League One preview 2005/6
Barnsley
Manager: Andy Ritchie Last season: 13th In: Richard Kell (Scunthorpe, free), Paul Hayes (Scunthorpe, free), Brian Howard (Swindon, free), Daniel Nardiello (Manchester United, free) Out: Mark Stallard (Shrewsbury, free), Michael Boulding, Tom Baker, Tom Williams (Gillingham, free) Andy Ritchie made an encouraging start after replacing Paul Hart, but Barnsley underachieved last season. Their failure to convert some of their 19 draws into wins kept them out of the play-off picture. Ritchie has bolstered his midfield with Brian Howard and Richard Kell while Paul Hayes, prolific at Scunthorpe, and Daniel Nardiello must compensate for the departure of the two top scorers last year, Michael Boulding and on-loan Michael Chopra. With Stephen McPhail in midfield, expect more good football but Barnsley need to be more ruthless if they are not to end up in mid-table again. Key man: Paul Hayes
Blackpool
Manager: Colin Hendry Last season: 16th In: Scott Vernon (Oldham, free), John Doolan (Doncaster, free) Out: Richie Wellens (Oldham, free), Martin Bullock (Macclesfield, free), Zarko Grabovac, Steven Boyack, Leam Richardson, Paul Edwards and Rob Clare Blackpool spent much of last season recovering from a dreadful start to Colin Hendry's first year in management. More will be expected from a smaller squad this time around but Scott Vernon, signed after a successful loan spell, looks the long-term replacement for Scott Taylor, who was sold in January. John Doolan was part of the Doncaster midfield for the last two seasons but the loss if Richie Wellens weakens Hendry's side and they will do well to secure the play-off spot that always eluded Steve McMahon. Key man: Peter Clarke.
Bournemouth
Manager: Sean O'Driscoll Last season: 8th In: Stephen Cooke (Aston Villa, free) Out: Kevin Scriven, Wade Elliott (Burnley, free), Garreth O'Connor (Burnley, free), Alan Connell (Torquay, undisclosed). Bournemouth have quietly forged a reputation as one of the better passing sides in League One and have twice come close to a top six finish. They survived the sale of captain Carl Fletcher to West Ham last season, but the moves of the influential pair of Wade Elliott and Garreth O'Connor to Burnley make manager Sean O'Driscoll's job harder. So new signing Stephen Cooke will be vital in midfield while O'Driscoll needs forward James Hayter to build on his breakthrough season last year - he scored 22 times - if Bournemouth are to challenge for the play-offs again. Key man: Stephen Cooke
Bradford City
Manager: Colin Todd Last season: 11th In: Danny Cadamarteri (Sheffield United, free), Russell Howarth (Tranmere, free), Bobby Petta (Darlington, free), Damion Stewart (Harbour View FC, free) Out: Michael Symes (Macclesfield, loan), Paul Henderson (Leicester, free) Bradford provided the unpredictable last season, often peaking in high-profile games or on their travels while losing eight times at home. Such consistency as they had was provided by Dean Windass, whose 27-goal haul was the best of his long career. It is surely unrealistic to expect him to repeat that, so the returning Danny Cadamarteri needs to finally realise his potential. Former Celtic man Bobby Petta should at least ensure a steady supply of crossses. Despite the presence of David Wetherall in defence, Bradford still conceded 35 times at Valley Parade. A new goalkeeper - Russell Howarth - has to make them tougher to break down if manager Colin Todd is to take his experienced side into the top six. Key man: Russell Howarth.
