As the new English Football League season kicks off, the excitement in League Two is palpable.
Often overlooked in favour of its higher-tier counterparts, League Two is home to some of the most compelling stories and emerging talents in English football.
This highly-anticipated 2024/25 season promises to be no different, with a host of players eager to make their mark on the pitch.
Whether they’re seasoned veterans looking to guide their teams to favouritism in the League 2 promotion odds or exciting prospects aiming to catch the eye of bigger clubs, these are the three players you should keep an eye on in League Two.
Ben Woodburn – Salford City
The original Wrexham, hype started to surround Salford City FC when they were purchased by former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes in 2014 — with David Beckham later buying a slice of the Greater Manchester side.
Documentaries on Sky showcased ‘The Class of ‘92’s’ transformation of the club, redeveloping Moor Lane and instilling a more professional ethos while climbing up the football pyramid from the eighth tier to League Two.
Things have become somewhat stagnant since Salford’s arrival in the Football League, as they are now in their fifth season in League Two.
However, the signing of former Liverpool attacker and Welsh international Ben Woodburn this summer could be exactly what they need to revitalise their fairytale.
Woodburn left Preston North End after his contract expired last season, making 58 league appearances in two seasons at Deepdale, and while this is a stark drop down the divisions, he should have the quality to shine in League Two.
Byron Webster – Bromley
Bryon Webster is a player who has experienced the highs and lows of the English Football League, with previous stints in the Championship, League One and League Two with the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Northampton Town and Yeovil to name just a few, Bromley FC will rely heavily on Byron Webster this season.
The veteran defender joined the London side in 2020 and has already become a legend at Hayes Lane, captaining Bromley to the EFL Trophy and helping the Ravens earn promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history.
Bromley started the season as one of the favourites for relegation in the League 2 betting, but they kicked off the campaign with a 2-0 win away to Harrogate Town and Webster will be key to the side both on and off the pitch as the season progresses.
David McGoldrick – Notts County
Another player with bags of experience for this level, David McGoldrick played in the Premier League for Sheffield United as recently as 2021 — when he scored eight goals as the Blades were relegated — while he also has 14 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Now 36, McGoldrick re-joined his boyhood club on a two-year deal last season after leaving Derby County having scored 22 times in 39 League One appearances, and he scored 12 times in 37 games for Notts County as they finished 14th.
The Magpies drew their opening game of the season 0-0 away to Tranmere, but this could be McGoldrick’s last season, and he will be hoping to add to his 162 goals with as many strikes as possible before potentially hanging up his boots.
