Ranking the 6 EFL League Two managers with the least room for excuses | OneFootball

Which fourth tier managers are most likely to feel the pressure if things aren't going well? FLW has taken a look

The 2026/27 League Two season has already got off to an intriguing start, with there being plenty of surprises in terms of how the early-season table has formed.

There is, of course, such a long way to go in the season, though, for sides who haven't begun their respective campaigns to turn the tide, as it is so often the case that the divisional standings only begin to properly take shape as winter, and in turn, the January transfer window, draws nearer.

However, as has also become the norm in the Championship and League One, the fourth tier of English football has become even more competitive in recent times, even if certain sides are predicted to perhaps 'run away' with the league before a ball has been kicked in August.

We have also seen plenty of clubs either succeed or fail in their aims of achieving promotion to the third tier by spending a fair portion of cash in the transfer market, although last season's pre-season favourites, MK Dons, who spent a significant six-figure fee to sign Aaron Collins from Bolton Wanderers, in particular, were still able to gain promotion at the third time of asking following their most-recent relegation in 2023.

That said, whilst there have been a plethora of intriguing transfer moves in League Two this summer, there were also as many as nine managerial changes throughout pre-season, and that includes some of the most high-profile clubs in the league.

With that said, Football League World have looked at the six managers in the fourth tier who have the least room for excuses if the tide begins to turn against them in terms of results and/or performance levels.

6 ? ? Alex Bruce - Rotherham United

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The first of the six managers on this list is Alex Bruce, who has recently taken his first managerial job at Rotherham United.

Of course, the 41-year-old, to some, may not be under the greatest amounts of pressure in the world due to such circumstances, but the Millers' stature at this level means there is certainly pressure on the club to be one of the promotion front-runners.

Bruce has plenty of talent and experience at his disposal in comparison to the level, even after losing the services of Sam Nombe in the summer window.

As such, there potentially may not be the greatest amount of sympathy towards the son of four-time Championship promotion-winning and Premier League manager, Steve, if the side who were in the second tier as recently as 2024 endure an inconsistent campaign.

5 ? ? Peter Cklamovski - Salford City

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Next up is Salford City's newly-appointed head coach, Peter Cklamovski, in what is the Australian's first job in English football.

The Ammies may be deemed as one of the smallest clubs in the EFL based on history, but their ambitions have been laid bare for all to see in the past decade due to their off-pitch connections.

With Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and David Beckham closely associated with the club, Salford are hoping to earn a first promotion to League One sooner rather than later after losing last season's play-off final to Notts County.

Over 10 players were recruited at the Peninsula Stadium this summer, with many boasting high-level quality and experience for the level, meaning Cklamovski cannot deny that he has been given the tools to mount a promotion surge in the coming months.

4 ? ? Steve Evans - Bristol Rovers

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Steve Evans may have been in charge of Bristol Rovers for less than one year, but the 63-year-old has built up enough experience in the EFL over time to know what is required for a promotion push.

The Gas ended last season in strong form despite a 14th-placed finish, and that has certainly continued into the opening weeks of the current term, coupled with several smart moves in the transfer market.

Having been relegated from League One at the end of 2024/25, the club's overall ambitions have also not been deterred, with chairman, Hussain AlSaeed, recently revealing that Rovers are still seeking land on which to build a new stadium in place of the infamous Memorial Stadium, which has been known for having a mismatch of stands.

As such, there is a feeling that this side of Bristol could be a force to be reckoned with in the lower reaches of the EFL if both elements of its day-to-day running are managed to a high and successful standard.

3 ? ? Gareth Ainsworth - Gillingham

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Gillingham have resided in League Two since the 2022/23 season, and in three of the past four seasons which have followed, the Kent side have ended the campaign in 17th, with a high of 12th coming in 2023/24.

Gareth Ainsworth became the fifth manager to have been appointed in said timeframe back in March 2025, and almost 18 months on, has had plenty of time to mould the current squad into one he can very much call his own.

The 53-year-old has a nice blend of experience and youthfulness to call upon as a result, as well as boasting a CV which showcases promotions from League Two and League One, as well as experience of Championship management with both Wycombe Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers.

As such, if the Gills aren't able to push towards the fourth tier's top-seven places, at least, after years of decline, it could be curtains for Ainsworth and not many may have too much sympathy.

2 ? ? Ian Holloway - Swindon Town

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Ian Holloway is one of the most experienced and well-respected managers in the English game, having managed in all of the country's top five divisions whilst also proving to be extremely successful at that.

The 63-year-old's managerial career began all the way back in 1996 with Bristol Rovers, and nine spells later, he is well and truly in the thick of his time with Swindon Town, who have called League Two home since 2021, and have only finished in the play-offs on one occasion.

Whilst the boardroom situation at the County Ground has been far from smooth under Clem Morfuni, Holloway is still in charge of a squad which, many would argue, is capable of at least making the play-off places.

The Robins' attacking department, in particular, is heavily stacked with options, whilst they were also able to retain the services of Aaron Drinan, who posted 22 goals and six assists in just 40 league appearances last season, whilst he has also started the current campaign in red-hot form.

As such, many would feel Holloway has no excuses but to achieve a top-seven berth with his current crop, or a potential managerial change could be made.

1 ? ? Paul Cook - Chesterfield

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However, the manager with perhaps the least room for error in League Two this season is Paul Cook, who has overseen matters in his second stint at Chesterfield for over four years now.

During that time, the Spireites have become extremely successful, but also a 'nearly' team in many ways, especially since regaining their EFL status in 2024.

After losing to Walsall in May 2025 in the play-off semi-finals, more of the same, if not better, was expected from the North Derbyshire side last term, but they unfortunately faltered at the semi-final stage to local rivals and eventual Wembley winners, Notts County.

Cook has made plenty of smart signings yet again in the transfer market to add to a squad packed with experience, namely former Northern Ireland international, Will Grigg.