Footballers You Might Have Overlooked in League One & Two

The English Football League season begins anew on Friday, with Luton Town welcoming AFC Wimbledon to inaugurate the League One campaign. Given the dynamic nature of these divisions, it`s an opportune moment to revisit players whose current whereabouts in the EFL might surprise you. With 72 clubs spread across three tiers, it`s highly probable that if you`re wondering where a familiar face has ended up, the EFL is often the answer.

This fascinating league system is a melting pot of emerging academy talents, seasoned veterans, and everyone in between, making a deep dive into its lower echelons particularly intriguing. Let`s explore some notable names you might have overlooked.

Goalkeeper

• Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City): Since playing a key role in Luton Town`s promotion to the Premier League, Horvath has seen his game time diminish at Cardiff City, concurrently losing his spot in the USMNT lineup. While the goalkeeping pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino remains fluid, Horvath would likely need to secure a Championship spot to regain national team consideration.

Defenders

• Calum Chambers (Cardiff City): It might have been a while since you heard the former Arsenal defender`s name, but he`s set to feature for Cardiff in League One this season. After his move from Aston Villa to the Bluebirds, Chambers made 41 starts in the Championship, experiencing their relegation. He is expected to be a crucial player in their bid to climb back up.
• Teden Mengi (Luton Town): As one of the youngest players on this list, it`s somewhat unexpected to find the Manchester United academy product in League One. High expectations once surrounded him, and at just 23, his potential remains. However, a significant effort will be required to ascend from League One back to the Premier League.
• Lynden Gooch (Huddersfield Town): Another American international who has dropped down the divisions, Gooch has demonstrated versatility playing as both a winger and an outside back. He now finds himself in League One. Indeed, League One appears to be the go-to place for players you `remember from somewhere`.

Midfielders

• Ryan Ledson (Huddersfield Town): Formerly an Everton Academy prospect and England youth international, Ledson also seemed destined for a prominent career. After establishing himself as a regular in the Championship with Preston North End, he has moved to Huddersfield. This stint in the lower league is widely anticipated to be brief before a quick return to the Championship.
• Sam Clucas (Shrewsbury Town): Having reached the Premier League with two different teams, Clucas embodies the term `journeyman`, representing nine clubs throughout his career. In the top flight, he was an important presence for both Hull City and Swansea City, contributing six goals and two assists in two seasons from a deeper midfield role.
• John Fleck (Chesterfield): We finally arrive in League Two, encountering an often-underrated former Premier League midfielder in Fleck. His consistent performances as a deep-lying playmaker were instrumental in Sheffield United`s top-half Premier League finish. This season, he will be bringing his talent to Chesterfield in League Two.
• Bradley Dack (Gillingham): Not long ago, Dack seemed on the verge of a Premier League move after an impressive 2018-19 Championship season with Blackburn Rovers, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists. However, that move never materialized, and after several injury-plagued seasons, he is now with Gillingham in League Two.

Forwards

• David McGoldrick (Barnsley): His career continues to defy expectations. This marks McGoldrick`s 22nd season in professional football, and following 17 goals in League Two with Notts County, he has now moved up to League One with Barnsley. McGoldrick has played for numerous clubs and clearly isn`t finished yet.
• Paul Mullin (Wigan Athletic): While Wrexham has been promoted to the Championship, club legend Paul Mullin will not join them immediately, instead spending the season on loan with Wigan in League One. This level has historically posed challenges for him, making this an opportunity for Mullin to find his form before deciding on his long-term future.
• Sam Vokes (Gillingham FC): Vokes, like many players associated with Burnley, often feels like a Championship fixture. However, a quick glance shows he has moved further down the football pyramid. As he embarks on his 20th season, Vokes will aim to re-establish himself as a starter in League Two, after a less impactful season with Wycombe last year.

Opening Week Schedule

Coverage for the opening week of the EFL season includes:

All Times ET (schedule subject to change)