League One 2022-23 preview: the contenders, hopefuls and strugglers

After four long years stuck in the muddy plains of League One, Sunderland managed to worm their way out but the division is still loaded with clubs who consider the third tier a world away from where they belong. No fanbase are more weary than that at Ipswich, whose mid-season appointment of Kieran McKenna galvanised the club last year. They lost four games from December and, having strengthened again, looked primed to compete at the top. As do Sheffield Wednesday, whose trio of former Rotherham players, Will Vaulks, Michael Smith and Michael Ihiekwe, look sound pickups. The pressure will be on Darren Moore at Wednesday, playoff semi-finalists last time. They gathered momentum towards the end of last season and have the toolkit to mount a serious challenge.

Peterborough are back on track under Grant McCann and the arrival of David Ajiboye, signed after shining for Sutton in the EFL Trophy final,will add to their embarrassment of riches in attack. Posh were too naive in the Championship but they will outplay most in the third tier. It is hard to envisage MK Dons not being in the mix. Such is their proactive recruitment, they should thrive despite key departures, though Will Grigg, back for a third spell, will need to fire.

Ian Evatt warned Bolton were a big ship to turn around and the only frustrating thing is that last season ended just as they were moving full steam ahead. They lost three of their final 22 games and if they continue where they left off they will give a few rivals a bloody nose. Liam Rosenior, for now interim manager, has spoken about Derby, back at this level for the first time since 1986, needing to “microwave the process” such has been the speed of the turnaround, from bedevilled to blessed in the