BBC Sport's local correspondents break down the hopes and concerns of all 24 teams across League One before Friday's campaign curtain-raiser.
There is a reassuring air of familiarity about League One this season.
Although one club found it a little more straightforward to gain promotion than the other last term, the new money of Birmingham City and Wrexham not only dominated on the pitch but also hogged the overall narrative of the division.
With both now in the Championship, the third tier in 2025-26 appears a little more of a level playing field.
Of course, some have spent significantly more than others - Huddersfield Town, in particular - and there will always be a natural hierarchy in terms of resources, but at this stage, there appears no team without some degree of doubt, and categorising definitive promotion sides is not a straightforward exercise.
With Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon getting us under way on Friday (20:00 BST), BBC Sport correspondents from all 24 clubs offer their take on what could lie in store for each team across the campaign.
AFC Wimbledon
Manager: Johnnie Jackson
Last season: Fifth League Two (won play-off final)
Key ins: Alistair Smith (Lincoln, free), Steve Seddon (Motherwell, free), Joe McDonnell (Eastleigh), Nathan Bishop (Sunderland), Delano McCoy-Splatt (Fulham, free)
Key outs: Josh Neufville (Bradford City, free), James Tilley (Wycombe, free)
What are the expectations heading into the season? The Dons established themselves as a League One club for six seasons until the club's only relegation in their history in 2022, and they'll be keen to solidify their status as a third-tier team again.
What are the major strengths of the team to help them achieve that? Johnnie Jackson's side was built on a strong defensive foundation last season, conceding a league low 35 goals all season – an average of less than one a game.
Jackson has kept the core of that team together, with defender Ryan Johnson signing a new deal and midfielder Alistair Smith making his loan move from Lincoln permanent.
And what are the underlying weaknesses that could hold them back? As great as the Dons were defensively, it was putting the ball in the opponents' net where they often struggled. Their tally of 56 goals scored was the lowest of the top nine teams in League Two last season, with Matty Stevens the only player to hit double figures.
Who's a player to look out for this season who could be a difference-maker? Matty Stevens. The former Forest Green Rovers striker made a devastating start to his time at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, scoring 20 goals in his first 38 games.
But his form dropped off significantly towards the back end of the season as the 27-year-old managed just one more goal in 19 matches, as the Dons suffered a wobble that took them out of automatic promotion contention and into the play-offs.
Barnsley
Adam Oxley, BBC Radio Sheffield
Head coach: Conor Hourihane
Last season: 12th
Key ins: David McGoldrick (Notts County, free), Murphy Cooper (QPR, loan), Caylan Vickers (Brighton, loan), Patrick Kelly (West Ham, free)
Key outs: Stephen Humphrys Bradford, free), Max Watters (Dundee United, loan), Corey O'Keeffe (Stockport, loan), Donovan Pines (released)
Expectations? This summer is being seen as a reset for Barnsley after playing legend Conor Hourihane replaced Darrell Clarke in the second half of last season.
A Championship return has been the board's stated aim of the past few seasons, and the Reds have made the play-offs twice in the past three campaigns, but with a rookie head coach and a modest budget, supporters may have to settle for a year of transition and another mid-table finish.
Strengths? Hourihane has been clear about a change in formation and style of play, making some relatively big calls to re-shape his squad, retaining players to operate with four at the back and to be more attacking. A strong spine with Marc Roberts, Luca Connell, Davis Keillor-Dunn and David McGoldrick gives the Reds something to build around.
Weaknesses? A lack of strength in depth could make it difficult for Barnsley to compete at the top end of League One. This includes an increased reliance on players stepping up from the club's academy, who are always more of an unknown quantity.
Difference-maker? David McGoldrick may be 37 but he's a 'box office' signing with undoubted quality who will get bums off seats at Oakwell.
Blackpool
Ian Chisnall, BBC Radio Lancashire
Manager: Steve Bruce
Last season: Ninth
Key ins: Fraser Horsfall (Stockport, free), Michael Ihiekwe (Sheffield Wednesday, free), George Honeyman (Millwall, free), Jordan Brown (Leyton Orient, undisclosed)
Key outs: Sonny Carey (Charlton, free), Rob Apter (Charlton, undisclosed), Jake Beesley (Burton, undisclosed)
Expectations? Ever since his arrival last September, Steve Bruce has made it clear that this campaign would be an all-out push for promotion. His revamp of the squad began last January and nothing but contention at the top will satisfy.
