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League One Preview
League One Preview
Friday, 5th Aug 2011 20:39 by Martz

League One has proved to be one of the most consistently challenging divisions for a number of years - and this year looks like being no exception. Here's a quick assessment of the sides transfer dealings over the summer - along with some less than accurate predictions on where they’ll finish this year.

Bournemouth

Last season’s surprise package, the Cherries narrowly missed out on a trip to Old Trafford after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Huddersfield. However, with the loss of influential pair Danny Hollands and Jason Pearce, a repeat of last seasons exploits look unlikely.

Last Season: 6th

Prediction: 13th

IN: Darryl Flahavan (Free), Steven Gregory (AFC Wimbledon), Adam Barrett (Crystal Palace), Scott Malone (Wolves - loan), Nathan Byrne (Spurs - season long loan)

OUT: Danny Hollands (Charlton), Jason Pearce (Portsmouth), Rhoys Wiggins (Charlton), Anton Robinson (Huddersfield)

Brentford

An impressive run under caretaker boss Nicky Forster towards the end of the season was not enough for him to keep the job - which was given to former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler. If Clayton Donaldson can repeat his goalscoring exploits in League One, expect the Bees to be buzzing around the top six spots.

Last Season: 11th

Prediction: 6th

IN: Shaleum Logan (Manchester City), Marcel Eger (St Pauli), Jonathan Douglas (Swindon), Clayton Donaldson (Free), Niall McGinn (Celtic - season long loan)

OUT: David Hunt (Crawley), Stephen Wright (Released), David McCracken (Released), Lewis Grabban (Released), Chris Bush (AFC Wimbledon)

Bury

After being at the right end of League Two for the past couple of seasons, the goals of Ryan Lowe were enough to see Bury back in the third tier of English football for the first time since the 2001/2002 season. However, a lack of signings in an already small squad could see them struggle.

Last Season: 2nd (League Two)

Prediction: 20th

IN: Mark Hughes (Free), Mark Cullen (Hull City - loan)

OUT: Kyle Bennett (Doncaster)

Carlisle United

The Cumbrian club tasted glory at Wembley by lifting the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season - and will hope to build on their mid-table finish. With a number of creative players signing over the summer, a push towards the play-offs could be on should they find a regular goals scorer.

Last Season: 12th

Prediction: 7th

IN: Andy Welsh (Yeovil), Jon-Paul McGovern (Swindon), Stephen O'Halloran (Free), Liam Noble (Sunderland - loan)

OUT: Kevan Hurst (Released), Marco Gbarssin (Released), Jason Price (Released)

Charlton Athletic

One of the busiest managers this summer, Chris Powell will be hoping his newly assembled squad are pushing towards the top end of the table by May. If they hit the ground running, I’d certainly expect the Addicks to be making a charge for the promotion spots come May.

Last Season: 13th

Prediction: 2nd

IN: Danny Hollands (Bournemouth), John Sullivan (Millwall), Bradley Pritchard (Hayes & Yeading), Cedric Evina (Free), Paul Hayes (Free), Mikel Alonso (Tenerife), Danny Green (Dagenham & Redbridge), Dale Stephens (Oldham), Rhoys Wiggins (Bournemouth), Matt Taylor (Free), Michael Morrison (Sheffield Wednesday), Ben Hamer (Reading), Andy Hughes (Free)

OUT: Ross Worner (Released), Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal), Therry Racon (End of contract), Alan McCormack (Mutual consent)

Chesterfield

The Spireites certainly took a liking to their new home, scoring goals for fun as they lifted the League Two title. The loss of Craig Davies to Barnsley will be a blow, but I’d expect the Spireites to consolidate their place in League One this year with ease.

Last Season: 1st (League Two)

Prediction: 10th

IN: Nathan Smith (Yeovil), Mark Randall (Free), Greg Fleming (Free)

OUT: Craig Davies (Barnsley - free), Ian Breckin (Released), Shane Redmond (Released)

Colchester United

An appalling away record cost the U’s a top six spot last season - and with just two recognised strikers on their books - a lack of goals may cost them this season. If John Ward can manage Steven Gillespie’s injury problems and have him consistently available, another top ten finish is a possibility.

