League Two Contenders For The 2021/22 Season
Hopefully, next season will be the campaign where Port Vale are promoted back into League One. A lot of work is needed to be done by manager Darrell Clarke in the off-season, but if they put the graft in, it may just happen. It’s looking positive as the Valiants have already been active over the last couple of weeks in signing additional players to the squad.
With the aim of finishing much higher than the 13th place they ended the 2020/21 campaign in, here is a look at the three teams which may be the ones to beat next season.
Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers were one of the four teams relegated from League One last season. A miserable campaign for the Pirates, they finished bottom of the table.
However, Joey Barton has a strong squad of players who should perform well at this level. You only have to look at their goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola as an example of the quality they have. Another testament to his talent is that he will be representing Finland at the European Championship this summer. At odds of 500/1 in the Euro 2021 betting, the Finns are outsiders but the Rovers man will be hoping he can help his side to cause an upset or two.
Barton is likely to be supported in the transfer window, so it could get even stronger before the campaign begins. Expect to see them make an immediate return to the third tier of English football.
Exeter City
Surprisingly, this is Exeter’s 10th straight season in League Two. They have gone close to promotion on a number of occasions, and they should be up there once again at the end of the season.
The Grecians finished fifth in the 2019/20 campaign which meant they qualified into the play-offs. They were beaten in the final at Wembley by Northampton and 12 months later, they had to settle for ninth place. Exeter have been beaten in the play-off final in three of their last five years which shows how consistent their struggle has been. But, in a season that could be wide open, this may be the time they secure one of the three automatic promotion places at the very least.
Salford City
Salford City were fancied to prevail in League Two last season. However, they could do no better than eighth. So, expect to see some big players for this level arrive this summer.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=FyyQMPFeRY0
Defensively, Gary Bowyer’s side are very strong. Goals have been the problem for the Ammies over the last 12 months. Former Rochdale striker Ian Henderson has been an excellent signing for them, but he has not had much support from the rest of the team.
Salford’s ambition is to reach the Championship over the next few years and at the end of next season, they may only be one step away from their goal. Few teams will be able to match them when it comes to a transfer or wage budget, so they have a big advantage over their opposition.
The opening games in the 2021/22 League Two season take place on the weekend of the 7th August.