrop, although Conor Washington and MK Dons’ midfielder Alex Gilbey arrived immediately the embargo was partially lifted. They have been told that they have to release a player before they can sign another, with the EFL considering Charlton’s existing squad to be complete already within the terms of the new 22-man limit. Provided Charlton’s ownership issues can be resolved in the immediate future, the embargo should be lifted and they are likely to be very active late in the transfer window. Watch this space with interest too.
Charlton’s season will depend on what happens in the boardroom. Immediate stability could create the environment for promotion back to the Championship. Lee Bowyer has taken this side up before, and a number of those players remain. Continued strife could lead to Bowyer’s departure and another season of problems. Never has a new season both promised and threatened so much, so take your pick.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 4/1
Prediction: Play-offs if the off-field problems can be resolved quickly.
Prior to Joe Morrell, who was the last loanee to win the Player of the Season award?
If you haven’t already had a go at our quizzes, this is a great way to learn some random information about the Football Club, as well as helping us generate much-needed page views: Quiz No.1, Quiz No.2, Quiz No.3, Quiz No.4, Quiz No.5, Quiz No.6, Quiz No.7, Quiz No.8, Quiz No.9, Quiz No.10, Quiz No.11, Quiz No.12, Quiz No.13, Quiz No.14, Quiz No.15, Quiz No.16, Quiz No.17, Quiz No.18, Quiz No.19, Quiz No.20, Quiz No.21, Quiz No.22, Quiz No.23, Quiz No.24, Quiz No.25, Quiz No.26, Quiz No.27, Quiz No.28, Quiz No.29 and Quiz No.30.
Vital Lincoln City – League One Season Preview 2020-21:
Part One – Page One:https://t.co/YxMuGsQGyg#UTMP #BristolRovers #CAFC pic.twitter.com/O7IyZ4C6ZS
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 10, 2020
To keep up to date with the latest transfers of the Football Clubs in Part One, click HERE.
Part One – Page One: Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and Charlton Athletic.
Part One – Page Two: Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Gillingham, Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Part Two – Page One: Lincoln City, Milton Keynes Dons, Northampton Town, Oxford United, Peterborough United and Plymouth Argyle.
Part Two – Page Two: Portsmouth, Rochdale, Shrewsbury, Sunderland, Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic.
CREWE ALEXANDRA
Last season: 2nd in League Two (promoted)
P37 W20 D9 L8 F67 A43 Pts69
Average attendance: 4,580
Chairman: John Bowler MBE, 83 (appointed 1987)
Manager: David Artell, 39 (appointed January 2017)
David Artell’s managerial record:
Players out (7):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (1):
Nicky Hunt, 36 (Darlington)
Midfielders (3):
Paul Green, 37 (Boston United)
James Jones, 24 (Lincoln City)
Connor Heath, 19 (Nantwich Town)
Forwards (3):
Shaun Miller, 32 (Bolton Wanderers)
Lewis Reilly, 21 (Chorley)
Aaron Lomas, 19
Players in (5):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (2):
Omar Beckles, 28 (Shrewsbury Town)
Donervon Daniels, 26 (Luton Town)
Midfielders (1):
Luke Murphy, 30 (Bolton Wanderers)
Forwards (2):
Mikael Mandron, 25 (Gillingham)
Offrande Zanzala, 23 (Accrington Stanley)
Average age of players out: 26
Average age of players in: 26
Number of players in squad: 32
Player of the Season 2019-20: Ryan Wintle, 23 (defensive midfield)
One to watch: Ryan Wintle, 23 (defensive midfield)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 10,101
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,694 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P12 W7 D2 L3 F28 A15
4/8 CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS H 3-1 Powell, Kirk, Ainley
8/8 BALA TOWN H 4-0 Finney, Zanzala, Porter, OG
11/8 Salford City A 4-1 Finney, Porter, Powell, Mandron
14/8 ACCRINGTON STANLEY U23 H 4-2 Zanzala 3, Robbins
15/8 WALSALL H 2-0 Ainley, Powell
18/8 Nantwich Town A 2-4 Nolan, OG
18/8 Witton Albion A 4-0 Griffiths, Finney, Onyeka, Mandron
22/8 BARNSLEY H 0-2
25/8 Newcastle United N 0-3 at St Ethelburga’s, York
27/8 Wolverhampton Wanderers U23 N 1-1 Dale at Lilleshall
28/8 Bolton Wanderers A 3-0 Powell, Kirk, Zanzala
2/9 Kidsgrove Athletic A 1-1 Mandron (pen)
Commentary:
“It is certainly a buyers’ market because there should be a lot of players available but that doesn’t distinguish us from anybody else in League One, it will be the same at Shrewsbury, Plymouth and Sunderland.” – Crewe manager David Artell
After three mediocre seasons under manager David Artell, Crewe’s promotion last season came as a surprise to many. Indeed, EFL sponsors Sky Bet made them fifteenth favourites for promotion last July with the same odds as eventual wooden spoonists Stevenage. Despite a convincing home defeat by Plymouth on the opening day of the season, Crewe were in the top three by the end of August and remained there for the rest of the curtailed season.
