Welcome to our guide to England League Two! In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the football league, including its history, format, and current teams. League Two is the fourth tier of the English football league system and is home to 24 teams from across the country. The league is known for its competitive nature, with teams fighting for promotion to League One or battling to avoid relegation.
The league was founded in 1958 as the Fourth Division and was renamed League Two in 2004. Over the years, the league has seen many famous clubs, such as Southampton, Wimbledon, and Bradford City, compete in its ranks. The current format of the league involves each team playing 46 games, with three points awarded for a win and one point for a draw. At the end of the season, the top three teams are promoted to League One, while the bottom four teams are relegated to the National League.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the league, our guide to England League Two has got you covered. We’ll take a closer look at the league’s current standings, top scorers, and upcoming fixtures, as well as provide insights into the league’s most successful teams and players. So, grab your scarf and get ready to dive into the exciting world of League Two football!
The Structure of England League Two
England League Two is the fourth-highest division in the English football league system. It is also known as EFL League Two or simply League Two. The league is made up of 24 teams that compete against each other in a round-robin format, with each team playing 46 games in total.
Promotion
At the end of each season, the top three teams in League Two are automatically promoted to League One, which is the third-highest division in the English football league system. The team that finishes in fourth place enters a playoff with the teams that finish in fifth, sixth, and seventh place. The winner of the playoff is also promoted to League One.
Relegation
The bottom two teams in League Two are automatically relegated to the National League, which is the fifth-highest division in the English football league system. The team that finishes in 22nd place enters a playoff with the teams that finish in 19th, 20th, and 21st place in the National League. The winner of the playoff is promoted to League Two, while the losing teams remain in the National League.
Overall, the English football league system is structured as a pyramid, with the Premier League at the top, followed by the Championship, League One, League Two, and the National League. The National League is further divided into regional leagues, which are connected to the National League through a system of promotion and relegation.
In conclusion, England League Two is an important part of the English football league system, providing a platform for teams to compete and potentially move up the pyramid to higher divisions. With its system of promotion and relegation, the league offers excitement and drama for fans and players alike.
Top Teams of England League Two
Here are the top teams of England League Two:
Bradford City
Bradford City has a strong history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the League Cup once and reached the final of the FA Cup in 1911. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at the Utilita Energy Stadium.
Salford City
Salford City is a relatively new team in the English football league system. They were founded in 1940 but only joined the Football League in 2019. They are owned by a group of former Manchester United players, including Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. They have a state-of-the-art stadium, the Peninsula Stadium, and have been investing heavily in their squad in recent years.
Forest Green
Forest Green is a unique team in the English football league system. They are known for their eco-friendly approach, with their stadium being powered by renewable energy and their players being provided with vegan meals. They have been in the Football League since 2017 and have been pushing for promotion in recent seasons.
Tranmere
Tranmere has a long history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy twice and reached the final of the FA Cup in 2000. They have a passionate fanbase and play their home games at Prenton Park.
Oldham
Oldham is another team with a long history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy twice and reached the final of the FA Cup in 1990. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at Boundary Park.
Newport County
Newport County has been in the Football League since 2013. They have a strong recent history, having reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2019 and the League Two playoffs in 2021. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at Rodney Parade.
Bolton
Bolton is a team with a strong history in English football. They have won the FA Cup four times and have been in the top flight of English football for most of their existence. They have a passionate fanbase and play their home games at the University of Bolton Stadium.
Mansfield
Mansfield has been in the Football League for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy twice and have been pushing for promotion to League One in recent seasons. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at Field Mill.
Walsall
Walsall has been in the Football League for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy twice and have been pushing for promotion to League One in recent seasons. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at the Banks’s Stadium.
Grimsby
Grimsby has a long history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy twice and reached the final of the FA Cup in 1936. They have a passionate fanbase and play their home games at Blundell Park.
Crawley
Crawley is a relatively new team in the Football League. They were founded in 1896 but only joined the Football League in 2011. They have been pushing for promotion in recent seasons and have a loyal fanbase. They play their home games at The People’s Pension Stadium.
Harrogate
Harrogate is a new team in the Football League, having been promoted from the National League in 2020. They have a modern stadium, the EnviroVent Stadium, and have been investing heavily in their squad in recent years.
Swindon Town
Swindon Town has a long history in English football. They have won the Football League Trophy three times and have been in the top flight of English football for most of their existence. They have a passionate fanbase and play their home games at the County Ground.
Barrow
Barrow is a team with a long history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy once and have been pushing for promotion in recent seasons. They have a loyal fanbase and play their home games at Holker Street.
Stockport
Stockport has a long history in English football. They have been in the top four tiers of English football for most of their existence. They have won the Football League Trophy once and have been pushing for promotion in recent seasons. They have a passionate fanbase and play their home games at Edgeley Park.
Sutton United
Sutton United is a relatively new but promising team in English football, steadily climbing up the ranks with recent promotions. They have won the Football League Trophy once, showcasing their determination on the field. The club boasts a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase, creating a vibrant atmosphere at their home ground, Gander Green Lane. Sutton United’s potential for success in higher divisions makes them a team to watch as they continue to grow and develop in the English football scene.
Historical Performance in League Two
League Two is the fourth-highest division in the English football league system. It has seen several clubs rise and fall over the years, with some teams dominating the division while others struggle to stay afloat. In this section, we will look at the historical performance of teams in League Two.
