EFL season preview: All 72 clubs' chances assessed

1. BBC local radio commentators and reporters assess all 72 EFL clubs
2. Season starts with Sheff Wed v Southampton in Championship (20:00 BST)
3. Leeds, Leicester & Saints aim for Premier League return at first attempt
4. Reading begin life in third tier for first time since 2002
5. Wrexham and Notts County return to EFL after spells in non-league

Barnsley – ‘Fewer resources and higher expectations’

Andy Giddings

BBC Radio Sheffield sports editor

Rex Features

How do you recreate an over-achievement with fewer resources and higher expectations? That’s the challenge new Barnsley manager Neill Collins faces, after Michael Duff led the Reds to the League One play-off final last season.

The Reds are currently short of central defenders and it’s still not certain that skipper Mads Andersen will be the only key departure before the close of the transfer window.

The huge positive, however, is that Barnsley have one of the best collections of midfielders in the division and, if the forwards can recreate last season’s form, it’s not inconceivable that they’ll compete for a top-six finish and hopefully higher.

Blackpool – Can Critchley repeat promotion trick?

Ian Chisnall

BBC Radio Lancashire's Blackpool commentator

There's a strong determination at Bloomfield Road to banish the memories of last season's nightmare campaign.

Promotion-winning head coach Neil Critchley has returned and is assembling a revamped squad. Long-term target Ollie Norburn has arrived to skipper a side who have looked well-organised and purposeful in a pre-season which has seen Irish front man Shayne Lavery already amongst the goals.

Matthew Pennington will bolster the back line, and look out for Sonny Carey to have a big impact from midfield.

Critchley is looking for more additions to counter the loss of talismanic striker Jerry Yates, one of a dozen close-season departures. The coach has a proven track record of identifying and developing young talent so recruitment – and a good start – will be crucial in shaping a season of expectation.

Get Involved

John D in Nottingham: My three title winners are Leicester, Derby & Mansfield. An East Mids treble.

Miles: My EFL league winners are: League Two - Doncaster, League One - Barnsley and Championship - Leicester.

Couple more shouts for Leicester to take the Championship crown there.

As for John D, there's a man showing loyalty to their local area! I like it.

Bolton Wanderers – Expectation levels high for Trotters

Jack Dearden

BBC Radio Manchester's Bolton reporter

Rex Features

Bolton have come a long way in a short space of time, both on and off the field.

Since Ian Evatt’s arrival there’s been significant progression, but this season the expectation levels are raised even higher.

With last year’s big hitters Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday already promoted, many are forecasting Wanderers as being frontrunners for an automatic promotion place - and not without good reason.

New recruits have arrived in the close season with the promise of more to come, which should provide plenty of healthy competition for places.

I’d expect last season’s leading scorer Dion Charles to once again lead the way in the striking department, and if there’s a better centre-back than Ricardo Santos in the division I’ve yet to see him.

If they can deal with the pressure, which will inevitably come with the expectation, they could go one better than last season and return to the Championship.

Listen to the Wanderer Podcast @bbcsounds and listen to coverage of all Bolton’s games @bbcrmsport.

Bristol Rovers – ‘It’s going to be entertaining’

Richard Hoskin

BBC Radio Bristol sports editor

I get the sense Rovers are going to have a real go at launching a promotion challenge.

Joey Barton has looked to strengthen a defence that conceded 73 goals last season by signing goalkeeper Matthew Cox, and defenders including experienced duo James Wilson and George Friend. Luke Thomas and Jevani Brown are among his other summer recruitments – and don’t be surprised to see further additions before the end of August.

Importantly the squad hasn’t been severely weakened over the summer months. Last season’s League One Player of the Season Aaron Collins remains in the blue and white quarters.

I’m confident Rovers will improve on last year’s 17th-place finish. Whether they’ve got enough in the locker to leap into the top six remains to be seen, but with an attacking brand of football it’s going to be entertaining finding out!

You can listen to ‘Having a Gas’ – every Thursday on BBC Radio Bristol at 6pm.

Burton Albion – ‘Better prepared to compete’

Dave Fletcher

BBC Radio Derby's Burton Albion commentator

Burton’s improvement in the second half of last season, after they had appeared doomed to relegation at Christmas, was impressive.