Strengths? The midfield department looks to be strong with genuine competition for places. New arrivals should ensure a solid back line.
Weaknesses? Rob Apter's departure and some worrying injuries has left the manager looking to recruit in his beloved wide areas. Despite the permanent arrival of Niall Ennis from Stoke, further depth at the top of the pitch is a priority
Difference-maker? George Honeyman is a clever footballer who is proven at a higher level. He could be the key to bringing the best out of others.
Bolton Wanderers
Jack Dearden, BBC Radio Manchester
Key ins: Amario Cozier-Duberry (Brighton, loan), Thierry Gale (Rapid Vienna, undisclosed), Xavier Simons (Hull, undisclosed), Ethan Erhanon (Lincoln, undisclosed), Mason Burstow (Hull, loan)
Key outs: Aaron Collins (MK Dons, undisclosed), Ricardo Santos (Swansea, free), Gethin Jones (MK Dons, free), George Thomason (Wrexham, undisclosed)
Expectations? Unquestionably, there will be enormous expectation on Wanderers to win promotion this time around, and, given the resource to bring in new players which has been afforded to manager Steven Schumacher to reshape his squad, there is certain to be pressure for him to provide it.
Strengths? Having brought in players with a younger profile they will be looking for a more energetic approach and the ability to provide quick and slick counter- attacking play.
Weaknesses? A lack of consistency in general with improvement required at both ends of the pitch. They need to improve the ratio of goals scored from opportunities created, while it is essential to improve defensively.
Difference-maker? Charlie Warren, signed from Felixstowe and Walton United a prolific scorer at non-league level could be considered a gamble but Wanderers will be hoping he can provide some of the goals they have been lacking.
Bradford City
Manager: Graham Alexander
Last season: Third, League Two
Key ins: Stephen Humphreys (Barnsley, free), Max Power (AGF, free), Josh Neufville (AFC Wimbledon, free), Jenson Metcalfe (Everton, undisclosed)
Key outs: Richie Smallwood (Tranmere, free), Jamie Walker (Grimsby, free)
Expectations? With Bradford City's six-year wait for a return to League One now over, how they acclimatise to life in the third tier is somewhat of an unknown.
Owner Stefan Rupp has not put a ceiling on what could be achieved at Valley Parade and has been clear he possesses the financial resource to push the club in and around the top six. However, at the very least, the expectation amongst the fanbase will be to avoid relegation.
Strengths? A promotion usually brings momentum and we've learnt in recent years, particularly in League One, that can be a force to be reckoned with. Summer recruitment has seen the club focus on players with past experience in the division and that will build on the winning formula Graham Alexander has found, one fuelled by organisation and a hard-work mentality.
Weaknesses? While plenty has been added to their defensive ranks this summer there still remains a bit of doubt over where the goals are going to come from, particularly in the early stages of the season.
Andy Cook is still recovering from an ACL injury and young Calum Kavanagh is battling with an early season niggle, leaving them slightly short on options to lead the much deployed three-man forward line with Will Swann the only out-and-out option.
Difference-maker? Already from his pre-season displays, Stephen Humphreys has shown the x-factor to excite the Bradford City fanbase, displaying a maverick style of play that could unlock stubborn League One defences.
Burton Albion
Dave Fletcher, BBC Radio Derby
Head coach: Gary Bowyer
Last season: 20th
Key ins: Jake Beesley (Blackpool, undisclosed), Fabio Tavares (Coventry, undisclosed), JJ McKiernan (Lincoln, loan), Kyran Lofthouse (Barnsley, undisclosed), Toby Sibbick (Wigan, undisclosed), Jordan Amissah (Ross County, undisclosed)
Key outs: Rumarn Burrell (QPR, undisclosed), Max Crocombe (Millwall, free), Ryan Sweeney (Mansfield, free)
Expectations? The first target has to be to start better than they have in recent seasons, especially 2024-25. Their failure to win a league game until November last season looked like it was going to send them down in record time until things turned dramatically after Christmas and a continuation of their form from the second half of the campaign appears more likely than the first.
