League 2 Relegation Odds: Trouble ahead for Morecambe

The 2024/25 League 2 season gets underway next Friday, and it is sure to be another fascinating year in the fourth tier. While there are teams hopeful of competing at the top end of the table in a bid to gain promotion, there are those who will most likely fighting for survival.

Below I take a look at the most likely contenders to get relegated this season, as per Betfred's market.

Morecambe @ 5/2

As uncertainty remains off the field at Morecambe, it is no surprise to see them viewed as the most likely candidates to drop into the National League. The senior club officials are doing their best in the trying circumstances that surround the club. Owner Jason Whittingham is not the most open when it comes to communication and fans are always wondering whether he is in a mood to put money into the club.

Morecambe's future looks to be determined by how quickly he can sell it on to a safe pair of hands that are looking to stabilise and then grow the club.

For now at least, the only thing the supporters can hope for is that they remain a Football League side, of which the odds are not favourable. The Shrimps were disappointing last season as they finished 15th, which was largely down to their poor defensive record.

They shipped 81 goals, which was the fifth-worst in the division, and those woes look destined to continue into the new campaign. You really have to fear for them.

Bromley @ 3/1

After their first-ever promotion to the Football League, Bromley will be hoping that they are in for more than a short stay in League 2 this term. Andy Woodman has been with the club for the past three years and that consistency has allowed him to achieve something that has never been done before in Bromley's 132-year history.

They head into the new season as underdogs, which I think they will enjoy as it will alleviate them of some of the pressures that are being placed on some of their rivals. In recent years, the step up from the National League to League 2 has not been too challenging for promoted sides, but of course Bromley are operating at a very different level compared to the likes of Wrexham and Stockport County.

Bromley will look to Grimsby Town for inspiration, after they consolidated their position in the fourth tier following their promotion from the National League, although they did finish much lower last season.

Woodman and his players will arrive with a point to prove because some are writing them off before a ball is kicked. They were one of the best sides last year and they scored an impressive 73 goals, with veteran striker Michael Cheek scoring 23 of them.

If he can translate his goalscoring talent at that level to League 2, this will significantly boost Bromley's chances of survival. If not, then this campaign could be a tough slog.

Harrogate Town @ 3/1

Harrogate Town are gearing up for their fifth-straight campaign in League 2 following their promotion from the National League in 2020. Last year saw them achieve their highest finish of 13th, but more often than not they have flirted with relegation.

Simon Weaver has overseen an incredible job with the Sulphurites but this looks to be his toughest test yet, especially at this level. The boss will be hoping that individual quality can help steer the club away from any danger this term, most notably George Thomson, who scored 16 goals and provided eight assists last season.

For a midfielder that is impressive numbers, what isn't impressive is that he carries more of a goal threat than more of Harrogate's attackers. A lot of pressure will be placed on the shoulders of Jack Muldoon and Sam Folarin, who are both not recognised centre-forwards. Josh March is the best profile they have for that role, but he scored just once in 29 league appearances last season.

Goals from forward areas could be a problem for them this year, and that might just cost them their place in the Football League.

Accrington Stanley @ 5/1

Accrington Stanley without John Coleman just doesn't feel right, and without the man who constantly defied the odds at the Wham Stadium, you have to question what the club's future could look like.

Coleman's exit was handled in a way that upset the supporters, which Andy Holt may have been surprised with, but it remains to be seen how successful he can be as the steward of the club without the former manager.

Having been part of Coleman's regime on the backroom staff, fans were supportive of John Doolan assuming the position, but he knows that he has a lot to live up to. He has a tough task ahead of him because Brad Hills, Tommy Leigh and Jack Nolan, Accrington's star performers last term, have all moved on.

In times of adversity, it was always the calm and collected Coleman who could safely navigate the club through troubled waters. Without him, there are concerns for their immediate future.

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