But manager Dino Maamria will be keen to ensure the Brewers are not forced into a repeat.

His summer recruitment has gone well, with Cole Stockton’s arrival early in the window a clear statement of intent.

More recently the return of Jasper Moon, who spent the second half of last term on loan at the Pirelli Stadium from Barnsley, will give much-needed continuity at the back.

Mark Helm, signed in January from Burnley, is starting to flourish in midfield, while Joe Powell’s set-piece deliveries could be key with the height of Stockton, Sam Hughes and John Brayford, likely to cause defences problems.

No-one is suggesting the Brewers will challenge the bigger clubs for places at the top end of the table, but they appear better prepared to compete.

Burton Albion commentaries are on BBC Radio Derby 1116AM.

Cambridge United – ‘Bonner remains exciting young coach’

Peter Swan

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire sports editor

Cambridge United avoided relegation in the most dramatic of circumstances back in May.

Having slipped into the bottom four at the end of January, the U's remained stuck in the drop zone until they beat Forest Green on the final day of the season.

While they were severely hampered by injuries for much of the last campaign, lessons will need to be learned. The U’s lost 26 of their 46 games and only Accrington and Forest Green scored fewer goals.

During the summer break, Mark Bonner has focused on adding experience to his squad. The likes of Jordan Cousins, Danny Andrew and Sullay Kaikai arrive at the Abbey having spent several seasons plying their trade at League One level - or above.

Despite enduring a tough 2022-23 season, Bonner remains one of the most exciting and dynamic young coaches in English football. Beating the drop will once again be the aim – all being well, a little more comfortably than last time around.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire will provide match commentary of every U’s game home and away this season.

Carlisle United – Have unexpected leavers been replaced?

James Phillips

BBC Radio Cumbria's Carlisle reporter

An unexpected exodus followed Carlisle United’s dramatic penalty shootout promotion from League Two - with top scorer Kristian Dennis, play-off final goalscorer Omari Patrick and captain Morgan Feeney headlining a lengthy list of last season’s heroes heading out of Cumbria…

Sam Lavelle and Dylan McGeouch have added League One nous while, in recent days, strikers Sean Maguire and Luke Plange have arrived to replace the attacking threat lost with Patrick and Dennis.

After nine years in League Two, and 17 without a promotion, finally getting up last year was a huge boon for United, who will be desperate to stay in League One as a first priority in 2023-24.

You can follow every kick of Carlisle’s season on BBC Radio Cumbria FM and Freeview channel 721.

Charlton Athletic – ‘Signings can turn Addicks into play-off contenders’

Louis Mendez

BBC Radio London's Charlton reporter

Rex Features

Anticipation is building in SE7. The Addicks have recently been through another takeover this summer – the fourth in as many tumultuous years at The Valley.

A consortium led by former Sunderland executive Charlie Methven are in the hotseat this time around, but fans are hoping Dean Holden has been provided with the backing to try to push for the top six after two disappointing mid-table finishes in League One under their outgoing, guitar-wielding owner Thomas Sandgaard.

Summer signings such as Alfie May (61 goals in the past three years for Cheltenham) and Panutche Camara (on loan from Ipswich) feel like the calibre of player who can turn the south-east Londoners into play-off contenders. The opening-day London derby with Leyton Orient is eagerly awaited.

Coverage of every Charlton Athletic game will be available on BBC Radio London on matchdays – plus news, analysis and interviews in the London Sports Show from 6pm on weekdays.

Cheltenham Town – ‘May well outperform predictions’

Peter Matthews

BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Cheltenham Town commentator

Last season saw Cheltenham secure their second highest-ever finish in the club’s history. Much of the credit goes to Wade Elliott, in his first season as head coach, who visibly grew into the role and guided the team to safely with a strong finish of 21 points from the last 13 games.

Club record scorer Alfie May scored 11 times in that run, to end up with 20 league goals for the season, and 43 league goals in Cheltenham’s two seasons since promotion. He has now left for Charlton, so much will depend up front this season on club record signing Aidan Keena, who impressed after his January signing.

