Don Goodman shares his thoughts on the hot topics in League One and League Two | OneFootball

There is plenty for the Sky Sports pundit to sink his teeth into

The second half of the season is set to be a thrilling ride in League One and League Two.

The promotion races in both of the EFL's lower tiers are heating up and there are some big names in the relegation scraps while the January transfer window is proving a busy period across the Football League.

There's plenty to talk about when it comes to League One and League Two and Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman spoke to Plejmo.com to share his thoughts on the hottest topics.

Patrick Bamford may be out of Wrexham's reach but Ryan Hardie would be a good fit

Patrick Bamford and Ryan Hardie have been linked with Wrexham. Can you see either of those two dropping down to League One?

Goodman said: "With the greatest of respect to Wrexham, it's a brilliant project with all the glitz and glamour, I think Patrick Bamford would have greater ambition from a footballing point of view, as despite them having a brilliant season, it’s possible Wrexham could still be a League One club next season.

"I could see Ryan Hardie being an attractive option, however. Phil Parkinson likes that kind of striker and I'd imagine the player would receive a hefty pay increase despite the fact he'd be dropping down a level."

Dion Sanderson's future lies away from Birmingham City

Lee Buchanan was ruled out for the season. Having initially looked set to leave, do you think Birmingham City should keep Dion Sanderson at the club as opposed to signing?

Goodman said: "Dion Sanderson's future is distinctly clear. It lies away from Birmingham City. Chris Davies obviously doesn't fancy him after being an unused substitute at the weekend.

"Blues have cash to burn and I’d imagine would rather spend as opposed to using a player that the manager is not keen on. It would be best for all parties if he moves on. He's played just 2 League One matches this season, starting only one, so I'm confident Birmingham will be able to source a suitable replacement."

Huddersfield Town form must concern Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers

Huddersfield Town are seven points off the top two. Are they still in the automatic promotion race?

Speaking ahead of the Terriers' 1-0 win over Wycombe on Tuesday evening, Goodman said: "Huddersfield Town are on a great run of form but their last two draws must frustrate them, they were at home for both and I looked at the stats and they were totally dominant.

"There's currently a seven-point gap between themselves and the top three but they're on a 14-game unbeaten streak and have games in hand on Wycombe and Wrexham. They play Wycombe away and have got to play both Wycombe and Wrexham at home which means they're very much still in the automatic promotion race.

"Town will believe those are seven points that can be bridged. Huddersfield have put such a good run together that Wycombe and Wrexham must be concerned. Seven points sounds like a big gap but it could easily become four and they still have games in hand. It’s all to play for."

Reading must keep key players to maintain top-six push

Noel Hunt has won three League One matches on the bounce at Reading. How impressive is that achievement given the circumstances? Could they go up?

Goodman said: "Reading are in a scrap to stay in that top six. There are some teams who are beginning to hit some form, so their point away at Charlton, who are trying to hunt them down, was a good one.

"I don't see any reason as to why Reading can't stay in the top six. Noel Hunt has stepped in seamlessly and the fact that it's a club he knows and loves will have helped him and helped the fans get behind him.

"He's had a brilliant start in charge. The group is good enough to keep them in the top six but the key for Reading is not to let anyone leave during the window and for them to keep their best players fit."

Inigo Calderon faces a huge challenge at Bristol Rovers

Inigo Calderon is the new Bristol Rovers manager. Your thoughts?

Goodman said: "Inigo Calderon has had a stellar career and credit to him, he's taken over a big club in League One, which is really struggling. It's his first senior management role so it's a huge challenge for him.

"The win over Cambridge United at the week was massive after a run of no wins in seven and six defeats in those seven games. It gives them a little bit of breathing space but their next home game against Barnsley will be very tough.

"The best thing for Inigo Calderon is the fact that the Barnsley game isn't until January 18th and what does any new manager want? Time on the training pitch. Between now and that Barnsley game, he'll be able to work with his players on his philosophy and get his messages across to prepare for what will be a challenging second half of the season."

Andy Cook's injury is a hammer blow for Bradford City

Andy Cook has suffered an injury at Bradford City. How big of an impact could that have on any promotion push?

Goodman said: "Andy Cook's injury is a huge blow, as it looks like a serious one. It's a hammer blow because he'd scored 12 goals in 22 games, 17 last season and 28 the year before. Every team in League Two would miss a player with those numbers.

"The word talisman is often and easily used in football but it's certainly fitting for Andy Cook, he's become exactly that.

"For Bradford City, the good news is that they've scored five goals since he went off the pitch early on against Barrow. You've got to look at the positives and admire the impressive fact that they've scored goals without him and hope it gives them belief that will continue during the second half of the season.

"The midfielders are scoring goals though and it's all about everyone chipping in and finding a way to win games.

"Upcoming games against Carlisle United and Morecambe are winnable but in between them is a big one against Walsall. There will be opportunities for City to pick up some points."