League Two 2026-27: promotion hopefuls, mid‑table candidates and those under pressure
Salford and Chesterfield are among the leading promotion prospects for the 2026-27 League Two campaign, while Rochdale and York begin the season after managerial upheaval that could leave them on the backfoot, according to a season preview published on 11 August 2026.
Salford dismissed Karl Robinson after their playoff final defeat and appointed Peter Cklamovski, who left the Malaysia national side to take charge of the rebranded Ammies now back in orange; Macaulay Langstaff has been brought in to supply the goals. Chesterfield also failed in the playoffs but retain Paul Cook as manager, even as the loss of Armando Dobra is noted as potentially significant.
Grimsby moved for veteran forward Andy Cook in a bid to progress after their playoff exit, while Walsall appointed former Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Grant, who did not get many opportunities at Huddersfield and began his Walsall spell by helping knock Championship side Bristol City out of the EFL Cup; the club hope he can help avoid the midseason fade-outs of recent years. Colin Kazim‑Richards remains in charge at Crawley and presided over an active summer that included the signing of Vito Mannone and the acquisition of Malcolm Ebiowei, players the club expect to influence their season.
Rotherham added Steve McClaren as director of football and named Alex Bruce head coach as they attempt a reset after relegation; the departure of Sam Nombe is acknowledged but his transfer fee should permit further investment. Jon Brady, who was unable to keep Port Vale up, has recruited strongly and the club’s summer additions include Max Watters and Kyle Dempsey, with Brady described as having arguably the most complete squad at this level.
Crewe’s late‑season slump kept them out of the playoffs, but the returns of Luke Offord and Joe White are cited as quality reinforcements. Barnet, who finished two points off eighth after returning to the EFL, have retained most of their developing squad despite selling Ryan Glover to Stockport, a situation that gives manager Dean Brennan belief in improvement. Oldham added Elliott Nevitt to provide goals and signed Oliver Norburn, noted for being a key member of the Notts County side that won promotion from this division.
Prospects among young players were highlighted: Maldini Kacurri (Grimsby, 20) impressed after a loan at Morecambe and is an Albania international who adapted when stepping up to League Two under David Artell; Patrick Mlynarski (Crewe, 18) signed his first professional contract after making his EFL Trophy debut and is a former Everton academy player able to play on the left; Will Gray (Shrewsbury, 17) made four starts last season, has signed his first professional deal and has been praised by manager Gavin Cowan for his mentality and simplicity in midfield.
Off‑field issues and managerial changes feature across the division: Exeter are described as suffering relegation and problems off the pitch, Swindon drew the ire of Ian Holloway who called their friendly against Bristol City “Absolute tinpot garbage”, and Gareth Ainsworth wants his high‑pressing Gillingham side to sustain energy levels. Northampton appointed Chris Hogg, George Burley’s son‑in‑law, for his first managerial role while losing Cameron McGeehan after relegation; Gavin Cowan faces what is termed a tricky second album at Shrewsbury; Colchester’s sale continues without resolution and John Terry is not the owner; Steve Evans will aim to keep Bristol Rovers competitive after a 14th‑place finish last season.
The preview notes the promoted teams begin on the backfoot following summer managerial changes, with Rochdale losing Jimmy McNulty and York sacking Stuart Maynard midway through preseason, but it adds that careful recruitment, notably Dale re‑signing Cian Hayes, gives those clubs some cause for optimism as the season opens.