As Bromley gear up for their first-ever season in the EFL, here is a look at three reasons why they can enjoy a solid campaign.
Andy Woodman’s Ravens won promotion via a penalty shootout over Solihull Moors in last season’s entertaining National League Play-Off Final, which meant that they will play in League 2 and the EFL for the first time this season.
Many pundits however aren’t giving them much chance before the season even commences, which certainly should provide much-needed motivation for the team to prove doubters wrong.
Now here are three reasons as to why Bromley can enjoy a successful maiden season in League 2.
Squad Unity
Having retained the core of last season’s promotion-winning squad packed with a blend of youth and experience, Bromley’ squad unity will be a key factor in how they progress across the season.
Defender, Byron Webster also brings a wealth of EFL experience and as captain – who cheekily scored the winning penalty wearing an EFL armband, his expertise and leadership will be a huge asset this season.
Woodman also has done a solid job in the transfer market with the return of Omar Sowunmi, Kamarl Grant and Lewis Leigh, alongside some fresh faces like Sam Long and loan signings – Danny Imray plus Cameron Congreve.
If there is an area where Bromley looks vulnerable, you have to look at their midfield which seems light with just five midfielders – although three forwards are wingers who can help out in that area out wide.
Woodman though has never managed in the EFL before just like the club hasn’t been within the top-four tiers, so squad unity throughout the club is imperative if they want to punch above their weights on a modest budget.
Hot Pre-Season Form
If there are any concerns about how the team could adapt to their new level, the squad has already seemed to click in pre-season which included wins over Bristol Rovers and Brighton’s Under-21s.
Even the goals seemed to be flowing easily with 15 goals in total, with Levin Amantchi and Michael Cheek in particular looking like live wires going into the new season.
Once the season gets going, Bromley will have to deal with not just a new grass pitch in home games at Hayes Lane, but also adapting to the rigors of tougher opposition against EFL regulars like Bradford City, Crewe Alexandra and Swindon.
This Christmas will see a test for Woodman’s Ravens with five fixtures within the space of 15 days from 21 December – 5 January, marking a slight contrast to how National League festive fixtures often were scheduled.
One positive during that period though is that Bromley are at home on Boxing Day and 29 December to Newport and Swindon, taking away the additional pressure of away travel on the former date in their first EFL campaign.
Either way, Bromley need to take that pre-season ….. momentum into the season if want to hit the ground running with some early points on the board, which seem achievable away at Harrogate then at home to AFC Wimbledon.
If they do that and can hold their own against likely promotion challengers, there is no reason why they can’t have a solid debut season in the fourth-tier and perhaps embark on a cup run in either EFL Trophy, FA Cup or Carabao Cup.
Positive Omens
Bromley will be buoyed by the fact that no promoted club this century has gone straight back down to the fifth tier, which will provide some extra belief.
On a more personal note, Bromley have never suffered instant relegation in the season following a promotion-winning campaign in their history, instead often finishing mid-table in their first season after getting promoted.
It however is imperative that the team deliver results on the pitch in order to continue those particular stats, amidst the challenges that lie ahead this season.
Leave a Reply