With the EFL League One season well underway, fans across the division will have differing opinions on how the first five games have unfolded – but who has had the most disappointing first few weeks? We take a look into five teams who may feel like they’ve been underperforming so far.
Bolton Wanderers
It seems to be a common occurrence across the last few seasons with The Trotters, but Bolton seem to be falling short of expectations once again. A reasonable summer transfer window saw them gain the services of Ethan Erhahon and Xavier Simons – two midfielders who had impressed for Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers respectively in the previous season.
However, a lacklustre start is bringing an all too familiar feeling to the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Despite only tasting defeat once so far – an opening day loss at Stockport – a solitary win and 3 consecutive 1-1 draws has seen them lose some ground on the early leaders.
Whilst the gap to those above might not be something to worry about yet, it’s the manner of their results that will be ringing alarm bells. They were lucky to get something off Lincoln at the weekend with a 97th minute own goal saving them, while they couldn’t capitalise on dominant performances at home to Reading and away at Barnsley.
Blackpool
It’s been a worrying start on the North-West coast for The Tangerines, with Steve Bruce’s side losing 5 of their 6 opening games in all competitions. Their only points thus far came in a tight 3-2 win over Huddersfield Town, but failing to score in 3 of their last 4 will be something to worry about for Blackpool.
A 4-1 defeat at Exeter City in the second gameweek of League One was a very early reality check, and back to back losses on the road at Mansfield and Plymouth have left them lingering around the relegation zone in the early stages.
Few would’ve imagined their early struggles after what seemed to be a successful transfer window, despite the loss of tricky winger Rob Apter to Charlton, with plenty of League One and Championship experience added to the squad. It’s a bit of a headscratcher as to why a team that finished off last season relatively strong have failed to get going so far, and with Bolton and Luton up next, Blackpool will be ones to keep an eye on.
Wycombe Wanderers
Last seasons play-off semi finalists have had one of the worst starts in the division as they still wait for their first three points of the season. Some mixed opinions and toxicity amongst fans has started to creep in with the prolonged struggles, as Mike Dodds desperately tries to get his side up to speed.
Despite losing last season’s stars Richard Kone and Joe Low, The Chairboys recruited well over the summer – making 12 first team signings to help adapt to the new style of play Dodds wanted to introduce. Whilst there’s certainly been glimpses, Wanderers can’t seem to string a full performance together which is costing them dearly after 5 games.
As each game passes without a win, the pressure is building on the coaching staff to get the system right and start delivering performances that gain the results they need, not just the statistics that look good. If the Wycombe faithful are made to wait much longer for a win, it may be worth keeping an eye on the managerial situation in Buckinghamshire.
Reading
Across the border lines in Berkshire, Reading have struggled equally as much to get going – also one of the four teams awaiting their first win in the league. It was a summer of promise off the pitch, with new owners and a new strategy in place that secured the future of the club and gave fans something to be excited about after months of torment.
No time was wasted in improving Noel Hunt’s side, with Paddy Lane joining from Portsmouth and Paudie O’Connor joining from Lincoln City as two of their biggest signings – plenty of League One experience between the two adding to the quality they brought to their teams. Alongside those singings were some important contract extensions, namely number one goalkeeper Joel Pereira and club captain Lewis Wing.
However, for all the quality in the squad, something isn’t quite clicking for The Royals in League One. They came close to three points at Wycombe but couldn’t hold out when James Tilley netted an 89th minute equaliser – adding to the frustrations of having just a couple of points on the board with 15 played for.
It was always going to take some time to see improvements after a big change at the club, but Royals fans will be eager to see their side pick up some more points – and quickly – to ease any worries about a season of struggle towards the bottom of the table.
Leyton Orient
After being defeated by Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final in May, there was a mix of excitement and dread at Orient, as it was always going to be a crucial summer to ensure that it wasn’t a one season wonder, and they could maintain the level of performances that got them to Wembley in the first place.
However, big losses during the window has left them a bit further off the leading pack this season – Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley returned to Tottenham and went to Stoke City (loan) and Luton Town (permanent) respectively, while star man Charlie Kelman returned to QPR before being sold to Charlton.
The club have done well to try and plug those big gaps that were left, with Aaron Connolly and Josh Koroma added over the summer, while youngster Oliver O’Neill has been a bright spark in the opening few fixtures.
Although it may seem harsh to class them as an ‘underperformer’ with their fixtures so far, last seasons journey would’ve left the fans expectant of the same (if not one better) but with a squad that has lost a bit of quality from last term and their recent a 4-1 loss to Mansfield at the weekend, it was a stark reminder of the reality of the division and some expectations.
