Division Two season preview
Div One: Bradford-Gillingham | Ipswich-Sheff Utd | Stoke-Wimbledon
Division Two | Division Three
Barnsley
Last season: 19th
Manager: Gudjon Thordarson.
Players in: None
Players out: Mike Sheron, Leo Bertos, James Dudgeon, Richard Carrington, Calum Selby, Chris Cox, Grant Black, Bruce Dyer, Mitch Ward, Chris Morgan. After a summer of uncertainty, the appointment of Gudjon Thordarson is at least good news for Barnsley fans even if little is known about the consortium who have taken over at Oakwell. The former Iceland manager took Stoke out of this division but, like Glyn Hodges before him, will do well to keep Barnsley in it. The departure of Bruce Dyer (16 goals last season) and Mike Sheron leaves them short of strikers, the mutual decision to let Chris Morgan go robs Barnsley of their best defender and captain. In a squad top-heavy with midfielders, defence and attack will both be a worry. Key Man: Kevin Donovan.
Blackpool
Last season: 13th
Manager: Steve McMahon
Players in: Kirk Hilton, Steve Davis, Mike Sheron
Players out: Michael Theoklitos, John O'Kane, Ian Hughes, Ben Thornley, Paul Dalglish, John Hills, Jamie Milligan, Graham Fenton. Steve McMahon decided on a clearout after a play-off push last season fizzled out, with only John Hills departing against the manager's wishes. Former Burnley captain Steve Davis has since signed to provide leadership at the back and a threat from set pieces while Mike Sheron, inconsistent but talented, could form a prolific partnership with John Murphy. Good football is guaranteed, especially from Martin Bullock and Richie Wellens in midfield, but Blackpool need to prove they have the staying power to finish in the top six. Key Man: Mike Sheron.
Bournemouth
Last season: 4th (Division Three)
Manager: Sean O'Driscoll
Players in:
Players out: Bournemouth's stylish demolition of Lincoln in the Third Division play-off final showed the passing, attacking football Sean O'Driscoll's side can play. Star players like captain Carl Fletcher and winger Wade Elliott have stayed, but the cash-strapped Cherries may not be able to hold on to them forever. O'Driscoll has not brought in a player, so needs to hope that a regular scorer emerges, with Warren Feeney and Alan Connell the most likely candidates. Bournemouth lack the resources for a second successive promotion push, but should stay up. Key Man: Carl Fletcher
Brentford
Last season: 16th
Manager: Wally Downes
Players in:
Players out: Riz Rehman, Martin Rowlands, Jay Lovett, Leon Constantine, Mark Williams Brentford were expected to struggle last year after the departure of Steve Coppell and much of his team. Instead, a great start under Wally Downes made them play-off contenders in the first half of the season. This year, however, could be tougher. The loss of target man Mark McCammon at the end of last season has been followed this summer by Martin Rowlands' move to QPR. Steve Hunt, on the left wing, and strikers Mark Peters and Kevin O'Connor take on more responsibility, and even more rests on a reasonably solid defence. If that changes, Brentford could be in trouble. Key Man: Steve Hunt.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Last season: 23rd (Division One)
Manager: Steve Coppell
Players in: Ben Roberts
Players out: Paul Rogers, Paul Kitson, Will Packham, Bobby Zamora, Paul Brooker, Dave Beasant. Steve Coppell worked wonders at Brighton last year and still couldn't keep them up. His new contract was the only positive in a disappointing summer for the Seagulls, the inevitable sale of Bobby Zamora accompanied by Dave Beasant rejecting a new deal and key defender Dean Blackwell's injury, which will keep him out for most of the season. Coppell's record of winning promotions is exceptional but, though Brighton will be hard to beat, it is hard to see where the goals will come from unless the manager is given money to spend. Key Man: Danny Cullip.
