How long AI thinks all 24 EFL League One managers in 26/27 will last in charge | OneFootball

It has made some intriguing predictions for the current crop of bosses.

League One will contain some sizeable clubs and household managerial names in the dugout next season in what promises to be another closely fought division.

Last term, Lincoln City produced the best campaign in their entire history by waltzing to the third tier title as Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers claimed the other promotion spots.

There were a stunning 16 managerial changes during the regular 2025/26 season, with a further seven happening after the final ball was kicked in the play-off final.

But how long will the current crop last? FLW asked popular AI chatbot ChatGPT to predict every manager's fate, and here is what it threw up.

Johnnie Jackson - AFC Wimbledon

ChatGPT states that Johnnie Jackson has built plenty of goodwill after guiding AFC Wimbledon back into League One in 2025, and survival would likely be viewed as a successful campaign again.

The AI tool believes that unless the Dons are dragged into serious relegation trouble, he should be given the time to continue developing the squad.

Daniel Stendel - Barnsley

Barnsley will expect to be challenging near the top end of League One, so anything less than a play-off push could quickly pile pressure on Daniel Stendel, according to AI.

The club has shown in the past that it is prepared to make changes if promotion starts looking unlikely, and ChatGPT thinks it is only a matter of time until he falters.

Ian Evatt - Blackpool

Steve Bruce was one of the first to go last season, but ChatGPT outlines that Ian Evatt has a strong track record at League One level and should have Blackpool competing in the top half.

Even if automatic promotion proves out of reach, a play-off challenge would probably be enough to keep him in charge.

Graham Alexander - Bradford City

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Graham Alexander has plenty of experience managing expectation, and therefore AI believes that he should be trusted to establish Bradford City in League One after earning promotion in 2025.

The club is unlikely to expect an immediate push for the Championship, giving him a solid platform.

Andy Woodman - Bromley

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Andy Woodman has overseen Bromley's remarkable rise and has earned significant credit with the board, having taken the club from the National League to the third tier.

According to ChatGPT, League One survival would represent another excellent achievement, making him one of the safer managers in the division.

Gary Bowyer - Burton Albion

Burton Albion often operate with one of the division's smaller budgets, but poor early results could quickly become difficult to recover from.

If they spend the opening months in the relegation zone, then ChatGPT thinks a change could come before Christmas.

Neil Harris - Cambridge United

Neil Harris knows the division well, but ChatGPT thinks Cambridge United will need to show signs of progress despite only just earning promotion.

The AI chat tool states that if the U's are firmly in the bottom four at the turn of the year, the board may feel a fresh approach is needed.

Grant McCann - Doncaster Rovers

Grant McCann has consistently shown he can build competitive teams at this level and has the experience to manage expectations at Doncaster Rovers.

A comfortable mid-table finish or better should be enough for him to remain in charge, according to ChatGPT.

Martin Drury - Huddersfield Town

Martin Drury was only appointed as Huddersfield Town's permanent manager in May, but ChatGPT thinks he will be the first League One boss to be sacked in October.

The AI tool states that Huddersfield are a club expected to challenge near the top of League One, and patience could be limited if results disappoint.

Russell Martin - Leicester City

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Russell Martin needs a solid season under his belt, and ChatGPT thinks he will get one as Leicester City are likely to view him as a long-term appointment rather than a short-term fix.

It adds that even if promotion is not immediate for the former Rangers boss, the club could stick with the bigger picture.