We take a look at the sides competing in the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign.
In just a week's time, we will find out our fixtures for the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign and ahead of the release, we take a look at all teams competing in the division this season, including the newly-promoted sides from League Two.
Leyton Orient, Stevenage, Northampton and Carlisle United all secured promotion to League One, while Reading, Blackpool and Wigan have all dropped down from the Championship. The 2023/24 fixtures will be announced across all our social channels at 9am.
Barnsley
Nickname: The Tykes
Manager: Michael Duff
Stadium: Oakwell (23,287)
Last season's position: 4th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Devante Cole (15)
Following a successful season back in League One, but after just narrowly missing out in the play-offs, Barnsley are one of the favourites to achieve promotion this season. After being relegated from the Championship, alongside Posh and Derby in 2021/22, The Tykes had a great campaign, amassing 86 Points in the league and at one stage going 11 games unbeaten. After beating Bolton in the play-off semi-final, Barnsley faced Sheffield Wednesday in the final at Wembley, but narrowly missed out on promotion after a 123rd-minute winner from Josh Windass. Barnsley have only made one signing so far this transfer window with Poland Under-21 International defender Kacper Lopata joining from Woking.
Blackpool
Nickname: The Seasiders / The Tangerines
Manager: Neil Critchley
Stadium: Bloomfield Road (16,616)
Last season's position: 23rd (Championship)
Last season's top goalscorer: Jerry Yates (15)
After being relegated from the Championship last season, Blackpool find themselves looking to bounce back under manager Neil Critchley, who announced his return to the club in May. Blackpool had a difficult campaign under both Michael Appleton & Mick McCarthy, with the Seasiders only managing 44 points, falling five points from safety. Jerry Yates will be a key player for the Seasiders next season after scoring 14 goals in 41 appearances in the Championship
Bolton Wanderers
Nickname: The Trotters / The Wanderers
Manager: Ian Evatt
Stadium: Toughsheet Community Stadium (28,723)
Last season's position: 5th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Dion Charles (18)
Bolton secured a play-off spot and faced Barnsley in the semi-final, and following a 1-1 draw at home, Barnsley travelled to Oakwell looking to secure a place at Wembley. Unfortunately, the visitors left disappointed after a 24th-minute header sent the Tykes to Wembley. Following a strong season, Bolton will be regarded as one of the favourites to challenge for promotion once again this season. However, after losing key player James Trafford, the Wanderers will be looking for a replacement in between the sticks.
Bristol Rovers
Nickname: The Pirates / The Gas
Manager: Joey Barton
Stadium: Memorial Stadium (11,000)
Last season's position: 17th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Aaron Collins (16)
Following promotion from League Two, Bristol Rovers had a successful season under Joey Barton and managed to secure safety in the division, finishing 17th and eight points ahead of the relegation zone. Forward Aaron Collins was a key figure in the success for The Pirates, scoring 16 goals and getting 11 assists in League One last season. Following his impressive performances, Collins was awarded League One Player of the Season and was named in the League One Team of the Season.
Burton Albion
Nickname: The Brewers
Manager: Dino Maamaria
Stadium: Pirelli Stadium (6,912)
Last season's position: 15th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Victor Adeboyejo (11)
After a rocky start to the season under Jimmy Floyd Hasslebank, the Brewers found their footing under Dino Maamria and despite losing their top goalscorer in January, Victory Adeboyejo, to fellow League One side Bolton Wanderers, Burton didn’t drop form and secured their place in League One for another season. The Brewers finished the campaign in 15th, a fantastic season for Maamria as he came in when the team were sat 24th in the table.
Cambridge United
Nickname: The U’s
Manager: Mark Bonner
Stadium: Abbey Stadium (8,127)
Last season's position: 20th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Sam Smith (14)
The U’s narrowly avoided relegation on the final game of the season, beating Forest Green Rovers 2-0 at The Abbey to confirm their status in League One for another campaign. Mark Bonner will take charge of his third full season at the club following his appointment in January 2020. However, the U’s will be without last season’s top goalscorer Sam Smith who departed the club following the conclusion of his contract.
Carlisle United
Nickname: The Cumbrians
Manager: Paul Simpson
Stadium: Brunton Park (17,949)
Last season's position:5th (League Two)
Last season's top goalscorer: Kristian Dennis (21)
The Cumbrians enjoyed a fantastic campaign in League Two last season, securing a play-off spot before facing Bradford City in the semi-final. Despite a 1-0 Loss away to The Bantams, Carlisle bounced back and ran out 3-1 winners in the second leg to book their place at Wembley. In the final, Carlisle faced Stockport County and scored an 84th-minute equaliser to send the game to extra-time and eventually penalties, achieving promotion to League One after winning 5-4 on penalties. Forward Kristian Dennis scored an impressive 20 goals in their campaign, while another standout player was Owen Moxon with the midfielder picking up 17 assists in his first season at Brunton Park.
