Colchester United kick-off their League Two campaign this weekend

The U's travel to play Bradford City at Valley Parade, hoping to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Colchester have a new head coach, Steve Ball, in place and have brought in Tommy Smith, Shamal George and Martell Taylor-Crossdale.

But the likes of Luke Prosser, Frank Nouble and Ryan Jackson have all moved on.

Colchester are hoping to challenge again for promotion - but what of their rivals? Here's the lowdown from sports writers covering League Two teams up and down the country, ahead of the new campaign.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – The Mail

CLUB COVERED – Barrow

CLUB MANAGER – David Dunn

GROUND - Progression Solicitors Stadium (Holker Street)

1. Main summer signings - Mike Jones, Luke James, Tom Beadling, Kgosi Ntlhe, David Dunn (manager)

2. Main summer departures - John Rooney, Josh Granite, Byron Harrison, Matty Elsdon, Ian Evatt (manager)

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? (50 words) - Barrow return to the EFL after a 48-year absence with a great deal of positivity and cautious hope that they can establish themselves in League Two. Nobody will expect miracles, but momentum and an ambitious new boss will hopefully keep the Bluesbirds safe at the very least.

4. One to watch - Scott Quigley. The striker is suspended for Barrow's early games but, once available, will be a major part of Dunn's attack. Scored 20 in 37 games last season and has the ability and character to unsettle plenty of League Two defences.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Marc Iles/The Bolton News

CLUB COVERED – Bolton Wanderers

CLUB MANAGER – Ian Evatt

GROUND - The University of Bolton Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Eoin Doyle, Nathan Delfouneso, Antoni Sarcevic, George Taft, Ali Crawford

2. Main summer departures: Daryl Murphy, Jason Lowe, Remi Matthews, Josh Emmanuel, Luke Murphy

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? Given an ambitious recruitment drive at Bolton, anything less than promotion would be viewed as a failure. Wanderers have fallen on hard times - but Ian Evatt's arrival and promise of expansive football has restored confidence no end.

4. One to watch: Eoin Doyle - League Two fans won't need any reminder that the Irishman can be pretty lethal in front of goal. Wanderers worked hard to put him front and centre in their attack - now it's up to him to show he can put back-to-back seasons together.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Simon Parker, Bradford Telegraph & Argus

CLUB COVERED – Bradford City

CLUB MANAGER – Stuart McCall

GROUND – Valley Parade

1. Main summer signings: Callum Cooke, Elliot Watt, Billy Clarke and Levi Sutton.

2. Main summer departures: James Vaughan, Shay McCartan, Jake Reeves.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? Bradford City fans want to be entertained again, as much as anything, after the functional approach of Gary Bowyer. They know what to expect from Stuart McCall at the helm and will be looking for the team to play with more attacking flair as they hopefully push for the play-offs.

4. A lot is expected from former Wolves midfielder Elliot Watt. He is comfortable on the ball, can take free-kicks and corners, and has a good eye for a pass – and importantly has also got League Two experience under his belt from a loan spell at Carlisle last season.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Mark Taylor/Cambridge Independent

CLUB COVERED – Cambridge United

HEAD COACH – Mark Bonner

GROUND - Abbey Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Wes Hoolahan, Paul Mullin, Paul Digby, Joe Ironside, Robbie Cundy

2. Main summer departures: George Taft, Paul Lewis, Samir Carruthers, Reggie Lambe, Jabo Ibehre

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? - There is cautious optimism around the Abbey, with things moving in the right direction both on and off the pitch.

4. One to watch - Wes Hoolahan. His pedigree speaks for itself, and supporters were delighted that he has signed, having spent last pre-season training with the club only to move to Australia.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Jon Colman / News & Star

CLUB COVERED – Carlisle United

CLUB MANAGER – Chris Beech

GROUND - Brunton Park

1. Main summer signings - Joshua Kayode, Rod McDonald, Paul Farman, Dean Furman, Gime Toure

2. Main summer departures - Harry McKirdy, Mike Jones, Gethin Jones, Adam Collin, Byron Webster

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? - There has been positivity around Beech's transfer activity this summer, although Carlisle's first two cup performances of 2020/21 have been leaky and tempered some of the bigger expectations. Fans will hope Carlisle can at least compete more substantially than last season, when a dire start left them scrambling.

