2024-25 League One predictions: No welcome mats out for Davies' fallen Blues

League One promises to be super-competitive at both ends of the table with Birmingham City, a genuine sleeping giant, expected to be heading the title charge.

The Blues were relegated from the Championship in May and dropped into the third tier for the first time since 1995. 

However, if pedigree counted for everything, they would be a good thing to go straight back up but under a rookie boss in Chris Davies, and in a division packed with other classy outfits, it might not be that easy.

Huddersfield and Rotherham, the two clubs who went down with them will have promotion claims, while Bolton will be determined to make amends for their playoff final heartache.

Barnsley are another who would expect to challenge again, as would the likes of Peterborough, Blackpool, Charlton and Reading.

And who would dare rule out Hollywood club Wrexham, or League Two champs Stockport, two teams who came up with blossoming reputations and money to spend.

Evans' return can revive Millers' fortunes

Of all those, Rotherham catch the eye under Steve Evans, a man who ignored the mantra 'never go back', and it's a gamble that could well pay off.

The Scot led Rotherham to League One playoff glory in 2014 and is back at the New York Stadium where he has wasted no time bringing in new players in a bid to revive the fortunes of the ultimate yo-yo club, who have tasted either relegation from the Championship or promotion from League One in seven of the last eight seasons.

The Millers, who have not finished worse than fourth in each of their last four third-tier campaigns, went down in May with just five wins and 27 points to their name. They lost key players before the season started, never replaced them and were too easy to play against.

It was only when Evans was reappointed three games from the end of term that some spirit and fire returned, and among a string of summer signings is twice League One Golden Boot winner Jonson Clarke-Harris from Peterborough.

Certainly Evans' work in the transfer market has been more impressive than new Birmingham boss Davies, who won't be the first manager of a highly-regarded club to realise that escaping from the third tier (at the right end) isn't an easy task.

Could it finally be the Trotters' time?

Knowing the ropes helps, which is why Bolton are preferred over the West Midlands outfit and the rest for a Top Two finish.

Ian Evatt's side were widely regarded as the best team in the division last term, narrowly falling short of Portsmouth and Derby for an automatic promotion spot, but they can get it right this time.

Another bruising campaign awaits the Brewers

League Two playoff heroes Crawley are fancied to make a swift return back to the basement but the relegation market can be a tricky affair, especially with the constant possibility of points deductions to second guess.

However, Burton only just survived in 2023-24 and their odds for relegation look more eye-catching than a skinny price about Crawley.