Division Three preview

DIVISION THREE kicks off its new season on Saturday and planetfootball.com takes a look at how the upcoming campaign might turn out and which clubs might be celebrating promotion and, which clubs might be facing the dreaded drop out of The Football League.

The favourites with the bookmakers are Peter Taylor's Hull City and with the number of signings the club have made over the summer, The Tigers may just run away with the title.

Two relegated sides from Division Two last season - Northampton Town and Huddersfield Town - look to have new life breathed into them and both will likely contend for the promotion places, though last season's Conference champions Yeovil Town look to promise much in their inaugural season in The Football League.

BOSTON UNITED did well to finish 15th in their inaugural season last term following Conference success the year before.

Pilgrims boss Neil Thompson will again have a major task keeping his side from dropping into the relegation places this season but their experiences of the previous season should keep them up.

The York Street club have brought in goalkeeping cover for Paul Bastock, with former Grimsby Town custodian Steve Croudson joining the side.

Planetfootball prediction: 18th
Sky Bet title odds: 28/1

BRISTOL ROVERS endured a difficult season last term but a late flourish helped them avoid relegation.

Pirates boss Ray Graydon has gone out and strengthened wisely for the new campaign, with striker Junior Agogo likely to be a key signing at the Memorial Stadium.

Despite an injury to fellow hit-man Andy Rammell, the West Country club will have a far improved campaign and possibly figure in the play-off shake-up come the season's end.

Planetfootball prediction: 8th
Sky Bet title odds: 14/1

BURY did well to make the play-offs last term despite ongoing financial restraints at Gigg Lane.

Player-manager Andy Preece has been able to shape a squad on a tight budget but those restrictions may prove no match to the bigger clubs in the division this term.

The Shakers will struggle to reach the successes of last season and may be forced to face an indifferent campaign.

Planetfootball prediction: 15th
Sky Bet title odds: 28/1

CAMBRIDGE UNITED boss John Taylor will hope his side can improve on last season's mid-table finish.

However, the Abbey Stadium outfit had some players move on over the summer and The U's may too find challenging the bigger clubs to be a bit much.

Their home form has tended to be strong but that may not be enough to take them into the play-offs.

Planetfootball prediction: 10th
Sky Bet title odds: 25/1

CARLISLE UNITED just avoided relegation from The Football League last term and manager Roddy Collins will want an improved display this term.

The Cumbrians took plenty of heart from their run in the LDV Vans Trophy last season but that may not translate itself into the new season.

Their progress, if any, is likely to be gradual and that may see only a slight improvement in terms of league position this season.

Planetfootball prediction: 19th
Sky Bet title odds: 33/1

CHELTENHAM TOWN found Division Two a bridge too far last term and came back down, even though Bobby Gould replaced Graham Allner as manager in a bid to try and stay up.

The Robins have b