Who’s most likely to be promoted or relegated from League Two?
A new season always brings plenty of optimism for potential promotees, as well as fear for those who risk relegation.
We’ve taken a look at some expert tips for football league 2 and analysed which teams are in the best position to progress and who need to be careful to avoid sliding into relegation.
Promotions
Plymouth are in a good place for performing well this season, benefitting from new leadership from owner Simon Hallet and looking in great shape since the last time they were relegated to fourth tier after administration. The Pilgrims also now have Ryan Lowe as their manager, and he’s proven himself in the past that he has what it takes to pull the team up the standard necessary for a chance at promotion.
Under Mark Cooper, Forest Green Rovers were flying high even before their top scorer Christian Doidge returned to the fold earlier this year, so now that he’s exited the squad, they shouldn’t be too worried about missing out on any opportunities. Newport are believed to be in the best position to progress this season, as they’re well-resourced and have the stability to stand them in good stead going forward. County have recently lost Joe Day to Cardiff, but Michael Flynn signed a flock of defenders over the course of just a few days and with Tristan Abrahams added to the team, they could be in a good place to push for promotion. Salford City are also a well-backed team that have a momentum about them and could be in a great place going into this season for promotion.
Relegations
A decent start to the season is always key to Morecambe’s ability to survive but there’s a bit more investment which means that there’s more pressure in terms of effort required this time around. The directors would be foolish to rock the boat in terms of Jim Bentley’s managerial position, particularly after a nine-year stint, but Morecambe can’t rest on their laurels, despite their ability to stay on each season. Adding in Shaun Miller into the mix, who’s on loan from Crewe, as well as winger John O’Sullivan, will enhance their chances of sticking it out in the league, as they are a lay in the relegation market as they were last season.
Grimsby’s performance on the pitch has been hit and miss, although under Michael Jolley they should have enough in them to retain their place in League Two. But it will take more discipline and consistency to avoid slipping down the ranks. Crawley and Leyton Orient are ones to watch as the market shapes up, but it is Macclesfield’s issues off the pitch in the form of delayed payments to players that are causing some concern for Sol Campbell’s former side. Hopes are that the former Tottenham defender will succeed but it seems that it could be a season of struggle for The Silkmen, particularly if signing players from other League Two clubs and non-league is a sign of their current position.