League Two preview
Skysports.com preview the forthcoming League Two season.
BarnetPaul Fairclough's side romped away with the Conference last season and he is keeping faith with almost all his squad. The Bees are unlikely to challenge for promotion unless further investment in the squad is made, although the ubiquitous Giuliano Grazioli should be on hand to contribute his fair share of goals.
PREDICTED POSITION: 18th
STAR MAN: Giuliano Grazioli
ONE TO WATCH: Ismail Yakubu
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: Ross Flitney (Fulham)
OUTS:
Boston United
Just about the biggest spenders in League Two and a minimum of a play-off place should be the result for Steve Evans's side. Julian Joachim, Noel Whelan, Ben Futcher, Gavin Johnson and Stewart Talbot are all quality acquisitions that are added to an already talented group.
PREDICTED POSITION: 4th
STAR MAN: Julian Joachim
ONE TO WATCH: Stewart Talbot
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: Julian Joachim (Leeds), Stewart Talbot (Brentford), Ben Futcher (Lincoln), Gavin Johnson (Colchester), Noel Whelan (Aberdeen), Ryan Doherty (Northampton), Ashley Edkins (Aston Villa), Chris Wright (Arsenal), Lee Canoville (Boston)
OUTS: Lee Thompson (Kidderminster), Jermaine Easter (Stockport)
Bristol Rovers
Rovers have not been able to bolster their side substantially this summer, but they have kept their top striker Junior Agogo, which is as good as any signing. The additions of former Oxford man Jefferson Louis and Chris Carruthers should add some flair to the midfield and they will need to perform if The Pirates want a play-off spot.
PREDICTED POSITION: 10th
STAR MAN: Junior Agogo
ONE TO WATCH: Chris Carruthers
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: Scott Shearer (Coventry), Jefferson Louis (Oxford), Chris Carruthers (Northampton), Louie Soares (Reading)
OUTS: Brian Cash (Out of Contract), Simon Ford (Out of Contract), Alexander Jeannin (Out of Contract), Richard Walker (Out of Contract), Scott Sinclair (Chelsea), Sonny Parker (Out of Contract), David Savage (Out of Contract)
Bury
The departures of Colin Kazim-Richards and Chris Porter will be hard to take for Bury, especially as they are yet to replace David Nugent. However, with Tom Youngs, Stuart Barlow and Allan Smart all arriving - manager Graham Barrow will hope his new trio of front men can do the job.
PREDICTED POSITION: 20th
STAR MAN: Dwayne Mattis
ONE TO WATCH: Tom Youngs
SKYBET ODDS: 40/1
INS: John Hardiker (Stockport), Stuart Barlow (Out of Contract), John Fitzgerald (Blackburn), Jake Sedgemore (Shrewsbury), Neil Edwards (Rochdale), Tom Youngs (Leyton Orient), Allan Smart (MK Dons), Craig Dootson (Stalybridge)
OUTS: Colin Kazim-Richards (Brighton), Chris Porter (Oldham), Glyn Garner (Leyton Orient), Matthew Barrass (Out of Contract), John Cartledge (Out of Contract)
Carlisle United
A season of consolidation back in the league is required and Brunton Park and that is likely to be the result for Paul Simpson's side. Not much in terms of arrivals for Carlisle, but winger Raphael Nade looks a very exciting prospect and he could light up the season in Cumbria.
PREDICTED POSITION: 15th
STAR MAN: Zigor Aranalde
ONE TO WATCH: Raphael Nade
SKYBET ODDS: 20/1
INS: Zigor Aranalde (Walsall), Raphael Nade (Woking), Anthony Williams (Grimsby)
OUTS: Adam Bradley (Out of Contract), Tom Cowan (Out of Contract), Daniel Dillon (Out of Contract), Matthew Glennon (Falkirk), Dan Kirkup (Out of Contract), Andy Preece (Out of Contract), Craig Farrell (Out of Contract)
Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham will need all the experience of manager John Ward if they want to survive the drop. Craig Armstrong looks a good buy and his presence in midfield along with Grant McCann will be vital for The Robins' fortunes.
