New to League Two 2024-25
As the 2024/25 fixtures are set to be released on June 26th, let’s take a closer look at our new opponents for the upcoming season. Four teams have been relegated from League One, while two sides are joining from the National League.
Cheltenham Town
– Manager: Michael Flynn
– Stadium: Completely-Suzuki Stadium (7,066 capacity)
– Last Season: 21st in League One
Cheltenham Town’s poor start to the 2023/24 season led to their relegation. After 11 games, they had only one point and had yet to score a goal. Darrell Clarke took over in September, and despite a significant improvement, they were relegated on the final day after a 90th-minute goal from Stevenage. Michael Flynn, another former Walsall boss, will now lead Cheltenham with hopes of promotion. Cheltenham has won five of their 11 meetings with Walsall, who will aim for their first victory over the Robins since 2008.
Fleetwood Town
– Manager: Charlie Adam
– Stadium: Highbury (5,327 capacity)
– Last Season: 22nd in League One
Fleetwood’s decade in League One ended after a poor run of form. Scott Brown was replaced by Lee Johnson, and later Charlie Adam, but despite a late-season surge, they were relegated. Walsall has won eight of their 13 encounters, with the last victory in March 2019.
Port Vale
– Manager: Darren Moore
– Stadium: Vale Park (15,036 capacity)
– Last Season: 23rd in League One
Port Vale’s relegation brings a short away trip for Walsall fans. Despite a promising start, Port Vale’s form plummeted, resulting in the dismissal of Andy Crosby. Darren Moore couldn’t prevent their fall. Walsall has a solid record against Port Vale, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches, including a 2-0 victory in April 2022.
Carlisle United
– Manager: Paul Simpson
– Stadium: Brunton Park (17,949 capacity)
– Last Season: 24th in League One
Carlisle United finished bottom of League One, 16 points from safety. Despite earning promotion through a penalty shootout in 2023, their return to League One was short-lived. Carlisle will look to rebuild and aim for an immediate return. Walsall is unbeaten in their last four meetings with Carlisle, the most recent being a goalless draw in April 2023.
Chesterfield
– Manager: Paul Cook
– Stadium: SMH Group Stadium (10,600 capacity)
– Last Season: 1st in National League
Chesterfield finally earned promotion after years of near-misses, winning the National League comfortably. With a squad featuring several players with EFL experience and led by promotion-experienced Paul Cook, Chesterfield will be a strong contender. Walsall has won 35 of their 94 meetings, with the last encounter in March 2017 ending in a 1-0 victory for the Saddlers.
Bromley
– Manager: Andy Woodman
– Stadium: Hayes Lane (5,150 capacity)
– Last Season: 3rd in National League
Bromley secured their first-ever promotion to the EFL by winning the National League Play-Off final on penalties. Under Andy Woodman’s management, Bromley has consistently reached the play-offs and won the 2022 FA Trophy. They will enter League Two with positive momentum.
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