Peter Swan
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire sports editor

Darren Ferguson has warned Peterborough fans to be "realistic" with their expectations for the new season.

In part owing to an ongoing dispute between their owners, Posh have been working hard to reduce their levels of debt. Several key first-team players have moved on - including Jack Taylor, Frankie Kent, Joe Ward and Nathan Thompson.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Ferguson's decision to remain as manager, on a new three-year contract, provides much-needed stability and he says he's keen to focus on developing the club's younger players.

Exeter midfielder Archie Collins is the most eye-catching of Posh's summer arrivals, but Peter Kioso and Romoney Crichlow should prove solid additions in defence.

Posh would love to find themselves in the play-off mix come May, but fans may have to make do with a season of transition - as Ferguson lays the groundwork for a full-on promotion push in 2024-25.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire will be following Peterborough United home and away throughout the upcoming season.

Andy Moon
BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator

Image source, Rex Features

Can Portsmouth finally get themselves out of League One at the seventh time of asking? Fans have become wary of allowing too much optimism to build after excellent starts in the past two seasons were not built on.

The division appears weaker without the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich and the minimum expectation is to be in the thick of the play-off battle.

Summer recruitment has been incredibly efficient and fast. It’s possible there won’t be any further additions after the opening day of the season. That’s almost unheard of.

The big question over the team is who can share the goal burden with last season’s player of the year Colby Bishop. The midfield and defence look strong. If someone like Anthony Scully or Gavin Whyte has a good season in front of goal, a top-six finish is realistic.

You can listen to every Portsmouth match on BBC Radio Solent with Andy Moon and Pompey legend Guy Whittingham, and read Andy’s latest column here.

Phil Bowers
BBC Radio Stoke's Port Vale commentator

Much rests on the shoulders of new boss Andy Crosby in his first full season as a manager.

Fan expectation in Burslem is, as usual, high, and signing 10 new players was greeted with enthusiasm – goalkeeper Connor Ripley and midfielders Conor Grant and Ethan Chislett were considered something of a coup given their outstanding seasons last year.

However, concern remains over firepower - last season’s top scorer Ellis Harrison remains the only senior centre-forward on the books at the moment.

Crosby has spoken of the need to be physically bigger, powerful and more athletic – he’s certainly delivered that. Vale will be no pushovers – but may not score enough goals to trouble the top half.

This was sent before Vale re-signed striker James Wilson on a six-month deal earlier today.

Luke: My EFL title-winners for this season. League Two - Bradford, League One - Bolton, Championship - Sunderland.

What do we make of that? Luke certainly hasn't gone for all the obvious picks...

Image source, Getty Images

Tim Dellor
BBC Radio Berkshire's Reading commentator

If Reading’s play on the pitch is as shambolic as the leadership has been off the pitch during the past few months, then relegation is a certainty. Winding up petitions, late payments to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs and players, and a complete lack of communication from unpopular owner Dai Yongge has dominated the summer.

It would be refreshing for fans if Reading got through this next season without a points deduction, without a transfer embargo being imposed, and without late payments at the end of each month. All that, and a mid-table finish, would mark progress. Of course, having just been relegated, no football fan ever goes into a new season hoping for a mid-table finish.

Despite the chaos, head of football operations Mark Bowen and new manager Ruben Selles have made a couple of useful signings. Charlie Savage, from Manchester United, and Harvey Knibbs from Cambridge United, are perhaps the most exciting so far.

Useful signings lead to optimism, so now some fans are daring to dream about an immediate return to the Championship.

Based on what’s happened at the club since Yongge’s arrival back in 2017, they will probably be disappointed come May.

Mark Elliott
BBC Radio Shropshire sports presenter

This has been a summer of unprecedented change at Shrewsbury Town – with a complete overhaul at boardroom level followed by the appointment of the club’s first director of football, in Micky Moore, and then a new head coach in the shape of former Portsmouth and West Ham player Matt Taylor.

