League Two may be the fourth tier of English football, but it’s home to a surprising number of clubs with big fanbases, rich histories, and ambitions that stretch far beyond their current status.
While none of the current League Two sides have won a major domestic trophy, several have spent time in the top two tiers, with two even having Premier League experience.
From historical pedigree to modern infrastructure, MatchDay Fever asked AI tool ChatGPT to rank the 12 biggest clubs in League Two, taking into account historical stature, average attendances, infrastructure, and media profile. The results are sure to divide opinion…
12. Salford City
Despite being a relatively new face in the EFL, Salford City land a spot on the list. Backed by Manchester United’s famed “Class of ’92”, the club has made waves with its slick facilities, modern stadium, and media profile.
While the Ammies have never finished higher than seventh in League Two, their high-profile ownership keeps them in the spotlight—and evidently earns them a place here over some more traditionally “big” names.
11. Fleetwood Town
Having surged from non-league to League One in less than a decade, Fleetwood Town are a story of rapid rise and resilience.
Though they’ve never played above the third tier, the club reached the League One play-offs in both 2017 and 2020. ChatGPT credits their modern infrastructure, competitive ambition, and recent pedigree for their spot on this list.
10. Gillingham
With stints in the second tier and a strong League One history, Gillingham are a well-established name in lower-league football.
The Gills reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2000 and were in the Championship as recently as 2005. Their solid infrastructure and consistent presence in the EFL earns them a respectable place in this ranking.
9. Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers are one of the few clubs in League Two that can claim to have been knocking on the door of the Premier League.
They finished fourth in the second tier in 1992–93, just missing out on a place in the inaugural Premier League season. With a strong fanbase and historic Prenton Park, they remain one of the more respected names at this level.
8. Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic were one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992, and even reached the League Cup final during the same era.
Now in League Two following a turbulent period—including a spell in non-league—Oldham are rebuilding from the ground up. Despite recent struggles, their top-flight history and stature land them in eighth.
7. Chesterfield
Having just returned to the EFL, Chesterfield are riding a wave of momentum. The club is backed by an enthusiastic fanbase and has an FA Cup semi-final on its CV from 1997.
They’ve spent time in League One in the not-so-distant past and have now set their sights firmly on climbing back up the pyramid.
6. Notts County
Notts County – the world’s oldest professional football club – boast a heritage unmatched by anyone in League Two.
While they’ve spent recent seasons in the National League, their long-standing place in English football history, and past top-flight experience, make them one of the most iconic clubs in the division.
5. Cheltenham Town
A perhaps surprising entry in the top five, Cheltenham Town are credited with recent consistency and upward mobility.
The club enjoyed a three-year stay in League One between 2021 and 2024, even achieving a 15th-place finish at one point. While not the most decorated side, their stability and infrastructure earn them recognition.
4. Cambridge United
Cambridge United are another club with memories of second-tier football, having competed at that level during the early 1990s.
They even had a shot at Premier League status in the 1991/92 play-offs, only to fall to Leicester. Their loyal support and historical relevance give them a deserved spot in the top four.
3. MK Dons
Despite their controversial origins, MK Dons have become a mainstay in the EFL with serious facilities to match.
Their 30,500-seater Stadium MK is by far the largest in League Two, and the club spent the 2015/16 season in the Championship. Their infrastructure and recent history secure a top-three position.
2. Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town are fresh from a ten-year spell in League One, during which they developed a strong reputation for consistency and competitiveness.
While they’ve never reached the second tier, Salop’s longevity in the third tier and fanbase strength push them toward the top of this list.
1. Bristol Rovers
Taking the crown as the biggest club in League Two is Bristol Rovers. With a significant fanbase, second-tier history, and big-city status, the Gas are arguably the most well-supported and high-profile club currently in the division.
They’ve reached the FA Cup quarter-finals on multiple occasions and have consistently drawn strong crowds. With the infrastructure and ambition to match, it’s little surprise they top ChatGPT’s ranking.
Final Thoughts
While some inclusions and omissions may raise eyebrows—Swindon Town, Grimsby Town, and Walsall, for example—this ranking reflects a blend of legacy, modern relevance, and overall stature as evaluated by ChatGPT.
With League Two boasting some seriously big names for a fourth-tier division, the 2025/26 season promises to be as competitive and compelling as ever.
Who would make your top 12?
MatchDay Fever 
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