The defence was excellent with 16 league clean sheets. Goalkeeper Luke Southwood has returned and the Robins will look to the experience of Curtis Davies to keep the defence solid, although the excellent West Bromwich Albion loanee Caleb Taylor will be missed.

The challenges are in midfield where, despite the reliable Liam Sercombe and the developing Elliot Bonds, no midfielder scored more than two league goals last season. More will be needed from James Olayinka and Dan Adshead who, for different reasons, struggled last season.

Cheltenham are likely to be tipped to be relegated by the majority of pundits, especially with the departure of May, but the stability on the playing side – and the experience of two seasons at this level – means that once again, they may well outperform predictions.

You can listen to full commentary of every Cheltenham Town game on BBC Radio Gloucestershire DAB.

Get Involved

They're one of the pre-season favourites and optimism seems to be high at Pride Park, but what do you think?

Will Derby win promotion back to the Championship this season?

Hit the thumbs up if you think they'll do it or thumbs down if you think the Rams are going to be in League One next season.

Derby County - Time to deliver for Warne

Ed Dawes

BBC Radio Derby's Rams commentator

Rex Features

It is a big season for Paul Warne’s Derby County.

Now he will be judged on results and his signings. Last season was a bonus season with a squad he didn’t assemble, whereas his seven arrivals are in the mould of his style of football.

Sonny Bradley has a promotion and endless experience at this level, while Curtis Nelson has been around the divisions. Add to that the energy and brutality shown in pre-season and the Rams could find the solidity they need.

Warne’s ethic of getting the ball down the flanks to cross it have been boosted by the arrival of Kane Wilson, Joe Ward and Callum Elder. On the end of those deliveries will be Conor Washington and James Collins, who’s scored three goals in pre-season from that kind of attack.

Derby are favourites with many to win League One, but this is Derby and it is never that simple.

Exeter City – A summer of rebuilding

Brent Pilnick

BBC Sport

The Grecians finished a creditable 14th last season, a position which would have been higher had they not lost six successive games towards the end of the campaign.

But having seen long-serving homegrown players Josh Key, Archie Collins and Jack Sparkes leave, as well as the departures of Kevin MacDonald, Jamal Blackman and Jevani Brown, manager Gary Caldwell has had something of a rebuilding job on his hands in his first summer in charge.

The club has strengthened the midfield, with the experienced Tom Carroll joining on a free transfer and Brentford's Ryan Trevitt coming in on loan, while Scottish forward Jack Aitchison will add some firepower.

Rumours that top scorer Sam Nombe could leave have been swirling for some weeks, with the striker having one year left on his deal. But the club have no financial need to sell - they will earn at least £1m after former player Ethan Ampadu's move from Chelsea to Leeds, while Key and Collins both commanded decent six-figure fees.

If they can continue to strengthen before the window shuts – at least one right-sided defender, an extra midfielder and possibly another forward look like the areas in most need of bolstering - then City could well thrive in what can sometimes be a difficult second season after promotion.

Fleetwood Town – ‘Top-half finish achievable’

Phil Gittins

BBC Radio Lancashire's Fleetwood commentator

Having survived on goal difference 12 months earlier, a 13th-place finish last time around definitely represented a season of progress for the Cod Army, in Scott's Brown's inaugural season in management.

It was an improvement largely founded upon a defensive record which only eight teams in the division bettered.

But if the upward trajectory is to be maintained in the forthcoming campaign, unquestionably it is at the other end of the field where there is definite room for improvement.

In that respect the second half of last season offered grounds for optimism. The January acquisitions of the vastly experienced duo Jack Marriott and Jayden Stockley, alongside the exciting Phoenix Patterson, added goals and a new dimension to Town.

With the majority of the squad retained, supplemented by the addition of the experienced midfield duo of Ryan Broom and Danny Mayor, there will be quiet confidence at Highbury that, in a division which saw the departure of some of its big hitters last time around, a top-half finish is certainly achievable.

Get Involved

GT in London: Whoever finishes above Bolton in L1 will get automatic promotion.

Jack: I would be over the moon with Exeter escaping a relegation scrap this season.

Nothing like a bit of pre-season positivity, Jack! Having said that, I know Exeter have lost plenty of first-teamers over the summer...

