Barrow AFC
After a 48-year absence from the EFL, the Bluebirds returned in-style as they managed to secure their league status under caretaker manager Rob Kelly.
At the end of the season, Kelly chose not to remain as manager on a permanent basis and left the club.On May 28, 2021, former Forest Green Rovers manager Mark Cooper was appointed as manager.
The Cobblers last met Barrow was in Division Four in 1971 Where the Cobblers beat Barrow 2-0 at the County Ground.
Bradford City
The Bantams had an interesting 2020/21 campaign after the exit of club legend Stuart McCall, Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars became joint-managers after an incredible spell in caretaker charge with the pair picking up seven wins, three draws and just one loss.
Derek Adams has taken the hot seat now at Valley Parade after a remarkable spell with Morecambe as he led the Shrimps, against all the odds, to promotion via the play-offs which means they will be playing third tier football for the first time ever.
The Cobblers last met Bradford at Valley Parade in 2019 which resulted in a 2-0 loss for the Cobblers.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers finished at the bottom of Leauge One last season, however look to be going for it this season.
The Gas have shown their intent for a productive 2021/22 announcing four signings at the same time with Paul Coutts, Sam Finley, Mark Hughes and Nick Anderton all putting pen-to-paper on deals with the club. In particular, Coutts could be an excellent addition to their squad as he has the capability to dictate the tempo of a game in the heart of midfield.
Our last meeting was a 1-1 draw at the PTS Academy Stadium.
Carlisle United
The Cumbrians finished 10th in the league last season, just seven points away from a play-off spot under Chris Beech’s leadership. They spent time at the top of the table during the campaign, however, due to fixture changes they had a tough schedule in order to fulfil all of their matches.
Our last match with Carlisle was a 2-0 Win at Brunton Park.
Colchester United
The Essex based club managed to escape relegation to the Vanarama National League with their rivals Southend United filling the last spot. Hayden Mullins’ appointment proved to be a genius decision for Colchester’s survival as he picked up 12 vital points from the last eight games.
Crawley Town
John Yems guided the Red Devils to a mid-table finish last season and made national headlines when he signed former Towie star Mark Wright, causing a major FA Cup upset in the third round against Premier League side Leeds in the process.
Exeter City
Last season, Matt Taylor’s side just missed out on a play-off space again with the Grecians finishing in 9th position. In our first fixture against each other last season, Latics earned a 2-1 win at St James’ Park with Danny Rowe smashing an unbelievable free-kick from 35-yards into the top corner.
After scoring 20 goals and being named in the PFA Team of the Year, Matt Jay will be an important player for the upcoming campaign and could be fundamental if the Devon side are to achieve promotion.
Forest Green Rovers
Forest Green suffered heartbreak in the play-off semi-final against Newport County with the second-leg being a compelling encounter. Nicky Maynard’s last-minute goal in extra-time ended their hopes of going to League One for the first time in their history.
Harrogate Town
The North Yorkshire side enjoyed their first-ever campaign in the EFL last season in which Simon Weaver’s men finished 17th.
This will be the Cobblers first ever meetings with Harrogate Town.
Hartlepool United
Dave Challinor guided the club back to the EFL in empathic style via the play-offs last weekend against Torquay United after three campaigns in the fifth tier.
Our last meeting with Hartlepool game in 2016 at Victoria Park. Saw both sides take a point a 0-0 draw.
Leyton Orient
Kenny Jackett will be in the O’s dugout for the upcoming season, the extremely experienced manager has two promotions and two EFL trophy on his CV. Most recently, the former Wales international was in charge of Portsmouth.
The Breyer Group Stadium last saw the Cobblers in January 2020and the Cobblers took home a point to a 1-1 draw.
Mansfield Town
The Stags had a frustrating 2020/21 campaign after signing several high-profile players they finished 16th in League Two which was their second-bottom half finish in a row.
Nigel Clough currently occupies the dugout at Field Mill and the former Nottingham Forest striker will be keen to take the club back to the third tier since their relegation in 2003.
Newport County
Once again, Michael Flynn’s side tasted play-off final defeat as Morecambe managed to pick up a 1-0 win at Wembley courtesy of Carlos Mendes Gomes’ penalty. To add to this, the final would be Josh Sheehan’s last game in a Newport shirt which will be a big miss for the Exiles.
Throughout the summer, Flynn has utilised the transfer window well in order to enhance the standard of his squad with the additions of Ed Upson, Joe Day and Cameron Norman all astute pieces of business.
Oldham Athletic
The Cobblers will see the return of Keith Curle to the PTS Academy Stadium. Oldham finished 18th last season and Keith earned himself a 2 year contract extension.
Port Vale
After appointing Darrell Clarke in February, the Valiants finished the campaign with momentum following fears of relegation, the former Bristol Rovers gaffer led them to 13th just a point off being in the top half of the table.
Rochdale
Dale have returned to League Two after spending seven years in the third tier with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side ending the campaign 21st, just a point behind Wigan Athletic. After the relegation, the board confirmed that they will be keeping faith in their current manager.
Salford City
On the last day of the season, the Ammies missed out on a play-off spot after relieving Richie Wellens of his duties in March to appoint Gary Bowyer to enhance their chances of going up.
Scunthorpe United
The Iron just about managed to retain their EFL status last season, finishing 22nd with three points more than relegated Southend.
Stevenage
After struggling at the start of the campaign, Alex Revell’s side managed to have an impressive rise up to 14th, losing just 14 games throughout the full season which is the same amount as promoted Cambridge United and Morecambe.
Sutton United
The U’s were crowned Champions of the Vanarama National League with 84 points which means they will be playing their football in the EFL for the first time in their 123-year history.
Swindon Town
It was a season to forget for the Robins last campaign, finishing 23rd in League One as well conceding 89 goals.
Swindon have appointed former Colchester United manager John McGreal in order to pursue an instant return to the third tier. To add to this, Rene Gilmartin has joined the club to be McGreal’s assistant.
Tranmere Rovers
Rovers reached the play-offs under the guideship of Keith Hill, however, they decided to part ways before they began the crucial games in which they suffered defeat in the semi-final against eventual winners Morecambe.
In the summer, Tranmere announced the return of fans favourite Micky Mellon as manager. Previously, the 49-year-old achieved two promotions at Prenton Park before leaving to join Dundee United.
Walsall
The Saddlers had a frustrating 2020/21 campaign which resulted in a 19th place finished under the temporary charge of Brian Dutton.