Brentford
Manager: Martin Allen Last season: 4th In: Lloyd Owusu (Reading, free), Ricky Newman (Reading, free), DJ Campbell (Yeading, free), Sam Tillen (Chelsea, free), Oli Skulason (Arsenal, free), Paul Brooker (Reading, free) Out: Matt Harrold (Yeovil, undisclosed), Jamie Lawrence, Deon Burton, John Salako, Stephen Hunt (Reading, free), Chris Hargreaves (Oxford, free), Scott Fitzgerald, Stewart Talbot (Boston, free), Andy Myers Martin Allen reacted to play-off disappointment with something of a clear-out,while bringing in a trio of Reading rejects in a busy summer at Griffin Park Lloyd Owusu, back for his second spell at Brentford, could be the most useful recruit as no striker scored more than 10 goals last season. DJ Campbell, Allen's latest recruit from non-league, is the manager's wild card, plucked from Yeading and given a second chance in the professional game. The intimidating Sam Sodje is the pivotal figure in a defence who were breached too often away from home last season. But a strong squad and their inimitable manager could be set for a second taste of the play-offs. Key man: Lloyd Owusu
Bristol City
Manager: Brian Tinnion Last season: 7th In: Marcus Stewart (Sunderland, free), Alex Russell (Torquay, free), Grant Smith (Swindon, free), Matt Heywood (Swindon, free), Michael Bridges (Sunderland, free), David Partridge (Motherwell, £150,000), Richard Keogh (free). Out: Tommy Doherty (QPR, free), Paul Heffernan (Doncaster, £125,000), Lee Miller (Dundee United, £225,000), Sekani Simpson, Mickey Bell, Mike Stowell, Craig Loxton, Tony Dinning (Port Vale, free), Joe Anyinsah (Preston, tbc), Marc Goodfellow (Swansea, free), Leroy Lita (Reading, £1 million), Danny Coles (Hull, £200,000). The return of the prodigal son is the main draw at Ashton Gate; Marcus Stewart, City fan and a consistent goalscorer over the last 15 years, is back in Bristol. He could form an ex-Sunderland strike partnership with the injury-hit Michael Bridges after the sale of Leroy Lita, though Steve Brooker (16 last season) remains. In midfield, the loss of captain Tommy Doherty is offset by the signing of Alex Russell but Brian Tinnion has made the transition from managing in midfield to the dugout. The jury is out on Tinnion after a poor start hampered City's promotion chances in his first season in charge. On paper, his is among the most powerful squads in the division, but they won little more than a third of their games last season. But they should challenge. Key man: Marcus Stewart.
Chesterfield
Manager: Roy McFarland Last season: 17th In: Colin Larkin (Mansfield, free), Paul Hall (Tranmere, free), Reuben Hazell (free), Barry Roche (free). Out: Ian Evatt (QPR, free), Mark Innes (Port Vale, free), Mark Hudson (Huddersfield, free), Andy Richmond, Jamie McMaster The departure of Ian Evatt makes Roy McFarland's task tougher if he is to keep Chesterfield in League One. Last year, they managed to stay out of trouble after a decent start. But Tcham N'Toya and Shane Nicholson outscored the recognised strikers so new additions Colin Larkin and Paul Hall have important roles to play, though the latter is more a creator than a scorer. A small squad and limited resources mean it is hard to see anything other than a battle against relegation for McFarland this year. Key man: Paul Hall
Colchester United
Manager: Phil Parkinson Last season: 15th In: Out: Gavin Johnson (Boston, free), Jamie Cade, Ben Bowditch and Bobby Bowry Phil Parkinson's reputation as one of the more promising lower league managers may be a concern to Colchester. At least Parkinson has kept his most coveted player, the versatile Greg Halford, at Layer Road. A lack of new faces is an indication of Colchester's financial restrictions, but Kevin Watson, Neil Danns and the fit-again Kemal Izzet should comprise one of the neater midfields in the division. After Craig Fagan's deadline day move to Hull, more goals will be required from Marino Keith and Gareth Williams, who endured difficult seasons last year, if they are to stay in the mid-table comfort zone. Key man: Greg Halford.
Doncaster Rovers
Manager: Dave Penney Last season: 10th In: Paul Heffernan (Bristol City, £125,000), Steve Roberts (Wrexham, free), Jan Budtz (FC Nordsjaelland, free), Tonny Nielsen (Fremard Amager, free), Philip McGuire (Aberdeen, free), Sean Thornton (Sunderland, £175,000). Out: John Doolan (Blackpool, free), Greg Blundell (Chester, undisclosed). Doncaster finished last season in the kind of form that suggested a promotion push might be possible this time around. Manager Dave Penney has opted to extend his stay with Rovers and brought in two Scandinavian goalkeepers, perhaps a consequence of conceding 40 goals away from home last season. Of the other newcomers, Sean Thornton needs turn talent into consistency and take the focus away from his Vanilla Ice impressions, while Paul Heffernan endured an underwhelming season at Bristol City. If the striker can reproduce his Notts County form, it will ease the burden on top scorer Michael McIndoe and could make Doncaster a good outside bet for the play-offs. Key man: Paul Heffernan.