4. One to watch - Aaron Hayden. The young former Wolves centre-half impressed after being given a chance by Beech early in the new boss's reign, and has grown in stature since. Now the club's vice-captain and generally sets Carlisle's better standards on the pitch.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Jon Palmer, Gloucestershire Echo/Gloucestershire Live

CLUB COVERED – Cheltenham Town

CLUB MANAGER – Michael Duff

GROUND - The Jonny-Rocks Stadium (Whaddon Road)

1. Main summer signings: Liam Sercombe, Andy Williams, Lewis Freestone, Josh Griffths, Matty Blair

2. Main summer departures: Luke Varney, Ryan Broom, Jonte Smith, Rohan Ince, Josh Debayo

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? Cheltenham far exceeded expectations last season and many fans will be expecting another play-off challenge as Michael Duff starts his second full season in charge. Budget-wise, the club are in the bottom half, but they have come through the coronavirus situation strongly due to some bonus cash received through sell-on clauses last year.

4. One to watch: Liam Sercombe scored on his debut against Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup and he looks like a class act. He is probably Cheltenham’s most important signing because he contributes goals as well as being a midfield all-rounder, who has done it at a higher level and he probably belongs in League One.

CLUB – Crawley Town

CLUB MANAGER – John Yems

GROUND – Broadfield Stadium

Main summer signings: Sam Matthews, Zaid Al-Hussaini, Tyler Frost, Archie Davies, Tony Craig.

Main summer departures: Ollie Palmer, Jamie Sendles-White, Ibrahim Meite, Josh Payne, Panutche Camara.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Stuart James (Express & Echo/WMN)

CLUB COVERED – Exeter City

CLUB MANAGER – Matt Taylor

GROUND - St James Park

Main summer signings: Exeter have made only three summer signings this season with the emphasis very much on giving a group of Academy graduates their opportunity in the first team. The three that have come in are experienced campaigners in Jake Caprice (Tranmere), Rory McArdle (Scunthorpe) and Lewis Page (Charlton) so the hope is that their experience, mixed with the freshness of youth can serve Exeter well.

Main summer departures: Aaron Martin performed well in the last two years at centre back and was a surprise departure. Dean Moxey is a club legend whose last act for his hometown club was unfortunately being sent off in the play-off final defeat to Northampton at Wembley. Craig Woodman is another club stalwart that was released.

What are the fans’ expectations this season? The expectations aren't high. The manager has said this is a period of transition as the youngsters are given their chance and with only Ryan Bowman scoring goals last season, there is a worry Exeter are weak in attack. I think most would take a mid-table finish right now.

One to watch: There are a number of youngsters coming through - Josh Key, Will Dean, Alex Hartridge, Harry Kite, Ben Seymour and Joel Randall all really impressed for Exeter in helping them reach to the EFL Trophy semi-final last season - but Archie Collins in midfield is one to really look out for, as is Randell Williams, who was one of the best players in League Two last season.

CLUB – Forest Green Rovers

CLUB MANAGER – Mark Cooper

GROUND – The New Lawn

Main summer signings: Luke McGee, Jake Young, Jamille Matt, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Elliott Whitehouse.

Main summer departures: Nathan McGinley, Farrend Rawson, Joseph Mills, George Williams, Elliott Frear.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – James Findlater (Grimsby Live)

CLUB COVERED – Grimsby Town

CLUB MANAGER – Ian Holloway

GROUND – Blundell Park

1. Main summer signings: Danny Rose, George Williams, Sean Scannell, Bilel Mohsni, Danny Preston.

2. Main summer departures: Jake Hessenthaler, Harry Davis, Charles Vernam, Billy Clarke, Elliott Whitehouse.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? Given the way things ended last season under Holloway, and with the influx of signings recently, expectations are beginning to be raised as the season approaches. There is still an element of the unknown though with lots of signings from non-league, so patience might be needed as the team finds its feet.

4. One to watch: George Williams will be aiming to get his career back on track after spending the whole of last season injured before being released by Forest Green. There’s no doubting his quality, he’s a Wales international after all, and he could well be the creative spark Town have been after over the past year or so.