Strengths? Quite simply, Gary Bowyer and Pat Lyons. The head coach and his assistant, along with first-team coach John Brayford, who was already with the Brewers when they arrived in December with just two wins in the bank, have reconnected the club with the supporters.
Weaknesses? Last summer's 24 signings – an English record – could prove to be an issue with a bloated squad that includes several players who do not appear to have a future at the Pirelli Stadium. Some have left, but many remain and despite the squad size, it would not take many injuries to create an issue.
Difference-maker? The scattergun approach to signings 12 months ago was always going to unearth a few gems and in midfielder Charlie Webster, who has been given more responsibility by Bowyer, they clearly have one.
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Cardiff City
Head coach: Brian Barry-Murphy
Last season: 24th Championship (relegated)
Key ins: None
Key outs: Aaron Ramsey (Pumas, free), Callum O'Dowda (Ferencvaros, undisclosed), Joe Ralls (released), Anwar El Ghazi (released), Dimitrios Goutas (Genclerbirligi, free)
Expectations? An immediate return to the Championship. After a miserable few years on and off the field led to relegation last season, new manager Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest man to be tasked with the onerous job of rejuvenating a beleaguered club preparing to play in the third tier for the first time in 22 years.
Strengths? A squad that still boasts several Championship-quality players and some promising youngsters. The question is whether or not they will still be there after the transfer window closes.
Weaknesses? A lack of goals has been the glaring weakness in recent seasons, while the defence unravelled during the relegation campaign too. Confidence is likely to be low among a group of players who have underachieved for some time now.
Difference-maker? If Cardiff can hold on to striker Yousef Salech, who they signed in January, he could become only the second man in 15 years to score 20 goals for the Bluebirds in one season.
Doncaster Rovers
Robbie Andrews, BBC Radio Sheffield
Manager: Grant McCann
Last season: 1st League Two (promoted)
Key ins: Thimothee Lo-Tutala (Hull City, loan), Matty Pearson (Huddersfield, free), Glenn Middleton (Dundee, free), Brandon Hanlan (Wycombe, free)
Key outs: Joseph Olowu (Stockport, free), Tom Anderson (Shrewsbury Town, free)
Expectations? Grant McCann has made no secret of the fact he is "shooting for the stars", and while that will be music to the ears of many, re-establishing themselves in the third tier is the key.
Having said that, if Rovers can get themselves into a position of strength within the top half at the turn of the year, given how they have come on strong in each of the past two seasons, they will fancy their chances of mounting a real charge for the play-offs.
Strengths? Togetherness has been key to Rovers' success over the past 18 months, and that could once again see them go far in the new campaign. Add to that the pace and directness they have at their disposal on the flanks, and McCann's men will be a handful for many teams in League One.
Weaknesses? It's not necessarily a weakness of Rovers but the deep pockets of some of their League One counterparts may prove to be the difference when it comes to challenging at the top end of the table. McCann is one of only three managers competing in the division this term to have won the League One title, though, so don't write him off.
Difference-maker? Luke Molyneux. Undoubtedly Rovers' player of the season last time around with 31 goal involvements in all competitions, the challenge is now for the winger to take that form to the next level.
Exeter City
Manager: Gary Caldwell
Last season: 16th
Key ins: Ethan Brierley (Brentford, loan), Sil Swinkels (Aston Villa, loan), Jayden Wareham (Reading, undisclosed), Joe Whitworth (Crystal Palace, loan)
Key outs: Demetri Mitchell (Leyton Orient, free), Caleb Watts (Plymouth Argyle, free), Jake Richards (Luton Town, compensation tbc)
Expectations? Gary Caldwell will hope he can improve on last season's 16th place as the Grecians begin a fourth season in League One. The club's midfield has taken a hit with Jake Richards, Caleb Watts and Ryan Woods all leaving. But Caldwell has kept much of the core of last season's side and added a number of young Premier League loanees.
Strengths? At the back Exeter look relatively solid on paper – goalkeeper Joe Whitworth's return is a real boost as is Jonly Yfeko converting his loan to a permanent deal. Ethan Brierley has looked good in midfield in pre-season since joining from Brentford.
