League Two Golden Boot Odds

The 2023/24 League Two season is just around the corner, and it looks set to be full of entertainment with newly promoted Wrexham and Notts County already amongst the favorites for the title. Andy Cook of Bradford City comfortably won the race for golden boot last year, but will the new stars of League Two come out on top this time around?

It is almost impossible to recall a time where a newly promoted player was the favourite to win top goal scorer, yet Paul Mullin’s stellar campaign at Wrexham last year puts him in pole position. The storyline ending to the National League season is something that is commonly seen in Hollywood, which is rather fitting considering famous actors Ryan Renolds and Rob McElhenney became new owners in 2020.

The Red Dragons just edged Notts County by four points, winning the league with 111 points, 116 goals and only three defeats. Paul Mullin was instrumental in the silverware hunt, scoring 38 goals, he also won the hearts of neutrals after his FA Cup performances against Sheffield United where he scored in both legs.

Mullin is a clinical finisher and if he is provided with service he will guarantee you goals. Wrexham are a financial juggernaut, and they will invest to build around their star man. It is also important to note that the forward has won the top goal scorer in League Two before when he scored 32 goals for Cambridge United in 2020/21.

Similar to Mullin, Langstaff had an excellent campaign in the National League, scoring a ridiculous 42 goals in 47 games which is the highest tally in all of the top five English Leagues. His side Notts County scored the most goals in the league last season also, which is probably why Langstaff is so high up on this list.

He will form a deadly strike partnership with David McGoldrick, with the two working in tandem to destroy opposition defences. How he will adapt to the new League is unknown, but he is arguably part of the best front line In League Two and when you combine that with the Magpies attacking style of play, Langstaff should score plenty of goals.

Last season’s top goal scorer Andy Cook will be hoping to retain his status next season and put-up similar numbers. The Bradford City forward scored 28 goals last season with 24 coming from open play, which highlights just how lethal he is in front of goal.

Bradford City just fell short of promotion last season as they crashed out in the play off semifinal against Carlisle, who were eventually promoted. The Bantams have already showed their intent in the transfer window, acquiring six players already, but if promotion is a target, then the creativity will have to increase as Cook registered the most assists for the team with the next highest being Richard Smallwood with 6. If Cook can score with little service, then he would thrive with creative players around him.

David McGoldrick has recently signed for Notts County after scoring 22 goals in League One for Derby County last season, which was the third highest and it is quite incredible that he is taking a step lower this season.

The Irish forward was playing in the Premier League just two years ago, which instantly highlights his quality. Not only does he have all the goal-scoring traits, but he also has superb technique and a decent level of creativity.

I believe McGoldrick will feast this season, especially in such an attacking side which makes the 11/1 odds look like decent value. His experience should give him the upper hand and it is going to be an exciting season for the Magpies.

Stockport County captain, Paddy Madden, nearly lead his side to back-to-back promotions but they unfortunately fell at the final hurdle. The 33-year-old scored 10 goals last campaign with all but one goal coming in 2022. In 2023, The Irishman scored just one league goal in 21 games which aren’t exactly promising stats if you want to back a striker to become the top goal scorer.

Last campaign, Kyle Wootton was The Hatters' top goal scorer with 14 goals, and he is currently priced at 22/1. However, the signing of Nick Powell from Stoke City may provide that added creative spark to boost Madden’s chances of scoring and I think the ex-Manchester United man has the ability to make a difference to this Stockport County side.

Charlie Austin joined Swindon Town in January last season from Brisbane Roar and his acquisition proved to be a success, as the 34-year-old scored 9 goals in 15 starts which is rather impressive. He ended the season as Swindon’s second-highest top goal scorer with underlines how vital he is to the team.

Despite only finishing in 10th place, Swindon do score goals and actually scored as many as second-place Stevenage. Austin is your typical striker, and I am sure most will remember him for his time at QPR and Southampton in the Premier League. If he is given an opportunity, he will score, and he is also sharing the penalty duty which increases his chance of scoring.

22-year-old Will Swan is a product of the Nottingham Forest academy, and he has joined Mansfield Town permanently after spending last season on loan. The forward scored 10 goals last campaign in 28 appearances, yet he only started 12 games. He also missed 11 big chances, which clearly indicates that if he can work on his finishing, then he could become a key player for The Stags.

If he can solidify a place in the starting XI, then we could be looking at a player that can challenge for the status of top goal scorer. Swan plays in the side with the joint most goals in League Two last season, so there are promising signs going into the new campaign.

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