The League One season kicks off with high expectations as Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, and Rotherham United are seen as strong contenders for promotion. Despite the recent promotions of Portsmouth, Derby County, and Oxford United, the competition in League One remains fierce with teams investing in new players and coaches.
Don Goodman, an EFL pundit and Sky Sports analyst, believes that Birmingham City is the favorite for promotion after their significant investment in players and the appointment of coach Chris Davies. With eight new players, four of whom cost a seven-figure sum or more, Birmingham City is determined to build a stronger team than the one that suffered relegation last season. The aggressive playing style and high pressing tactics under the new coach have already garnered support from fans, with over 17,000 season tickets sold in League One.
In addition to Birmingham City, Goodman also sees potential in Huddersfield Town under new coach Michael Duff and Rotherham United under experienced manager Steve Evans. The three teams – Bolton, Peterborough, and Barnsley – that lost in the play-offs over the last two seasons are also expected to be strong contenders for promotion. Charlton Athletic, under Nathan Jones, is considered a dark horse in the promotion race due to their recent performances.
Looking at the League One landscape for the 2024/25 season, it is clear that the competition will be tough. Last season presented a golden opportunity for Bolton to secure promotion, but with strong teams like Huddersfield, Rotherham, and Birmingham in the mix, the race for promotion is wide open. Charlton’s resurgence under Jones and the unexpected performances of teams like Blackpool, Lincoln City, and Stockport County add to the excitement of the upcoming season. The strength of the top half of the division indicates that many teams are hopeful for a successful promotion push.
As the League One season unfolds, fans can expect an intense and competitive race for promotion, with multiple teams vying for a coveted spot in the higher divisions. The investments in players, the strategic coaching appointments, and the determination of each team set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.