NAME/NEWSPAPER - Rhys Howell/Harrogate Advertiser, Yorkshire Post

CLUB COVERED - Harrogate Town

CLUB MANAGER - Simon Weaver

GROUND - The Envirovent Stadium

1. Main summer signings Connor Kirby (Sheff Wed), Jake Lawlor (Wrexham), Kevin Lokko (Dover), Tom Walker (AFC Fylde).

2. Maxim Kouogun, George Smith, Matt Taylor (all released).

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? As supporters of newly-promoted side who will be testing themselves in League Two for the first time in their history, the Harrogate fans aren't going to be demanding promotion in 2020/21. This will be season full of firsts and one to savour, though I doubt too many would be too surprised if they did end up pushing for the play-offs.

4. One to watch: Skipper Josh Falkingham is the heartbeat of this Harrogate side. The diminutive central midfielder is a fierce, tenacious competitor who leads by example. The ex-Leeds United trainee always wants the ball and boasts a fine range of passing. When he plays well, Town play well.

CLUB – Leyton Orient

CLUB MANAGER – Ross Embleton

GROUND – Matchroom Stadium

Main summer signings: Ousseynou Cisse, Jordan Thomas.

Main summer departures: Josh Wright, Louis Dennis, Danny Johnson, Conor Wilkinson, Matt Harold.

NAME/NEWSPAPER - Stephen Thirkill (Mansfield Chad)

CLUB COVERED - Mansfield Town

CLUB MANAGER - Graham Coughlan

GROUND - One Call Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Marek Stech, Ollie Clarke, James Perch, Jordan Bowery.

2. Main summer departures: Krystian Pearce, CJ Hamilton, Alex McDonald, Neal Bishop

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? After a woeful season where Mansfield finished 21st last time out, the fans are hoping for ‘normal service’ being resumed and a play-off push.

Boss Graham Coughlan is preparing for his first full season in charge and has revamped the squad to bring in a number of players with League Two promotion experience.

Mansfield have lost a number of the bigger earners, who previously failed to clinch an expected promotion, with more young home-grown players expected to play a part in this season’s campaign.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty of quality and experience in the ranks to mean a top seven spot is the minimum expectation.

4. One to watch: James Perch - Mansfield-born Perch made it all the way to the top of the game with Newcastle United and has returned to his home-town club for one last push for glory.

Perch should be a stand-out player this season with Coughlan hoping his experience and calmness will rub off on the squads young guns.

Mansfield have lacked a commanding force in central midfield and Coughlan will be expecting Perch to link up with Ollie Clarke to ensure Mansfield are able to control games.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Gavin Browne

CLUB COVERED – Morecambe

CLUB MANAGER – Derek Adams

GROUND - Mazuma Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Adam Phillips (Burnley, loan); Ryan Cooney (Burnley, loan); Jake Turner (Newcastle United, loan); Harry Davis; Ben Pringle.

2. Main summer departures: Kevin Ellison, Steve Old, Tom Brewitt, Andrew Tutte, Rhys Oates.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? There is an air of cautious optimism surrounding the club given the way Derek Adams steered the club away from the foot of League Two last season. Adams has made, on paper, some promising signings so a mid-table finish would be a sign of genuine progress.

4. One to watch: Carlos Mendes-Gomes was given regular football by Adams last season and responded with some eye-catching performances. The 21-year-old, who was a former youngster with Atletico Madrid, has shown huge promise in his appearances so far and just needs to combine that with consistency.

CLUB - AFC Newport County

CLUB MANAGER – Michael Flynn

GROUND – Rodney Parade

Main summer signings: Brandon Cooper (Swansea City), Kevin Ellison (Morecambe), Scott Twine (Swindon Town), Saikou Janneh (Bristol City), Liam Shephard.

Main summer departures: Marvel Ekpiteta (free), Daniel Leadbitter (Yeovil Town, loan).

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Adam Lord, Oldham Times

CLUB COVERED – Oldham Athletic

CLUB MANAGER – Harry Kewell

GROUND – Boundary Park

Main summer signings: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Manchester United, free), Conor McAleny (Fleetwood, free) Carl Piergianni (Salford, free), Sido Jombati (Wycombe, free), Ian Lawlor (Doncaster, loan).

Main summer departures: Chris McCann, Zak Mills, Gevaro Nepomuceno, Jamie Stott, Desire Segbe-Azankpo (all released).

What are the fans’ expectations this season? All is not well at Boundary Park. Large parts of the fanbase are calling on owner Abdallah Lemsagam to sell up, the Moroccan former football agent having made Kewell the sixth permanent Latics boss in the last two years. The Aussie is talking up his side’s chances but a struggle looks on the cards.

