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August 5, 2024

EFL 30 over 30: The League One, League Two, and Championship mainstays prepared for another campaign – EFL Championship

Ever wonder where he’s currently playing?”. They may be in the EFL, as in football news. Today has selected 30 well-known players from among the thirty who will compete in the Championship, League One, and League Two in 2024–2025.

Championship

Joe Allen (34, Swansea)

Joe Allen, now 34, remains a crucial figure for Swansea City, where he appears set to finish his career. Having enjoyed stints with Liverpool and Stoke in the Premier League, Allen returned to Swansea two seasons ago. Since then, he has made 44 appearances and signed a one-year contract extension in May, proving he’s still performing at a high level.

Nahki Wells (34, Bristol City)

Veteran forward Nahki Wells has become a reliable presence in the EFL, spending the last five years at Bristol City. Consistently appearing in over 30 games per season since 2020/21, Wells was the Robins’ second-highest scorer last season with seven goals, showcasing his enduring attacking threat.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (32, Derby)

Mendez-Laing has excelled for Derby County, earning a spot in the League One Team of the Season and a nomination for League One Player of the Season. Playing all 46 games in Derby’s promotion campaign, he tallied nine goals and 16 assists, the latter being the highest in the league. His nine-goal haul was also a personal best in league play.

Barry Bannan (34, Sheffield Wednesday)

A true Sheffield Wednesday legend, Barry Bannan continues to be a cornerstone of the team as he enters his 10th season with the Owls. Bannan played 42 matches last term, helping the club narrowly avoid relegation. He has accumulated 376 league appearances, solidifying his status as one of British football’s stalwarts.

Grant Hanley (32, Norwich)

Scotland international Grant Hanley is entering his eighth season with Norwich City. Though injuries limited his contributions last term, the experienced defender remains crucial to the Canaries’ setup. After falling short in the playoffs last season, Hanley will aim to make a more significant impact during the 2024/25 campaign.

Luke Ayling (32, Middlesbrough)

In a surprising summer move, Luke Ayling made a permanent switch to Middlesbrough, ending his eight-year stint with Leeds United. Both teams are expected to fight for promotion this season. During his half-season loan at Middlesbrough, Ayling impressed, making 19 Championship appearances and ranking among the club’s top performers in tackles, interceptions, and headed clearances. He’ll be looking to maintain that form in the upcoming campaign.

Marlon Pack (33, Portsmouth)

Returning to his boyhood club in 2022, Marlon Pack captained Portsmouth to League One promotion last season after narrowly missing the playoffs in his first year back. Named in the League One Team of the Season, the midfielder will now lead Pompey into the Championship for the first time since 2011.

Will Keane (31, Preston)

A Manchester United academy graduate, Will Keane rejoined Preston last summer after a loan spell in 2015/16. He played in all 38 Championship games as the team pushed for a playoff spot. After finding his rhythm with Wigan and Preston, Keane has settled into his best form at 31.

Ben Gibson (31, Stoke)

After being released by Norwich, Ben Gibson signed a three-year deal with Stoke City this summer. The experienced defender, who has spent most of his career in the Championship, made 37 appearances for Norwich last season and still has plenty to offer as he begins his next chapter with Stoke.

Tom Ince (32, Watford)

A familiar name in the Championship, Tom Ince is gearing up for his second season at Watford after back-to-back summer moves. Last season, Ince made 27 appearances for the Hornets, contributing two goals in a campaign that saw the club finish in the lower half of the table. As a seasoned forward, Ince will be looking to make a more significant impact this time, hoping to help Watford climb the standings.

League One

Lukas Jutkiewicz (35, Birmingham)

A long-serving figure at Birmingham City, Lukas Jutkiewicz is set for his first League One campaign since the 2008/09 season. Though his appearances dropped to 28 last season — his lowest since 2017/18 — Jutkiewicz’s wealth of experience and leadership will be crucial as the Blues aim for an immediate return to the Championship.

Alfie May (31, Birmingham)

Fresh off winning last season’s League One Golden Boot, Alfie May joined Birmingham from Charlton this summer. His 23 goals were instrumental in keeping the Addicks afloat, and he brings plenty of EFL experience, having played exclusively in League One and Two. Birmingham hopes that May can replicate his impressive goal tally as they push for promotion.

Chris Martin (35, Bristol Rovers)

Despite previously playing for rivals Bristol City, Chris Martin had a standout season for Bristol Rovers, netting 16 goals in 34 matches—the most he’s scored since the 2015/16 campaign. Finishing as the league’s fifth-highest scorer, the seasoned EFL forward shows he still has plenty to offer.

