Bromley's rapid rise continues: League One awaits Andy Woodman's reshaped squad
Bromley begin life in League One this weekend, just two seasons after joining the English Football League for the first time in their history. The south London club won the League Two title in 2025-26 and now step up to the third tier under manager Andy Woodman, who has overseen a dramatic rebuild of his squad for the challenge ahead (Sky Sports).
Woodman has brought in eleven new players. Goalkeeper Shamal George arrives from Wycombe on a free transfer, while midfielder Kamil Conteh joins from Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee. Jacob Mendy comes in from Peterborough, Chanse Headman from Harrogate Town, Deon Woodman from Wealdstone, JJ McKiernan from Lincoln City, and striker Victor Adeboyejo from Mansfield — all adding height and physicality to a squad built around imposing players and set-piece excellence (BBC Sport).
Two loan signings could shape the season. Ethon Archer arrives from Luton Town and has been tipped as Bromley's potential difference-maker. He scored 11 goals in 81 appearances for Cheltenham and added three in 23 on loan at Port Vale last season. Richard Taylor joins on loan from Bolton Wanderers to bolster the defence.
The turnover has been significant. Idris Odutayo left for Dundee, Jude Arthurs joined Crawley Town, and Kyle Cameron moved to Newport County. Sam Long headed to Salford City, Marcus Dinanga to Aldershot Town, and Brooklyn Ilunga to Hartlepool Town. Ben Krauhaus returned to Brentford after his loan ended. Byron Webster retired, and former Arsenal and West Ham defender Carl Jenkinson was released.
BBC Sport's club-by-club season preview identifies two concerns for Bromley. A large share of the squad is untested at League One level, and there is a lack of proven depth in forward areas, leaving a heavy goalscoring burden on talisman Michael Cheek (BBC Sport).
The wider League One picture adds context. The Guardian's season preview identifies Russell Martin's Leicester City as set to challenge for promotion, while expecting a tough campaign for Notts County and AFC Wimbledon (The Guardian). The Professional Footballers' Association has also started legal proceedings over the League One salary cap, under which teams relegated from the Championship are permitted to spend 65% of turnover on wages in their first season in the third tier, down from 75% (BBC Sport).
Bromley's expectations are genuinely difficult to pin down. The club's rise has been rapid, and several League One clubs carry far greater financial muscle. What is clear is that Woodman has backed his method — tall, powerful players, peak physical conditioning, and dead-ball quality — and has not been afraid to turn the squad over to do it.
For a club that was playing non-league football in 2024, simply being in this conversation is remarkable. Whether that translates into survival or better will depend on how quickly the new arrivals adapt to a level most of them have never played at.
