Where should EFL League Two clubs expand their recruitment?

And is it actually worth it?

Recruitment is never a 1+1=2 calculation.

There are so many factors to consider that it genuinely gives me pause for thought when attempting an article like this. Whilst the information that I will give here is based on data and research, each individual League Two club situation is going to be unique, and any advice dispensed here is with the caveat that it is not a blanket, one-size-fits-all approach.

EFL League Two is a unique division, even within the domestic setting. It is the only league that promotes four clubs, and only relegates two into the National League. So the opportunities for success are great, and the risk is comparatively smaller, though the severity of punishment for relegation is undoubtedly a huge concern.

As I am writing this piece, Morecambe and Carlisle United fill the bottom two spots, and though neither have been confirmed as relegated yet, the odds are stacked against them. The result of relegation from League Two is a spell in the National League system, which, whilst incredible and exciting in itself, is very difficult to return from with only one automatic spot and one play-off spot to aim for. The last team to recover from relegation into the National League is Grimsby Town, relegated in 2021.

From a recruitment perspective it also means that the foreign recruitment door is closed to you. Work permits to play professional football require a Governing Body Endorsement and that is only available for clubs in the top four divisions according to the governing body (The FA) regulations.

In the last piece on this platform we explored the ESC business that had been done so far and speculated whether it was worth looking further afield for talent.

Assuming that the answer to this is yes, where are the best value pools of talent for League Two clubs to shop in?