Taylor is unproven and will oversee a change in style that will challenge and excite players and supporters, used to a particular way of playing under previous boss Steve Cotterill. To help with the process he and Moore have made a raft of new signings with more expected, particularly in attack, before the end of the transfer window.

As always the success of the revolution will be judged by results and, given the extent of the change, anything could happen from here.

You can follow every twist and turn on BBC Radio Shropshire with every game live on 96FM.

Steve Watkins
BBC Three Counties Radio's Stevenage commentator

This time last year, nobody outside of north Hertfordshire would have entertained the notion that Stevenage would end the season with a promotion. There is probably very much the same feeling as Steve Evans prepares for life in League One.

Over the summer they lost the likes of Luke Norris, Danny Rose, Jake Reeves, Jake Taylor and Alex Gilbey, all of whom figured prominently last term. But the signings have shown Evans is being fully backed by the board, and he is constructing another squad that looks like they might be capable of again causing some surprises.

Defensively, Nathan Thompson and Dan Butler have added to what already was a very sound department. The midfield additions of Louis Thompson, Nick Freeman, Harry Anderson, Ben Thompson and Alex McDonald are all proven at the level and would certainly be considered an upgrade.

The area that may see some concern is up front, where they have so far not replaced those leaving. They will though have the services of Elliot List, whose season lasted just 39 minutes last year, and a lot will be put on the shoulders of workhorse Jamie Reid, who has shown he can compete at a higher level.

All in all, Stevenage probably won’t reach the heights of last season, but upper mid-table looks to be well within their reach. Steve Evans, though, I’m sure won’t be thinking along those lines.

You can listen to every game this season on 95.5FM.

Mike Minay
BBC Radio Manchester commentator and reporter

Image source, Rex Features

In such a short space of time it’s difficult to comprehend what’s gone on at Wigan. Relegation, a points deduction, financial difficulties, a takeover, a mass exodus of players, plenty of incomings… and now it’s ready for League One action again.

One thing has remained consistent and that’s the manager Shaun Maloney. A man who seems to get what being a Wigan man is. He feels the club and its fans, and that can certainly help with the ‘community’ spirit that the new owner wants to bring in.

There was an improvement in results and performances when Maloney came in midway through last season and if they can now turn that into more wins, they’ll have a fighting chance this season.

The first month of the new season could tell us a lot about Latics, as they’ll start on -8 points. The quicker they wipe that out, the sooner they’ll be looking upwards. But, my fear is if they don’t start well they could find themselves in a rut that means they’ll only be chasing their tails for the campaign.

Sam Avery
BBC Three Counties Radio's Wycombe commentator

It feels like a new era. His appointment may have come in February, but Matt Bloomfield has now been given a summer transfer window to mould the Chairboys squad into his own. Several players have arrived on loan, with a seemingly good blend between youth and experience.

This summer saw the departures of long-serving midfielders Dom Gape, Curtis Thompson and Nick Freeman, while Lewis Wing swapped Buckinghamshire for Berkshire with a move to Reading. This forced a mini-rebuild, with an emphasis on freshening up the midfield.

It is possibly the first season in a long time where fans are a little unsure on what the current squad are realistically capable of. Of course there is optimism, but the potential unknown of what to expect this campaign has excited supporters, who are keen to back Bloomfield and his new-look Wycombe.

Commentary of every Wycombe Wanderers match available on BBC Three Counties radio 98FM.

Image source, Rex Features

Right, time to move on to League One.

Big-hitters Plymouth, Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday all went up last season - so will it be any easier to get out of the third-tier this time round..?

Image source, Rex Features

It's been another busy off-season for the 72 clubs below the Premier League.

Thirteen teams go into the 2023-24 season with a new man in charge.

How much have you been paying attention during the break? Give our quiz a go here and let us know how you get on, using #bbcefl on social media.

Well, our commentators, reporters and pundits have stuck their necks out on League Two - what do you make of their assessments?