The challenge now becomes survival in League One. As 2018-19 League Two champions Lincoln discovered last season, standards in League One are far higher, so much so that they now have just one player remaining from their title-winning squad. For his part, League Two Manager of the Year Artell released just six players following promotion under changed circumstances. Much of that was driven by recognition of the problems with recruitment caused by the pandemic and also by the late finish to the Championship season. He was pragmatic enough to acknowledge that Crewe would not be at the forefront for players cascading down from higher tiers, although he chose to play a waiting game throughout the summer until retained lists were confirmed by Championship clubs.
Other than the departure of midfielder James Jones to Lincoln, Artell has managed to keep his squad together. The spine of the team has been noticeably strengthened. In comes striker Mikael Mandron after scoring five for Gillingham in his debut season in League One, and Offrande Zanzala from Accrington has scored regularly during pre-season. Experienced midfielder Luke Murphy returns after two disastrous seasons at Bolton, while Donervon Daniels and Omar Beckles have great experience of League One and will form a new partnership in central defence. Crewe undertook a challenging schedule of twelve pre-season games in just 30 days, by far the highest number of any League One club. With an intense schedule of fixtures about to unfold, it remains to be seen whether that was the right decision.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 14/1
Prediction: Bottom half, should have enough to stay up.
DONCASTER ROVERS
Last season: 9th
P34 W15 D9 L10 F51 A33 Pts54
Average attendance: 8,252
Chairman: David Blunt, 71 (appointed August 2014)
Manager: Darren Moore, 46 (appointed July 2019)
Darren Moore’s managerial record:
Players out (10):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (3):
Alex Baptiste, 34 (Bolton Wanderers)
Shane Blaney, 21
Rian McLean, 21
Midfielders (2):
Matty Blair, 31 (Cheltenham Town)
Kieran Sadlier, 25 (Rotherham United)
Forwards (5):
Devante Cole, 25
Alex Kiwomya, 24
Max Watters, 21
Rieves Boocock, 19 (Cleethorpes Town)
Myron Gibbons, 19
Players in (6):
Goalkeepers (1):
Josef Bursik, 20 (Stoke City – season loan)
Defenders (1):
Cameron John, 21 (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Midfielders (3):
Ed Williams, 25 (Kidderminster Harriers)
Jason Lokilo, 21 (Crystal Palace)
Taylor Richards, 19 (Brighton & Hove Albion – season loan)
Forwards (1):
Tyreece John-Jules, 19 (Arsenal – season loan)
Average age of players out: 24
Average age of players in: 21
Number of players in squad: 23
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Ben Whiteman, 24 (central midfield)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 15,231
Visiting supporter capacity: 3,344
Pre-season:
P5 W3 D1 L1 F12 A10
15/8 Scunthorpe United A 3-2 Halliday, Whiteman, Anderson
18/8 Bradford City A 4-3 Okenabirhie 2, Lokilo, Coppinger
22/8 Derby County A 0-0
26/8 Rotherham United A 0-5
3/9 MANCHESTER UNITED U23 H 5-0 Taylor 2, Gomes, Coppinger, Trialist
Commentary:
“We want to get players in as quickly as possible but it’s probably not all going to happen at once.
We’re playing it by ear on our budget because we don’t know when the stadiums are going to open, when that revenue will be coming again on a regular basis. Hopefully we as a society and a nation can continue to do our bit for the health and safety of everybody so the day when we get fans in sporting stadiums comes sooner rather than later.” – Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore
Despite flirting with the play-off places for virtually the whole of the 2019-20 season, Doncaster spent just one week in the top six. It was a frustrating year for Darren Moore in his first season at the Keepmoat, with his side consistently falling just short of a promotion challenge. Early season problems with Bury and Bolton caused disruption to their fixture schedule, and Doncaster never caught up.