Scott Malone (33, Crawley Town)

As Crawley undergoes a summer rebuild, Scott Malone’s experience could prove invaluable. The versatile left-back made 41 appearances for Gillingham last season and brings a wealth of Championship experience, which will be critical as Crawley navigates the challenges of League One.

Josh Magennis (33, Exeter City)

Exeter City added a proven League One striker in Josh Magennis this summer. Having spent the last two seasons with Wigan, Magennis scored seven goals in 36 appearances last term. With his extensive EFL experience, he will be essential to Exeter’s push this season.

Jonathan Hogg (35, Huddersfield Town)

Jonathan Hogg faces a new challenge as Huddersfield enter League One. The veteran midfielder has spent most of his career in the Premier League and Championship, making over 250 league appearances. His leadership will be crucial as Huddersfield seek an immediate return to the Championship.

Aden Flint (35, Mansfield Town)

Aden Flint played all 46 games last season as Mansfield earned promotion, bringing his wealth of EFL experience into League One. Flint ranked in the top ten for headed clearances, and aerial duels won in League Two, contributing to four goal involvements from the defense.

Steven Fletcher (37, Wrexham)

After joining Wrexham from Dundee United, Steven Fletcher brings his Championship pedigree to League One. He scored eight goals in 33 games as Wrexham achieved promotion. This season marks Fletcher’s first in League One, where his experience will be pivotal for the Red Dragons.

Sam Vokes (34, Wycombe Wanderers)

Entering his fourth season with Wycombe, former Burnley striker Sam Vokes remains a crucial player. Vokes has scored 27 goals in 121 League One matches and helped Wycombe reach the 2021/22 playoff final. The club will look to him once again in their promotion push.

Garath McCleary (37, Wycombe Wanderers)

Garath McCleary signed a contract extension to continue his tenure at Wycombe. Last season, he made 40 appearances, contributing six goals and four assists. Since joining in 2020, McCleary has been a consistent performer and remains integral to the team’s ambitions.

Scott Sinclair (35, Bristol Rovers)

Scott Sinclair, a former Chelsea and Manchester City winger, returned to his roots by rejoining Bristol Rovers in 2022. Since his return, he’s made 57 appearances in League One, contributing nine goals and three assists over two seasons. With his wealth of experience across the Premier League and EFL, Sinclair continues to bring pace and creativity to the team, proving invaluable in their push for success.

League Two

Dean Lewington (40, MK Dons)

A true club legend, Dean Lewington enters his 21st season with MK Dons, signing a one-year extension in May. The long-serving captain has made over 800 appearances for the club across all competitions. Lewington’s leadership and experience are invaluable; he even stepped in as interim coach. His commitment to the Dons remains as strong as ever.

Byron Webster (37, Bromley)

Byron Webster’s penalty in the National League playoff final secured Bromley’s promotion to League Two, where he’ll captain the Ravens in their first-ever EFL campaign. With experience in all tiers of English football and several promotions under his belt, Webster’s leadership will be critical to Bromley’s success this season.

Jayden Stockley (30, Port Vale)

Stockley joined Port Vale from Fleetwood Town this summer, hoping to replicate his prolific form from his time with Exeter City, where he scored his best league tallies between 2017 and 2019. Stockley’s physical presence and eye for goal will be crucial for Vale in the 2024/25 campaign.

David McGoldrick (36, Notts County)

McGoldrick embarked on his third stint at Notts County, the club where his career began. The Republic of Ireland international scored 12 goals in 37 appearances last season, helping the Magpies to a mid-table finish in League Two. At 36, McGoldrick may be closing out his career at his boyhood club.

Billy Sharp (38, Doncaster)

Billy Sharp, synonymous with Sheffield United, is back at Doncaster for the third time after brief stints at LA Galaxy and Hull City. The veteran striker hopes to lead Doncaster back to League One after their playoff semi-final loss last season.

James Chester (35, Salford)

Chester, a seasoned center-back, has joined Salford after spending last season with Barrow. With 37 appearances for Barrow, he helped the team narrowly miss the playoffs. Salford, who flirted with relegation last term, will lean on Chester’s experience to make a push further up the table.

Will Grigg (33, Chesterfield)

Will Grigg is back in the EFL after scoring 24 goals to help Chesterfield win promotion from the National League. The striker hopes to recapture his famous 2015/16 form, where he scored 25 goals for Wigan. Chesterfield will be counting on his goal-scoring prowess in League Two.

Paddy Madden (34, Chesterfield)

Chesterfield’s summer signing, Paddy Madden, brings invaluable experience after helping Stockport transition from the National League to League Two. Madden scored 27 goals in 81 appearances over two seasons for Stockport and will be crucial in Chesterfield’s return to the EFL.

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