Bristol City
Last season: 3rd
Manager: Danny Wilson
Players in:
Players out: Scott Murray, Peter Beadle, Ben Cleverley In three years under Danny Wilson, Bristol City have consistently threatened without escaping Division 2; the former Barnsley manager must deliver promotion soon. His team looks well-equipped to go up, with Lee Miller joining Lee Peacock and Christian Roberts in a strong attack and the veteran Brian Tinnion alongside the combative Tom Doherty in midfield. Defender Danny Coles is one of several players capable of playing at a higher level but another, midfielder Aaron Brown, needs to get back on track after injuries and disciplinary problems. But the major problem for Wilson could be the right wing; Scott Murray scored 27 goals last year and may prove irreplaceable. If City can compensate for his departure, that elusive automatic promotion place should be possible. Key Man: Lee Miller
Chesterfield
Last season: 20th
Manager: Roy McFarland
Players in: Ian Evatt
Players out: Rob Edwards, Jon Howard, Martyn Booty, Marcus Ebdon. Roy McFarland has spoken optimistically about promotion, but the reality is that Chesterfield only escaped relegation on the final day of last season. The versatile former Derby man Ian Evatt is the only new face in the summer and McFarland will be operating with one of lower budgets in the division. Chesterfield have defied expectations to stay in Division Two before, but much rests on veteran goalscorer David Reeves and South African forward Glynn Hurst. Key Man: David Reeves
Colchester
Last season: 12th
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Players in: Wayne Andrews, Phil Hadland, Andy Myers
Players out: Marc Canham, Mick Stockwell, Mark Warren, Kevin Rapley, Mike Edwards, Chris Keeble. Reading captain Phil Parkinson saw off several more experienced candidates to land the manager's job at Layer Road after Steve Whitton left. He showed why as he lifted Colchester out of relegation trouble to the safety of 12th. Keeping Kemal Izzet and fellow midfielder Thomas Pinault and three summer signings may raise hopes of further improvement this year, especially with the lively Wayne Andrews to offer Scott McGleish support in attack. But mid-table again would be a more realistic aspiration. Key Man: Kemal Izzet.
Grimsby Town
Last season: 24th (in Division One)
Manager: Paul Groves
Players in: Tony Crane, Marcel Cas, Iain Anderson, Des Hamilton, Aidan Davison.
Players out: Steve Croudson, Jake Sagare, Danny Coyne, Steve Livingstone, Georges Santos, John McDermott, Tony Gallimore. Don't write off Grimsby. They spent four years beating the drop in Division One and, last time they were in Division Two, won promotion at the first time of asking. The play-offs would seem their best chance this time after the loss of inspirational keeper Danny Coyne and dominant centre back Georges Santos, Aidan Davison and Tony Crane replacing them. Manager Paul Groves has added well to his midfield, but Grimsby's fate could rest on a forward line which has lacked a prolific scorer for years. Michael Boulding, in his second spell at the club, and teenager Darren Mansaram are the probable first-choice pairing with the chance to change that. Clyde Wijnhard, a regular scorer when fit for Oldham last year, is on trial and could be the answer. Key Man: Michael Boulding.
Hartlepool United
Last season: 2nd (Division Three)
Manager: Neale Cooper
Players in: Michael Nelson, Marco Gabbiadini
Players out: Tommy Widdrington, Gordon Watson, Paul Smith, Graeme Lee, Brian Ross. Neale Cooper has traded Ross County for Hartlepool with much to prove in management south of the border. Pools, habitual occupants of the league's bottom division, are now among the favourites to return there after a rare promotion. Cooper's cause is not helped by the loss of four of Chris Turner's regulars; centre back Graeme Lee may be missed most. Marco Gabbiadini has arrived, adding to his ample collection of clubs, but the veteran striker was relegated from this division with Northampton last year and may suffer the same fate again. Key Man: Mark Tinkler.
