Division Three season preview

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Nationwide League Season 2003/4
Div One: Bradford-Gillingham | Ipswich-Sheff Utd | Stoke-Wimbledon
Division Two | Division Three

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Boston United

Last season: 15th
Manager: Neil Thompson
In: Daryl Sutch, Lee Beevers, Graham Potter
Out: Nick Conroy, Peter Costello, James Gould, David Town, Mark Clifford.

Boston started last season with four points deducted and, effectively, without a manager.

They survived and, with the addition of experienced wide players Daryl Sutch and Graham Potter, may be setting their sights higher this year.

Their hopes could lie with two of the older players, evergreen midfielder Neil Redfearn and veteran goalscorer Peter Duffield, but mid-table again looks more likely.

Key Man: Peter Duffield.

Bristol Rovers

Last season: 20th
Manager: Ray Graydon
In: Lee Hodges, Christian Edwards, Dave Savage, Junior Agogo, Kevin Miller
Out: Scott Howie, Mark McKeever, Lewis Hogg, Trevor Challis, Bradley Allen, Guiliano Grazioli.

Ray Graydon endured a tough first year back at Bristol Rovers and is under pressure to succeed soon.

Five summer signings, four with experience of higher divisions, give a squad which has the potential to go up, though the play-offs are a more realistic target than a top three finish.

But much depends on how the new signings gel and whether Graydon's passing football is right for Division 3.

New signing Junior Agogo, who will probably be paired with veteran Andy Rammell in attack, will have to ensure last year's top scorer Guiliano Grazioli is not missed.

Key Man: Junior Agogo.

Bury

Last season: 7th
Manager: Andy Preece
In: Joe O'Neill (loan), Lee Duxbury
Out: Jon Newby, Michael Nelson, Steve Redmond, Colin Cramb, Ed Tarsus, Nicky Hill, Seb Rowe, John Blackley, Matthew Morris, Chris Billy, Jamie Stuart.

Since Bury's play-off defeat, top scorer Jon Newby and vital defender and Player of the Year Michael Nelson are among a host of departures from Gigg Lane.

Though former Oldham captain Lee Duxbury will strengthen the midfield, manager Andy Preece has a weaker team and a smaller squad. Another play-off push looks unlikely and Bury could struggle.

Key Man: Lee Duxbury.

Cambridge United

Last season: 12th
Manager: John Taylor
In: Justin Walker, Mark Venus
Out: David Theobald, Anthony Scully, Daryl Bourgeois, Daniel Huggins, Owen Paynter, Graham Rush, Paul Wanless.

John Taylor's young team showed promise last year but missed out on the play-offs. But the loss of striker Tom Youngs and captain Paul Wanless means Cambridge will rely even more on forward Dave Kitson, who scored 23 goals last season.

Former Ipswich man Mark Venus has signed and should help a defence who conceded 45 goals on their travels last year.

Though Taylor's youngsters will continue to improve, a top seven finish is unlikely.

Key Man: Dave Kitson

Carlisle United

Last season: 22nd
Manager: Roddy Collins
In: Chris Billy, Craig Russell, Steve Livingstone, Paul Simpson.
Out: Marc Nixon, Adam Thwaites, Luke Weaver, Jon McCarthy, Marc Gardiner.

As usual, Carlisle just avoided relegation last year. With some, rare stability at Brunton Park, boss Roddy Collins has the chance to aim higher this year.

Four vastly experienced players have been added to an otherwise young squad, with former Rochdale boss Paul Simpson perhaps the most interesting signing.

But, assuming Steve Livingstone is used in attack, Collins has not strengthened a defence who let in 78 goals last season, 14 more than relegated Exeter. If they do tighten up, Carlisle should avoid a relegation battle.

Key Man: Paul Simpson.

Cheltenham Town

Last season: 21st (Division Two)
Manager: Bobby Gould
In: Craig Dobson, Kayode Odejayi
Out: Stephen Jones, Richard Kear, Christian Brutschin, Julian Alsop, Neil Haworth, Lee Williams, Russell Milton, Tony Naylor.

Bobby Gould couldn't quite keep Cheltenham up last year; now he has the responsibility of trying to take them back into Division Two.

But having lost the little-and-large strike force of Tony Naylor and Julian Alsop, he may be wondering who will score the goals. Damien Spencer and new signing Kayode Odejayi could be the strike duo given that responsibility.

Steve Cotterill did superbly to get Cheltenham promoted two years ago, but with a lesser squad, Gould may not emulate him.

Key Man: John Finnigan.

Darlington

Last season: 14th
Manager: Mick Tait
In:
Out: Paul Campbell, Neil Maddison, Mark Ford.

If only Darlington had a team to match their new stadium. The Reynolds Arena holds 27,500 but is unlikely to be full for mid-table encounters in Division 3.

