The current state of League One strikingly mirrors the upper ranks of League Two from last season. All three teams that secured automatic promotion from the fourth tier in 2023-24 are now positioned within the top seven, with Wrexham in second, Mansfield in third, and Stockport in seventh. This can be seen as a challenge to the established hierarchy of League One, with three teams brimming with momentum and upward potential breaking the traditional mold. Leading the pack is Birmingham, whose significant financial backing from Knighthead Capital, led by Tom Wagner and former NFL star Tom Brady, is paying off. However, Birmingham, despite their record-breaking £15m signing of Fulham’s Jay Stansfield, are not the only ones displaying ambition. Exeter, currently in fourth place, is also vying for their first promotion to the second tier after a victory against Shrewsbury, indicating that ambition is widespread among the top teams in League One.
Wrexham is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive promotion, a feat never achieved in England’s top five divisions. They bolstered their squad with notable signings like George Dobson and Ollie Rathbone from promotion contenders Charlton and Rotherham. Despite their Hollywood ownership, Wrexham acknowledges they are playing second fiddle to Birmingham. Manager Phil Parkinson believes this lower profile has been beneficial, allowing them to operate slightly under the radar compared to previous seasons.
Wrexham’s striker Ollie Palmer notes that while some link Wrexham and Birmingham due to their owners, the team is more focused on their own goals rather than what Birmingham is doing. Chris Davies, aware of the threats from below, dismisses the idea that promotion should be a straightforward path for Birmingham. He emphasizes the hard work and investment Wrexham has made, highlighting their strong start to the season.
Birmingham’s next challenge is a trip to fifth-placed Lincoln, another fast-starting team in the league. Davies cautions against complacency, reminding his team that League One is a tough competition where underestimating opponents can be costly. Meanwhile, Mansfield, the least fancied of the promoted trio, is quietly making strides. Manager Nigel Clough focuses on establishing Mansfield as a stable League One club, aiming for a spot in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78.
Despite Clough’s pragmatic approach, Mansfield’s strong start suggests they could be contenders. All of Birmingham’s challengers harbor hopes of competing in the Championship next year, but it is Wrexham, with their Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who are perhaps dreaming the biggest dreams. Parkinson reflects on the rapid transformation of Wrexham, from playing in front of a few thousand to competing in front of 30,000, a testament to the vision and effort of everyone involved with the club.