Leyton Orient – ‘Top half a realistic target’

Dave Victor

BBC Radio London's Leyton Orient reporter

Richie Wellens has transformed expectations at Brisbane Road. Having led Orient’s return to League One, the O’s boss will relish the challenge that awaits.

Wellens has kept the majority of his title-winning side. Idris El Mizouni was a key player providing quality in heart of the O’s midfield and news that the Tunisia international had again signed on loan from Ipswich delighted the Orient faithful.

Last season’s success was built on an outstanding defensive record. Keeper Sol Brynn has joined on loan from Middlesbrough and faces the daunting task of replacing Lawrence Vigouroux, following his move to Burnley.

Promotion was achieved without having a prolific goalscorer. Joe Pigott, signed from Ipswich, and Dan Agyei, from Crewe, will be looking to provide the goals the O’s need to succeed in League One.

A top-half finish is a realistic target but, after last season’s success, some Leyton Orient supporters will expect a push for the play-offs.

Lincoln City – Can they finish higher while being more expansive?

Michael Hortin

BBC Radio Lincolnshire sports editor and Lincoln commentator

Getty Images

'Organised but boring’ was a criticism some made of Lincoln last season. But it missed the point – City under Mark Kennedy had their second-most successful campaign since the mid-1970s. So can they be better and more expansive this time around?

Recruitment this summer followed two trends. Firstly players have signed on permanent deals. In January the Imps had seven loans, at the time of writing they have none. Second, the players are physically bigger now.

Ethan Erhahon stands out as the player to watch. He’s impressed since joining in January from St Mirren, bringing composure to the team. Another to look out for is striker Tyler Walker – can he find the form that impressed last time he was at the Bank?

A sustained top 10 campaign for Lincoln would be considered a success and a step forward. An FA Cup run would be nice too!

Commentary of every Lincoln City game is on BBC Radio Lincolnshire 94.9FM & DAB. Build-up and reaction to games can be heard on “Hope and Glory: A Lincoln City Podcast” on BBC Sounds.

We're getting some anonymous title predictions coming through on text and WhatsApp - if you're bullish enough about them, put your names to them please!

You can get in touch by using #bbcefl, texting 81111 (UK only - standard message rates apply) or via WhatsApp on 03301231826.

Northampton Town – A squad capable of survival

Jake Sharpe

BBC Radio Northampton sports presenter

This is the season where Northampton Town’s recruitment strategy will be put to the test.

After securing promotion to League One last season, following on from the cruel events at Barrow 12 months prior, the Cobblers retained 18 senior players – including League Two Player of the Year Sam Hoskins.

Kieron Bowie and Marc Leonard re-joining on loan means that 20 of the 23 senior players in the squad were at the club last season. This is a long-term plan put in place to try to combat the financial power at the top ends of League One and League Two, in which the Cobblers simply cannot compete.

Manny Monthe and Patrick Brough have been added to an already-strong defence, while manager Jon Brady hopes that long-term target Tyreece Simpson, who has joined on loan from Huddersfield, will bring his side goals.

So the plan is in place, and many Cobblers fans believe this squad represents the best opportunity for the club to survive in League One for many seasons.

Oxford United – U’s can challenge but lots of ifs

Ben Purkiss

BBC Radio Oxford pundit and former U’s defender

Rex Features

Promotion is firmly in Oxford’s sights following a near disastrous 2022-2023 campaign, which saw Liam Manning replace long-serving manager Karl Robinson and guide the team to League One safety.

In contrast to previous summer transfer windows the U’s did their business early, with key permanent additions Jordan Thorniley, Ruben Rodrigues and Mark Harris arriving from Blackpool, Notts County and Cardiff respectively. The trio, together with Brighton loanee goalkeeper James Beadle (who adds to a defensively strong squad), are expected to form the spine of any promotion push.

Goalscoring will likely define Oxford’s success – with Rodrigues challenged to step up from the National League and Harris expected to improve his output after dropping down from the Championship.

If the duo can fire, if Manning can nurture a breakout season from youngster Tyler Goodrham, and if there are improved campaigns from influential duo Elliott Moore and Cameron Brannagan, there is no reason why the team cannot compete at the top of the table again.