With limited resources, 14th place represented a reasonable season for manager Mick Tait, with youngsters Clark Keltie and Ashley Nicholls the main bonuses. With no new faces, it is hard to see Darlington doing much better this year.

Key Man: Ian Clark.

Doncaster Rovers

Last season: 3rd (in Conference)
Manager: Dave Penney
In: Leo Fortune-West, John McGrath
Out: Andy Watson, Gareth Owen, Barry Miller, Stuart Nelson, Warren Peyton, Michael McIndoe Keith Foy, Craig Temperton, Sam Thorne, Richard Gregory.

After five years out of the Football League, Doncaster will surely settle for a comfortable mid-table finish.

Few opponents will relish playing against the abrasive Leo Fortune-West, one of manager Dave Penney's summer signings. Together with Paul Barnes (25 last year), he should score the goals to keep Rovers safe, although Michael McIndoe's arrival from Yeovil could alter that.

Key Man: Leo Fortune-West.

Huddersfield Town

Last season: 22nd (Division Two)
Manager: Peter Jackson
In: Rob Edwards, Jon Newby, Ian Gray, Tony Carss, Efe Sodje.
Out: Kevin Sharp, Eddie Youds, Ben Austin, Chris Brown, Gareth Evans, Kenny Irons, Simon Baldry, Thomas Heary, Lee Padgett, Danny Clapham, Greg Kelly, Martin Smith, Adie Moses.

Fans' favourite Peter Jackson is back in charge after a disastrous year of relegation and battling to survive altogether. Failure on the pitch and financial problems off it have led to the departure of 13 players, with 17-goal top scorer Martin Smith certain to be missed.

But Jackson has signed well, with Jon Newby and Andy Booth sure to be among the better forward partnerships in the division and plenty of support from the flanks.

Jackson's new-look team have the potential to win promotion, but it may take a while to forge a unit.

Key Man: Jon Newby.

Hull City

Last season: 13th
Manager: Peter Taylor
In: Danny Allsopp, Andy Dawson, Richard Hinds, Alton Thelwell, Jason Price
Out: Lee Philpott, Jamie Heard, Lawrie Dudfield.

The wealthiest and best-supported team in the division, Hull are favourites for promotion. But they have been the last two years and have finished disappointingly in mid-table on both occasions.

Peter Taylor, who already has promotions from Divisions 2 and 1 to his credit, is now in charge and, by bringing in Danny Allsopp to join Jamie Forrester and Ben Burgess, has a team with the potential to score plenty of goals.

Defenders Andy Dawson, Richard Hinds and Alton Thelwell and the versatile Jason Price also look good additions to a squad with real strength in depth.

But, as 11 away defeats last year show, Hull need to be more resilient. If they can make themselves harder to beat, the Tigers could be champions.

Key Man: Danny Allsopp.

Kidderminster Harriers

Last season: 11th
Manager: Ian Britton
In: Matthew Gadsby
Out: Fraser Digby, Hugh McAuley, Ian Foster, Dion Scott, Drewe Broughton, Inderpaul Khela.

Ian Britton proved a very capable replacement for Jan Molby last season when Kidderminster were in contention for the play-offs until the final couple of weeks of the season.

Bo Henriksen's 20 goals were a major reason for Harriers' success but still more rests on the Dane this season with three other forwards leaving.

Though former Walsall man Matt Gadsby boosts the defence and Britton has a decent midfield, a very small squad and a lack of resources could cost Kidderminster. Mid-table at best; with injuries, they could have problems.

Key Man: Bo Henriksen.

Leyton Orient

Last season: 18th
Manager: Paul Brush
In: David Hunt
Out: Carl Hutchings, Andy Harris, John Martin, Scott Canham, Chris Wild, Andre Williams, James Rodden, Scott Barrett.

Orient underachieved last year and were almost dragged into a relegation battle. With the squad at his disposal, manager Paul Brush may feel he should have done better.

But youngsters like Jabo Ibehre and Simon Downer need to improve and strikers Gary Alexander and Lee Thorpe, who have the potential to score regularly, need to deliver more goals.

Greg Heald is the new captain after first Dean Smith and then Andy Harris left. If Orient do not do better, boss Brush may follow.

Key Man: Matt Lockwood. Lincoln City Last season: 6th
Manager: Keith Alexander
In: Dave Wattley, Rory May
Out: Richard Logan, Adam Buckley, Chris Ward, Adie Mike, Stuart Bimson.

Keith Alexander took over at Lincoln last year with a remit to avoid relegation; he reached the play-offs. At that rate of progress, they would win automatic promotion this season.

But the second season may prove tougher than the first for a collection of players with their roots in non-league.

Centre back Ben Futcher top-scored last time and, though Simon Yeo finished with a flurry of goals, they probably need a more consistent scorer this time.

