The 2023-24 season is just a few weeks away and the competitiveness of League One looks to continue even without Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday. But who is heading into the new campaign with a new manager? And how does that alter the landscape of the third tier?
Derby County - 4/1 - Manager: Paul Warne
Derby agonisingly missed out on the play-offs last season but with promotion expert Paul Warne at the helm that will be a huge boost to them this time around.
Bolton Wanderers - 7/1 - Manager: Ian Evatt
Ian Evatt was able to deliver play-offs for the Trotters last year and developed an exciting team, which will only evolve from that experience.
Barnsley - 9/1 - Manager: Neill Collins (formerly Michael Duff)
The impact Michael Duff had at Oakwell will be tough to follow and Neill Collins’ appointment from Tampa Bay Rowdies was quite surprising. He will be up against it from the off following what Duff built but he does have a strong squad at his disposal.
Reading - 10/1 - Manager: Ruben Selles (formerly Noel Hunt)
Reading are in need of a rebuild and Ruben Selles has been tasked with that but he is still fresh to senior management. And with a job such as this where the expectations for promotion will be high, the pressure could be too much.
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Peterborough United - 10/1 - Manager: Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson is currently in his fourth stint as Peterborough boss and he has delivered two promotions to the Championship in the past, but also left three times before too. It will either go well or disastrously.
Portsmouth - 10/1 - Manager: John Mousinho
Thrust into his first managerial role in January, John Mousinho has adapted nicely and Portsmouth look to have played a blinder by tying him down to a long-term contract.
Blackpool - 12/1 - Manager: Neil Critchley (formerly Stephen Dobbie)
Neil Critchley is back at Bloomfield Road after a year away and having guided Blackpool to promotion back in 2020-21, there’s hope for a fruitful reunion.
Charlton Athletic - 16/1 - Manager: Dean Holden
Results have been mixed since Dean Holden took over at the Valley in December. He is highly regarded as a coach and perhaps a pre-season will help him turn Charlton into promotion contenders.
Oxford United - 16/1 - Manager: Liam Manning
Liam Manning has been in his position since March but his role in the downfall of Milton Keynes Dons last season isn’t particularly reassuring.
Wycombe Wanderers - 20/1 - Manager: Matt Bloomfield
Matt Bloomfield is a Wycombe legend for his 19-year playing career at Adams Park. After succeeding Gareth Ainsworth, who did so much for the club, he has huge boots to fill.
Lincoln City - 33/1 - Manager: Mark Kennedy
Mark Kennedy did a respectable job in his first year in charge at Sincil Bank and will be hoping to build on their mid-table finish.
Exeter City - 33/1 - Manager: Gary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell led the Grecians to a mid-table finish last term and he will be hoping to surpass that this time around.
Bristol Rovers - 40/1 - Manager: Joey Barton
Joey Barton was able to ensure Bristol Rovers didn’t suffer an immediate relegation back to League Two last year and they will look to consolidate their position in 2023-24.
Wigan Athletic - 40/1 - Manager: Shaun Maloney
With all the problems behind the scenes at Wigan Athletic, the club needs stability in the dugout.
Port Vale - 50/1 - Manager: Andy Crosby
After Vale sacked Darrell Clarke after a poor run of games last season, Andy Crosby ensured they maintained their League One status to get the job full-time.
Northampton Town - 50/1 - Manager: Jon Brady
After securing promotion from League Two in 2022-23, Jon Brady has all the backing of everyone associated with Northampton.
Shrewsbury Town - 50/1 - Manager: Matt Taylor (formerly Steve Cotterill)
After being sacked by League Two Walsall in February last year, Matt Taylor has certainly got his work cut out for him with this step up.
Burton Albion - 50/1 - Manager: Dino Maamria
The Brewers will be looking to build on their 15th-place finish last time out and they have already made some impressive signings so far.
Leyton Orient - 50/1 - Manager: Richie Wellens
After storming to the League Two title in the last campaign, there are high hopes for what Richie Wellens can achieve in the third tier this season.
Cambridge United - 66/1 - Manager: Mark Bonner
Cambridge finished one point above the relegation zone in 2022-23. It feels like they are taking a huge risk keeping Bonner on snd if he can’t turn things around quickly it could get messy.
Stevenage - 66/1 - Manager: Steve Evans
Steve Evans led Stevenage to promotion last year and there is a lot of optimism that he can keep the club in League One.
Cheltenham Town - 66/1 - Manager: Wade Elliott
Cheltenham comfortably finished in mid-table last time out with Wade Elliott succeeding Michael Duff in the summer of 2022.
Fleetwood Town - 66/1 - Manager: Scott Brown
Celtic legend Scott Brown did a respectable job in his first year of senior management and he will be hungry to build on that in 2023-24.
Carlisle United - 66/1 - Manager: Paul Simpson
After guiding Carlisle to play-off glory in May, fans are excited to see what Paul Simpson can achieve with the club back in League One.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
