League One Season 25/26 Expectation [Poll]

We’ve finally made it through what felt like a never-ending close season, and with the new campaign just days away, it’s a good time to take stock of our expectations.

Of course, there are still plenty of moving parts—most notably, the transfer window remains open for another month. That said, it’ll be interesting to get a snapshot of how everyone is feeling at this stage. I’ve put together a poll that will remain open until Tuesday 2nd September, giving us the chance to update our predictions should there be any significant changes to the squad.

A few of us have already shared our thoughts in this thread [link], but it would be good to consolidate those into one place. We can also use it to compare how our expectations stack up against those from this time last season.

As I mentioned in the aforementioned thread, I’m quietly optimistic. It feels like we’re heading in the right direction, even if a top six finish might be a stretch given the ground we need to make up. Recruitment finally looks sensible, and under Conor’s stewardship, I expect us to be more competitive—though probably still inconsistent. All things considered, I think a top 10 finish is realistic, with eighth place well within reach.

 

For reference...



link

 

11-16th
Would prefer better, obvs, but if we get some consistent game time across the squad, and keep them together, then NEXT season might be the one we push on.


Obviously if they all hit the ground running and gel, who knows? Flirtation with play-offs? A big ask though, given another big reset.

 

It's a tough one to gauge as I imagine there's still a lot of transfer business to be done both in and out. I've gone for 11-16th because, as it stands, our squad doesn't have enough depth to cope with a sustained period of injuries. The ideal scenario is keeping hold of Connell, DKD, Philips and Russell, and adding probably 5 more players. Then I could potentially see us challenging the top 6. As it is now, I think mid-table is on the cards.

 

Play offs, just have a feeling we're going to do well

 

Mid table. Too many weaknesses throughout the team but particularly in defence.

 

I put 7th to 10th, but currently closer to the bottom of that pile. Subject to change depending on who comes in and out the door over the next few weeks.

 

Might be an idea doing a poll that closes before we kick off the season, then another one open for a short period after the window closes?

 

I’ve gone for playoffs, but without a ball being kicked hope it’s 1st by 20 points

 

The poll is open until the end of the transfer window and you can change your vote.

I'll take a screenshot before the game on Saturday and bump the poll before the window closes so we can track any movement (if that makes sense).

 

I'm more interested in the change in perception given it's likely our most significant business will be post kick off. Easier to compare two polls/surveys. Not everyone will go back in and edit, even if their view has shifted.

 

Top, champions, we'll píss it.

Reds.

 

As things stand I've gone 11th to 16th. Too many holes in the squad and question marks over the defence.

 

What did Clough used to say? "Build from the back", as yet unclear whether the appropriate strengthening has taken place. Against that backdrop mid table seems fairest assumption. We will know within 10 to 15 minutes of kick off on Saturday I would suggest.

 

https://www.barnsleyfc.org.uk/threads/league-one-season-24-25-expectation-poll.331986/#post-3333608

Narrator: we did indeed fail to sIgN a StRiKeR

 

Gone 7th-10th, as I believe we’re in sort of a transition this season with a new and relatively inexperienced HC. Always hopefull, but try to let head rule heart.

 

Same as, look to have decent options going forwards, defensively too weak to mount a tilt, can change of course but as we stand 9th/10th

 

I take your point, though to be honest, I don’t think there’s any foolproof method either way. I’m pretty confident people will update their original expectations—especially if I offer free hugs as an incentive. Ultimately, I don’t want to over-engineer something that’s meant to be a bit of fun at the end of the day. You could always run a standalone poll at the end of the transfer window to see if perceptions have shifted since the season kicked off

 

For now, I’ve gone 11th to 16th. I’ll revisit this when the transfer window closes.

I just see us conceding lots of goals again. But hopefully Cooper, Shep and Ogbeta alongside the move to a back four is the answer.