Weaknesses? Goals have been Exeter's problem in the past few seasons – only three sides scored fewer goals than City's 49 last season and stayed up. If Jayden Wareham can hit some form and the likes of Sonny Cox can kick on they will provide a bit of support to veteran striker Josh Magennis.
Difference-maker? Brierley could provide the midfield x-factor for the Grecians – having struggled to breakthrough at Brentford this is his chance to show he has what it takes.
Huddersfield Town
Manager: Lee Grant
Last season: 10th
Key ins: Alfie May (Birmingham, undisclosed), Ryan Ledson (Preston free), Josh Low (Wycombe, free)
Key outs: Brodie Spencer (Oxford, undisclosed), Jonathan Hogg (released), Josh Koroma (Leyton Orient, free)
Expectations: Brand new manager. Bunch of summer signings. Promotion essential.
Yes, last season's opening script lines will do fine again this time for Huddersfield Town, thanks.
At what we'll now be calling the Accu Stadium, the Terriers could do worse than run out to Orange Juice's 1983 hit "Rip It Up (and start again)" after last season's appalling fade from promotion candidate to a 10th-placed finish.
Strengths? Lee Grant, former Derby, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper, is strictly speaking a first-jobber in a managerial sense, nevertheless offering vast experience of how domestic football really works.
Networking skills and industry credibility go nicely with his coaching badges, as well as his most recent role as a key member of the coaching team behind Ipswich's journey from League One to Premier League, a vital component of his successful application for the Huddersfield job.
Operating these days without a director of football as such, Huddersfield have sourced no fewer than ELEVEN new players.
Weaknesses? Grant has totally revamped the squad with those 11 new arrivals, plus the departures of stalwarts Jonathan Hogg and Tom Lees.
Many of the new boys come with quality pedigree at this level. That said, bedding in an entire new team with expectations of being right at the top of the division wont be straightforward.
Difference-maker? Alfie May, the Terriers' most expensive summer investment at over £1m. The striker has a superb goalscoring record at this level and is tasked with doing what he did for Birmingham, one year on from choosing Blues over a move to Huddersfield themselves.
Leyton Orient
Manager: Richie Wellens
Last season: Sixth (lost in play-off final)
Key ins: Aaron Connolly (Millwall, free), Josh Koroma (Huddersfield, free), Idris El Mizouni (Oxford, undisclosed), Demetri Mitchell (Exeter, free), Tyreeq Bakinson (Wycombe, undisclosed), Joe White (Newcastle, loan)
Key outs: Ethan Galbraith (Swansea, undisclosed)
Expectations? A top-10 finish and another push for the play-offs is a realistic goal. Richie Wellens has had to rebuild the team that lost to Charlton at Wembley. Five of that side – most notably goalkeeper Josh Keeley and goalscorer Charlie Kelman - were on loan and have returned to their parent clubs, most of their replacements have joined on permanent contracts, which marks a significant change in strategy at Brisbane Road.
Strengths? Wellens is a proven winner who believes in the potential of this ambitious club, which is why this summer he extended his contract. There is experience in Orient's new-look squad, that extra knowhow could be very important in the forthcoming campaign.
Weaknesses? The lack of depth in Orient's squad was an issue last season and it could be again, which is why Wellens has signed versatile players who will be expected to cover in different areas.
So much will depend on attacker Aaron Connolly fulfilling the potential he demonstrated earlier in his career. The O's boss needs to ensure that his new forward receives the same high-quality service that was essential in Kelman's prolific record.
Difference-maker? Idris El Mizouni has had two successful loan periods with the O's and was a key member of the team that won the League Two title in 2023. His return on a permanent deal was welcomed by supporters, who know the strength and drive the Tunisian international will provide to the heart of Orient's midfield.
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Lincoln City
Rob Makepeace, BBC Lincolnshire
Head coach: Michael Skubala
Last season: 11th
Key ins: Sonny Bradley (Derby County, free), Ryley Towler (Portsmouth, undisclosed)
Key outs: Ethan Erhanon (Bolton, undisclosed), Sean Roughan (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Paudie O'Connor (Reading, free)
Expectations? It really was a season of two halves last time around with the second- half seeing the Imps slip from play-off challengers to mid-table.
This season the expectations remain the same - don't get in a relegation battle and push to be one of those sides that breaks into the top six. It's Michael Skubala's second full season in charge of the Imps so fans will be expecting to see a real identity.