Last Season: 10th

Prediction: 11th

IN: Michael Rose (Swindon), Tom Eastman (Ipswich), Karl Duguid (Free)

OUT: David Perkins (Barnsley), Medy Elito (Released), Sam Corcoran (Released), Lee Beevers (Released), Simon Hackney (Released)

Exeter City

Exeter City have continued to prosper year on year under the tutelage of Paul Tisdale, and with the departure of captain Matt Taylor and striker Jamie Cureton, his abilities will be tested to the full. They could struggle to match last seasons placing, but should finish comfortably in mid-table.

Last Season: 8th

Prediction: 14th

IN: Lenny Pidgeley (Bradford), Danny Coles (Bristol Rovers), Guillem Bauza Northampton), Callum McNish (Free)

OUT: James Wood (Released), Matt Armstrong Ford (Released), Jake Thomson (Released), Paul Jones (Released), James Norwood (Released), Ben Watson (Released), Dan Western (Released), Noah Keat (Released), Joe Heath (Released), Ethan Phillips (Released), Paul Gibbins (Released), Josh Searle (Released), Jamie Cureton (Leyton Orient), Matt Taylor (Charlton)

Hartlepool United

Former U’s boss Mick Wadsworth did a fine job with the North East club last season with the club finishing clear of the relegation dogfight. With one of the smaller budgets in the division, Wadsworth may find life a little harder this season despite the eye-catching signing of Nolberto Solano.

Last Season: 16th

Prediction: 19th

IN: Nolberto Solano (Free), Colin Nish (Free), Jack Baldwin (Faversham Town), James Poole (Man City), Nathan Luscombe (Sunderland)

OUT: Leon McSweeney (Released), Armann Bjornsson (Released), Denis Behan (Released), Billy Greulich (Released), Michael Mackay (Released), Joe Gamble (Released), Fabian Yantorno (Released), Billy Blackford (Released), Callum Martin (Released), Dylan Purvis (Released)

Huddersfield Town

The Terriers narrowly missed out on promotion last season, but the squad remains packed with talent despite Anthony Pilkington and Lee Peltier moving on up the Football League ladder. If they start the season well, they should be the team to beat this year.

Last Season: 3rd

Prediction: 1st

IN: Callum Woods (Dunfermline), Oscar Gobern (Southampton), Donal McDermott (Man City - tribunal), Tommy Miller (Free), Liam Cooper (Hull City - season long loan), Danny Ward (Bolton), Damien Johnson (Plymouth - season long loan), Anton Robinson (Bournemouth)

OUT: Leigh Franks (Released), Lee Peltier (Leicester), Anthony Pilkington (Norwich)

Leyton Orient

Orient enjoyed their season both on and off the field last season - their league placing their best since 1993 - and a cup run that saw Barry Hearn reward his squad with a trip to Las Vegas. Hearn has told his squad a return to Vegas is on should they make the top six - and with some shrewd signings, Orient may again go close.

Last Season: 7th

Prediction: 8th

IN: Leon McSweeney (Free), Scott Cuthbert (Free), Jamie Cureton (Free), Marc Laird (Free), David Mooney (Reading)

OUT: Scott McGleish (Released), Ryan Jarvis (Released), Aaron Brown (Released), Harry Beautyman (Released), Andy Whing (Oxford - free), Adam Chambers (Walsall)

MK Dons

MK (I refuse to call them ‘Dons’) had an excellent season last season by finishing in the play-offs. Karl Robinson has his side playing an attractive style, and with the club holding onto their prize asset Sam Baldock, another top six finish beckons.

Last Season: 5th

Prediction: 4th

IN: Dean Bowditch (Free), Darren Potter (Free), Jay O'Shea (Free), Ian McLoughlin (Free), Angelo Balanta (QPR - loan)

OUT: Sean O'Hanlon (Released), Jude Stirling (Released), Danny Woodards (Released), Stuart Searle (Released), Peter Leven (Released)

Notts County

One of the more charismatic managers in the game, Martin Allen has had a busy summer in the transfer market. Jeff Hughes and Alan Sheehan should add extra quality to the squad, which should see County better last seasons finish.

