Don Goodman speaks on Birmingham City, Wrexham, Paul Mullin & Huddersfield Town | OneFootball

FLW spoke to ex-EFL striker Goodman on the latest goings on in the third tier of English football

Ex-EFL player turned pundit Don Goodman has shared his thoughts on the current state of play of League One with a nearly third of the season completed, and there is a surprise leader of the pack in the form of Wycombe Wanderers.

Current third tier clubs that Goodman played for in his career include Barnsley and Exeter City, but it is the likes of Birmingham City and Wrexham who are stealing the headlines this season.

And, speaking exclusively to Football League World via Gambling Zone, the 58-year-old has given his view on the latest news coming out of the third tier of English football.

Birmingham City still likely to break League One records despite recent dip in form

Due to their immense summer spending spree, Birmingham City were tipped to break every single record put in-front of them, from points to goals scored to goals conceded.

Under Chris Davies' management, Blues find themselves second in the League One table, although they have a game in hand on current leaders Wycombe Wanderers, in which a victory would send them back to the summit.

Recent 1-1 draws against Mansfield Town and last time out at home to Northampton has certainly been a reality check for Davies and co though, but Goodman believes there is nothing to worry about and that the records City want to break are still likely to be hit.

“I don't think it does Birmingham City any harm," Goodman said.

"They are dominating every game of football they play and I'd be worried if they weren't. They're the best team in the league and have the best players in the league. All they need to do is apply themselves.

"To me, the last couple of results aren't a concern as I still think the opportunity is there for them to break League One records, Chris Davies just needs to ensure his players remain focused and are clinical when the chances come.

"They just need to focus on themselves as they are the best team with the best players.”

Wycombe Wanderers form should concern Wrexham AFC and Phil Parkinson

Along with Birmingham, one of the early League One pace-setters were Wrexham, who are aiming for a third successive promotion under Hollywood actor owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

And if it weren't for the stunning form of Wycombe Wanderers under Matt Bloomfield, the Red Dragons would be in the automatic promotion spot - as it happens though, the Chairboys are blowing many of their rivals away, with 10 wins from 14 outings.

Goodman believes that Wrexham need to be concerned about Bloomfield's side now, as it doesn't look like their form shows any sign of stopping.

“If Wrexham aspire to join Birmingham in being automatically promoted from League One then, yes, they should be worried about Wycombe Wanderers," Goodman explained.

“They've gone 12 unbeaten which includes 10 wins and six have those have come in consecutive games. They're winning games in different ways, such as digging in against Wigan at the weekend but also blowing teams away with goals at times.

“From what I've seen, they've got everything you need in a team to form a genuine promotion push.

Paul Mullin backed to fire in goals for Wrexham after tough 2024-25 season so far

One potential issue for Wrexham this season is a lack of a real prolific goalscorer - which sounds strange when Paul Mullin still plays for the Welsh outfit.

However, after undergoing spinal surgery earlier this year, Mullin only started one of Wrexham's first 10 League One matches this season, and his current record stands at just one goal in 12 appearances.

Nevertheless, Mullin has proven himself at lower levels in recent years, and Goodman has backed him to come good if Phil Parkinson keeps selecting him from the start.

“Paul Mullin has only started five games due to injury and when you miss pre-season, it's going to take you time to get up to speed," Goodman said of the Scouse striker.

“Phil Parkinson wouldn't be selecting Paul Mullin if he didn’t believe he was capable of playing at League One level.

"That in itself is a sign for those who are making the noise. It's way too early for anyone to write him off and it's harsh if you do.”

Huddersfield Town not ruled out of automatic promotion push

The recent FA Cup first round matches saw some shocks occur - the biggest one coming in the form of Huddersfield Town.

The League Out outfit were knocked out at the hands of National League side Tamworth, and earlier on in their league campaign, Michael Duff saw his squad lose four league matches on the spin.

However, a run of five league matches undefeated has seen the Terriers move back into play-off contention, but two of those have been draws - Goodman has revealed that the Yorkshiremen need to put a string of wins together to challenge for the automatic spots.

“I think Huddersfield Town have got their act together and I wouldn't judge them on their draw at Crawley as any away game has the potential to be difficult. I wouldn't rule them out based on their FA Cup loss either," said Goodman.

“What makes it difficult is the form of Birmingham, Wycombe and Wrexham.

"They've given those teams a head start after a run of poor form in September and that's put them on the back foot. What's impressive, however, is their response to that, winning three out of their last five League One games and drawing two of them.

"They need to win most games as opposed to drawing them, too, but I wouldn't rule them out despite looking tough.”

Bristol Rovers 'not ready' to compete for League One promotion

Despite the potential of the club, Bristol Rovers are struggling once more in League One.

Ex-Rotherham boss Matt Taylor was expected to have a bigger impact than he's had, but the Gas find themselves languishing in 18th position in the table and have won just one of their last four matches.

Goodman does not have high hopes for the rest of Rovers' season however, and does not expect a play-off or promotion push anytime soon for Taylor's side.

Goodman said of Rovers: “You're looking at a team that has finished 17th and 15th across the last two seasons. I'm not sure anyone can really have expected Bristol Rovers to finish towards the top end of League One this season.

“When looking at their results against the better teams, the deficit in quality is clear too. They've played seven games against teams in the top half, losing six and drawing one. That in itself tells that Rovers are not ready to compete in the upper regions of the third tier.

“They also must improve at both ends of the pitch, having conceded the second-highest XG in League One and creating the third-lowest XG. While it may not sound exciting, the current season looks likely to play out in a similar fashion to the previous two campaigns and in a mid-table finish.

“Whether Bristol Rovers are underperforming, however, depends on the expectations fans had at the start of the campaign.