Let us know how you think your club will get on this season, or - if you're really brave - try predicting who will win all three divisions.

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Rex Features

At the other end, the future looks bleak for Crawley, it would be fair to say that the Wagmi ownership era has been turbulent. Key players have left this summer, and subsequent recruitment hasn’t quite got mouths watering. Scott Lindsey has a big job on his hands.

It could also be a difficult season for Harrogate, with the increasing strength of other sides in League Two, you just wonder if they may get pushed aside.

Fears also remain for Newport, with manager Graham Coughlan saying "the landscape has changed" in League Two this season. Coughlan has had his hands tied with a smaller budget this season, and is very realistic in how difficult a campaign it could be.

You can listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's 72+ podcast EFL season preview here.

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live

To quote one of Hollywood’s most beloved, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. Yes, you know where we are going with this.

Despite the existence of 23 other teams in the division, it will be all eyes on Wrexham this coming campaign as League Two rolls back around. The big spenders are the bookies favourites for a double bounce promotion. But their plans took a hit during pre-season, as star striker Paul Mullin suffered a punctured lung against Manchester United. No doubt Reynolds and McElhenney will dip into the transfer market to add to their frontline.

But what other teams will be in the running this season? Gillingham look excellent, new owner Brad Galinson has let his wallet do the talking, with the Kent club making some really impressive signings. Scott Malone is a coup at left wing-back, whilst Shadrach Ogie adds steel to the defence. Jonny Williams could offer great support for Tom Nicholls in attack.

Image source, Rex Features

Notts County will also be an excellent watch for the neutral this season. Luke Williams knows how to get his side playing football, here's hoping they don’t lose the philosophy if it doesn't take off after the first few weeks. One thing is for certain with County - Macaulay Langstaff + David ‘Didzy’ McGoldrick = goals.

Stockport should be there or thereabouts come the end of the season as well, injuries really hampered their push last season. But the addition of Nick Powell offers a touch of class to the midfield, whilst it will also be fascinating to see how Louie Barry gets on in League Two once again.

Salford and Bradford could both have good seasons, while it will be interesting to see if Michael Flynn’s arrival at Swindon helps them into the top seven. Doncaster will undoubtedly be much improved under Grant McCann.

You can listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's 72+ podcast EFL season preview here.

Dan Jewell
BBC Radio Lancashire Sport

After five seasons in League One, the team who perennially punch above their weight took one too many blows. Now the focus must be to rebuild and minimise the damage.

Stanley have modest means by fourth-tier standards, let alone third, and signings have proven to be a challenge this summer, with loan deals the main route of recruitment.

The vast experience of management duo John Coleman and Jimmy Bell isn’t necessarily reflected in a changing room dominated by players under the age of 23, and some of those younger squad members will need to step up and learn quickly.

Avoiding a double relegation must be the priority – that’s happened to bigger clubs in the past.

With better luck with injuries and some breakthroughs from within the squad, there could be aspirations of the play-offs.

Aaron Paul
Host of BBC Radio 5 Live's 72+ podcast

The 2022-23 campaign really was the archetypal season of two halves for Wimbledon.

After a humiliating relegation the season before, revolution was needed rather than evolution. Johnnie Jackson was brought in to offer a fresh perspective on a club that had lacked confidence for a while, and the signs were promising.

Lingering just outside of the play-offs at Christmas, a poor January transfer window saw the Dons almost slip out of the Football League totally. Change was required again. The appointment of Craig Cope as head of football operations and Danny Macklin as managing director has offered experience and optimism.

The subsequent feeling is that Wimbledon are ready for another tilt at League Two. James Tilley and Josh Neufville have arrived on permanent transfers, and offer excitement on the flanks. Omar Bugiel is a hard-working forward, who will hopefully provide the perfect foil for the very impressive Ali Al-Hamadi.

The Dons’ prolific academy continues to provide quality squad additions, with Jack Currie and Huseyin Biler proving themselves as excellent EFL competitors, while high hopes remain for Paris Lock, Aron Sasu and Morgan Williams. Alex Bass is a fresh face between the sticks, offering height and aerial presence.