Though Paul Morgan showed class in defence and Peter Gain added flair, Lincoln were criticised for an overly direct approach; this season may show if tactics of 5-2-3 can work.

Key Man: Peter Gain.

Macclesfield Town

Last season: 16th
Manager: Dave Moss
In: Colin Little, John Miles, Martin Carruthers, David Flitcroft.
Out: Chris Byrne, Lee Martin, Paul O'Neil, David Eaton, Paul Aldridge, Lee Hardy, Ben Abbey, Kyle Lightbourne, John Askey, Darren Tinson.

The more optimistic fans may only be hoping for a mid-table finish, but Macclesfield Town defied predictions they would go down last year.

Since then, arguably their most skilful player, Chris Byrne, has gone and Macc veterans Darren Tinson and John Askey won't be in the team next year either.

But David Flitcroft should be a solid signing and Martin Carruthers is a consistent scorer at this level. Danny Whitaker, whose development was the main positive of last season, and Matthew Tipton each got 14 last time around.

If they, and Carruthers, can carry on scoring, Macclesfield should dodge the drop.

Key Man: Danny Whitaker.

Mansfield Town

Last season: 23rd (Division Two)
Manager: Keith Curle
In: Tony Vaughan
Out: Keith Welch, Scott Sellars, Matthew Gadsby, Andy White.

The reason for Mansfield's relegation last year is very obvious; they conceded 97 goals, more than anyone else in the league.

Admittedly, they improved at the back after Keith Curle replaced Stuart Watkiss but summer signing Tony Vaughan will play a vital role in the centre of defence.

There are fewer problems going forward, with Iyesden Christie finding goals easy to come by last year, and Liam Lawrence, Lee Williamson and Craig Disley among the talented younger players, but Mansfield's fortunes surely depend on the defence.

Key Man: Tony Vaughan.

Northampton Town

Last season: 24th (Division Two)
Manager: Martin Wilkinson
In: Paul Reid, Peter Clark, Martin Reeves, Marc Richards, Chris Willmott, Lawrie Dudfield, Martin Smith, Tom Smith, Ollie Burgess, Luke Weaver, Ashley Westwood
Out: Chris Marsh, Duncan Spedding, Richard Hope, Marco Gabbiadini, Paul McGregor, John Frain, Nathan Abbey, Daryl Burgess, Jerry Gill, Bobby White.

It really is all change at Northampton this summer. After a dismal season of relegation and three managers, an injection of cash from a new board gives the Cobblers real hope of returning to Division 2.

At the last count, manager Martin Wilkinson had made 11 signings, enough for a new team, though Paul Trollope, Paul Harsley and Ian Sampson of the old guard should keep their places.

Of the new buys, centre back Paul Reid could be the most promising while former Huddersfield man Martin Smith should be the most prolific.

Expectations will be high and Northampton need rebuilding to result in a winning team quickly.

Key Man: Martin Smith.

Oxford United

Last season: 8th
Manager: Ian Atkins
In: Derek Townsley, Julian Alsop, Mark Rawle, Paul McCarthy, Danny Brown, Paul Wanless.
Out: Paul Powell, Ian McCaldon, David Oldfield, Dave Savage, Sam Ricketts, Simon King.

Ian Atkins' methods may not always be pretty but, after several terrible seasons, he started to rebuild Oxford last year.

Out went most of Mark Wright's non-league players; in their place, experienced league players forming a solid and resilient side.

Paul McCarthy joins a big defence, Paul Wanless and Derek Townsley strengthen the midfield and Julian Alsop and Mark Rawle add height and power to the attack.

So close to a play-off place last year, Oxford should do better this time - but they need to win more home games.

Key Man: Paul Wanless.

Rochdale

Last season: 19th
Manager: Alan Buckley
In: Daryl Burgess
Out: Lee Hodges, Clive Platt, Richard Jobson, Michael Oliver, John Baker, Neil Bennett, Paul Simpson, David Flitcroft.

The idiosyncratic Alan Buckley has returned to management after a year off in which Rochdale enjoyed cup success and endured league failure. Buckley's first signing was typical; Daryl Burgess has played for him before. Of those who haven't, however, Buckley may be impressed.

Lee McEvilly and Kevin Townson are talented young forwards while Paul Connor could be among the division's top scorers. Expect good football from Buckley's team, but his small squad may find the play-offs beyond them.

Key Man: Lee McEvilly.

Scunthorpe United

Last season: 5th
Manager: Brian Laws
In: Cliff Byrne, Kevin Sharp
Out: James Cotterill, Andy Dawson, Martin Carruthers.

Scunthorpe have spent three seasons in or around the play-offs, but a second promotion has proved beyond the long-serving Brian Laws. His cause this time around is not helped by top scorer Martin Carruthers' move to Macclesfield; Paul Hayes is his probable replacement in attack.

