We take a look into each of the 23 Sky Bet League One teams we’ll be coming up against in the 2022/23 season.
Peterborough United
History
The Posh were formed 88 years ago in 1934. They’ve won the Fourth Division twice and, on four separate occasions, they’ve won promotion to the second tier - most recently in 2021 when they finished Sky Bet League One runners up. The Cambridgeshire-based club lifted the Football League Trophy in 2014.
Stadium
The Weston Homes Stadium is home for Peterborough and has been for the entirety of their existence. It’s current capacity is 15,314, however the stadium’s record attendance stands at 30,096 which was set in 1965 when most of the ground was terraced.
Manager
Former Northern Ireland international Grant McCann arrived at London Road for his second spell as the club’s permanent manager in February 2022. As a player, McCann made over 150 appearances for the Posh and spent time as the club’s captain. In May 2016, he returned as manager and took charge of the club for 104 games before he was relieved of his duties. The 42-year-old lead Doncaster Rovers to the Play-Offs before he was appointed Hull City manager in June 2019. Although the Tigers were relegated, McCann guided them to an immediate return to the second tier as Champions.
One to watch
19-year-old defender Ronnie Edwards is attracting the interest of Premier League clubs. The Barnet academy product made the move to Peterborough in August 2020. He’s represented England at U19 level and recently tasted success on the international stage as the Young Lions defeated Israel to win the U19 European Championships.
Last season
The Posh were relegated back to League One from the Championship after finishing 22nd. They ended the season four points from safety on 37, having won nine games, drawn 10 and lost 29. McCann’s side will be looking to bounce back this season as they go in search of their fifth promotion to the Championship.
Plymouth Argyle
History
The club was founded in 1886, known originally as Argyle. Their nickname ‘The Pilgrims’ is taken from a religious group who left the port city for the New World in 1620. The club reached the Semi-Final of the FA Cup in 1984 and have spent most of their time in the second and third tiers of English football. Following a double relegation in 2011 after the club was declared insolvent, the Pilgrims returned to League One in 2017 after winning automatic promotion. They continued to yo-yo between the two leagues before eventually winning promotion back to League One in 2020 under the stewardship of Ryan Lowe.
Stadium
Plymouth’s Home Park has been the club’s home since 1901. It’s current capacity stands at 18,600, but the stadium’s record attendance is 43,587 which was set in 1936. In 1977, it played host to a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup game between Saint-Étienne and Manchester United, which the Red Devils won 2-0.
Manager
38-year-old Steven Schumacher was appointed Argyle boss in December 2021 following the departure of Ryan Lowe. Schumacher was assistant to the now-Preston North End manager during his time at Home Park. He’s managed the Pilgrims for 28 games, achieving 14 wins, five draws and nine defeats. His win percentage is exactly 50%.
One to watch
Goalkeeper Mike Cooper kept 18 clean sheets last season which meant he picked up the EFL Golden Glove. The 22-year-old has progressed through the youth setup and made his debut for Argyle four years ago.
Last season
Despite the mid-season disruption with Ryan Lowe’s departure, the Pilgrims finished the season in seventh place, just three points short of the Play-Off places. They recorded 23 wins, 11 draws and 12 defeats.
Port Vale
History
The Burslem-based club was originally founded in 1876. Under former manager John Rudge between 1983 and 1999, the club enjoyed a successful period, winning three promotions and the Football League Trophy. The club won their first promotion since 2013 last season when they defeated Mansfield Town 3-0 in the Play-Off Final at Wembley.
Stadium
Vale Park has been the home of Port Vale since 1950. After departing The Old Recreation Ground, the development for their new home became known as ‘The Wembley of the North’ due to a planned capacity of 80,000, though the ground ultimately opened with a capacity of 40,000. In the 1990s, the ground underwent redevelopment to turn it into an all-seater. Its current capacity is 15,036.
Manager
Darrell Clarke arrived at Vale Park in February 2021. The former Mansfield Town and Hartlepool United midfielder was appointed player-manager at Sailsbury City in 2010. The 44-year-old went on to guide Bristol Rovers to two promotions before taking over at Walsall.
One to watch
Forward James Wilson started his career in the youth setup at Manchester United and signed a professional deal at Old Trafford aged 17.The 26-year-old spent time on loan at a number of clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion and Aberdeen before joining the latter on a permanent basis. Wilson made the move to League Two in January 2020 after signing for Salford City. He joined Port Vale in June 2021 and has made over 40 appearances for the club so far.
Last season
Darrell Clarke’s men finished the League Two season in 5th place. They won 22 games, drew 12 and lost 12. Vale got past Swindon Town on penalties in the Play-Off Semi-Final before comfortably seeing off Mansfield Town at Wembley.
Portsmouth
History
The club were in the Premier League as recently as 2010 and won the FA Cup for the second time in 2008. Pompey then faced three relegations in four years and entered administration twice. They found themselves in League Two for the 2013-14 campaign, but three seasons later, Portsmouth were promoted under the stewardship of Paul Cook.
Stadium
Fratton Park has been the only home of Portsmouth since the club’s formation in 1898. The traditional stadium has a current capacity od 21,100, however its record attendance stands at 51,385 for an FA Cup clash against Derby County in 1949.
Manager
Boss Danny Cowley joined the club as Head Coach in March 2021. The 43-year-old guided Lincoln City to the 2016/17 FA Cup Quarter-Final stage when the club were non-league. The Imps also won two promotions and the Football League Trophy whilst Cowley and his brother Nicky were at the helm.
One to watch
28-year-old Sean Raggett was voted Player of the Season after a strong 2021/22 campaign. The centre-back arrived at Fratton Park on loan from Norwich City before joining the club permanently in August 2020. He’s made 90 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals.
Last season
Pompey finished the campaign inside the top-half of the table. They secured a tenth place finish with 20 wins, 13 draws and 13 defeats.