One to watch: Zak Dearnley: Former Manchester United youngster scored four goals in eight games on his return to Boundary Park last season. Getting the striker to then put pen to paper on a two-year deal in the summer was seen as a big bit of business. Ex-Wrexham man Davis Keillor-Dunn also showed up well in pre-season.

CLUB – Port Vale

CLUB MANAGER – John Askey

GROUND – Vale Park

Main summer signings: Dino Visser, Theo Robinson, Devante Rodney, Zak Mills, Danny Whitehead.

Main summer departures: Callum Evans, Danny Pugh, Rhys Browne, Jordan Archer, Kieran Kennedy.

CLUB – Salford City

CLUB MANAGER – Graham Alexander

GROUND – Moor Lane

Main summer signings: Ian Henderson, Jordan Turnbull, Tom Clarke, Jason Lowe, Ashley Hunter.

Main summer departures: Craig Conway, Josh Askew, Kyle Letheren, Danny Whitehead, Nathan Pond.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – James Findlater (Grimsby Live)

CLUB COVERED – Scunthorpe United

CLUB MANAGER – Neil Cox

GROUND – Sands Venue Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Kenan Dunnwald-Turan, Myles Hippolyte, Tyler Cordner, Lewis Spence, Ryan Loft.

2. Main summer departures (five names max) Levi Sutton, Cameron Burgess, James Perch, Yann Songo’o, Rory McArdle.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? The pandemic has taken its toll on the Iron, and it’s likely some of the players who left would have been retained had the club been in a stronger position. Neil Cox has a young side, and the chairman has already asked for fans to be patient, so expectations won’t be all that high.

4. One to watch: Despite the quality the Iron has lost, they still possess arguably one of the league’s top players in Kevin van Veen. At this level, the Dutchman has shown he has the ability to win games almost single-handedly, and if Cox can get the best out of him, he’ll be vital to the club’s hopes.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Chris Phillips/Southend Echo

CLUB COVERED – Southend United

CLUB MANAGER – Mark Molesley

GROUND - Roots Hall

1. Main summer signings: Shaun Hobson and Jordan Green

2. Main summer departures: Sam Mantom, Stephen McLaughlin, Luke Hyam, Mark Milligan and Joe Shaughnessy

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? After such a tough couple of years and with a transfer embargo still in place I think most fans are realistic about the season ahead. Stabilising things on and off the pitch is the main target.

4. One to watch: Charlie Kelman: The 18-year-old striker came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall and continues to attract interest. Tottenham had an offer rejected last season and so did Swansea in the summer.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Neil Metcalfe, The Comet

CLUB COVERED – Stevenage

CLUB MANAGER – Alex Revell

GROUND - Lamex Stadium

1. Main summer signings: Luke Prosser, Roman Vincelot, Ben Coker.

2. Main summer departures: Ben Kennedy, Joel Byram.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season? A year where they can look over their shoulder rather than up or when they aren't waiting to hear the outcome of FA panels is hugely desirable.

There is belief though in what Revell is trying to build and safety before the last day of the season does seem achievable.

4. One to watch: It will be a big season for Jamie Cumming. The on-loan Chelsea keeper has plenty of ability in the locker but needs to learn to boss the older heads in front of him. Do that and he could be a major player in any improvements made by Boro.

NAME/NEWSPAPER – Richard Garnett – Wirral Globe

CLUB COVERED – Tranmere Rovers

CLUB MANAGER – Mike Jackson

GROUND – Prenton Park

1. Main summer signings: Jay Spearing, James Vaughan, Otis Khan, Lee O’Connor, Calum MacDonald

2. Main summer departures: Connor Jennings, David Perkins, Neil Danns, Jake Caprice, Andy Cook.

3. What are the fans’ expectations this season?: Tranmere’s Super White Army are still absolutely seething after the club was demoted back to League One by virtue of a PPG vote by clubs. They want promotion but with Micky Mellon gone, Mike Jackson must prove that he can cut the mustard as a gaffer in his own right.

4. One to watch: Corey Blackett-Taylor is an exciting forward who can play at a higher level. If he can find consistency he will be a major threat for Rovers throughout the campaign.

CLUB - Walsall

CLUB MANAGER – Darrell Clarke

GROUND – Banks’s Stadium

Main summer signings: Jack Rose, George Nurse, Hayden White, Rory Holden.

Main summer departures: Mitchel Candlin, Gary Liddle, James Hardy, Kory Roberts.