The return of the new EFL football season brings with it the familiar excitement and unpredictability of English football.
Across all of its different leagues and levels, any team can shine on its day, providing thrills for fans up and down the country. Nowhere is this truer than in League Two, where each match brings surprises and drama, with promotion and relegation battles keeping fans on edge.
In the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign, Notts County have emerged as strong promotion contenders, winning four of their first six games and netting 14 goals. With Gillingham, Barrow, and Walsall also making solid starts, the race for promotion looks fierce, and the League 2 promotion odds are proving tough to call.
AFC Wimbledon are flying high after their fantastic win over MK Dons – Callum Maycock’s brace in added time one of the most famous moments in recent Dons history at Plough Lane as they surpass their rivals.
On the other end of the table, Carlisle United are struggling, and back-to-back relegations could be on the horizon if results don’t improve. Their day out at Wembley last year, which saw a resurgent comeback and penalty shootout win against Stockport, seems a long way away now under Paul Simpson.
League Two has long been a breeding ground for talent, helping players hone their skills before climbing the football pyramid.
Over the years, some of the league’s finest have gone on to make a mark in higher divisions, while others became club legends. Here’s a look at some of the best players to have graced League Two.
Paul Mullin
Paul Mullin has been a key figure in Wrexham’s rise, both on and off the pitch. Since joining the club his incredible goal-scoring ability has played a pivotal role in their return to the Football League.
The Red Dragons earned successive promotions, living up to the expectations of the League 2 betting odds, and continued to climb the ladder.
Mullins’ influence goes beyond his goals, as he embodies the club’s ambition to move up the English football pyramid. In 2020/21, he earned a move to the Racecourse after scoring a record 32 goals in one season as a Cambridge United.
The scouser’s sharp instincts in front of goal and leadership have made him a fan favourite, helping to transform Wrexham’s fortunes under their Hollywood owners, earning a cameo in Ryan Reynolds Deadpool film as ‘Welshpool’.
Kevin Ellison
A true League Two stalwart, Ellison holds the record for most appearances in the division. With his longevity, passion, and leadership, he became a fan favourite at six different clubs, mostly notably Morecambe, proving that age is just a number in lower-league football.
Ellison is now infamous with the Shrimps after his infamous celebration against them as a Newport player. The winger’s celebration in front of Morecambe manager Derek Adams – who is now back at the Mazuma for a third permanent tenure – was fuelled by lingering frustration.
After being released by Morecambe just six months into Adams’ tenure, Ellison ran directly to his former boss and celebrated loudly, later stating, “He disrespected me, I don’t like him, that’s how it goes.” It was a bold response to the perceived disrespect he felt after his departure.
James Norwood
Another prolific League Two striker, James Norwood is known for his 29-goal season in 2018/19 for Tranmere Rovers. Currently at Oldham Athletic, his clinical finishing fired Tranmere to promotion that year, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in recent League Two history.
Marc Richards
Football League journeyman Marc Richards played a crucial role in Northampton Town’s record-breaking 2015/16 season, captaining the side to a remarkable 99-point tally and the League Two title.
The skipper’s leadership on and off the pitch was pivotal in Northampton’s success, guiding a team that included standout players like John-Joe O’Toole and David Buchanan. His 15 goals and tactical awareness made him a central figure in Chris Wilder’s squad.
Stock Photo ID: 1361406977