Strengths? The signing of James Collins last January brought a goal threat that City didn't really have before. He scored 10 in 20 last season so it's hoped he can replicate that over the full campaign.
The return of striker Rob Street from his successful loan at Doncaster also feels like a new signing to the Imps' forward line.
Weaknesses? City have lost three of their best players to League One clubs which hasn't pleased some supporters. The Imps also don't have a recognised left-back. As transfer fees and wages increase in League One, attracting players to the LNER Stadium appears to becoming more of a struggle.
Difference-maker? Jack Moylan is the type of creative midfielder who gets fans off their seats. He missed a chunk of last season through injury so a fully fit Moylan feels like the player who can unlock defences in an instant.
Luton Town
Simon Oxley, BBC Three Counties Radio
Manager: Matt Bloomfield
Last season: 22nd Championship (relegated)
Key ins: Josh Keeley (Tottenham, undisclosed), George Saville (Millwall, free), Nakhi Wells (Bristol City, free)
Key outs: Carlton Morris (Derby, undisclosed), Thomas Kaminski (Charlton, undisclosed), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers, undisclosed)
Expectations? Despite some departures, fans expect to be challenging for promotion. Just two years ago they were preparing for the Premier League so supporters will expect to be winning from the start.
Strengths? Several Championship, and a few Premier League, players remain. Plus, manager Matt Bloomfield knows this division and took a less fancied team to second in League One in the first half of last season.
Weaknesses? Even with some promising new arrivals there may be a hangover from last season which was so disappointing, especially on the final day. At the time of writing they are still maybe a striker short.
Difference-maker? Milli Alli looked as though he might keep them in the Championship, so many expect his pace and power can get them back there.
Mansfield Town
Jake Garner, BBC Radio Nottingham
Manager: Nigel Clough
Last season: 17th
Key ins: Ryan Sweeney (Burton, free), Nathan Moriah Welsh (Hibernian, undisclosed), Luke Bolton (Wrexham, undisclosed), Jamie McDonnell (Nottingham Forest, loan)
Key outs: Alfie Kilgour (Bristol Rovers, free), Stephen Quinn (retired)
Expectations? An improved league position is the obvious target, but the main aim to to stay in the league again. If they can avoid a very difficult run like they had from January onwards last season then that would be easier on the Stags fans' blood pressure. Given the squad they have assembled and now they know what they are facing, a solid mid-table finish is a realistic target.
Strengths? The depth and versatility of the team as Nigel Clough loves to have players who can play in multiple positions, even ones where you least expect. He's kept those players for another season while adding younger, more technical players to his squad.
There has been an exciting "changing of the guard" at the One Call where more quality has been added to the side that performed well in their first season back in League One.
Weaknesses? Despite recruiting well over the summer, Mansfield may still find it difficult against some of the "bigger" clubs with larger budgets. League One boasts a number of former Premier League teams with top quality at this level. There will be mistakes at times against top opposition who have the resources to punish them.
Injuries have also been an issue in recent seasons. Losing key players for a prolonged period played a major part in the Stags' downfall in the second half of last season. Hopefully this has been rectified with the recruitment.
Difference-maker? Many will be interested to see what US striker Dom Dwyer can offer in his first full season at Mansfield. Made an immediate impact when he arrived in March with four goals in nine games. He's looked sharp in pre-season and will also benefit from a younger, more energetic and more creative Stags team.
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Northampton Town
Jake Sharpe, BBC Radio Northampton
Manager: Kevin Nolan
Last season: 19th
Key ins: Tyreece Fornah (Derby County, free), Jack Burroughs (Coventry, free), Dean Campbell (Barrow, free), Jordan Thorniley (Oxford, loan), Michael Forbes (West Ham, loan), Elliott List (Stevenage, free)
Key outs: Aaron McGowan (Released), Mitch Pinnock (Bromley, free)
Expectations? Roughly the same as the previous two seasons - stay in the division. Kevin Nolan will have more ambition than that but safety will be the first milestone for supporters.
Strengths? The team look strong and solid. Recruitment across the backline and midfield looks good and it may well be grit, fitness and defensive ability which becomes the bedrock of their success.
