Introduction to League One All-Time XI
League One is a fiercely contested proving ground – the third tier of English football where young talent breaks through and seasoned pros forge legacies. It’s the final launchpad before the Championship, with promotion often transforming careers and club trajectories. Success at this level demands consistent performance across long seasons, leadership on and off the pitch, and the ability to step up in big moments.
This All-Time XI recognises 11 players whose League One impact was transformational, through standout seasons, goal tallies, defensive resilience, or sheer longevity. Each selection is based on verified career stats, sustained influence across multiple seasons, and a demonstrable legacy in the third tier.
Goalkeeper – Kelvin Davis
Kelvin Davis played a pivotal role in Southampton’s rise through the divisions and was one of the most consistent goalkeepers to appear in League One during the modern era. He joined the Saints from Sunderland in 2006 and remained with the club until 2016, racking up over 300 appearances in all competitions. His most influential period came in the 2010–11 season, where he was an ever-present in the league and helped Southampton to automatic promotion by keeping 20 clean sheets — then a post-war club record.
Davis was known for his vocal leadership, exceptional positioning, and shot-stopping ability. As captain, he brought authority and calmness to a defence that blended youth and experience. His form in League One earned widespread praise, with fans and teammates alike crediting him for setting the standards during a crucial transitional period for the club. Davis later served as a coach and ambassador, underlining his long-lasting impact at Southampton and the esteem in which he is held.
Right Back – Nathan Byrne
Nathan Byrne began his League One career at Swindon Town, where he quickly became one of the division’s most dangerous attacking full-backs. Joining initially on loan from Tottenham Hotspur before making the move permanent, Byrne made over 80 league appearances for the Robins. He played a crucial role in their run to the 2015 League One play-off final, offering explosive pace down the right and providing ten goals from full-back during his time at the County Ground.
His ability to overlap, deliver accurate crosses, and track back with equal tenacity made him a standout performer. Byrne’s form earned him a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers before later joining Wigan Athletic, where he made over 120 appearances in all competitions. At Wigan, he continued to impress in League One, playing a central part in their 2017–18 title-winning season. His technical skill, work rate, and consistency over several campaigns make him one of the finest right-backs to grace the third tier.
Left Back – Dean Lewington
No player defines longevity in League One quite like Dean Lewington. A one-club man, he has been the face of Milton Keynes Dons since their reformation in 2004, making over 780 league appearances and more than 950 in all competitions — a modern EFL record for one club. Lewington has captained MK Dons through multiple promotions and relegations, including their 2014–15 campaign when they finished second in League One to earn a place in the Championship.
A dependable and disciplined left-back, Lewington combines strong positional awareness with a superb left foot and excellent leadership qualities. Despite being in his late 30s and early 40s during recent seasons, he remains a regular starter, continuing to contribute with consistent performances and intelligent game management. His presence has been a constant through various managerial changes and squad rebuilds, and few players in League One history can match his influence, loyalty, and sustained impact at this level.
Centre Back – Ricardo Santos
Ricardo Santos has established himself as one of the most dominant centre-backs in recent League One memory. Standing at 6’6”, Santos joined Bolton Wanderers in 2020 and was instrumental in their immediate return to League One, where he became a commanding presence at the back. Known for his strength, calmness under pressure, and ball-playing ability, Santos was named Bolton’s Player of the Year in 2021 and was later appointed club captain.
He made over 150 appearances for the Trotters by 2025, anchoring a defence that evolved into one of the most formidable in the division. His influence was not limited to defensive actions — Santos often initiated attacks with confident passes out from the back and contributed to the club’s promotion and play-off pushes. A quiet leader, his consistency and presence have made him the cornerstone of Bolton’s modern League One resurgence, and he remains one of the best centre-backs of the past decade in the third tier.
Centre Back – Michael Ihiekwe
Michael Ihiekwe has been a key figure in multiple League One promotion campaigns, establishing himself as a reliable and physically imposing centre-back. He began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers before making his name at Tranmere Rovers and later Rotherham United, where he made over 180 appearances. Ihiekwe was part of the Rotherham side that won promotion from League One in 2017–18 and again in 2019–20, playing a major role in one of the division’s tightest defences.
A strong aerial presence with a knack for reading the game, he also contributed important goals from set pieces. In 2022, he joined Sheffield Wednesday and helped the club secure promotion in the 2022–23 season, underlining his credentials as a player who consistently impacts winning teams. Ihiekwe’s blend of experience, physicality, and leadership makes him one of the most dependable defenders of the League One era, capable of anchoring a backline through sustained promotion challenges.
Midfielder – Richie Wellens
Richie Wellens carved out a superb League One career with a blend of tactical intelligence, crisp passing, and relentless energy in midfield. A key figure during Doncaster Rovers’ 2012–13 title-winning campaign, he brought both experience and quality to the heart of their side. Wellens also enjoyed influential spells with Blackpool, Oldham Athletic and Leicester City at this level, consistently dictating the tempo of matches and acting as a deep-lying playmaker.
At Oldham, he made over 100 appearances and was later appointed player-manager, showcasing his leadership and footballing intellect. While never prolific, his ability to retain possession, break lines with smart distribution, and manage the rhythm of games made him a vital asset. His post-playing career in League One, guiding Swindon Town to the 2019–20 title as manager, further underlined his understanding of what it takes to succeed in this division. Few players have left such a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
Midfielder – Cameron Brannagan
Cameron Brannagan has been a cornerstone of Oxford United’s midfield since arriving from Liverpool in 2018. Across more than 250 League One appearances, he has combined tenacity, composure, and technical class to drive Oxford’s promotion pushes. With over 40 league goals and 25 assists, he is one of the most statistically impactful midfielders in modern League One history. His 2021–22 campaign was particularly outstanding, as he became the first player in League One history to score four penalties in a single match and was named both Players’ and Supporters’ Player of the Year.
