Bromley Football Club stand on the brink of a landmark moment in their history as they prepare to open the 2026/27 season with a home Carabao Cup first-round tie against Reading at Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon. The Ravens, crowned League Two champions last term with 87 points, will compete in the third tier of English football for the first time following their promotion under manager Andy Woodman.
Woodman has made no secret of his ambitions for the campaign, stating earlier this week that a play-off push is a realistic target. “I believe we can make the play-offs, and if we can get the two signings in we are hoping for, I will be banging that drum,” he told BBC Radio London. The club has already completed a busy summer of recruitment, with more than a dozen new faces arriving to strengthen the squad for the step up in level.
Among the key additions are goalkeeper Shamal George, who joins after time at Wycombe Wanderers and a successful loan at St Mirren that included Scottish League Cup success, and defenders Jacob Mendy and Chanse Headman. Striker Victor Adeboyejo arrived from Mansfield Town and quickly made an impact in pre-season, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Premier League side Crystal Palace at Hayes Lane. Midfielder JJ McKiernan was signed from Lincoln City, while Kamarl Grant returned for a third loan spell from Millwall, having previously impressed during two earlier stints with the club.
Other arrivals include Ethon Archer on a season-long loan from Luton Town, Deon Woodman from Wealdstone, and further midfield options. The influx reflects Woodman’s desire to build a squad capable of competing against established League One sides while retaining the identity that delivered the League Two title.
Pre-season results have been mixed but useful. Alongside the impressive win over Palace, Bromley drew 1-1 with Championship side Millwall and local rivals Barnet, though they suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat to Queens Park Rangers. A scheduled friendly against Liverpool’s under-21s was cancelled. Woodman has used the games to bed in new players and assess options ahead of competitive action.
Saturday’s match against Reading marks the first official fixture of the new season, with the League One campaign beginning the following weekend away at Barnsley on 15 August. Home games against Cambridge United and other fixtures will follow as Bromley settle into life at the higher level. Hayes Lane is expected to be busy as supporters continue to back the club that has risen rapidly through the divisions in recent years.
The promotion celebrations earlier in the summer saw fans line the streets, underlining the strong community connection that has accompanied the club’s progress. Woodman has repeatedly praised the ownership and the culture at the club, noting that the original target of reaching League One has been achieved ahead of schedule.
As the Ravens prepare for their biggest season yet, the focus remains on adding a couple more players before the transfer window progresses and ensuring the squad is ready for the physical and tactical demands of League One. Woodman believes the foundation is already strong. With the League Cup opener just hours away, Bromley are set to write the next chapter in their remarkable rise.