Off the field, Rovers are another club posting regular losses, specifically £2.14 million, £2.79 million and £1.85 million for the last three financial years. The vast majority of that money is owed to Club Doncaster Ltd, the organisation that owns the club; therefore it will not be called in, and no interest is applied. Quite how the salary cap will impact on that remains to be seen, although they were not carrying one of the larger squads in the division.
Summer transfer business was minimal as Doncaster sought to address the imminent challenges of that salary cap. Manager Moore believes that patience during the summer window is the best approach, and there were very few arrivals before the end of August. The loss of top scorer Kieran Sadlier to Rotherham was expected but far from ideal, while Matty Blair’s decision to reject a contract in favour of League Two Cheltenham was a surprise. Two loanees from last season in Cameron John and Jason Lokilo have returned on a permanent basis, but Rovers look light in attack at the time of writing. Former Imp Tyreece John-Jules has joined on loan, but expect Moore to sign two more strikers before the window closes.
One familiar feature at the Keepmoat that will be seen for the final time this season is midfielder James Coppinger. Joining the club from Exeter in 2004, Coppinger has announced that this will be his seventeenth and final year after a club record 631 appearances to date.
Doncaster had one of the best defences in League One last season, conceding less than a goal per game. That defence has been retained, and with the addition of extra firepower there is no reason to believe they cannot do well this season. Although not possessing one of the biggest or best squads in the division, Darren Moore has a great reputation as a coach and could cause a few surprises if the big clubs again fail to achieve.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 10/1
Prediction: Mid-table security unless some good striking options are found.
FLEETWOOD TOWN
Last season: 6th (lost in play-off semi-final)
P35 W16 D12 L7 F51 A38 Pts60
Average attendance: 3,130
Chairman/owner: Andy Pilley, 50 (appointed August 2004)
Manager: Joey Barton, 37 (appointed June 2018)
Joey Barton’s managerial record:
Players out (8):
Goalkeepers (2):
Matt Gilks, 38 (Bolton Wanderers)
James Cottam, 19
Defenders (1):
Lewie Coyle, 24 (Hull City)
Midfielders (3):
Dean Marney, 36
Kyle Dempsey, 24 (Gillingham)
Ashley Hunter, 24 (Salford City)
Forwards (2):
Conor McAleny, 28 (Oldham Athletic)
Gerard Garner, 21
Players in (5):
Goalkeepers (1):
Joel Coleman, 24 (Huddersfield Town)
Defenders (1):
Morgan Boyes, 19 (Liverpool – season loan)
Midfielders (3):
Mark Duffy, 34 (Sheffield United)
Callum Camps, 24 (Rochdale)
Jordan Rossiter, 23 (Glasgow Rangers)
Forwards (0):
Average age of players out: 26
Average age of players in: 25
Number of players in squad: 16
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Jordan Rossiter, 24 (central midfield)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 5,327 (smallest in League One)
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,131 (831 standing, 300 seated)
Pre-season:
P5 W3 D0 L2 F12 A8
11/8 CARLISLE UNITED H 4-2 Evans, Morris, Trialist, OG
15/8 Stockport County A 2-0 Morris, Madden
18/8 PORT VALE H 1-2 Saunders
22/8 BLACKBURN ROVERS H 1-4 Evans
29/8 DARLINGTON H 4-0 Madden 3, Burns
Commentary:
Having enjoyed a very consistent season in which they conceded barely a goal per game, Fleetwood Town’s suicidal performance in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against Wycombe was entirely out of character. Manager Joey Barton called the 4-1 home defeat the worst 90 minutes of his career, and it will be interesting to see how Fleetwood react in Barton’s third season at Highbury Stadium. Quite how such a tiny club would have fared in the Championship remains unanswered, although the ambition will be unchanged.
Owner Andy Pilley continues to pour large sums into a club with limited support, a factor compounded by Blackpool’s resurgence under new ownership. Losses during the 2018-19 financial year amounted to £5.95 million, and that included profits from player sales. The total debt owed to Pilley and his companies now amounts to £17 million, which he says will not be recalled until the club is able to repay them (i.e. never). Pilley has invested another £1 million in the club’s already extensive academy, in addition to funding a very healthy playing budget. Financial experts believe Fleetwood will be hit hard by the salary cap once implemented, although there will be a number of clubs facing the same problem. Perhaps this season will be make or bust for many.
