Last season was a tough one for Colchester United, who suffered relegation to League Two. With a young squad, how quick will the rebuilding process be? The Football Lab spoke to supporter Richard Crick to find out. You can follow him on Twitter @richcrick, order his Stadium Hoppers scratch map and get involved with Man… Read more →
Leicester City must be the most unfancied reigning champions ever to start a top flight campaign. To date they have only lost one first teamer from their incredible 2015-16 season, but that was the excellent N’Golo Kante. Doubts over whether the Frenchman can be replaced are combined with question marks about squad depth ahead of Champions League commitments. Supporter Andreas… Read more →
Oxford United are moving forward once again. After the 20-year decline that succeeded their 1986 League Cup win, they are now making tangible long-term progress, having won two promotions in six years. The man who guided them to success last year is Michael Appleton, who is rebuilding his reputation as a manager, continuing to encourage smooth passing football.… Read more →
It has been a fairly promising summer for Bury. Their early transfer business looked very promising, suggesting club had serious ambitions of a top six finish. Expectations were tapered slightly in late July, following the exit of centre-back Peter Clarke and namesake striker Leon. They’ve arguably strengthened in every other position however, so the only remaining question is whether David Flitcroft… Read more →
Since relegation from League One, Hartlepool United have had three consecutive seasons of relegation fear. For a club that had spent just one year in the preceding decade below the third tier, that is surely not good enough. Enter Craig Hignett. A man widely praised for Middlesbrough’s recent progress, the 46-year-old instantly transformed results at Victoria… Read more →
Phil Parkinson had five successful years as manager of Bradford City, helped by a strong sense of transparency and togetherness within the club. He now joins a ship that some might say is bigger, but one that perhaps has fewer life jackets. Bolton Wanderers sunk to relegation by winning just five games last season, and off-field uncertainty continues to… Read more →
MK Dons won 27 games in the 2014/15 season and just nine the year after. What changed in that time was the division, of course, and the attacking quality available. What did not change was their expansive style of play, which will remain a constant as long as Karl Robinson is manager. This year, they are back in League… Read more →
Southend United had a respectable season last year. Despite slow transfer business and contract negotiations the previous summer, they spent much of that campaign chasing a play-off place on a relatively low budget. This year, they have made a couple of eye-catching signings, but have also lost key men as controversy surrounds their long-serving boss.… Read more →
Things are starting to click into place at Glanford Park. Following the expected exit of Mark Robins, Scunthorpe went on to win 12 of the final 20 games, having won the same number in their previous 34. It is no surprise therefore, that Graham Alexander has looked to retain the core of his squad while making just three signings.… Read more →
In the last three years, Cambridge United have gone from finishing 14th in the Conference to ninth in League Two. It is no surprise, therefore, that fans now target at least a strong play-off challenge. Can they get into the top seven this year? The Football Lab spoke to supporter Chris Vessey to find out.… Read more →