Some League One clubs are landing their big business early.
Summer headline transfers—like Michael Ihiekwe, Fraser Horsfall, and Sam Dalby—often grab the spotlight and fan expectations. Ihiekwe and Horsfall inked multi-year deals with Blackpool, while Dalby signed a long-term deal with Bolton. Fans of other clubs may be worried that their side is getting left behind, that the wheat is being harvested while the chaff gets left behind.
Is that the case? Some clubs went off like a rocket last season, and success did not follow. Indeed, as the 2024/25 season shows, these marquee moves don’t always translate to success. Clubs that wait patiently—or focus on the right fit over flash—shouldn’t panic.
Here’s why.
Rotherham United
Rotherham United led the charge with a flurry of signings—Liam Kelly, Joe Powell, Sean Raggett, Joe Rafferty, Reece James, Shaun McWilliams—while others like Mansfield and Peterborough also moved swiftly. But the season that followed underscored a familiar truth: early signings can grab headlines, yet often fail to shift the needle.
Liam Kelly, arriving from Coventry, was expected to bring midfield steel and goals at Rotherham. He featured in just 15 League One matches, managing three goals. For a veteran midfielder, that output was modest—especially in a side hoping to bounce back to the Championship. Despite the early optimism, he failed to impose himself on the campaign.
Joe Powell, another of Rotherham’s early moves, was a more consistent figure, making 46 appearances across the league season. He chipped in with one goal and eight assists, a solid return. He became a reliable presence in midfield, but never quite dominated matches or dictated tempo as some fans had hoped.
Sean Raggett, brought in to bring leadership and experience at the back, played just nine league games. He did manage a goal (against his former employers, Lincoln) and an assist, but struggled for a regular place in the side. Reece James, who had previously played for Rotherham on loan, returned permanently and enjoyed more minutes, featuring in 39 matches and contributing two goals and one assist from full-back. While dependable, his performances rarely caught the eye.
Mansfield Town & Peterborough United
Mansfield Town were another early mover, bringing in Frazer Blake-Tracy from Swindon. He went on to make 18 league appearances, failing to score but registering one assist. A steady if unspectacular presence, Blake-Tracy rarely influenced matches significantly. His defensive contributions were tidy, but he didn’t elevate Mansfield’s defensive solidity in a meaningful way.
Among the early signings, one of the few to really make an impression was Abraham Odoh. Signed by Peterborough United from Harrogate, the winger was one of the Posh’s more consistent performers. He made 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists. In a side that struggled to climb the table, Odoh at least offered energy, creativity, and end product—evidence that not all early deals are doomed to underwhelm.
Striker Flop
Then there was Jordan Rhodes. On paper, the move looked like a coup for Blackpool. Rhodes had been prolific on loan the previous season, and the Seasiders moved quickly to sign him permanently from Huddersfield. The expectation was that he’d lead the line and score freely. Instead, he went 21 league games without a goal to his name. For a player of his pedigree, it was a hugely disappointing return. Once the focal point of the attack, he faded badly and looked a shadow of his former self.
All of which brings us to the core of the issue: early summer signings don’t guarantee success. There are several reasons why these moves often fail to live up to the hype.
What Went Wrong?
First, there’s adaptation. Players joining early don’t magically skip the period of adjustment. Pre-season, tactical understanding, relationships with teammates—all take time. Whether you sign on May 20 or August 20, those factors matter.
Second, fit is everything. Odoh succeeded not because of the timing of his arrival but because Peterborough used him correctly. He had a role, the system played to his strengths, and he delivered. Contrast that with someone like Rhodes, who never seemed to click with the service or formation around him.
Third, there’s the weight of expectation. High-profile early signings are often burdened with instant pressure. Jordan Rhodes was expected to score from week one. When he didn’t, confidence dipped, and supporters lost patience. The pressure that comes from being a “statement” signing can be counterproductive.
And finally, the scattergun approach rarely works. Rotherham signed across multiple positions early but didn’t address key gaps in their system. They lacked a dominant presence in either box and didn’t possess a reliable goal outlet. The result? A middling season with little sign of progress.
Conclusion
For supporters watching rival clubs get their business done early, there’s no need to panic. A slower, more considered approach can yield better results. Later in the window, opportunities open up. Loans become available. Premier League clubs finalise squads. Smart clubs wait and pick off the right players when the moment suits them—not just when the calendar says May.
In truth, success in League One is rarely about the speed of your transfer business. It’s about balance, cohesion, and consistency. And that comes from scouting, planning, and alignment—not press releases in early June.
