Players You Might Have Overlooked in League One and League Two

As the English Football League season kicks off, it`s a perfect opportunity to revisit some well-known players who might currently be plying their trade in League One or League Two. With 72 clubs spanning the EFL`s divisions, it`s quite common for former top-flight or rising stars to find themselves competing in these lower tiers, prompting the familiar question: `Where are they now?` This article highlights several notable names across different positions.

Goalkeeper

Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City): Having previously guided Luton Town to the Premier League, American goalkeeper Ethan Horvath now finds himself in League One with Cardiff City, largely on part-time duty. His move to Cardiff has also seen him lose his regular spot with the USMNT, though a return to Championship football could revive his international prospects.

Defenders

Calum Chambers (Cardiff City): Former Arsenal and Aston Villa defender Calum Chambers will feature for Cardiff City in League One this season. After making 41 Championship starts for the Bluebirds prior to their relegation, Chambers is set to be a crucial player in their effort to return to the higher division.

Teden Mengi (Luton Town): Once a highly-touted Manchester United academy prospect, Teden Mengi, at just 23, is now surprisingly playing in League One for Luton Town. While his potential remains, a significant effort will be required to climb back towards Premier League contention.

Lynden Gooch (Huddersfield Town): Versatile American player Lynden Gooch, known for his roles as a winger and full-back, has also transitioned to League One with Huddersfield Town. League One frequently features players who were once more prominent in the football landscape.

Midfielders

Ryan Ledson (Huddersfield Town): Ryan Ledson, a former Everton Academy talent and England youth international who became a Championship regular with Preston North End, has moved to Huddersfield Town in League One. His stint in the lower division is anticipated to be brief, with a quick return to the Championship expected.

Sam Clucas (Shrewsbury Town): A true football journeyman, Sam Clucas has played for nine different clubs, notably reaching the Premier League with both Hull City and Swansea City. He proved a vital deep-lying midfielder for both top-flight sides, contributing six goals and two assists across those two seasons. He now plays for Shrewsbury Town.

John Fleck (Chesterfield): Moving into League Two, we find John Fleck, an often-underrated former Premier League midfielder. His pivotal role at the heart of Sheffield United`s midfield was instrumental in their top-half finish. This season, Fleck will be showcasing his talents for Chesterfield in League Two.

Bradley Dack (Gillingham): Bradley Dack, who once seemed destined for the Premier League after an impressive 15-goal, 7-assist Championship season for Blackburn Rovers in 2018-19, has faced injury setbacks. He is now rebuilding his career in League Two with Gillingham.

Forwards

David McGoldrick (Barnsley): Veteran forward David McGoldrick is embarking on his 22nd professional season. Following a prolific 17-goal campaign in League Two with Notts County, he has now made the step up to League One with Barnsley, showing no signs of slowing down.

Paul Mullin (Wigan Athletic): Despite Wrexham`s promotion to the Championship, club icon Paul Mullin will remain in League One for the upcoming season, on loan with Wigan Athletic. This loan spell offers Mullin an opportunity to prove himself at a level where he has previously faced challenges, influencing his long-term career path.

Sam Vokes (Gillingham FC): Sam Vokes, a player often associated with Championship consistency, particularly from his time at Burnley, is now heading into his 20th season of professional football in League Two with Gillingham FC. After a less impactful season at Wycombe, Vokes aims to re-establish himself as a key starter.

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