Bristol Rovers rivals bought for £1 as Reading hit with double whammy, Charlton open to transfer

Bristol Rovers are preparing for the 2023/24 League One campaign - and are due to start pre-season in the next couple of weeks, and will hopefully joined by some new faces.

The Gas are well positioned to sign James Wilson, who they made their top defensive target this summer, and he could join early next week. The 34-year-old won the title with Plymouth Argyle, but looks set to remain in the third tier, and become a part of Joey Barton’s side, which is hopeful of mounting a play-off push.

What’s the other stories around the third tier however? Here’s the latest news stories from around League One.

Wigan Athletic bought for £1

Troubled club Wigan Athletic have reason to celebrate after being taken over. Local businessman Mike Danson took control from Abdulrahman Al Jasmi and Talal Al Hammad and it is reported by Wigan Today that it cost just £1 to buy Phoenix 2021 Ltd, which is the company that runs the club.

The Latics have paid off their outstanding debts - but will start the season with an eight-point deduction for the start of the 2023/24 season. They are no longer under a transfer embargo, and are now free to sign players.

Managerless Readingcharged by EFL as talks collapse

Reading’s pursuit of Chris Wilder is over after talks collapsed according to Football Insider. Wilder was in advanced talks to take over the Royals, but the move was delayed, and now he won’t be taking over them. According to Sunday Sports Editor Darren Witcoop, they will now look at Danny Cowley, and Steve Cotterill, who recently left Shrewsbury Town.

To make matters worse for Reading, they have been charged by the EFL for ‘multile breaches’. They relate to failing to meet their obligations to pay their plyayers in full for October and November last year, as well as April 2023. Yongge Dai, who owns Reading, has been charged, and both he and Reading have until 4pm on Thursday, June 29 to respond to them.

Charlton open to player sale

Charlton Athletic are open to offers for goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott according to South London Press journalist Richard Cwley. The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at The Valley, after Dean Holden's appointment. He could be in need of a move if he has ambitions of getting back in to the Ghana squad.

Northampton look to be busy

Newly promoted Northampton are aiming to sign up to eight players this summer, but is willing to be patient. Patrick Brough joined from Barrow earlier this week, but Brady is willing for the market to settle down, before signing his targets.

Speaking to the Northampton Chronicle, he said: “It goes pretty mad early on in the window so you have to let the dust settle and take stock and then sift through your targets and we are working very hard at that at the moment.

“We are trying to recruit seven or eight players in certain positions and we’re right in the middle of doing that at the moment.”