Weaknesses? Now this one is the obvious one. They are lacking a number nine. At the time of writing they have no fit natural striker to start the season. They have players who can fulfil that role but not comfortably. A lack of a focal point has stood out in pre-season.
Difference-maker? I really like the look of Tyreece Fornah. Signed on a three-year deal so the club clearly see potential there. He has produced moments of quality across pre-season which is exciting. He will frustrate at times, I am sure, but I have been impressed so far.
Peterborough United
Ben Stevenson, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
Manager: Darren Ferguson
Last season: 18th
Key ins: Alex Bass (Notts County, undisclosed), Sam Hughes (Stockport, undisclosed), Brandon Khela (Birmingham, undisclosed), Declan Frith (FC Thun, undisclosed), Kyrell Lisbie (Braintree Town, undisclosed)
Key outs: Hector Kyprianou (Watford, free), Ricky Jade Jones (FC St. Pauli, free), Kwame Poku (QPR, undisclosed), Malik Mothersille (Stockport, undisclosed), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, undisclosed)
Expectations? Posh fell short of their ambition of being play-off contenders last season and given they have lost another handful of key players, it's hard to see them finish in the top six this time around. However, the club hierarchy are confident that they'll finish higher than last season's 18th place.
Strengths? They have improved defensively with the permanent signing of centre back Sam Hughes and the arrival of goalkeeper Alex Bass. The midfield combo of Archie Collins and Brandon Khela also looks promising.
Weaknesses? Given Posh have lost their three top scorers from last season, the big question mark has to be who will step up and score the goals required for a successful season. There are also doubts over the future of Collins and Harley Mills, who would both leave massive voids in the team.
Difference-maker? The signing of Bass has been universally lauded by just about everyone at Peterborough, but if Bradley Ihionvien continues his form from pre-season then he could be the next striking sensation that recent Posh sides have been missing.
Plymouth Argyle
Manager: Tom Cleverley
Last season: 23rd Championship (relegated)
Key ins: Jamie Paterson (Coventry City, free), Xavier Amaechi (FC Magdeburg, free), Brendan Wiredu (Fleetwood Town, undisclosed)
Key outs: Maksym Talavierov (Stoke City, undisclosed), Ryan Hardie (Wrexham, undisclosed), Adam Randell (Bristol City, undisclosed)
Expectations? Having been relegated last season Argyle fans will be expecting their side to be competing at the top end of the table. If Cleverley can gel his 10 new signings together they should be aiming for at least a play-off place.
Having had five managers or head coaches in two seasons, Argyle will hope Cleverley can bring some stability back to Home Park.
Strengths? Argyle's defence still has a lot of experience with Joe Edwards, Brendan Galloway, Kornel Szucs and Matthew Sorinola. If they can stay fit, keep some clean sheets and perform well they could be the foundation for a successful campaign.
Weaknesses? Argyle still need a first-choice striker after Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu left the club. While Bim Pepple and Owen Oseni have potential, Argyle need some proven attacking talent.
Difference-maker? Xavier Amaechi has shown some excellent glimpses in pre-season on the wing and could be a gamechanger.
Port Vale
Manager: Darren Moore
Last season: 2nd League Two (promoted)
Key ins: Marko Marosi (Cambridge, free), Jordan Gabriel (Blackpool, free), Cameron Humphreys (Rotherham, free), Ben Waine (Plymouth, free)
Key outs: Nathan Smith (Tranmere, free) Ethan Chislett (Kaiser Chiefs, free), Tom Sang (Shrewsbury Town, free)
Expectations? Vale look better equipped to survive League One than when they previously went up in 2022, but it would be facetious to suggest that survival is not the first port of call for this current side. Getting enough points to stay up first is the priority, then they can move on from there.
Strengths? Vale's midfield is arguably the area with the most depth, and the most quality. Captain Ben Garrity and George Byers are easily good enough for this level, while Ryan Croasdale, Jordan Shipley, Rico Richards and wonderkid Rhys Walters should all have a part to play. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Funso Ojo, who spent last year on loan at Shrewsbury.
Weaknesses? Vale had a run of one win in 12 games from November through to January, but their mean defence meant they didn't lose many of those. That backline will be under greater scrutiny now the team are in a higher league.
