Short-term deals are becoming the norm in the lower leagues of English football, these days you will do well to find a club in League One and Two, that does not have a substantial amount of players on one-year deals.
Now look, that isn’t to say that you will not find the odd long-term deal, of course, they are still around. But more and more clubs seem to be opting for short-term or year-long deals for players.
In a sense, it offers the club more protection should the deal not work out for whatever reason. In the same breath, it gives the player that protection to find a new club at the end of their deal should they wish.
As fans, it can be a very worrying times as there are a lot of speculation floating around on players futures at this time of the year. In some cases it might be a player that you’re happy to see the back of, but sometimes you could lose one of your star men.
Regardless of who it is, it’s normally a pretty big talking point among fans, that speculation of who will stay and who will go, especially as the summer approaches.
It varies from club to club and league to league, but in League Two there’s a lot of players that are edging closer to the end of their current deals, and could be on the move in the summer.
Let’s have a look at five players to keep an eye on as the summer approaches…
Ro-Shaun Williams
A product of the Manchester United youth academy, Williams came through the ranks and was very highly rated at the Red Devils.
You’ll now find him playing his football in League Two with Doncaster, he’s been a fairly consistent player starter for Donny this season.
It’s not been the best of seasons for the club so far, with many fans disappointed with how the season has turned out with them currently sat in mid-table.
Still only 24 years old, Williams has many years ahead of him and is starting to build more and more experience throughout the EFL. I have no doubt that a number of clubs will be monitoring his situation, to see if there is a chance of attaining the defender’s signature.
Jordan Green
I’d imagine this one is more one to watch if you are a fan of a National League side. It is safe to say that Greens’ move to Gillingham hasn’t quite gone to plan.
He came in with a real buzz around him and has shown glimpses of the player that attracted the Gills to buy him in the first place, but he simply hasn’t been good enough. Overall he’s struggled to adjust to playing in the Football League.
He does have some really good qualities, I don’t see any EFL teams taking a chance on him but it wouldn’t be shocking if they did. In the right environment Green could thrive in the league.
But with that said, I see Green heading down to the National League, which to be honest would probably be best for him to rebuild his confidence.
Dan Agyei
Agyei has been one of Crewe’s stand out players this season, it really does baffle me that they’ve allowed his contract to get so close to its expiry.
He is one of those players that most fans would love in their team, he is fast, direct and simply gets you up on your feet.
I believe he is more than capable of potentially stepping up to League One, however, I think he will stay in League Two, even possibly staying at Crewe.
This is one I will personally be watching closely as I feel this is a player several clubs will be fighting over.
Josh Harrop
Another product of the Manchester United youth academy. Harrop has bounced around the EFL with a few loan deals during his time with Preston, before leaving the club on a free transfer to join Northampton back in December.
Safe to say, the move hasn’t gone to plan for him, making just two appearances for Northampton this season so far. Now 27, Harrop is coming to the time in his career where he needs to be playing week in week out.
I don’t see EFL clubs battling it out for his signature in the summer, unless it’s on a short term deal. It looks like it might be a drop in the National League for the midfielder.
If I was to suggest a club, maybe somewhere like Rochdale, it’s back towards where he grew up & a team that is in need of creative players.
Elliot List
List has spent most of the season out injured, after picking up a knee injury on the first day of the season. It has been a great season for his Stevenage side, with them challenging at the top end of the league but for List personally it’s not been one to remember.
He has been fantastic since joining Stevenage from Gillingham. However, with the club challenging for automatic promotion, you have to ask yourself if this could be the end of the road for him at Broadhall Way.
Not being able to feature many games this season, may have really hindered his chances of getting a new contract at the club. An extremely talented player that will have a number of clubs lining up to get his signature.
Writers View
Some interesting storylines are forming in League Two on the pitch, in the title race and in the fight to survive. More importantly, lots of storylines are beginning to develop off the pitch too, with some big players coming to the end of their contracts.
The one that really stands out to me is Elliot List, very highly rated and still young. Of course, the injury was a huge setback. I don’t see Stevenage taking a chance on him next season if they go up, whatever happens, it will be good to see him back on the pitch.