Luton Town
Last season: 9th
Manager: Mike Newell
Players in:
Players out: Duncan Jupp, Aaron Skelton, Alan Kimble, Carl Griffiths, Carl Emberson, Mark Ovendale, Peter Holmes. Had Joe Kinnear stayed, Luton would surely have been among the play-off contenders. Instead, they may face a battle against the drop after a summer of turmoil. Mike Newell, appointed in farcical fashion, arguably underachieved despite winning promotion in his first season in management. He now has a squad who preferred Kinnear to manage them this season, though seven smaller. Though none were regulars, Luton look weaker. But Steve Howard and Tony Thorpe should score enough goals to keep them in Division 2. Key Man: Steve Howard.
Notts County
Last season: 15th
Manager: Bill Dearden
Players in:
Players out: Danny Allsopp, Danny Stone, Richard Holmes, Craig Ireland, Richard Liburd. Bill Dearden has twice kept Notts County in the Second Division. Though a club with the potential to do far better, another finish of 15th would represent an achievement, especially after the cut-price sale of top scorer Danny Allsopp to Hull. Mark Stallard, Allsopp's strike partner, could be crucial in what may prove to be another fight against the drop. Darren Caskey, a midfielder with plenty of talent, and Tony Hackworth, the former Leeds striker who has not impressed at Meadow Lane, need to help him out. Key Man: Mark Stallard.
Oldham Athletic
Last season: 5th
Manager: Iain Dowie
Players in:
Players out: Chris Armstrong, Wayne Andrews, Carlo Corazzin, David Miskelly, Wayne Gill, Duncan Roberts, Fitz Hall, Tony Carss, Clint Hill, Lee Duxbury. Survival itself is a success for Oldham this summer. The price they have had to pay is the decimation of the team Iain Dowie built so impressively. The Latics were superb away last season, but the loss of captain Clint Hill, centre back Fitz Hall and left back Chris Armstrong will weaken the defence, so keeper Les Pogliacomi could be busy this year. The loss of forwards Wayne Andrews and Clyde Wijnhard makes the midfield, in which 39-year-old David Eyres top-scored, more important this year. It could be a big year for midfielder Paul Murray if he can steer clear of injury but, despite Dowie's fine start to management, Oldham should be happy with a mid-table finish. Key Man: Les Pogliacomi.
Peterborough
Last season: 11th
Manager: Barry Fry
Players in: Andre Boucaud (loan), Andy Legg.
Players out: Daniel Connor, Helgi Danielsson Barry Fry remains more popular outside Peterborough than with the Posh support. Being embroiled in a relegation struggle for much of last season did not help his cause. Ultimately, Peterborough finished in mid-table and they should be safe again this year. Andy Legg and Andre Boucaud are the new faces in midfield where Ryan Semple could become the latest player to attract the attention of bigger clubs. Leon McKenzie (if fit) and Andy Clarke should ensure Peterborough score enough goals, but a promotion push is unlikely. Key Man: Leon McKenzie.
Plymouth Argyle
Last season: 8th
Manager: Paul Sturrock
Players in: Tony Capaldi, Peter Gibert (loan)
Players out: Paul Bernard, Osvaldo Lopes, Stuart Malcolm, Kieran McAnespie, Craig Taylor. It was a season of quiet consolidation at Plymouth last year. Paul Sturrock's solid side were only two places off the play-offs, but the 16-point gap from sixth-place Cardiff was a more accurate reflection of their campaign. After winning Division 3 the previous year, Argyle were again defensively excellent, conceding only 52 goals. Keeper Romain Larrieu and defenders Paul Wotton, David Worrell and Graham Coughlin should ensure Plymouth are still hard to beat. But their chances of a top six finish surely depend on the forwards. No one has scored consistently in Sturrock's reign with Marino Keith (12) faring best last year. He, Micky Evans, Nathan Lowndes and Ian Stonebridge need to produce more goals. Key Man: Ian Stonebridge.
Port Vale
Last season: 17th
Manager: Brian Horton
Players in: Andreas Lipa, George Pilkington, Adrian Littlejohn
Players out: Matt Carragher, Phil Charnock, Sean McClare, Paul Byrne, Rae Ingram, John Durnin, Ian Brightwell. Under Brian Horton, Vale have consistently found themselves in the lower reaches of mid-table. Survival last year, when in administration, was no mean feat for a small squad further reduced by summer departures. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson remains Vale's biggest asset; he scored nine times from midfield last year, more than strikers Steve Brooker and Stephen McPhee managed. Though the Valiants have new owners, it would be no surprise if this season involves another battle against the drop. Key Man: Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.