Gillingham
Manager: Neale Cooper Last season: 22nd (Championship, relegated) In: Tony Bullock (Dundee United, free), Danny Jackman (Stockport, free), Tom Williams (Barnsley, free). Out: Nyron Nosworthy (Sunderland, free), John Hills (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Nicky Southall (Nottm Forest, free), Dean Beckwith, Matt Bodkin, Mamady Sidibe (Stoke, free), Jones Awuah, Barry Ashby (released), Bertrand Bossu (Darlington, free) Surprisingly sacked by Hartlepool, Neale Cooper has the chance to re-establish himself as one of the up-and-coming managers of British football. But it may take time; relegated Gillingham have been stripped of some of their best players. Nyron Nosworthy and John Hills were particularly important while Paul Smith and Barry Ashby provided experience and Cooper is yet to strengthen his squad apart from the signing of goalkeeper Tony Bullock and the left-sided Tom Williams If he does, Gillingham could be in contention for a top six finish. If not, it might be a season of consolidation. Either way, he needs someone to emerge as a regular goalscorer. Key man: Danny Spiller
Hartlepool United
Manager: Martin Scott Last season: 6th In: Lee Bullock (Cardiff, free), Chris Llewellyn (Wrexham, undisclosed), Michael Proctor (Rotherham, free), Darren Williams (Cardiff, free). Out: Chris Westwood (Walsall, free), Steve Howey Hartlepool's timing seemed seriously awry when they sacked Neale Cooper just before the play-offs. Martin Scott, his assistant-turned-successor, takes over after the longest spell of sustained success in the club's history. The Sunderland connection is very apparent in Scott's first moves with Michael Proctor and Darren Williams returning to the North East. Chris Llewellyn, meanwhile, joins their assortment of gifted left-footers. The exit of Chris Westwood, who combined well with Michael Nelson in defence, could be costly but Scott has kept 29-goal forward Adam Boyd, and that offers hope of another push for promotion. Key man: Adam Boyd.
Huddersfield Town
Manager: Peter Jackson Last season: 9th In: Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Lincoln, free), Martin McIntosh (Rotherham, free), Mark Hudson (Chesterfield, free) Out: Akpo Sodje (Darlington, free), Nat Brown (Lincoln, free) Huddersfield's end-of-season run of form was just too late to clinch a play-off place but it, and Pawel Abbott's 26 goals, bodes well for the forthcoming season. After promotion in 2004, the management team of Peter Jackson and Terry Yorath quickly consolidated their League One status. But for the second successive summer, astute acquisitions offer the possibility of further improvement. The imposing Martin McIntosh should make the defence stronger while Gary Taylor-Fletcher could make Huddersfield less reliant on Abbott for goals. If he does, they should be capable of a top-six finish. Key man: Martin McIntosh
Milton Keynes Dons
Manager: Danny Wilson Last season: 20th In: Paul Mitchell (Wigan, free), Craig Morgan (Wrexham, tribunal), Aaron Wilbraham (Hull, free) Out: Allan Smart (Bury, free), Jamie Macki, Mark Williams, Ryan Jerwood, Luke Wildy, Laurent Herve, Harry Ntimban-Zeh (released) Danny Wilson's rescue job at Milton Keynes was one of the more unlikely success stories of last season, but Wilson and his young team are among the favourites for the drop again. Paul Mitchell and Craig Morgan are two additions to an inexperienced defence while Aaron Wilbraham, who has flattered to deceive in recent years, strengthens the attack. As much as Wilson's nous, Izale McLeod's 16 goals saved MK Dons last year, but their financial position has made it hard to keep players at the club. As long as that is the case, they will do well to stay in League One. Key man: Aaron Wilbraham.
Nottingham Forest
Manager: Gary Megson Last season: 23rd (Championship, relegated) In: Nicky Southall (Gillingham, free), Nicky Eaden (Wigan, free), Gary Holt (Norwich, swap), Ian Breckin (Wigan, £350,000), Gino Padula (QPR, free). Out: Matthieu Louis-Jean (Norwich, swap), Eoin Jess (Northampton, free), Jon-Olav Hjelde, Andy Impey, Darryl Powell, Chris Doig (Northampton, free), Gregor Robertson (Rotherham, free), Barry Roche, Craig Westcarr, James Biggins, Gavin Hurren, John Lukic (Grimsby, free), Jonathan Wilmet, Marlon King (Watford, loan). A summer of upheaval has followed a disastrous season at the City Ground. Gary Megson's interpretation of Forest's dead wood extended to 14 players and the confrontational Yorkshireman might want to shift more players. So far, his five signings give the side a more solid look. Getting Ian Breckin, an automatic choice for promoted Wigan last year, is a particular coup. Further forward, Kris Commons was rejuvenated under Megson and David Friio provides goals from midfield, but the under-performing strikers need to produce more. But the new faces may need time to settle in and, after only nine victories last season, discovering a winning habit might not be easy. The burden of expectation adds to Megson's task and they may have to settle for a play-off place. Key man: Kris Commons.