The defensive hara-kiri against Wycombe apart, Barton has tried to retain his normally tight defence in its entirety, although he lost full-back Lewie Coyle to Hull for a rumoured £350,000 in August. Signings have been impressive, with one of last season’s loanees Jordan Rossiter returning from Rangers on a permanent basis. Sheffield United’s Mark Duffy will add experience alongside Rossiter, while Callum Camps from Rochdale completes a new-look midfield. The highly-rated Morgan Boyes joins from Liverpool U23 for a season, adding to that mean defence.
Fleetwood already look set for another assault on the play-off places after a good summer, and there will be further additions before the window closes. Time may well be of the essence in another way: Barton still has to stand trial for his alleged assault against then Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel in April 2019, the case being adjourned until June 2021.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 7/2
Prediction: Another play-off challenge.
GILLINGHAM
Last season: 10th
P35 W12 D15 L8 F42 A34 Pts51
Average attendance: 5,233
Chairman/owner: Paul Scally, 64 (appointed May 1995)
Manager: Steve Evans, 57 (appointed June 2019)
Steve Evans’ managerial record:
Players out (8):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (2):
Barry Fuller, 35 (Dorking Wanderers)
Max Ehmer, 28 (Bristol Rovers)
Midfielders (5):
Ben Pringle, 32 (Morecambe)
Mark Byrne, 31 (Shelbourne)
Ousseynou Cissé, 29 (Leyton Orient)
Regan Charles-Cook, 23 (Ross County)
TJ Bramble, 19 (Dover Athletic)
Forwards (1):
Mikael Mandron, 25 (Crewe Alexandra)
Players in (10):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (4):
Ryan Jackson, 30 (Colchester United)
Christian Maghoma, 22 (Arka Gdynia – Poland)
Robbie McKenzie, 21 (Hull City)
Zech Medley, 20 (Arsenal – season loan)
Midfielders (4):
Alex MacDonald, 30 (Mansfield Town)
Jacob Mellis, 29 (Bolton Wanderers)
Jordan Graham, 25 (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Kyle Dempsey, 24 (Fleetwood Town)
Forwards (2):
Vadaine Oliver, 28 (Northampton Town)
Trae Coyle, 19 (Arsenal – season loan)
Average age of players out: 27
Average age of players in: 24
Number of players in squad: 20
Player of the Season 2019-20: Connor Ogilvie, 24 (left-back)
One to watch: Jordan Graham, 25 (winger)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 11,582
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,700 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P5 W2 D1 L2 F6 A4
15/8 Colchester United A 2-0 O’Keefe, Ogilvie
18/8 Watford XI A 3-1 Graham, Willock, Akinde
22/8 Reading A 1-2 Akinde (pen)
25/8 CAMBRIDGE UNITED H 0-0
29/8 Leyton Orient A 0-1
Commentary:
“For us to finish in the top group with arguably the lowest resources in League 1 to build a team will take some achievement, but we finished 10th last season with the same difficulty. Recruitment and coaching is key for us in our ambitious plans but I really believe we can do it and break into the elite group.” – Gillingham manager Steve Evans
Gillingham enjoyed a good 2019-20 season under the manager other supporters love to hate, although they were last season’s bore draw specialists with fifteen. Their 35 league games saw just 76 goals scored, the second-lowest total in League One. Manager Steve Evans acknowledges that his side did not score enough goals relative to possession, and he sought to address that with the signing of John Akinde in January. It failed to have the desired effect, with Akinde contributing just one goal in nine appearances as Gillingham eventually finished in tenth place.
Gillingham were one of a number of clubs who refused to offer contracts until a start date for the new season was confirmed. This stance caused the loss of long-serving centre-half Max Ehmer to Bristol Rovers. That desire to live within the club’s means is driven by owner Paul Scally, who has now completed 25 years in charge at Priestfield. The familiar financial challenges remain though, and Gillingham closed their ladies team in June as an economy measure.
The recruitment process was made more difficult when three players rejected contract offers (Mikael Mandron, Max Ehmer and Regan Charles-Cook), although outgoings were minimal. The capture of promising defender Robbie McKenzie from Hull could prove the key acquisition, while winger Jordan Graham from Wolves is a good signing for League One. It was a surprise to see Kyle Dempsey released by Fleetwood, and it will be interesting to see how Arsenal U23 starlets Zech Medley and Trae Coyle perform on season loans. Jacob Mellis is an interesting signing – he is due to stand trial for assault in the autumn.