Last Season: 19th

Prediction: 15th

IN: Alan Sheehan (Free), Ishmel Demontagnac (Free), Jude Stirling (Free), Julian Kelly (Reading), Hamza Bencherif (Free), Jeff Hughes (Free), Charlie Allen (Free)

OUT: David Grof, Kevin Smith, Alan Gow, Febian Brandy, Graeme Lee, Njogu Demba-Nyren (all released); John Thompson (Mansfield, free)

Oldham Athletic

After a promising start to last season, the Latics plummeted down the table to finish too close to the drop zone for comfort. A number of key players have moved on over the summer, and Paul Dickov may have a difficult job in saving the club from the drop.

Last Season: 17th

Prediction: 23rd

IN: Matt Smith (Solihull Moors), Jean-Yves M'voto (Free), Alex Cisak (Accrington Stanley), Zander Diamond (Free), Matthew Lund (Stoke City - loan)

OUT: Cedric Evina (Released), Lewis Alessandra (Released), Ritchie Jones (Released), Andy Todd (Released), Rod McDonald (Released), Josh Ollerenshaw (Released), Deane Smalley (Oxford), Reuben Hazell (End of contract), Warren Feeney (Contract termiated)

Preston North End

After improved performances under Phil Brown at the end of last season, Brown has said anything short of winning the League One title would be a ‘failure’ this season. With financial problems at Deepdale, that target looks out of reach, but a top six spot should be achievable.

Last Season: 22nd (Championship)

Prediction: 5th

IN: Clarke Carlisle (Burnley - season long loan), Iain Turner (Free), Brian McLean (Free), Graham Alexander (Free)

OUT: Paul Hayes (Released), Billy Jones (West Brom - Free), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Neal Trotman (Released), Andy Lonergan (Leeds)

Rochdale

Most people would agree that Rochdale over-achieved last season after promotion to the third tier for the first time in decades. However, with Keith Hill leaving for Barnsley - with Scott Wiseman and Matt Dean - a season of struggle beckons for The Dale.

Last Season: 9th

Prediction: 18th

IN: Ashley Grimes (Free), Andrew Tutte (Free), Simon Hackney (Free), Marc Twaddle (Free), Stephen Darby (Liverpool - season long loan), Neal Trotman (Free), Paul Marshall (Free), David Lucas (Free)

OUT: Scott Wiseman (Barnsley), Matt Done (Barnsley), Owain Fon Williams (Released), Robbie Williams (Released)

Scunthorpe United

The Iron have yo-yoed between the second and third tier for the past few seasons in what has been arguably one of their most successful periods in their history. Scunthorpe conceded far too many goals last season, and the same problems will stop them pushing for a top six spot this season.

Last Season: 24th (Championship)

Prediction: 12th

IN: Jordan Robertson (Free), Jimmy Ryan (Accrington), Andy Barcham (Free)

OUT: Rob Jones (Sheffield Wednesday), Joe Murphy (Released), David Mirfin (Released), Rory Coleman (Released), Johnathan Williams (Released), Paris Cowan-Hall (Released), Ian Morris (Released), Josh Wright (Released), David Mirfin (Watford)

Sheffield United

The Blades start the season with huge expectations after massively under-achieving last season. Former Wednesday manager Danny Wilson will need to hit the ground running to win over the skeptics, but they should have enough quality to mount a challenge at the top.

Last Season: 23rd (Championship)

Prediction: 3rd

IN: Danny Philliskirk (Chelsea), Jean-Francois Lescinel (Free), Ryan Flynn (Falkirk), Chris Porter (Free)

OUT: Darius Henderson (Millwall), Phil Roe (Port Vale), Kingsley James (Port Vale), Mark Yeates (Watford)

Sheffield Wednesday

While Rochdale scooped the over-achievers crown for League One, Wednesday undoubtably scooped the under-achievement award. The Owls should improve this season - but they won’t fly high enough to trouble the top six.