A natural leader, Brannagan consistently ranks near the top for tackles, distance covered, and key passes. His loyalty to Oxford — turning down Championship moves to stay — has made him a fan favourite. Whether operating as a box-to-box engine or controlling games from deep, Brannagan’s complete skillset, consistency, and influence make him an automatic pick for this all-time XI.
Winger – Mark Duffy
Mark Duffy was a creative architect in League One, best remembered for his role in Sheffield United’s 2016–17 title-winning season. Operating as a right winger or attacking midfielder, he contributed key goals and assists, helping the Blades return to the Championship with 11 goal involvements. Duffy’s guile and technical brilliance also shone during earlier spells at Doncaster Rovers, Morecambe, and Scunthorpe United, before his brief but successful time at Burton Albion, where he helped the club win promotion to the Championship.
Across all League One campaigns, Duffy made over 150 appearances, bringing vision, sharp decision-making, and the ability to beat defenders with clever footwork. He wasn’t the fastest winger, but he was among the most intelligent — always finding space, linking with strikers, and dictating attacking transitions. Few players combined creativity with end product as effectively or as consistently in the third tier as Duffy, making him a must-have in this XI.
Winger – George Boyd
George Boyd was a talismanic presence in Peterborough United’s midfield during their most successful League One period. He made over 250 appearances for the Posh and helped them to promotion in 2008–09 and again via the play-offs in 2010–11. Renowned for his stamina, left foot and versatility, Boyd contributed more than 60 goals and 40 assists during his time at London Road. Whether playing wide left, centrally, or even deeper, he offered energy, creativity and an eye for spectacular long-range strikes.
His performances earned him a move to Hull City, where he eventually reached the Premier League, but it was in League One that he built his reputation. His relentless work rate and attacking output made him a nightmare for defenders and a crucial part of promotion-winning teams. Boyd’s impact over multiple seasons and his adaptability across tactical systems make him one of the most complete wide men to feature in League One.
Striker – John Marquis
John Marquis established himself as one of League One’s most prolific and dependable strikers across spells with Doncaster Rovers, Portsmouth, and Lincoln City. At Doncaster, he scored 66 goals in 153 appearances between 2016 and 2019, winning the League One Player of the Year award in 2016–17. His tireless work rate, physicality, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders and a fan favourite at the Keepmoat.
He later moved to Portsmouth, where he continued his strong form with 28 goals in 93 league appearances, and in 2022 he joined Lincoln City, netting crucial goals to help the Imps avoid relegation. Marquis was more than just a poacher — his ability to lead the line, press from the front and hold up play made him ideal for teams pushing for promotion. Across over 250 League One appearances, his consistency and goal return confirm his place among the division’s elite strikers.
Striker – Billy Sharp
Billy Sharp is the definitive League One striker of the past two decades, combining goalscoring instinct with loyalty and leadership. He netted over 100 goals in the third tier, with standout campaigns for Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers, and especially Sheffield United. His 30-goal haul during the 2016–17 season fired the Blades to the League One title, and across multiple spells at Bramall Lane, he became the club’s all-time leading post-war scorer.
Sharp also impressed at Scunthorpe, finishing as League One top scorer in 2006–07 with 30 goals — a season that earned him a move to Sheffield United. His natural movement, lethal finishing, and ability to score under pressure made him a constant threat. Sharp’s professionalism and commitment were just as valuable as his goals. Whether playing for promotion hopefuls or mid-table sides, he was always among the division’s most feared forwards — a true League One icon who delivered year after year.
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Honourable mentions
Harry Maguire – Broke through at Sheffield United, making over 130 League One appearances, earning Player of the Year awards three consecutive seasons, and twice finishing in the PFA League One Team of the Year. His performances paved the way for his £2.5 million switch to Hull City and eventual rise to the Premier League .
Jonson Clarke‑Harris – The instinctive striker has tallied over 150 League One goals, notably scoring 21 in the 2019‑20 season for Peterborough United and Doncaster Rovers. His power, movement, and finishing consistency make him one of the division’s most effective forwards .
Adam Barrett – A towering centre‑back and leader at Southend United, he made over 250 league appearances and captained them to consecutive promotions from League Two to the Championship between 2004–2006 .
Kevin Maher – Southend United’s midfield linchpin in the mid-2000s, he made over 400 appearances, captaining them to back-to-back promotions and leading them to Championship football through his vision, consistency, and leadership .
Lee Trundle – Delighted League One fans with flair and dribbling, scoring 78 goals in 146 League One games for Swansea City. His showmanship and creativity made him one of the most entertaining and effective forwards at this level .
Michael McIndoe – A dynamic winger for Doncaster Rovers, he scored 28 league goals in over 120 League One games. His crossing, speed, and penalty record (10 in 2005‑06) made him a standout performer .
Joe Murphy – Amassed nearly 200 League One appearances, notably with Bury, where he featured in over 100 games between 2017–19, including 16 in 2016–17 on loan—an ever‑present and dependable shot‑stopper .
Wes Hoolahan – Starred in League One with Blackpool (Play‑off winners 2007) and Norwich City (2009‑10 champions). In 10 seasons, he made over 250 appearances, earning a reputation for creativity, excellent left-foot delivery, and technical flair .