Evans claims to have the smallest resources in League One, but still believes his club can challenge Sunderland and the other big spenders at the top of the league. Also of interest will be whether Evans can complete two full seasons at a club for the first time since his spell at Rotherham ended in 2015. As far as Lincoln fans are concerned, the presence of Evans renders this fixture more attractive than it would otherwise be, especially considering his amusing altercation with Michael Appleton at Sincil Bank last season. It will be interesting to see whether Evans stays in his box on his next visit.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 15/2
Prediction: Difficult to see anything more than a mid-table season with such a small squad.
HULL CITY
Last season: 24th in the Championship (relegated)
P46 W12 D9 L25 F57 A87 Pts45
Average attendance: 11,614
Chairman/owner: Assem Allam, 81 (appointed December 2010)
Manager: Grant McCann, 40 (appointed June 2019)
Grant McCann’s managerial record:
Players out (11):
Goalkeepers (1):
Will Mannion, 22 (Pafos – Cyprus)
Defenders (5):
Eric Lichaj, 31 (Fatih Karagümrück – Turkey)
Ryan Tafazolli, 28 (Wycombe Wanderers)
Angus MacDonald, 27 (Rotherham United)
Stephen Kingsley, 26
Robbie McKenzie, 21 (Gillingham)
Midfielders (4):
Markus Henriksen, 28
Jackson Irvine, 27
Kevin Stewart, 26
Jon Toral, 25 (Birmingham City)
Forwards (1):
Nouha Dicko, 28
Players in (7):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (4):
Lewie Coyle, 24 (Fleetwood Town)
Josh Emmanuel, 23 (Bolton Wanderers)
Alfie Jones, 22 (Southampton)
Festus Arthur, 20 (Stockport County)
Midfielders (2):
Richie Smallwood, 29 (Blackburn Rovers)
Greg Docherty, 23 (Glasgow Rangers)
Forwards (1):
Mallik Wilks, 21 (Barnsley)
Average age of players out: 26
Average age of players in: 23
Number of players in squad: 26
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Richie Smallwood, 29 (central midfield)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed
Ground capacity: 25,586
Visiting supporter capacity: 2,510 (all seated)
Pre-season:
Hull are believed to have played a number of friendly matches, but there appears to have been a media embargo on reporting anything about them.
Commentary:
“I’m already looking forward to the challenge of trying to get this club back into the Championship and beyond. Of course, it’s going to be tough. League One is a tough, tough division and we’ve got to be ready for that.” – Hull City manager Grant McCann
And so Hull City become the latest former Premier League club to be relegated to the third tier, but it was a season that promised so much at one stage. A 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on New Year’s Day left Hull just a point outside the play-offs, but a depressing run of just 6 points from 20 games saw them relegated after a final day defeat at Cardiff. Hull conceded an eyewatering 53 goals during that run including the club’s joint record defeat, an 8-0 thumping by relegation rivals Wigan that saw them 7-0 down at half-time. Criticism of manager Grant McCann’s tactics and inability to reverse the side’s terminal tailspin were rife on social media, with fans calling for his dismissal. Another unwanted club record of 13 home defeats and ongoing rancour between the fans and the club’s owners completes an unhappy backdrop for Hull’s first season in the third tier since 2004-05.
Grant McCann displayed few signs of mourning following his side’s abject capitulation last season, and was immediately pragmatic about the challenge of League One. Having unexpectedly received the backing of the club’s owners, he was tasked with overhauling a dispirited squad in preparation for League One. Former imp Eric Lichaj refused to return after lockdown and departed during the summer along with a number of players who seemed surprised to be released. Hull have made a number of impressive signings including Richie Smallwood and Greg Docherty in midfield, and talented right-back Lewie Coyle from Fleetwood for a rumoured £350,000 fee. McCann has a squad that should be capable of doing well in League One, but will he be able to motivate and organise a set of players used to losing? He does not have the fans on his side, and they will be unforgiving if the negative momentum continues. The first six weeks of the season could prove critical to his future.
Hull’s long-suffering fans will be hoping for a swift return to the Championship, but they were relegated in poor shape. Ipswich and Sunderland did not find League One to be a breeze a year ago, and there is no obvious reason why Hull should. Fears of another relegation are unfounded, although a good start will be necessary if disenchanted fans are to return.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 4/1
Prediction: Should do well with their squad, but the play-offs will probably be the limit.
