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Exeter City
The 2019/20 season ended in playoff disappointment once again for Exeter. Their 4-0 defeat to Northampton at Wembley made it their third playoff final defeat in four seasons, a cruel and undesirable record for the Grecians. They will now have to pick themselves up once more and go again for the 2020/21 season, desperately hoping that they can finally shake off what must feel like some kind of curse..
Transfers
Like most clubs, Exeter announced a longer than usual released list with nine players leaving the club. It included some surprise names such as dependable centre back Aaron Martin and midfielder Brennan Dickenson, who had enjoyed a successful few months at the club having joined in January. The experienced Dean Moxey, who started at centre back in the playoff final alongside Martin, was a also a name included on the released list. Exeter have set about stacking their backline back up with more experience though, with the arrival of defender Rory McArdle after his release from Scunthorpe. Right back Jake Caprice is another addition to City’s backline. The former Tranmere man looks to be a solid signing for the Grecians.
Key Players
It’s so far so good for Exeter in regards to keeping hold of their key man, Randell Williams, this summer. The wide man enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Grecians, attracting interest from a higher level. Exeter are already rumoured to have rejected a bid from Hull for Williams, and if they can keep hold of Williams for next season it will be a major boost for the side. Experienced attacking midfielder Nicky Law will likely also play an important role in the upcoming season, as well as Ryan Bowman after notching 14 goals last campaign.
Targets
Exeter have consistently been a relatively high achieving club in League Two over the past few years, but have been plagued by falling at the final hurdle of the playoffs. The Grecians will likely be looking for another top seven finish, and will be hoping that this time they are able to go all the way.
Forest Green Rovers
It’s another season in League Two for Forest Green, which means Dale Vince’s two greyed out stars (symbolising prospective promotions to the Championship) will have to remain that way for the time being. After a playoff finish in 2018/19, Rovers dropped to a 10th placed finish despite being put down as one of the favourites for promotion. Forest Green are once again up there amongst the favourites, and will surely be hoping that they can make it not third, but fourth time lucky in League Two.
Transfers
The past few seasons have seen an astonishing turnover of players at Forest Green, and this summer has been no different. The village side confirmed the departure of eight players in June, with Joseph Mills turning down a new contract to opt for League One side Northampton in August. The released list contained some notable departures, with Farrend Rawson, Liam Shepherd and Wales international George Williams all leaving. There has also been the inevitable influx of acquisitions too for Forest Green. Defender Jordan Moore-Taylor looks to be a fine signing from MK Dons, and Rovers have made some promising young signings from clubs up the food chain with Kane Wilson, Jake Young and Jack Evans. Renowned and experienced target man Jamille Matt has also joined the club after his release by Newport County.
Key Players
Forest Green have struggled to fill a Christian Doidge shaped hole in their attack since the frontman’s departure. While he is unlikely to have the same goal return, Matt will certainly bring that physical presence up front. This could also help get the best out of Aaron Collins, who worked well alongside a target man when at Morecambe. Moore-Taylor should be an excellent addition to their defence, but they will need someone to step up out wide after the departure of Mills to Northampton.
Targets
Promotion will likely be the aim for Forest Green once again this season, as Dale Vince looks to fire his vegan club further up the divisions. After three seasons in League Two, Rovers will be itching to get that second grey start filled in and continue their project going up the leagues.
Grimsby Town
Last season saw another mid table finish for Grimsby in the Mariners’ fourth season back in League Two. Since their promotion from the National League in 2016, Town’s finishes have been consistently away from any real relegation trouble, but also far away from the playoffs. The 2019/20 season did see some excitement though with the appointment of Ian Holloway, who also bought some shares in the club. The Mariners will be hoping that Holloway can be the man to help push them further up the division.
Transfers
Grimsby announced their released list at the end of May, with nine players leaving including Harry Davis, Elliott Whitehouse and talented midfielder Jake Hessenthaler. They have also lost forward Charles Vernam to Burton Albion, after the 23 year old notched up seven goals last campaign. Inbound, the Mariners’ most notable signing so far must surely be controversial but talented Bilel Mohsni. The goalscoring defender – who once took the train home after requesting to be substituted away at Morecambe for Southend – joins the club on a one year deal and could be a valuable addition to Town’s defence. The Mariners have also turned to non-league in the search for players, with the signings of promising young strikers Ira Jackson and and Montel Gibson from Folkestone Invicta and Halesowen Town respectively. Also recruited is striker Alhagi Touray Sisay from Aberystwyth Town as well as attacking midfielder George Williams, who looks to be a fine signing. More recently, the recruitment of experienced midfielder Danny Rose from Portsmouth looks to be a shrewd acquisition.
Key Players
Goalkeeper and captain James McKeown will, as he has been for many years, be an important player for Grimsby this season, as will experienced target man James Hanson. The former Bradford striker notched up nine goals in the league last season, and had one of the best aerial duel success rates in the division. Mohsni could be a great addition to that experienced core of the squad, and former Wales international Williams will bring quality in attack. New strikers Jackson and Gibson scored over 50 goals between them at their respective clubs last season. It does come with the caveat of being non-league however, and it is yet to be seen how they may fare in the EFL.
Targets
After a number of years of mid table mediocrity, the Mariners will be looking to push on under manager Holloway. The former Blackpool manager has a number of promotions under his belt and has managed in the Premier League, and could be a catalyst in firing Grimsby up the table.
Harrogate Town
This summer saw Harrogate promoted to the football league for the first time in their history, thanks to a 3-1 victory in the National League playoff final against Notts County. Preparations have quickly begun for Town, as their 3G pitch will have to be resurfaced with grass in order to meet EFL requirements. This means that their first few home matches will have to be played at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster. Despite this and the current COVID-19 situation, it will still be a joyous achievement for Harrogate to be in League Two off the back of an excellent promotion season.
Transfers
Due to taking part in the National League playoffs, it’s been a truncated pre-season for Harrogate. This has meant little squad turnover for Town, with the only notable departure being left back George Smith to Gateshead. Incomings have generally been in keeping with Town’s habit of acquiring non-league talent, with former Salford midfielder Tom Walker bought for an undisclosed fee from AFC Fylde. They have also acquired Dover captain Kevin Lokko and former Wrexham man Jake Lawlor in central defence. In midfield, Town have snapped up former Sheffield Wednesday prospect Connor Kirby after a season on loan in League Two with Macclesfield. The young midfielder looks to be a good prospect and a shrewd acquisition for Harrogate.
Key Players
The core of Harrogate’s squad that help took them up is virtually the same. Josh Falkingham in defensive midfield is a fine player with quality on the ball and an aggressive edge that suits Town’s energetic style. He acts as their midfield lynchpin. Up top is striker Jack Muldoon who bagged 14 goals for Harrogate last season and will likely lead the line once again. They also have the excellent option of target man Jon Stead, who despite his age will likely still be able to make an impact on games. New signings Walker and Kirby also look to be promising additions to the squad who could help contribute greatly this coming season.
Targets
As a promoted side, survival will be the first thought for Harrogate in League Two. But they are a great unit with an energetic style which will likely cause a good few teams in the league some problems. It would not be too surprising to see Harrogate move further up the table beyond just being in a relegation scrap.
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