With just over three months of the season already completed, we take a look at how the League One season has shaped up so far with our review of those teams and players who are living up to the pre-season expectations and those that are falling short.
Team of the Season
Birmingham City
After relegation from the Championship, the Birmingham owners invested heavily in rebuilding the squad, with spending on a scale that was unprecedented in League One. However, with that level of investment comes a significant level of expectation, which in credit to Blues manager Chris Davies and his players, they have responded to by starting the season off in spectacular fashion to sit within the automatic promotion places. It would be no surprise to see them lift the League One title come May.
Player of the Season
Paudie O’Connor (Lincoln City)
The Imps have made a solid start to their League One campaign and with 24 points amassed so far they currently sit in 5th position. Their early success has been built on the performances of centre-back Paudie O’Connor who has one of the highest average performance ratings in the division. A leader on the pitch, he is an expert at marshalling the Imps defence and is also a threat at set-pieces as was evidenced on the opening game of the season when his two goals secured victory at Burton Albion.
Surprise of the Season
Wycombe Wanderers
There is absolutely no contest in respect to who has been the surprise package of the League One season so far, that honor well and truly goes to Wycombe Wanderers. The Chairboys currently sit atop the table with 29 points and are the divisions top scorers by a long way with an impressive 31 strikes so far this campaign. With 8 goals in 13 games, Richard Kone is also riding high in the Top Scorers charts, if Wycombe can maintain their form they will be looking good for a return to the Championship.
Biggest Underachievers
Rotherham United
After relegation from the Championship, Rotherham wasted no time in undertaking a major rebuild of their squad in readiness for the new League One season. With a track record of recent promotions from this division and managed by experienced operator Steve Evans, expectations were high at the New York stadium. However, after an indifferent start to the season, the Millers are currently languishing in 14th position and will need to quickly turnaround their form if they are the meet their pre-season promotion expectations.
Team to Watch
Peterborough United
If there was ever an award given out for the most League One team, Peterborough Utd would be at the top of many people’s voting list. In manager Darren Ferguson they have someone at the helm who knows how to secure promotion from this division. Despite sitting in 13th position, the Posh are the second highest scorers in the division with 25 goals and on their day are a match for anyone. However, they also have the worst defence in the division having shipped 26 goals so far this term – if they can address their defensive frailties, the Posh could soon be mounting another promotion challenge.
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