Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has cast his eye over a heavyweight League One and the promotion race in League Two .
The former West Brom , Sunderland and Wolves striker has installed Russell Martin 's Leicester City as dominant League One title favourites, welcomed the revival of Sheffield Wednesday , and tipped Steve Evans ' Bristol Rovers as a major League Two force.
Goodman has also assessed Bradford City , Reading , Blackpool , Doncaster and MK Dons , questioned York City 's decision to sack Stuart Maynard , and backed Ian Holloway at Swindon Town .
The Favourites
What Have You Made of the Activity at Leicester City?
Taking charge of a club with the stature, history, and infrastructure of Leicester City is a great opportunity for Russell Martin . Last season's relegation was an absolute embarrassment for a playing squad boasting that level of Premier League experience, but Leicester have responded by putting together firepower for the third tier. Bringing in players of the calibre of Wes Burns , Tommy Watson , and Liam Cullen gives them dynamic, Championship -ready attacking quality that League One defences should find hard to cope with.
Even if their opening performance against Northampton Town looked slightly disjointed as players adapt to Russell Martin 's demands, having that sheer individual quality should win them matches comfortably. Anything less than an immediate, emphatic return to the Championship will probably be viewed as an unmitigated disaster at the King Power Stadium , and I fully expect them to assert themselves as dominant title favourites.
How Glad Are You to See Sheffield Wednesday Thriving Again?
Everyone across the football community is buzzing to see Sheffield Wednesday finally emerging from such a dark, chaotic period under fresh and ambitious ownership. Coming out of administration and immediately convincing high-calibre players to join the project speaks volumes about the sheer scale, tradition, and pull of Hillsborough . When that stadium is rocking in front of 30,000 passionate supporters, it creates one of the most intimidating, high-pressure environments in English football.
Having their severe 15-point penalty rightly overturned would indicate that common sense had finally prevailed, allowing them to start the new campaign with a completely clean slate. Barry Bannan 's return is a huge boost to everyone involved, and Sheffield Wednesday supporters have every right to feel genuinely excited about where this club is heading.
Bradford & Reading
Can Bradford City Kick On After Finishing Fourth?
Finishing fourth in League One immediately after stepping up from the fourth tier was an extraordinary effort by Graham Alexander and his players. Bradford City were exceptionally well drilled and defensively sound throughout the campaign, but taking that final step toward automatic promotion requires solving a glaring issue in front of goal. Only Stevenage scored fewer goals of all the teams finishing in the top half of the table, which highlights how much they relied on defensive solidity.
I've not been too across their recruitment, but bringing in Callum Connolly adds versatility, Adam Phillips will provide a threat from midfield, and securing Jake Beesley from Burton Albion shows a clear, calculated attempt to address that goal shortage. In a division featuring heavyweights like Leicester City , Sheffield Wednesday , Huddersfield Town , Peterborough United , Luton Town , and Plymouth Argyle , competing for the top six at Valley Parade will be far more intense this year, but Bradford certainly have the fanbase and squad depth to achieve it if their new attackers fire.
Can Reading Push For a Top-Six Place?
Reading 's end to last season was really disappointing for everyone connected with the club. To spend so much of the campaign positioning themselves for a genuine play-off push, only to completely unravel during the run-in, was a devastating way to see all that hard work undone. However, they boast a manager who has won this league and is capable of picking up the pieces and dusting the squad down in Liam Richardson .
Having a manager of his pedigree and someone who is battle-tested at League One level gives Reading a great chance of a decent campaign. He understands the relentless, physical nature of this 46-game marathon better than most, having successfully navigated high-pressure environments and adversity throughout his managerial career.
Blackpool & Doncaster
How Will Ian Evatt Be Viewing Things at Blackpool?
Blackpool enter the new campaign riding a wave of momentum following a breathtaking finish to last season that completely transformed the mood around the club. It demonstrated the potential within their group when everything clicks into gear. When Ian Evatt succeeded Steve Bruce at the helm, it was always going to require a period of transition and patience.
Bloomfield Road has become a genuinely daunting destination for visiting teams once again. Given the momentum they built during that phenomenal end-of-season run and the identity that Ian has established, there is every reason to believe Blackpool could be fighting it out for a play-off place. I remember at the start of last season, I thought they'd go well after Steve Bruce brought in so much experience last summer.
Has Grant McCann Shown Steady Improvement at Doncaster?
Finishing in 14th position last season represented very solid, credible progress for Doncaster Rovers in their first year back following promotion from League Two . When you look at the sheer size, budgets, and fanbases of the clubs occupying League One currently, Doncaster are clearly operating as a smaller fish in the League One pond.
Grant McCann understands the reality of that landscape, which is why realistic progression must remain the priority. Losing a player of Luke Molyneux 's creative output and ability will be a blow. Finishing anywhere above 14th place would represent another highly successful step forward for Rovers .
MK Dons
What Do You Make of MK Dons' Recruitment?
Those three signings represent a statement of intent that will be duly noted throughout League One . I recall Sam Nombe demonstrated power and immense goalscoring potential during his first spell at the club before injuries stalled his momentum, while Sammy Silvera offers speed and quality wide, especially in League One , and Ryan Wintle gives you proven Championship quality in central midfield.
Crucially, in Paul Warne , MK Dons have a manager who must hold one of the most remarkable promotion records in League One history. He understands the physical demands, mental toughness, and tactical versatility required to navigate the league.
League Two
How Much Does Steve Evans Boost Bristol Rovers' Chances?
Steve Evans is an absolute master craftsman when it comes to navigating League Two . You can build a very strong case that Bristol Rovers are the largest, most powerful club in the entire fourth tier in terms of stature and potential support. Combining that with a manager who possesses a proven, relentless track record of winning promotions at this level feels like an ideal match.
Steve knows how to build imposing, disciplined, and ruthless teams, and I fully expect Bristol Rovers to be a major force in the promotion race this season.
Was Sacking Stuart Maynard the Right Call For York City?
Looking in from the outside, deciding to relieve Stuart Maynard of his duties immediately after he delivered promotion and ended York City 's long, painful exile in the National League appears completely baffling. Something significant must have broken down internally behind closed doors for the board to make such a drastic, controversial decision.
The fallout has placed new manager Scott Lindsey under immense pressure before he has even taken charge of a League Two match, with a large section of the fanbase feeling deeply sympathetic toward Maynard . It's created a volatile environment for Lindsey to navigate, which is unfair for him to deal with. All he can focus on is winning football matches.
What Are Your Thoughts on Swindon Town After Missing the Play-offs?
Ian Holloway will demand an immediate response after last year's disappointing slide out of the play-off places. Their performance against Cardiff City in the League Cup offered supporters huge encouragement. With well over a thousand professional matches under his belt, Ian understands the standards required to succeed in the EFL .
Provided he receives adequate backing from the board, he will extract the work rate and commitment from every player which is demanded for a sustained promotion push.
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