Charlton Athletic
Nickname: The Addicks
Manager: Dean Holden
Stadium: The Valley (27,111)
Last season's position: 10th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (15)
The Addicks had a reasonable season under both Ben Garner and Dean Holden. Charlton Athletic's most memorable moment of the season was knocking out Premier League side Brighton Hove & Albion in the Carabao Cup to reach the quarter-final before being knocked out by eventual winners Manchester United. Holden will take charge of his first full season at The Valley, but will be without Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who scored 15 times and claiming eight assists last season, after he returned to his parent club following the conclusion of his loan spell.
Cheltenham Town
Nickname: The Robins
Manager: Wade Elliott
Stadium: Whaddon Road (7,066)
Last season's position: 16th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Alfie May (20)
Cheltenham Town enjoyed a decent campaign in their second season in League One, finishing 16th in the table with 54 points. Wade Elliott, who was appointed as the manager of The Robins, completed his first full season at the club and in League One, accumulating a win percentage of 32.7% across the season. The Robins will be hoping to retain the services of their leading goalscorer last season, Alfie May, who netted 20 goals and was a key part in their survival in League One.
Derby County
Nickname: The Rams
Manager: Paul Warne
Stadium: Pride Park Stadium (33,597)
Last season's position: 7th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: David McGoldrick (24)
After suffering relegation from the Championship, Derby County looked to bounce back during the 2022/23 campaign and was constantly fighting for a play-off spot, however, on the final day of the season, they missed out on the play-offs spot. Despite the disappointment, many expect Derby County to be in the race once again for the 2023/24 season. The Rams will be without David McGoldrick for the new campaign, who netted 22 goals in League One last season, after the veteran forward joined Notts County earlier this month.
Exeter City
Nickname: The Grecians
Manager: Gary Caldwell
Stadium: St James Park (8,720)
Last season's position: 14th
Last season's top goalscorer: Sam Nombe (17)
Exeter City finished 14th in their first campaign in League One in a decade, picking up 56 points and enjoyed some impressive victories in the second half of the season, including Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley. Forward Sam Nombe scored 15 goals in the league and featured in all but three games for The Grecians last season. After a good first season back at League One, The Grecians will be aiming for a top-half finish under Gary Caldwell.
Fleetwood Town
Nickname: The Fishermen / The Cods
Manager: Scott Brown
Stadium: Highbury Stadium (5,327)
Last season's position: 13th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Jack Mariott & Carlos Mendes Gomes (8)
Fleetwood Town enjoyed a second season under Scott Brown, guiding the Fishermen to a 13th-place finish in the league. Former Posh forward Jack Marriott joined the club in January and went on to score eight goals, the joint-highest with Carlos Mendes Gomes. Fleetwood Town also had a memorable run in the FA Cup, reaching the fifth round of the competition before being knocked out by Burnley.
Leyton Orient
Nickname: The O’s
Manager: Richie Wellens
Stadium: Brisbane Road (9,271)
Last season's position: 1st (League Two)
Last season's top goalscorer: Paul Smyth (10)
Leyton Orient booked their return to League One for the first time in eight years after winning League Two under Richie Wellens, amassing an impressive 91 points. The O’s went on a 10-game unbeaten run on two occasions throughout the season, while conceding the least amount of goals throughout the division. Paul Smyth played a key role in their success, scoring 10 goals in 38 appearances.
Lincoln City
Nickname: The Imps
Manager: Mark Kennedy
Stadium: LNER Stadium (10,780)
Last season’s position: 11th (League One)
Last season’s top goalscorer: Ben House (13)
Lincoln City improved on their league position from the 2021/22 campaign, finishing 11th in the table and six places higher than the previous season. The Imps certainly enjoyed playing in front of their own crown, losing only twice at the LNER Stadium in 23 League One games. Ben House, who was signed from Eastleigh last summer, had a fantastic first season in the third tier, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and ending the season as The Imps’ leading goalscorer.
Northampton Town
Nickname: The Cobblers
Manager: Jon Brady
Stadium: Sixfields Stadium (7,798)
Last season's position: 3rd (League Two)
Last season's top goalscorer: Sam Hoskins (22)
Celebrating their 125th anniversary, The Cobblers enjoyed a highly successful season under Jon Brady as they secured promotion back to League after finishing third with 83 points in their season. Northampton’s star man was forward Sam Hoskins, scoring a very impressive 22 goals in a season, including netting a crucial goal for The Cobblers in their 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers on the final day of the season to achieve promotion.