Most Successful Teams
Over the years, several teams have dominated League Two, winning multiple titles and achieving promotion to higher divisions. Here are some of the most successful teams in the history of League Two:
- Chesterfield: The Spireites have won the League Two title twice, in the 2010-11 and 2013-14 seasons. They have also finished runners-up twice and have been promoted to League One on four occasions.
- Swindon Town: The Robins have won the League Two title three times, in the 1985-86, 1995-96, and 2011-12 seasons. They have also finished runners-up twice and have been promoted to higher divisions on several occasions.
- Northampton Town: The Cobblers have won the League Two title twice, in the 2015-16 and 2019-20 seasons. They have also finished runners-up twice and have been promoted to higher divisions on several occasions.
Biggest Upsets
While some teams have dominated League Two over the years, there have also been several upsets and surprises. Here are some of the biggest upsets in the history of League Two:
- Accrington Stanley: In the 2015-16 season, Accrington Stanley finished fourth in League Two, securing a place in the playoffs. Despite being underdogs, they went on to win the playoffs, beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the final to secure promotion to League One.
- Burton Albion: In the 2014-15 season, Burton Albion finished sixth in League Two, securing a place in the playoffs. They went on to beat Southend United 1-0 in the final to secure promotion to League One for the first time in their history.
- Macclesfield Town: In the 2017-18 season, Macclesfield Town were struggling at the bottom of League Two for much of the season. However, a late surge saw them win six of their last seven games to secure survival on the final day of the season, finishing just one point above the relegation zone.
In conclusion, League Two has seen several teams rise and fall over the years, with some dominating the division while others struggle to stay afloat. While some teams have won multiple titles and achieved promotion to higher divisions, there have also been several upsets and surprises.
Media Coverage of England League Two
England League Two receives significant media coverage from various outlets, including print, broadcast, and online media. The league is covered extensively by sports journalists, with Phil McNulty being one of the most prominent writers who regularly covers the league.
Football Gossip
Football Gossip is a popular feature on the BBC Sport website, which covers transfer rumours, news, and gossip from across the football world. The feature also covers League Two, providing regular updates on the latest transfer rumours, injuries, and team news. Fans of League Two can stay up-to-date with the latest news and gossip by visiting the Football Gossip section of the BBC Sport website.
BBC iPlayer Coverage
BBC iPlayer is a popular online streaming service that allows viewers to watch live and on-demand content from the BBC. The service covers various sports events, including League Two matches. Fans can watch live matches, highlights, and analysis of League Two games on BBC iPlayer.
In addition to the above, League Two matches are also covered by various other media outlets, including Sky Sports, BT Sport, and TalkSport. Fans can also follow the league on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, and highlights.
Overall, the media coverage of England League Two is extensive, providing fans with various options to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from the league.
The Cinematic Adventure of England League Two
England League Two is a division that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. From the collapse of clubs to the rise of new ones, the league has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. It’s no wonder that the league has inspired some cinematic adaptations.
One such film is “Mike Bassett: England Manager,” a comedy that follows the fictional manager of the England national team as he takes over a struggling squad. While the film is not directly related to League Two, it does capture the essence of the league’s unpredictability and the passion of its fans.
Another film that touches on the League Two experience is “The Damned United,” a biographical drama that chronicles the tumultuous tenure of Brian Clough as manager of Leeds United. While the film focuses on a different club and a different era, it still captures the drama and intensity that can be found in League Two.
Of course, the league has also had its fair share of real-life cinematic moments. The collapse of clubs like Bury and Macclesfield Town have been the subject of documentaries, highlighting the financial struggles that can plague clubs in the lower leagues.
Despite the challenges, the cinematic adventure of England League Two continues. From the highs of promotion to the lows of relegation, the league remains a source of excitement and drama for fans across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the capacities of the biggest stadiums in League Two?
The biggest stadium in League Two is the stadium of Sunderland AFC, the Stadium of Light, with a capacity of 49,000. Other big stadiums include the Home Park stadium of Plymouth Argyle with a capacity of 17,904, and the St. James Park stadium of Exeter City with a capacity of 8,830.
What is the current form table for League Two’s last 10 games?
According to FootyStats, the last 10 games form guide for League Two shows that Wrexham FC is currently in good form with 2.3 points per game earned, making them the best-performing team in League Two. Notts County FC is also in great form with an average of 2.1 points per game earned, putting them in second place in the last 10 matches.
How does League One’s form guide compare to League Two’s?
League One’s form guide is different from League Two’s, as the two leagues have different teams and different levels of competition. However, both leagues have a similar format, with teams competing for promotion, relegation, and a chance to win the league title.
Which team is currently favoured to win League Two?
It is difficult to predict which team is currently favoured to win League Two. However, according to PredictZ, some of the top teams for the 2023/2024 season include Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Barrow, Bradford, and Colchester.
What is the smallest stadium in League Two?
The smallest stadium in League Two is the stadium of Forest Green Rovers, the New Lawn, with a capacity of 5,032. Other small stadiums include the stadium of Harrogate Town, the EnviroVent Stadium, with a capacity of 5,000, and the stadium of Sutton United, the Borough Sports Ground, with a capacity of 5,013.
Is League Two considered a professional football league?
Yes, League Two is considered a professional football league in England. It is the fourth tier of the English football league system, and it consists of 24 clubs that compete for promotion to League One and to avoid relegation to the National League.
