As the English League One season unfolds, fans are treated to a captivating spectacle featuring a mix of historically strong clubs and ambitious so-called ‘smaller sides’.
While some teams have a rich history in the upper echelons of English football, they currently find themselves battling in League One — eager to rekindle past glories. Here, we highlight five ‘sleeping giants’ who bring a sense of tradition, fanbase, and potential to the competition.
Derby County
Derby County find themselves in the third tier — making them an undeniable sleeping giant in League One.
With a storied past, including two top-flight titles in the 1970s and an FA Cup success in 1946, Derby County’s recent struggles have been well-documented.
However, their presence in League One adds an air of prestige to the competition.
With a strong fanbase, the Rams aim to wake from their slumber and make a triumphant return to the Championship.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a club with a rich maritime history and a glorious past in English football, currently plies their trade in League One.
Once a regular in the Premier League, Portsmouth’s fall from grace since their 2008 FA Cup success over Cardiff City has been dramatic.
However, with a passionate fanbase and a desire to climb the footballing hierarchy once again, Pompey stands as a sleeping giant in League One.
Their position in the current season signals a potential awakening, and fans hope this could be the start of a resurgence for this historic club as they are one of the favourites for promotion in the League 1 betting odds.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers, a club that enjoyed more than a decade in the Premier League, have found themselves rebuilding in the lower divisions.
The Trotters’ relegation from the Championship in 2019 marked the beginning of a challenging period, but their presence in League One hints at a team with aspirations beyond the third tier.
With a history that includes four FA Cup victories and European adventures, Bolton Wanderers are a sleeping giant eager to rise and return to the glitz and glamour of higher-level football.
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic, a club with a strong tradition and a notable history in English football, currently calls League One home.
Despite a successful past that includes an FA Cup triumph in 1947 and stints in the Premier League, Charlton find themselves in a lengthy rebuilding phase.
The Addicks are a sleeping giant, and their passionate fanbase remains hopeful that the club can recapture the magic that saw them compete at higher levels.
That seems unlikely to happen this season though, as Charlton are 13th in the table and outsiders for promotion.
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic, a club that achieved FA Cup glory as recently as 2013, has faced its share of challenges in recent years.
The Latics, once a Premier League mainstay, have navigated financial difficulties that led to their presence in League One.
Wigan’s FA Cup triumph and previous Championship exploits make them a sleeping giant with the potential to rise again.
As they aim to reclaim former glories, Wigan Athletic adds a compelling narrative to the competitive landscape of League One.
