It’s hard to deny some of the plaudits that many of the players and staff receive in the English Football League. Often, big name players like Jobe Bellingham and Gustavo Hamer are praised and appreciated, along with so many others across the EFL.

However, much like with any business or form of entertainment, there’s a long list of people behind the scenes who couldn’t be more important. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most under-appreciated heroes of the EFL, and of course there’s hundreds more that could be mentioned.

John Radford - Mansfield Town

John Radford is the owner of Mansfield Town, and has overseen their rise from the National League, to success in League One.

The Businessman purchased the club for just £1 back in 2012, and almost immediately the club were promoted back to the Football League.

Over the past half decade, whilst Mansfield were sustainable in League Two, Radford has poured investment to try and see the club progress further. It finally clicked last season, and Mansfield were promoted to the third tier of English football.

Along with his family, Mansfield has worked hard to engage and connect with fans, leaving him with a seriously united club.

“I think what you get from (John) Radford is somebody that’s put a lot of money in and care into the club,” said Gab Sutton, a well-known EFL pundit on X that took time to comment on some of the names mentioned in this list.

“That’s not just into the playing budget but also the off-field stuff that Mansfield Town are trying to expand. He’s done lots of great work as has Carolyn, his wife and they’ve shown faith in managers as well.

“They’ve given Nigel Clough a lot of time to build a League Two promotion winning team, they’ve had a great start in League One. It’s a well run club and Radford does great work there.”

Great to be back home again today to witness a hard-fought win.

It’s clear that we have a squad who are wholly committed to playing for the badge, which will surely stand us in good stead in League One this season.

Onwards and upwards!

COYS!!!
💛💙 pic.twitter.com/LEpuljH6Lc

— John Radford (@JRadfordMTFC) September 14, 2024

Tom Allman - Crawley Town

Tom Allman is currently serving as Crawley Town’s general manager, he’s responsible for the overseeing and management of the clubs operations. But he didn’t just walk into that prestigious role.

He’s worked in a variety of positions within the club, and is actually the longest serving member of the club’s management. He’s been a media assistant, a marketing manager, and interim CEO on his journey so far.

At such a young age, Allman has shown wisdom beyond his years, he led the club through the Covid pandemic. He certainly has the capability to go all the way behind the scenes in football, and could even be a future CEO.

🗣 General Manager Tom Allman updates fans at the end of the first week of season ticket sales, as well as providing clarity on potential compensation to ticket holders should games be missed due to COVID-19👇#TownTeamTogether🔴 pic.twitter.com/jsfc1lScHO

— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) July 24, 2020

Robin Stanton-Gleaves - Bromley

Robin Stanton-Gleaves is the owner and chairman of Bromley FC. Whilst they’re a new club to the EFL, Stanton-Gleaves is a real reminder of how football ownership used to be.

Born in Bromley, he’s taken over his local club with a successful investment. He’s taken a small club inside the border of London, and seen the potential they have to grow. The foundations he’s built at the club are the reason the on-field heroes could secure promotion to the EFL, and they’ll continue to grow under his ownership.

The growth might not be exponential, and might slow down compared to their recent rapid rise, but the community around Bromley will ensure eventual growth. Hats off to Robin Stanton-Gleaves for the great project he’s building.

Barry Fry - Peterborough United

After bagging in front of 100,000 people for England Schoolboys, and subsequently signing for Manchester United, Fry was expected to have an illustrious playing career. Unfortunately, it was cut short due to injury.

What he’s achieved in the game however, is cementing himself as one of the best recruiters in world football. As Director of Football at Peterborough, he’s overseen some serious talent join the club. His recruitment model sees the Posh pick up low value players, and then sell them on for inflated fees.

Down on his luck at Bristol City, Sammy Szmodics joined Peterborough United for just €1 million, two years later he joined Blackburn for triple that fee, and now plays for Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

Ivan Toney was running out of chances at Newcastle when he joined Peterborough for €390k, two years later and he joined Brentford for over 14 times that amount.

Fry is a real symbol of English football, and rightly so.

“Yeah I think he’s just such a passionate football person,” added Sutton, who holds Fry in high regard.

“To have the motivation to continue working at the intensity it requires at an ambitious League One club at his age (79), just shows an incredible passion for the game. I’ve got so much admiration for Barry Fry and his dedication to the game. Such a lively character as well and I think everyone in football appreciates his dedication and charisma.”

Happy 75th birthday to our Director of Football Barry Fry! Have a great day, Baz! 🎈#pufc pic.twitter.com/Zi6gCSItuL

— Peterborough United (@theposh) April 7, 2020

Phil Wallace - Stevenage

Phil Wallace purchased Stevenage just days before they went bust in 2009, and things couldn’t be more different for The Boro nowadays.

They’ve gone from a Non-League side to an established League One team under Wallace’s ownership. It’s an unbelievable achievement, given they have such a small fanbase. However, Wallace’s financial backing has given them the muscle they need to compete in the third tier.

Whilst further growth might be tricky with their fanbase, who knows what can happen if Phil Wallace keeps backing the club like he has been. The work that he and the rest of the players and staff have put in at Stevenage in recent years has really gone under the radar, and he’s certainly an unsung hero.

Gary Sweet - Luton Town

Gary Sweet, Chief Executive at Luton Town, is the face of the club. He bleeds Orange and is mad for the hatters. He’s been so important in their recent rise. Not only that, but he’s a big character which just makes him stand out even further.

As the club has progressed from England’s lower divisions to a stint in the Premier League last year, Sweet has been involved in every good decision that led to that fateful day at Wembley.

Their transfer strategies have been significantly improved under Sweet, along with indubitably smart decisions on manager appointments, contract extensions, not to mention their stadium expansion.

Sweet was even awarded the Championship Chief Executive of the year award in 2023 for his efforts.

🗣️ "I'm not sure where I'll put it." 💰

Luton chief executive Gary Sweet jokes that most of the £170m for getting promoted will be going on the bar bill tonight 😂 pic.twitter.com/gaHi5vilo7

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 27, 2023