Oxford United
Nickname: The U’s
Manager: Liam Manning
Stadium: Kassam Stadium (12,500)
Last season's position: 19th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Cameron Brannagan (11)
The U’s started the last campaign with Karl Robinson, who had previously been at the club for five years. Liam Manning was appointed manager in March and guided The U’s to safety in League One. The U’s star player Cameron Brannagan netted 11 times and got three assists in the 22/23 campaign. Oxford United have already strengthened their side ahead of the 2023/24 season, securing the signature of former Notts County Rúben Rodrigues, who scored 19 goals as The Magpies returned to League Two.
Portsmouth
Nickname: Pompey
Manager: John Mousinho
Stadium: Fratton Park (20,899)
Last season's position: 8th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Colby Bishop (24)
It was a mixed campaign for Pompey last season, going unbeaten in their opening nine matches. However, after a turn of frustrating defeats, they sacked manager Danny Cowley after he went winless in eight games. John Mousinho was brought in and saw Pompey close down the gap on the play-off places, however, just falling short by seven points. Pompey have acquired the services of former Posh loanee Will Norris, joining the club on a three-year deal.
Port Vale
Nickname: The Valiants
Manager: Andy Crosby
Stadium: Vale Park (15,036)
Last season's position: 18th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Ellis Harrison (11)
On their return to League One, Port Vale finished 18th in the league, accumulating 49 points. Port Vale came into the season with manager Darell Clarke who was sacked on April 17th and later replaced by interim manager Andy Crosby, who was then appointed permanently last month. The Valiants’ top goalscorer was Ellis Harrison as he netted 11 goals in 33 games.
Reading
Nickname: The Royals
Manager: N/A
Stadium: Select Car Leasing Stadium (24,161)
Last season's position: 22nd (Championship)
Last season's top goalscorer: Tom Ince & Andy Carroll (9)
Following their relegation from the Championship, Reading will be looking to head straight back up into the second tier. The Royals (as of 13/06/23) currently don’t have a first-team manager following the departure of Paul Ince in the closing stages of last season. Reading had a good start to the 22/23 campaign, achieving 15 points from their first nine games and sitting in the play-off spots. However, a difficult second half of the season for Reading saw them drop down the table and were subsequently relegated back to League One. Reading’s top goalscorers were veteran striker Andy Carroll with 9 goals and Tom Ince also with 9 goals.
Shrewsbury
Nickname: Salops
Manager: N /A
Stadium: Montgomery Waters Meadow (9,875)
Last season's position: 12th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Luke Leahy (12)
Shrewsbury had a fantastic season under Steve Cotterill, including a six-game winning streak and were among the teams fighting for a play-off spot at one point, but a challenging end of the season saw them eventually finish up in 12th. Cotterill departed the club earlier this month, with the club yet to appoint a new manager. One player who stood out for the Salops was Luke Leahy, who scored 12 goals in 53 appearances.
Stevenage
Nickname: The Boro
Manager: Steve Evans
Stadium: Lamex Stadium (7,800)
Last season's position: 2nd (League Two)
Last season's top goalscorer: Luke Norris (15)
Stevenage booked their return to League One for the first time in nine seasons after an impressive season, finishing second in League Two and gaining automatic promotion. Boro had three top goalscorers, with Luke Norris, Jamie Reid and Jordan Roberts all getting 10 goals in their respective campaigns in League One. Stevenage have already been busy in the transfer market, including the signing of former Posh defender Nathan Thompson on a free transfer
Wigan Athletic
Nickname: The Latics / The Tics
Manager: Shaun Maloney
Stadium: DW Stadium (25,138)
Last season's position: 24th (Championship)
Last season's top goalscorer: Will Keane (12)
Wigan Athletic suffered relegation to the third tier, finishing 24th in the Championship on 39 points following a difficult season. Current manager Shaun Maloney took over as manager in January and picked up four victories, but fell 10 points off from the relegation zone. Wigan’s top goalscorer was Will Keane, who netted 12 goals for the Latics last season.
Wycombe Wanderers
Nickname: The Chairboys
Manager: Matt Bloomfield
Stadium: Adams Park (9,558)
Last season's position: 9th (League One)
Last season's top goalscorer: Lewis Wing & Anis Mehmeti (9)
It was a season of changes for Wycombe Wanderers after Gareth Ainsworth departed the club in February for Queen’s Park Rangers, while also losing key player Anis Mehmeti to Bristol City. Matt Bloomfield, who was appointed the new manager of The Chairboys, guided them to a ninth-place finish in the third, falling short of the play-offs by eight points. Ahead of Bloomfield's first full season in charge, the Chairboys will be looking to challenge in the top end of the table once again this campaign.
Written by Alex Chiappino.