Difference-maker? Swiss striker Lorent Tolaj finished as last season's top scorer with 15 goals after arriving from Aldershot. He's powerful, quick, and a good finisher – expect him to pick up where he left off.
Reading
Tim Dellor, BBC Radio Berkshire
Manager: Noel Hunt
Last season: Seventh
Key ins: Paudie O'Connor (Lincoln, free), Finley Burns (Manchester City, loan), Mark O'Mahony (Brighton, loan)
Key outs: Amadou Mbengue (QPR, free), Jayden Wareham (Exeter, undisclosed), Michael Craig (Leyton Orient, free)
Expectations? It is difficult to say before the transfer window closes, and we know what Hunt has at his disposal. Right now, improving on the seventh-placed finished last season looks unlikely. A stabilising season, looks more likely. Some fans are just pleased they have a club to support after the ownership turmoil of the past few seasons.
Strengths? Hunt is more experienced now, and proved his worth last season. His team had good energy, were tight knit, and difficult to beat. Senior players Lewis Wing and Joel Pereira need to be on top form again.
Weaknesses? The squad depth was thin last season. This season it's even thinner. Heavily reliant on youngsters stepping up to the first team. There is also a real dearth of proven strikers at the club.
Difference-maker? It's the same answer as last season – if Wing plays well then Reading will have a good season.
Rotherham United
Andy Giddings, BBC Radio Sheffield
Manager: Matt Hamshaw
Last season: 13th
Key ins: Lenny Agbaire (Celtic, undisclosed), Dan Gore (Manchester United, loan), Josh Benson (Barnsley, free)
Key outs: Cameron Humphreys (Port Vale, free), Hakeem Oddoffin (Luton, free), Jonson Clarke-Harris (Pendikspor, free)
Expectations? This is a year of transition so expectations should be modest. New boss Matt Hamshaw will be assembling a younger squad with talent they hope to improve in time. A play-off push would be fantastic, but in an increasingly cash rich division, a top-10 finish would be represent a good return this season.
Strengths? Hamshaw will produce a fitter, more organised and ambitious side than last year. They'll be aiming to achieve more than the sum of their parts.
Weaknesses? It is more about others simply having a bit more quality in key areas. I'm confident the Millers won't fail because of tactical planning, fitness or application this season.
Difference-maker? Sam Nombe. Had a good goal return last season. He's mobile and quick and showed more than a few glimpses of the form that got him the £1m move from Exeter.
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Stevenage
Steve Watkins, BBC Three Counties Radio
Manager: Alex Revell
Last season: 14th
Key ins: Jordan Houghton (Plymouth, undisclosed), Saxon Earley (Plymouth, free), Chem Campbell (Wolves, undisclosed), Phoenix Patterson (Fleetwood, undisclosed), Jasper Pattenden (Wycombe, undisclosed), Filip Marshall (Ashton Villa, undisclosed)
Key outs: Aaron Pressley (Walsall, undisclosed), Elliott List (Northampton, free), Jake Forster-Caskey (Released)
Expectations? Stevenage will be looking to build on last season's finish in which they established themselves as a competitive League One side. Chairman Phil Wallace has suggested that survival would be a success, but the recruitment would indicate that Stevenage will be looking to knock on the door of the play-offs come the end of the season.
Strengths? In Revell they have a hungry, young manager who is quickly learning his trade and has the ability to instil his methods into the squad. Last year was very a much a learning curve, and with a solid defence, they have enlisted the services of players with pace and trickery, which was perhaps missing last term.
Weaknesses? Last season Stevenage could be seen as easy to read, with caution often getting in the way of flair, much to the manager's frustration. They were quite often seen wanting in front of goal and failing to convert chances which became expensive. With a relatively small squad they will need to keep players fit.
Difference-maker? Phoenix Patterson. His pace and flair is something that the Stevenage fans will be looking forward to see. If Saxon Earley can show the form of when he was last at the club, Stevenage will have strengths on either side of the pitch.
