I should hasten to add that this is not an attempt to emulate Graeson's excellent previews (that used to appear on this site) but simply some thoughts on who might be challenging Clive Platt and Kevin Lisbie for the League One Goalden Boot this season.

The Bees have prolific marksman Charlie McDonald who was a major factor in securing promotion last season. Supporting him are two more mature forwards in Steve Kabba and Carl Cort.

Brighton have the services of Nicky Forster with 177 goals in 455 appearances for the south coast side. Brighton also managed the coup of signing Liam Dickinson from Derby who had successful loan spells with Leeds and Huddersfield last season. Derby paid £750,000 for his services but he never actually played for them!

Bristol Rovers have finally parted company with Ricky Lambert for a cool £1m to the Saints and this has temporarily left them short in the striker department. Jo Kuffour is perhaps the most experienced striker left at the club with 66 goals in 219 appearances.

Charlton with Parky at the helm have old favourites Andy Gray, Deon Burton and former U's loanee Izale McLeod. However with a name like Tamer Tuna this young man is more likely to be caught in the net than actually hit the back of it.

Exeter, newly promoted, have secured the services of the well travelled legend Marcus Stewart with 197 goals in 530 appearances. Whether he will form a partnership with Manny Panther remains to be seen.

Gillingham could be this season's surprise package. Simeon Jackson is capable of scoring 25 goals this season and will be ably supported by Mark McCammon and Charlie Stimson. Jackson is reputedly on Gareth Southgate's wish list and could join Mark Yeates at the Riverside.

Hartlepool the Monkey hangers have resigned Adam Boyd from Orient and also have Leon McSweeney whilst the youngster James Brown still recovering from last season's injury has plenty of potential to do well.

Huddersfield have spent money during the summer and have secured Lee Novak from Gateshead who scored goals for fun last season. He joins up with Theo Robinson whom Southend wanted to sign but couldn't afford and Robbie Simpson who signed from Coventry. Finally Jordan Rhodes very surprisingly released by Keane from our Suffolk friends completes a strong looking forward line. Rhodes has real potential and I feel that the Ipswich boss has made a serious error of judgement here.

Leeds have managed to cling onto Jermaine Beckford and he lines up with Luciano Becchio plus Tresor Kandol, Enoch Showunmi and Robert Snodgrass. Beckford's only real problem is indiscipline on the field.

Orient have someone called Scott McGleish, Ryan Jarvis and James Scowcroft but we don't want to talk about them after last night at WHCS.

MK Dons have secured the services of Jermaine Easter to support a strong forward line of Aaron Wilbraham, Jemal Johnson and Michael Bridges.

Millwall have Neil Harris their long serving striker and Lewis Grabben.

Norwich made a big money signing when persuading Grant Holt to sign from Shrewsbury and he teams up with former U's favourite Jamie Cureton and Cody McDonald who scored the consolation goal during Saturday's rout. Holt was looking to repay some of that transfer fee at Huish Park with a smart hat trick last night.

Oldham have signed Pawel Abbott the former Huddersfield striker who followed his manager from Darlington to the Latics. He teams up with former Seasider Keigan Parker and the dangerous Darren Byfield.

Southampton have announced their intention to claw back the 10 points deduction quickly by signing Ricky Lambert from the Gas. He joins up with Marek Saganowski and Grzegorz Rasiak.

Near neighbours Southend have Lee Barnard, James Walker, Frances Laurent and Dougie Freedman so no threat there then.

Swindon mauled at the Priestfield on Saturday are already missing Simon Cox but Billy Painter has experience and knows where the goal is.

Tranmere look a weaker side following notable departures but Bas Savage 22 goals in 114 appearances and Ian Thomas-Moore 91 goals in 403 appearances will be looking to deliver the goals.

Walsall could be a surprise team this season with Sam Parkin, Troy Deeney and Alex Nicholls all looking lively for the Saddlers.

Wycombe have Stuart Beavon 24 goals in 77 appearances and Matt Harrold 26 goals in 103 appearances to aid the Chairboys this season.

Finally Yeovil have Sam Williams (who played briefly on loan with the U's last season) Dean Bowditch and Nathan Smith.

So Durham's top five strikers other than the U's quintet of course are:

Charlie McDonald

Jordan Rhodes

Jermaine Beckford

Grant Holt

Ricky Lambert

Simeon Jackson could also figure if he doesn't go to the North East.

Oh and by the way we are of course concentrating on the league this season!

Photo: Action Images

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