IPSWICH TOWN
Last season: 11th
P36 W14 D10 L12 F46 A36 Pts52
Average attendance: 19,549 (up 10% on 2018-19)
Chairman/owner: Marcus Evans, 56 (appointed December 2007)
Manager: Paul Lambert, 51 (appointed October 2018)
Paul Lambert’s managerial record:
Players out (4):
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (1):
James Collins, 35
Midfielders (2):
Danny Rowe, 28
Jordan Roberts, 26 (Heart Of Midlothian)
Forwards (1):
Will Keane, 27
Players in (3):
Goalkeepers (1):
David Cornell, 29 (Northampton Town)
Defenders (1):
Stephen Ward, 35 (Stoke City)
Midfielders (0):
Forwards (1):
Oliver Hawkins, 28 (Portsmouth)
Average age of players out: 29
Average age of players in: 31
Number of players in squad: 28
Player of the Season 2019-20: not awarded
One to watch: Flynn Downes, 21 (central midfield)
Season ticket sales: not disclosed (11,900 in 2019-20)
Ground capacity: 30,311
Visiting supporter capacity: 1,900 (all seated)
Pre-season:
P5 W2 D0 L3 F6 A8
18/8 Colchester United (match A) A 4-0 Drinan 2, Edwards, El Mizouni
18/8 Colchester United (match B) A 1-0 Judge
22/8 Tottenham Hotspur A 0-3
25/8 WEST HAM UNITED H 1-4 Sears
29/8 Cambridge United A 0-1
Commentary:
“Relegation from the Championship was hard to take and the 2019/20 season ended in disappointment after starting so brightly but there is no doubt that the year ahead presents the biggest challenge of my time as owner at this fantastic football club.” – Ipswich owner Marcus Evans
When he assumed control of Ipswich Town in December 2007, it is very unlikely that Marcus Evans considered English football’s third tier as a possible destination. Yet his club now faces a second season in League One after a hugely disappointing mid-table finish after relegation. Only five clubs in the division had a worse home record than Ipswich last season, yet the average attendance actually increased on the 2018-19 Championship season. The support is still there, although a swift return to the second tier appears vital if that is to continue.
Evans also believes Ipswich have been hit harder by the corona lockdown than most League One clubs, and the refund options for season ticket holders certainly indicated that cash flow is not strong. Running costs will be high comparatively, and Evans states that a return to full capacity as soon as possible is key to the wellbeing of the club.
Summer business was almost non-existent, with four fringe players released in May and three replacements announced on the same day in mid-August. Premier League clubs are circling for starlet Flynn Downes, and Ipswich may be forced to sell to meet the salary cap. With an annual wage bill estimated at around £5m to £6m, major surgery will be required next summer if Ipswich are still in League One. Paul Lambert is not universally popular with the supporters and will not have time on his side in any sense. Interestingly, Ipswich returned to training on 22 July, before any other League One club. However, a somewhat odd set of pre-season friendlies included a heavy home defeat to West Ham and another defeat away to Spurs, casting doubt over what purpose those games really served.
If what Marcus Evans says is correct, this is a vital season for Ipswich. The advent of the salary cap simply adds to their problems, should this season end in further disappointment. Many supporters feel manager Lambert is on borrowed time after Ipswich’s lowest league finish since 1953, but it is difficult to see them being as poor this time around.
At the bookies (Sky Bet): 4/1
Prediction: Outside bet for the play-offs at best unless something changes.
Writer: Scotimp
Prior to Joe Morrell, who was the last loanee to win the Player of the Season award?
If you haven’t already had a go at our quizzes, this is a great way to learn some random information about the Football Club, as well as helping us generate much-needed page views: Quiz No.1, Quiz No.2, Quiz No.3, Quiz No.4, Quiz No.5, Quiz No.6, Quiz No.7, Quiz No.8, Quiz No.9, Quiz No.10, Quiz No.11, Quiz No.12, Quiz No.13, Quiz No.14, Quiz No.15, Quiz No.16, Quiz No.17, Quiz No.18, Quiz No.19, Quiz No.20, Quiz No.21, Quiz No.22, Quiz No.23, Quiz No.24, Quiz No.25, Quiz No.26, Quiz No.27, Quiz No.28, Quiz No.29 and Quiz No.30.
Vital Lincoln City – League One Season Preview 2020-21:
Part One – Page Two:https://t.co/ftOZZa108U#DRFC #HCAFC #ITFC pic.twitter.com/atFuTfHKyw
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 10, 2020