Queens Park Rangers
Last season: 4th
Manager: Ian Holloway
Players in: Gareth Ainsworth, Eric Sabin, Martin Rowlands
Players out: Ollie Burgess, Brett Angell, Karl Connolly, Lyndon Duncan, Doudou, Brian Fitzgerald, Patrick Gradley, Danny Murphy, Chris Plummer, David Wattley, Leroy Griffiths Ian Holloway inherited a club in disarray, but QPR progressed well in each of his first two seasons in charge. Comparable improvement this year should see them return to Division 1. Holloway has a strong outfit; Clarke Carlisle (if he stays) and Danny Shittu could be the best central defensive partnership in the division, keeper Chris Day has proved a fine signing and Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen are proven goalscorers. Though striker Andy Thomson has gone back to Scotland, the improvement of Richard Pacquette should compensate while, together with the classy Richard Langley, summer arrivals Martin Rowlands and Gareth Ainsworth add creativity in midfield. They should go up. Key Man: Kevin Gallen.
Rushden & Diamonds
Last season: 1st (Division Three)
Manager: Brian Talbot
Players in: Rodney Jack
Players out: Dean Holdsworth, Gary Setchell, Adam Sollitt Rushden & Diamonds' remarkable rise through the leagues continued last year with the Division Three title last year. Brian Talbot's side have even been tipped for another promotion this year, though a season of consolidation in the higher league may be needed first. Former Crewe forward Rodney Jack reinforces the complement of quick West Indians which already included striker Onandi Lowe and winger Paul Hall. But he is the only arrival so far and, though former non-league players like keeper Billy Turley and left back Paul Underwood should do well in Division 2, Talbot may have more doubts about some of the rest of his squad. Key Man: Onandi Lowe
Sheffield Wednesday
Last season: 22nd (Division One)
Manager: Chris Turner
Players in: Graeme Lee, Paul Smith, Ola Tidman, Robbie Mustoe.
Players out: Michele Di Piedi, Ashley Westwood, Trond Soltvedt, Danny Maddix, Simon Donnelly, Tony Crane, Phil O'Donnell, David Burrows, Paul Evans. Like Manchester City five years ago, Sheffield Wednesday are by far the biggest club in the Second Divison and face the weight of expectation that comes with that tag. How they cope with that pressure could determine how quickly they escape Division 2. Manager Chris Turner's close-season clear-out has rid Hillsborough of several big earners with little to show for their time in Sheffield. In, instead, come three players from the manager's former club Hartlepool. The size of the Hillsborough crowd should give Turner a chance to strengthen, but the manager surely needs a play-off place at the least. Key Man: Alan Quinn.
Stockport County
Last season: 14th
Manager: Carlton Palmer
Players in: Owen Morrison, Stuart Barlow.
Players out: Anthony Kielthy, Hayden Earnes, Ryan Elderton, Gareth Walsh, Michael Ogden, Glyn Hancock, Peter Wild, Andy Thomas, Peter Clark, Ola Tidman. Life's never dull with Carlton Palmer, as a slanging match with a departed reserve goalkeeper this summer illustrates. Unfortunately for Stockport, they have little success to show for Palmer's time in charge. A finish of 14th flattered the Hatters after a relegation battle; but for Luke Beckett's 29 goals, they would have gone down. Stuart Barlow, a regular goalscorer at this level, should ease the burden on the top scorer. Owen Morrison, the other signing, is one of many young players who offer hope for the future, but it is hard to see Stockport above mid-table this year. Key Man: Luke Beckett.
