With League One getting better and more competitive with age, its unpredictability tends to be based on clever signings to provide quality in specific aspects and squad depth. Here is a list for the teams not blessed with large transfer budgets and rely on free agents to offer their service effectively, helping improve the squad.

Ashley Richards

An excellent choice who can play both right/left full/wing back. The Welshman who is a former player of both Cardiff and Swansea, is just a mere 29 years-old and is currently operating as a good League One player. Overall, Richards obtains excellent traits across Technical, Mental and Physical sections. The perfect full-back to add to your League One defence.

Ben Heneghan

Commanding central defender Ben Heneghan has rarely played in the Football League over his 10 year career. But, Football Manager has been extremely kind in handing out his attributes, impressively high heading, strength and fitness makes the 27 year old a steal in terms of free transfers.

Andy Lonergan

Eyebrows were certainly raised when Liverpool picked up Andy Lonergan following his initial release by League One club Rochdale. The 37 year-old found himself regularly included in the Champions League squad. Despite his age, he possesses sublime statistics in fields such as handling, aerial reach and kicking – a smart move for those in the market for a goalkeeper.

Armand Traoré

The former Arsenal, Juventus and Monaco player was released by Cardiff City earlier this year. Armand Traoré has spent the best part of his career in England, most notably for QPR and Nottingham Forest, the fullback is able to play in all positions down the left hand side of the pitch and can use his impressive pace and strength to affect. At 31 years of age, the Senegalese international still has years left in him to excel, very much a hidden gem.

George Thorne

George Thorne played with his last club Oxford United in League One before being released last summer. His most successful spell coming at Derby County across 7 years, the central midfielder has been unlucky with injuries. A natural defensive midfielder, Thorne’s key features lie in passing, first touch and composure, skills critical to a League One side’s midfield.

Michael Doughty

A key player in Swindon’s promotion from League Two last season, Michael Doughty is only 28 years old and is extremely versatile playing in midfield positions. The Welshman possesses crucial elements (passing, dribbling, work rate) that can prove to be essential in League One. Great technical ability and a strong footballing CV, Michael Doughty can bring creativity that all teams in the division need.