Stockport County
Alex Whitington, BBC Radio Manchester
Manager: Dave Challinor
Last season: Third (lost in play-off semi-final)
Key ins: Malik Mothersille (Peterborough, undisclosed, Tayo Edun (Peterborough, free), Joseph Olowu (Doncaster, free), Arttu Hoskonen (Cracovia, free), Corey O'Keefe, (Barnsley, loan)
Key outs: Tanto Olaofe (Charlton, undisclosed), Will Collar (MK Dons, free), Fraser Horsfall (Blackpool, free), Ibou Touray (Bradford, free), Macauley Southam-Hales (Bristol Rovers, free)
Expectations? Challenging for automatic promotion. County were a penalty kick away from reaching Wembley in their first season back in League One. With three promotions in six years and a manager with a ridiculous record, they'll be hoping to go one further this time around.
Strengths? This is a squad that knows what winning looks like. Captain Lewis Bate and veteran Ollie Norwood have developed a dynamic partnership in midfield, there's pace out wide in Jayden Fevrier and Jack Diamond, while Kyle Wootton might be the most selfless frontman in the EFL. The Hatters are talented and hungry for more success.
Weaknesses? Challinor likes to freshen his squad each season and there's been a turnover in key personnel. Fan favourite Tanto Olaofe's goals have gone to Charlton, whilst rock solid Fraser Horsfall has made the trip to the seaside. Will the replacements gel?
Difference-maker? Record transfer signing Malik Mothersille. The Hatters have splashed the cash for the stylish finisher. Expect him to become the latest cult hero at the Cheadle End.
Wigan Athletic
Josh Watton, BBC Radio Manchester
Manager: Ryan Lowe
Last season: 15th
Key ins: Christian Saydee (Portsmouth, undisclosed), Dara Costelloe (Burnley, undisclosed), Fraser Murray (Kilmarnock, free), Paul Mullin (Wrexham, loan), Callum Wright (Plymouth, loan)
Key outs: Toby Sibbick (Burton, undisclosed)
Expectations? Steady progress is the hope. There is expectation that the club pushes for a top-half finish and whilst they may not have the spending power to match some of the sides in the division, Lowe is an expert in working on a budget. He may have one eye on sneaking into the play-off places.
Strengths? Last season the Latics missed some real firepower up front, an issue that Lowe has been quick to try and rectify with the signings of Paul Mullin, Dara Costelloe and Christian Saydee.
That being said, Wigan's biggest coup in the transfer window will undoubtedly be keeping hold of goalkeeper Sam Tickle, the England Under-21 international will be key to them pushing for the single digit positions.
Weaknesses? While Lowe's starting XI looks strong, there is concern that he lacks any real depth, so injuries could catch up to them.
In the past the Latics have relied on their young talent, the question is are those academy graduates good enough to help them compete with the better sides in the league.
Difference-maker? Mullin is undoubtedly the player who will look to make the headlines this season, but if it's another successful season for Tickle we can expect to see him Championship bound sooner rather than later, with or without Wigan.
Wycombe Wanderers
Sam Avery, BBC Three Counties Radio
Head coach: Mike Dodds
Last season: Fifth (lost in play-off semi-finals)
Key ins: Taylor Allen (Walsall, undisclosed), Caolan Boyd-Munce (St Mirren, free). Armando Quitirna (Crawley Town, undisclosed), Mikki Van Sas (Feyenoord, undisclosed)
Key outs: Joe Low (Huddersfield, free), Jasper Pattenden (Stevenage, undisclosed), Franco Ravizzoli (Blackpool, free), Beryly Lubala (Stevenage, free)
Expectations? After flirting with promotion for much of last season, fans were left disappointed as Wycombe lost to Charlton in the play-off semi-finals. This season many fans will be expecting another crack at finishing in the top six.
Anything less might leave supporters with questions about whether the club is moving forward in the short-term, despite recent improvements for the long-term in a new academy and revamped training ground.
Strengths? The squad depth and the calibre of player that the club have attracted this summer looks impressive on paper, which could prove crucial if and when injuries start to arise.
A number of the players within the squad can player a variety of positions too, something that might be relied on with Dodds striving for flexibility in formations and systems for the upcoming season.
Weaknesses? Wycombe used the loan market really well last season, but obviously had to say goodbye to those players over the summer.
Replacing them was always going to be a challenge and with another host of new signings, plus a fresh style of play for this season, it might take some time before the team are fully integrated and like-minded tactically.
Difference-maker? Richard Kone is an obvious pick after 21 goals last season, so keeping hold of him beyond the transfer window could be vital.
Category: General Sports