Swindon Town
Last season: 10th
Manager: Andy King
Players in: Andrew Nicholas, Jon Stevenson, Grant Smith, Adrian Viveash, Sammy Igoe, Tommy Mooney, Danny Murphy, Brian Howard, Rhys Evans
Players out: Darren Dykes, Danny Invincibile, Eric Sabin, Adam Willis, Gareth Edds, Nathan Edwards, Kevin Halliday. An upper mid-table finish last year represented a good year for manager Andy King, now in his second spell at the County Ground. A summer of plenty of changes suggests the play-offs could be possible this season. The Reading duo of centre back Adrian Viveash and right midfielder Sammy Igoe look astute signings while Tommy Mooney, together with Sam Parkin (26 last year), could form a prolific partnership in attack. England Under 21 keeper Rhys Evans, Brian Howard, Danny Murphy and Jon Stevenson are younger players with plenty to prove. Danny Invincibile will be missed but, after struggling since relegation to the First Division, Swindon are in their best position so far to return there. Key Man: Tommy Mooney.
Tranmere Rovers
Last season: 7th
Manager: Ray Mathias
Players in: Tyrone Loran
Players out: Stuart Barlow, Andy Parkinson, Richard Hinds, Andy Robinson, Jason Price. Tranmere finished last season in superb form, undefeated in 15 games and unlucky not to reach the play-offs. Ray Mathias' appointment - eventually - to the job he always wanted has already been vindicated. At the least, Tranmere look strong contenders for a top six finish and automatic promotion may not be out of reach. But, after the loss of Jason Price, Stuart Barlow and Andy Parkinson, the one weakness may come in attack. Simon Haworth scored 22 goals last season; he may wonder where the support will come from this time. Key Man: Simon Haworth.
Wrexham
Last season: 3rd (Division Three)
Manager: Denis Smith
Players in: Chris Armstrong, Matty Crowell, Chris Llewellyn
Players out: Andy Morrell, Kristian Rogers, Dan Bennett, Wayne Phillips, Lee Trundle, Scott Green. Promotion last year was followed by the loss of Wrexham's first choice strikers. Andy Morrell (35 goals) moved to Coventry, but Lee Trundle's decision to drop a division and join Swansea was more surprising. Former Spurs striker Chris Armstrong and ex-Norwich winger Chris Llewellyn are the main signings. Neither lack ability, but their fitness record will be a concern to Denis Smith. With Lee Jones and Hector Sam the only other options in attack, both need to stay available. With Darren Ferguson in midfield and Carlos Edwards on the right wing, Wrexham could be entertaining, but need to show the solidity to stay up. Key Man: Chris Armstrong.
Wycombe Wanderers
Last season: 18th
Manager: Lawrie Sanchez
Players in: Charlie Mapes
Players out: Paul McCarthy, Andy Rammell, Mark Osborn, Martyn Lee. The FA Cup semi-final is a fading memory for Lawrie Sanchez and Wycombe. One relegation battle last year could be followed by another this time around as the experienced team of 2001 have been dismantled. Their replacements are less impressive with defence a particular worry, as 38 goals conceded at home last year shows. After a summer of just one signing, keeper Frank Talia could be busy again. Wycombe's top scorer last year - Sean Devine - got just eight and has already left. Sanchez will want more from Craig Faulconbridge this season, with Darren Currie responsible for setting up chances. Mid-table seems the best Wycombe can hope for; another relegation battle may be more likely. Key Man: Frank Talia. Predictions table.
1. QPR
2. Bristol City
3. Tranmere Rovers
4. Sheffield Wednesday
5. Blackpool
6. Grimsby Town
7. Swindon Town
8. Rushden & Diamonds
9. Plymouth Argyle
10. Brighton & Hove Albion
11. Colchester United
12. Bournemouth
13. Peterborough United
14. Notts County
15. Oldham Athletic
16. Barnsley
17. Luton Town
18. Wrexham
19. Stockport County
20. Wycombe Wanderers
21. Chesterfield
22. Brentford
23. Port Vale
24. Hartlepool United
Div One: Bradford-Gillingham | Ipswich-Sheff Utd | Stoke-Wimbledon
Division Two | Division Three