Oldham Athletic
Manager: Ronnie Moore Last season: 19th In: Chris Swailes (Rotherham, free), Andy Liddell (Sheffield United, free), Paul Edwards (Wrexham, free), Paul Warne (Rotherham, free), Rob Scott (Rotherham, free), Gareth Owen (Stoke, free), Terrell Forbes (Grimsby, free), Richard Butcher (Lincoln, free), Richie Wellens (Blackpool, free), Chris Porter (Bury, free), Luke Beckett (Sheffield United, loan), Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough, loan). Out: Scott Vernon (Blackpool, free), John Eyre, Jermaine Johnson, Steve Mildenhall (Grimsby, free) Appointing Ronnie Moore could prove a masterstroke by Oldham. The former Rotherham manager led them to safety last season and has presided over a summer of change at Boundary Park. Centre back Chris Swailes is the most significant of the three arrivals from Rotherham while Andy Liddell and Richie Wellens should add some quality to a midfield where the evergreen David Eyres still plies his trade on the left wing. But the knee injury sustained by Luke Beckett is a blow; if fit, he could be the prolific goalscorer that could help Oldham upset more fancied teams; as it is, they could sneak into the play-offs. Key man: Chris Swailes.
Port Vale
Manager: Martin Foyle Last season: 18th In: Mark Innes (Chesterfield, free), Danny Sonner (Peterborough, free), Tony Dinning (Bristol City, free), Hector Sam (Wrexham, free), Micky Bell (Bristol City, free). Out: Dave Hibbert (Preston, tribunal), Ian Armstrong, Ryan Brown, Christian Hanson, Simon Eldershaw, Levi Reid Port Vale's home form ensured their survival last year and manager Martin Foyle has opted to reinforce his squad with players with plenty of League One experience. Micky Bell and Hector Sam provide options on the left and right flank respectively while Danny Sonner and Tony Dinning both merit the description 'much-travelled'. But for Vale to preserve their League One status, they may need more goals from youngster Billy Paynter, who only found the net 10 times last year. Key man: Billy Paynter
Rotherham United
Manager: Mick Harford Last season: 24th (Championship, relegated) In: Gregor Robertson (Nottm Forest, free), Lee Williamson (Northampton, free), Jon Otsemobor (Liverpool, free), Colin Murdock (Preston, free), David Worrell (Plymouth, free), Deon Burton (free). Out: Darren Garner (Torquay, free), Paul Warne (Oldham, free), Rob Scott (Oldham, free), Chris Swailes (Oldham, free), Mike Pollitt (Wigan, free), Martin McIntosh (Huddersfield, free) A hard man for a hard task. Mick Harford's first full season in management will involve a rebuilding job. The break up of Ronnie Moore's Rotherham side has already started with three players following their former manager to Oldham. The loss of the defensive axis of goalkeeper Mike Pollitt and centre backs Chris Swailes and Martin McIntosh means David Worrell, Colin Murdock and Jon Otsemobor could have key roles in a new-look back four. Deon Burton and Martin Butler provide plenty of experience in attack but it would be unrealistic to expect too much from a radically reshaped team. Mid-table could beckon. Key man: Colin Murdock
Scunthorpe United
Manager: Brian Laws Last season: 2nd (League Two, promoted) In: Tommy Johnson (Sheffield United, free), Jim Goodwin (Stockport, free), Richie Ryan (Sunderland, free), Richard Hinds (Hull, free) Out: Paul Hayes (Barnsley, free), Andy Parton, Richard Kell (Barnsley, free), Terry Barwick (Grimsby, free), Wayne Graves, Kevin Sharp (Shrewsbury, free) Twelve months after almost dropping out of the league, Scunthorpe are in League One. It is a remarkable turnaround by manager Brian Laws, who briefly left the club in the 2003-4 season before making a rapid return. But promotion was followed by top scorer Paul Hayes' move to Barnsley. Tommy Johnson, an occasional goalscorer in an injury-hit second half to his career, is his replacement, forming a partnership of veteran forwards with Steve Torpey. Defender Richard Hinds looks a more reliable recruit while winger Peter Beagrie plays on at 39. But Scunthorpe will do well if their stay in League One is to last more than a solitary season. Key man: Tommy Johnson.
Southend United
Manager: Steve Tilson Last season: 4th (League Two, promoted) In: Mitchell Cole (Grays Athletic, undisclosed). Out: Tes Bramble (Stockport, free), Michael Kightly, Jim Corbett. Freddy Eastwood's dream start to his league career catapulted Southend out of League Two, via the play-offs. Now the former Grays Athletic striker holds their hopes of surviving at a higher level. Eastwood scored 24 goals last season while defender Adam Barrett (11) was another surprise package for Southend, who also reached the LDV Vans Trophy final. However, manager Steve Tilson is yet to strengthen his squad and, without additions, they will do will to prevent a rapid return to League Two. Key man: Freddy Eastwood.