But the highlight of the summer is the return of Jake Reeves – the midfield enforcer’s presence had never really been filled. A promotion winner at this level with Wimbledon in 2016, and Stevenage last season, Reeves has already been appointed club captain, and supporters will be hoping his presence will drive success at the stunning Plough Lane.

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's 72+ podcast EFL season preview here.

Gareth in Wakefield: Seems like there will be a lot of teams in contention for the play-offs in League Two, if these predictions are to be believed! More than likely though that it’ll be the few teams who can find consistency early on in the toughest division that will prosper. Hopefully Colchester United will be amongst them, but I’ll settle for top 10.

Michael: Both Mansfield and Salford reporters claim their team were top scorers last season, only one can be right...

Mansfield and Salford each scored 72 goals in League Two last season - no side scored higher.

Adam Johnson
BBC Radio Cumbria Sport

Last season Barrow overcame the pre-season odds and predictions to storm to a ninth-place finish in League Two - their highest position since 1970.

Summer recruitment has gone well. Despite the loss of key players in Patrick Brough and Josh Gordon, the arrivals of Dave Worrall and Jamie Proctor - both with experience of promotion from this level just a couple of seasons ago – have seen a good mix of youth and experience brought in.

Whether Barrow will emulate or better last season’s finish remains to be seen – a tough start to this campaign awaits, with six out of the first nine games being on the road, but under the guidance of Pete Wild you certainly can’t rule the Bluebirds out of being in the promotion shake-up come the end of the season.

BBC Radio Cumbria is the place to be for full uninterrupted commentary of every Barrow AFC game, on DAB+ and MW 837 frequency.

Jamie Raynor
BBC Radio Leeds' Bradford City commentator

Image source, Rex Features

Last season’s play-off heartbreak at Carlisle will no doubt be a lingering memory for all connected to Bradford City going into the new League Two campaign. Whether it’s the disappointment of missing out on promotion, or the stark reminder that Bradford City’s stay in the fourth tier of English football is reaching its fifth anniversary, expectation among the fanbase remains the same. Promotion.

So far only six new players have arrived this transfer window, in contrast to the 17 last year.

In the dugout, Mark Hughes is entering his second full season as Bradford City’s manager, an eight-year first for the club. A settled summer for the Bantams has been a rare thing in recent years, yet levels of optimism among supporters remains surprisingly mixed. The introduction of Wrexham and Notts County has likely fuelled such feeling, along with the financially backed Stockport County, Salford City and Gillingham all expecting to be in the promotion mix.

But could that be a blessing for Bradford City? Might the League Two spotlight be directed away from Valley Parade?

Maybe the Hollywood script doesn’t have a starring role for the team in claret and amber. Pressure and expectation within the four walls of the City changing room will remain. But playing the role of support act – that goes on to steal the limelight – might just be the narrative they’ve been waiting for.

Victoria Polley
BBC Essex sports reporter

Colchester United fans will go into this season hopeful that a full pre-season and transfer window under head coach Ben Garner, who was appointed in March, will mean they won’t be nervously looking over their shoulder at the bottom of the League Two table this season.

The U’s splashed out in the January transfer window as they looked to ensure EFL survival, bringing in Matt Jay from Exeter and newly installed club captain Connor Hall from Port Vale. They could provide valuable experience in a push for at least a top-half finish, combined with last season’s top scorer Noah Chilvers and exciting youngsters like striker Samson Tovide.

It’s been a quieter summer signing window, with Garner strengthening rather than overhauling his squad, and there still could be more additions – one more goal threat would bolster the U’s attacking options.

It remains to be seen whether highly rated teenager Junior Tchamadeu, who’s been linked with a Championship move, will remain at the club.

Listen to every Colchester United match live on BBC Essex 103.5FM and have your say on the BBC Essex fans’ phone-in on Fridays from 6pm.