Three managers in League Two who have revitalised their clubs

Johnnie Jackson: AFC Wimbledon

In May 2022, AFC Wimbledon appointed Johnnie Jackson former Charlton Athletic manager as their new head coach on a two-year deal. He took the reins for The Dons in replace of Mark Bowen following their relegation from League One. 

After hanging up his boots at with Charlton Athletic, Jackson’s managerial career kicked off with a brief stint as caretaker manager winning nine of his thirteen matches before making his job permanent with the club in December 2021. However, after a mediocre 13th  place finish, Jackson was dismissed at the end of the season.

Following a good start to life as the Wimbledon manager, Jackson was awarded the EFL League Two Manager of the Month award in November 2022 with seven points from three matches.

Presently, Jackson alongside assistant manager Terry Skiverton extended their contacts back in February 2024 for another two years until 2026.

After a mediocre season last time out by AFC Wimbledon’s standards by finishing in 10th position and being 5 points of the play-off places, Jackson has certainly delivered this season leading his side to 2nd place as it stands at Christmas. From the current position, The Dons fans will be wanting to stay in those automatic spots and expect a play-off finish at least. 

Mat Sadler: Walsall

Mat Sadler was appointed as interim manager of Walsall on the 19th April 2023 following the departure of Michael Flynn until the end of the 2022-23 season. Due to his promising start to life in the dugout for The Saddlers, the ex-Walsall man was appointed head coach of the club on a permanent basis in May 2023.

After a successful playing career as a defender, making over 400 appearances and spending most of his years with Birmingham City, Shrewsbury Town, and finally hanging up his boots with Walsall, Saddler’s transition into coaching was unconventional moving into a player/coach role before becoming first team coach two years later.

Since being at the helm for over a year now, fans are hopeful for a return to League One under his guidance. Sadler’s focus of building a side with a strong defensive foundation and nurturing young talent blend experience and ambition, factors which The Saddlers believe can get them back to the third tier of English Football.

After a mid-table finish last season and looking to be a comfortable League Two side, no one expected Sadler’s side to be where they are now. After strengthening their squad with the likes of Nathan Lowe up front and being top of the league and 12 points clear at the turn of the year, a lot of credit has to go to Mat Sadler.

Karl Robinson: Salford City

Kicking off his managerial career in 2010 with Milton Keynes Dons, current Salford boss Karl Robinson has been at the helm for The Ammies since the 5th January 2024 after taking over from Neil Wood.

Robinson made a name for himself at MK Dons and has since become an established manager throughout the EFL with spells at Charlton Athletic and Oxford United. In six seasons with The Dons, Robinson most notably won automatic promotion to the Championship with the club as well as reaching the League One play-offs twice. He also qualified for the play-offs with Oxford United in the third tier of the Football League.

Since making his arrival to The Peninsula Stadium, he has led Salford to 4th position in the table and has sights set on cementing the clubs’ position in those top seven places come the end of the season for the fifth time in his career.

With a bitterly disappointing season last year under Neil Wood by being in the conversation of relegation, the 2024/25 campaign with Robinson at the helm has been the complete opposite with talks of being potential promotion contenders. The manager has restored the club’s hope and shown his experience on the touchline proving to be a tough side to beat.Three managers in League Two who have revitalised their clubs