Swansea City
Manager: Kenny Jackett Last season: 3rd (League Two) In: Marc Goodfellow (Bristol City, free), Adebayo Akinfenwa (Torquay, undisclosed) Out: Swansea start life at a new stadium on a high after securing promotion in Kenny Jackett's first full season in charge. Lee Trundle contributed 22 goals and an assortment of tricks, but the summer signing of Adebayo Akinfenwa should mean that he has more support, even if Paul Connor appears surplus to requirements. Otherwise, Jackett is relying on the same, young group of players who have the potential to steer Swansea to safety. Key man: Lee Trundle.
Swindon Town
Manager: Andy King Last season: 12th In: Jamie Cureton (QPR, free), Charlie Comyn-Platt (Bolton, free), Jack Smith (Watford, free), Tony Thorpe (QPR, free), Ricky Shakes (Bolton, free), Gareth Whalley (free). Out: Matt Heywood (Bristol City), Brian Howard (Barnsley, free), Grant Smith (Bristol City, free), Sam Parkin (Ipswich, £450,000), Steve Robinson (Lincoln, free), Sammy Igoe (Millwall, free), David Duke (Darlington, free) Swindon will start the season with virtually an entirely different midfield and forward line after a host of first-team regulars left the County Ground. Sam Parkin, who scored 23 times last season, is the most prominent departure. Manager Andy King has turned to the former QPR pair of Tony Thorpe and Jamie Cureton to form his new strike force. There is more continuity in the defence but, with so many changes, Swindon may struggle to emulate last season's mid-table finish. Key man: Rhys Evans
Tranmere Rovers
Manager: Brian Little Last season: 3rd In: Sam Aiston (Shrewsbury, free), Steve Wilson (Macclesfield, free), Chris Greenacre (Stoke, free), Steve Davies (free) Out: Paul Hall (Chesterfield, free), Russell Howarth (Bradford), David Beresford (Macclesfield), Simon Haworth, Gary Jones, Ryan Taylor (Wigan, £750,000). After coming so close to promotion last year, Tranmere's challenge is go one better and break into the top two. They have lost goalscoring wing-back and set-piece specialist Ryan Taylor but, despite interest from Sheffield Wednesday, have kept winger and top scorer Iain Hume. It was something of a surprise that Paul Hall left but Chris Greenacre, who rather lost his way at Stoke, could be the predator Tranmere have been missing. It is harder to see Aiston, Davies and Wilson, the other arrivals, as first-choice players. Jason McAteer remains the driving force in midfield while Brian Little's canny management of a strong squad makes Tranmere potential champions. Key man: Jason McAteer
Walsall
Manager: Paul Merson Last season: 14th In: Chris Westwood (Hartlepool, free), Daniel Fox (Everton, free), Craig Pead (Coventry, free), Anthony Gerrard (Everton, free), Paul Smith (Gillingham, free), Ruben Dario Larissa (free) Out: Ryan Willetts, David Perpetuini, Zigor Aranalde (Carlisle, free) Walsall's first season under Paul Merson was more eventful than a 14th-place finish suggests, though the player-manager rarely leads a quiet life. Merson remains vital though he ceded star billing last year to Matty Fryatt (15 goals in 22 starts). No one else got more than eight, but the signing of four defenders suggests Merson feels Walsall's problems were defensive. Chris Westwood, part of Hartlepool's success last season, comes with most experience of League One and Paul Smith with a grounding in the Championship. Walsall should look good on their day, but need to show more consistency if they are to rise above mid-table. Key man: Paul Merson
Yeovil
Manager: Gary Johnson Last season: 1st (League Two, promoted) In: David Poole (Manchester United, free), Matt Harrold (Brentford, undisclosed), Nathan Jones (Brighton, free) Out: Marcus Richardson (Chester, free), Andrejs Stolcers (FC Baku) Yeovil blazed a trail in League Two last year, scoring 90 goals to earn a second promotion in three years. The downside was that they conceded 65 so new signing Nathan Jones and his team-mates need to tighten up at the back. But Phil Jevons scored 27 league goals and Aaron Davies averaged a goal every other start in midfield, so there is plenty of potential for goals at Huish Park. And with manager Gary Johnson staying with the Somerset club, Yeovil should comfortably avoid relegation. Key man: Phil Jevons
Championship | League 1 | League 2
