Stacey West League One Predictions

Peterborough fans me gary — Credit Graham Burrell

Last week, Chris and I took you through the Stacey West predictions for the coming season.

However, as you may not wish to watch our content or listen, we thought we’d put it up in written form, so you can easily batter us from afar! If you do want to watch or listen, there are links across this article.

Bear in mind that while we have displayed mine and Chris’s predictions, Ben and Charlie also decided the overall outcome. However, due to some late swaps and switches, I have opted to only show Chris and I on this graphic.

I have also done a quick two line overview of each team for you, just to give you a flavour of why we’ve put each team where we have.

Enjoy. or not.

1 Birmingham City

Big spenders, but they’ve spent on quality. Should have the strength and depth to repeat their 1995 triumph at this level with games to spare.

2 Bolton Wanderers

Desperately unlucky last season, Ian Evatt’s side are Championship bound very soon. The bulk of the squad has remained together and they’ll be right up there this season.

3 Huddersfield Town

With clever signings and a good manager in Michael Duff, Huddersfield will expect to be challenging. Will the burden of an expensive squad that got relegated last season bog them down a little?

4 Charlton Athletic

Charlton were excellent under Nathan Jones last season, and they’ve recruited smartly. There’s still a question about replacing Alfie May’s goals, 27 last season, but that shouldn’t be a problem with Ahadme and Godden in the squad.

5 Peterborough United

They’re depleted across the back, still need some firepower and always seem to struggle to get over the line, but they’re always there. Some people predict Posh to be midtable at best – a pessimist is never disappointed. Posh fans won’t be disappointed if they ramp up their transfer activity.

6 Rotherham United

Split the SW team – some think Evans’ recruitment and style will see Rotherham top six. The Millers’ fans will be harder to please than Stevenage and Gillingham, and Evans’ style is marmite. He’ll be thereabouts, but will he be there?

7 Wigan Athletic

It’s a strong squad, a good manager, and great recruitment this summer. They would have been real challengers without their points deduction and off-field issues last season. Without those problems, they’ll fly in 24/25.

8 Lincoln City

To be covered more in depth on the site before the weekend

9 Stockport County

Stockport were worthy League Two champions, and they’ve kept much of that squad together. Lewis Fiorini could purr at this level, making them a real promotion prospect.

10 Blackpool

Just missed out last time, and despite having a decent squad, there are questions around them at present. There’s no doubt they’re capable, but can they keep the likes of Jordan Rhodes fit for long enough to score the goals they need?

11 Barnsley

Barnsley slumped at the end of last season, and, like Blackpool, there are big question marks over them this time out. They’ve lost key players, and Darrell Clarke has a big point to prove after his Port Vale spell. He’s a nice guy, but will that be enough to satiate the expectant Oakwell supporters?

12 Bristol Rovers

Shorn of their sideshow manager, Bristol Rovers are a serious prospect again. Promise Omochere could be a big capture, but the loss of Anthony Evans will hit them. Still, they’ll be around the play-off conversation for much of the season.

13 Wycombe Wanderers

Can Matt Bloomfield keep the momentum going from last season? A horrible start saw his job questioned, but they’ve spent big this summer. If they start as badly, he could be gone with new owners keen to taste success.

14 Wrexham

Everyone loves to hate them, but it seems like they’re trying a different approach. They bought League Two promotion (which we can’t say anything about as we did similar, but not quite as lavish), but it feels like they’re looking more to our model now. It could make this season transitional, but fair play if they stick to it.

15 Reading

Could be 15th, could be fifth. Great coach and a strong basis for a squad means they’ve got potential, but until they can recruit, it’s impossible to see anything other than a midtable battle. Unless you’re Gary, who put them seventh.

16 Leyton Orient

Orient could be weaker in terms of personnel, but Richie Wellens is a strong coach. They’re one of a handful of teams right up to us that might be separated by a couple of points.

17 Mansfield Town

They’ve looked poor in pre-season, but there’s experience and consistency running through the side. It should be enough to stave off a relegation fight.

18 Exeter City

We admire their model, but when all around you spend big, it is hard to survive on thrift. Respect to Gary Caldwell for the job he’s done with the Grecians, but under their fan-driven ownership model, they’ll always be looking down, not up.

19 Burton Albion

It’s all change at Burton, again. They seem to have a new manager and squad every season, but this time, they’re playing nice football. Will it be a success? It depends how quickly they gel.

20 Stevenage

Stevenage’s squad looks able, but Alex Revell’s previous experience as manager did not go well, and there’s a fear wihout Evans’ there could be a struggle ahead.

21 Cambridge United

Cambridge United will be relying heavily on Taylor Richards to produce magic, but the jury is still out on Garry Monk and his ability to handle lower-end League One football.

22 Northampton Town

Northampton were a decent outfit last season, but ended the campaign poorly and have lost Marc Leonard, a key figure for them.

23 Crawley Town

Crawley have had huge squad churn, losing many of their key players from last season. On paper, they’re weaker than 12 months ago when they were relegation favourites from League Two.