Last Season: 15th

Prediction: 9th

IN: David Prutton (Swindon), Rob Jones (Scunthorpe), Julian Bennett (Free), Jose Semedo (Free), Danny Batth (Wolves - loan)

OUT: Tommy Miller (Released), Richard Hinds (Released), Paul Heffernan (Kilmarnock), Darren Potter (Released), Tommy Spurr (Doncaster), Gary Teale (Released), Michael Morrison (Charlton)

Stevenage

After back-to-back promotions, Stevenage are in the third tier for the first time in their history. Much like Dagenham & Redbridge last season, expect Boro to battle hard for their survival - but to ultimately fall short.

Last Season: 6th (League Two)

Prediction: 21st

IN: Guy Madjo (Free), Alan Julian (Free), Robin Shroot (Free)

OUT: Charlie Griffin (Released), Yemi Odubade (Released), Luke Foster (Rotherham), Ashley Bayes (Released)

Tranmere Rovers

They’ve been at the wrong end of the table for the last couple of seasons - and this could be the season Rover finish the wrong side of the line. If the club can steer clear of injuries and suspensions then they should survive - but that’s a difficult feat to achieve.

Last Season: 18th

Prediction: 24th

IN: Danny Holmes (Free), Owain Fon Williams (Free), Robbie Weir (Sunderland), Michael Kay (Sunderland), Martin Devaney (Free)

OUT: Marlon Broomes (Released), Max Blanchard (Released), Joe Collister (Released), Nick Wood (Released), Ryan Fraughan (Released), Sam Morrow (Released), Jack Mackreth (Released), Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich), Dale Jennings (Bayern Munich), Alan Mahon (Mutual consent)

Walsall

When manager Dean Smith took the reigns last season, Walsall looked certainties for the drop. However, his arrival sparked an upturn in fortunes which saw the Saddlers survive on the final day. Despite tending last season on a positive note, another season of struggle awaits.

Last Season: 20th

Prediction: 17th

IN: Mat Sadler (Free), Kevan Hurst (Free), Ryan Jarvis (Free), Claude Gnapka (Luton), Adam Chambers (Leyton Orient), Lee Beevers (Free), David Grof (Free), Anton Peterlin (Free)

OUT: Jonny Brain (Released), Aaron Lescott (Released), Clayton McDonald (Released), Steve Jones (Released), Darren Byfield (Released), Paul Marshall (Released), Tom Williams (Released), Alex Hickman (Released), Sean Geddes (Released)

Wycombe Wanderers

Another club who’ve become something of a yo-yo club in recent times, most Wycombe fans would be happy for a season of consolidation. Problems off the pitch won’t help their cause, and the club look set for a season of struggle.

Last Season: 3rd (League Two)

Prediction: 22nd

IN: Ben Harding (Free), Joel Grant (Free), Scott Donnelly (Swansea - loan), John Halls (Free), Elliot Benyon (Free), James Tunnicliffe (Free)

OUT: Kieran Murtagh (Released), Jon-Paul Pittman (Released), Lewis Montrose (Gillingham), Alan Bennett (Released)

Yeovil Town

Finished comfortably in mid-table last season and look set to do so again despite the departure of top scorer Dean Bowditch. A huge upheaval in their squad may see them start slowly, but manager Terry Skiverton has a knack for finding the right players at the right time.

Last Season: 14th

Prediction: 16th

IN: Gavin Williams (Bristol Rovers), Kieran Agard (Everton), Bondz N'Gala (Plymouth), Dominic Blizzard (Bristol Rovers), Anthony Edgar (West Ham), Curtis Haynes-Brown (Lowestoft Town), Steve MacLean (Free), Jed Steer (Norwich - loan), Rory Fallon (Free)

OUT: Craig Calver (Released), Sam Williams (Released), Martin Gritton (Stockport County), Stefan Stam (Hereford), Dean Bowditch (MK Dons), Adam Virgo (Bristol Rovers), Andy Welsh (Carlisle), Nathan Smith (Chesterfield), Alex Russell (Released), Craig Alcock (Peterborough)

Photo: Action Images



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