With winger Peter Beagrie one year older, Scunthorpe may be weaker on the wings as well.

New captain Mark Jackson and Nathan Stanton should make Scunthorpe solid defensively, but the play-offs could be beyond them this time.

Key Man: Peter Beagrie.

Southend United

Last season: 17th
Manager: Steve Wignall
In: Duncan Jupp, Mark Warren, Jamie Stuart, Drewe Broughton, Mark Gower, James Corbett, Carl Emberson, Che Wilson.
Out: Daryl Sutch, Tom Jordan, Mark Beard, Stephen Broad, Darryl Flahavan, Damon Searle, Barrington Belgrave, Mark Salter, Gavin Strachan, Danny Gay, Daniel Lunan, Brett Darby, Phil Whelan, Mark Rawle.

New manager Steve Wignall has assembled a very different side at Roots Hall from Rob Newman's team who never looked destined for anything other than lower mid-table.

Many of the new recruits are notable for their competitive streak, though former Barnet midfielder Mark Gower adds flair to the midfield.

With Mark Rawle gone, Tes Bramble and Drewe Broughton are the most likely scorers, but Southend may find Wignall produces similar results to Newman.

Key Man: Mark Gower

Swansea City

Last season: 21st
Manager: Brian Flynn
In: Leon Britton, Brad Maylett, Lenny Johnrose, Lee Trundle
Out: Steve Watkin, John Williams, Gareth Phillips, Neil Sharp, Jamie Wood, Andrew Mumford, Matt Murphy, Terry Evans.

Brian Flynn took over Wrexham when they were in danger of going out of the league and took them to the Second Division. Having avoided relegation on the final day of last season, his objective will be to do the same at Swansea.

It will be a shock, though, if promotion comes this year. Flynn has added well to his small squad with Roberto Martinez, who impressed on loan last year, and Lee Trundle, who will join 15-goal James Thomas in attack.

The manager has the pedigree at this level, but Swansea are still more likely to be nearer the bottom of the table than the top.

Key Man: Lee Trundle.

Torquay United

Last season: 9th
Head coach: Leroy Rosenior
In: Craig Taylor
Out: Paul Holmes Torquay almost reached the play-offs while Exeter went down; it was a pretty good year for many Gulls fans. Leroy Rosenior's achievements at Plainmoor mean his name is linked with vacancies elsewhere.

But with Rosenior and striker David Graham staying, Torquay can at least hope for promotion.

However, a lack of resources means former Plymouth captain Craig Taylor is the only summer arrival and several inexperienced players could have a part to play, especially with pre-season injuries.

With Alex Russell's ability in midfield and Graham and Martin Gritton in attack, Torquay should not be in trouble, but it will be difficult to escape Division 3.

Key Man: Alex Russell.

Yeovil

Last season: 1st (Conference)
Manager: Gary Johnson
In:
Out: Michael McIndoe

Gary Johnson, the only man to manage both Latvia and Yeovil, achieved the promotion which took the non-league's most famous giantkillers into Division 3.

He has the same squad in which Kirk Jackson and Kevin Gall will be expected to provide the goals. but left winger Michael McIndoe, Conference Player of the Year last year, has since joined Doncaster. With big crowds and the impetus from promotion, Yeovil won't be in trouble and could be a good outside bet but they may need a year of consolidation in a new league.

Key Man: Kevin Gall

York City

Last season: 10th
Manager: Chris Brass
In:
Out: Gary Hobson, Graham Potter, Tom Cowan, Craig Wilding, Jon Collinson.

Terry Dolan was not always popular in his time as York manager so it was perhaps ironic he was sacked after his best season in charge. Chris Brass, already captain and centre back or centre midfield, becomes the youngest manager in the league for 50 years.

He inherits a team who nearly reached the play-offs but who lost their top scorer, Peter Duffield, to Boston mid-way through last season and five more players in the summer.

It's hard to see York scoring too many goals and injuries could hurt a squad which lacks strength in depth. Under an unproven manager, they could struggle.

Key Man: Chris Brass.

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Nationwide League Season 2003/4
Div One: Bradford-Gillingham | Ipswich-Sheff Utd | Stoke-Wimbledon
Division Two | Division Three

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Div 3 predictions table

1. Hull
2. Huddersfield
3. Oxford
4. Northampton Town
5. Yeovil
6. Mansfield Town
7. Bristol Rovers
8. Torquay
9. Lincoln City
10. Rochdale
11. Boston
12. Cambridge
13. Scunthorpe
14. Leyton Orient
15. Cheltenham Town
16. Swansea City
17. Macclesfield Town
18. Darlington
19. Carlisle United
20. Doncaster Rovers
21. Southend
22. Kidderminster Harriers
23. York
24. Bury

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