PREDICTED POSITION: 23rd
STAR MAN: Grant McCann
ONE TO WATCH: Sosthene Yao
SKYBET ODDS: 33/1
INS: Craig Armstrong (Bradford), Scott Musgrove (Stoke), Sosthene Yao (West Ham)
OUTS: John Brough (Out of Contract), Graham Fyfe (Out of Contract), Christopher Murphy (Out of Contract), Graham Ward (Out of Contract), Martin Devaney (Watford)
Chester City
Chester were one of the favourites for promotion last season, but a poor season followed and they did well to stay up. Now they arguably have a worse squad following the departures of Daryl Clare, Danny Collins and Kevin Ellison over the past 12 months. New signings Gregg Blundell, Justin Walker and Craig Dove will have to be on top of their game.
PREDICTED POSITION: 24th
STAR MAN: Gregg Blundell
ONE TO WATCH: Ryan Lowe
SKYBET ODDS: 25/1
INS: Gregg Blundell (Doncaster). David Artell (Mansfield), Tommy Curtis (Mansfield), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Abdelhalim El Kholti (Cambridge), Craig Dove (Rushden), Justin Walker (Cambridge), Marcus Richardson (Yeovil)
OUTS: Wayne Brown (Hereford), Paul Carden (Peterborough), Cortez Belle (Newport), Rob Booth (Out of Contract), Joe O`Neill (Out of Contract), Shaun Whalley (Out of Contract), Matty Cook (Out of Contract), Darren Edmondson (Out of Contract), Andy Harris (Out of Contract)
Darlington
A very talented squad has been put together by David Hodgson and there is little doubt The Quakers will be involved at the right end of the table. Clyde Wijnhard will lead the line, but it is the support around him that will be key and newly acquired youngsters Simon Johnson and Anthony Peacock could be vital.
PREDICTED POSITION: 8th
STAR MAN: Clyde Wijnhard
ONE TO WATCH: Anthony Peacock
SKYBET ODDS: 11/1
INS: Shelton Martis (Eindhoven), Anthony Peacock (Middlesbrough), David Duke (Swindon), Bertrand Bossu (Gillingham), Simon Johnson (Leeds), Akpo Sodje (Huddersfield), Carlos Logan (Chesterfield)
OUTS: Craig Hignett (Out of Contract), Bobby Petta (Bradford), Alun Armstrong (Out of Contract), Jason St'Juste (Out of Contract), David McGurk (York)
Grimsby Town
Russell Slade is building a solid base at Blundell Park and although fireworks are unlikely, they should be clear of trouble. The signing of French defender Jean-Paul Kamudimba looks intriguing and he could prove a real find and should be a more than capable replacement for Terrell Forbes.
PREDICTED POSITION: 14th
STAR MAN: Andy Parkinson
ONE TO WATCH: Jean-Paul Kamudimba
SKYBET ODDS: 20/1
INS: Gary Jones (Tranmere), Jean-Paul Kamudimba (Nice), Ciaran Toner (Lincoln), Paul Bolland (Notts County), Steve Mildenhall (Oldham), John Lukic (Nottingham Forest), Jermaine Palmer (Stoke), Gary Cohen (Gretna), Gary Croft (Cardiff), Calvin Andrew (Luton)
OUTS: Terry Fleming (Kidderminster), Jason Crowe (Northampton), Anthony Williams (Carlisle United), Terrell Forbes (Oldham)
Leyton Orient
Another very strong outfit and Orient have really strengthened in key areas. Joe Dolan's arrival from Millwall gives Martin Ling's defence a real boost and as long as Lee Steele can continue his goalscoring form of last season, Orient will be in the promotion shake-up.
PREDICTED POSITION: 7th
STAR MAN: Lee Steele
ONE TO WATCH: Gabriel Zakuani
SKYBET ODDS: 25/1
INS: Craig Easton (Livingston), Joe Dolan (Millwall), Joey Keith (Colchester), Shane Tudor (Out of Contract), Glyn Garner (Bury)
OUTS: Lee Harrison (Peterborough), Mark Peters (Out of Contract), Tom Youngs (Bury)
Lincoln City
Keith Alexander has been forced to overhaul his Lincoln squad after a host of big names departed Sincil Bank. Much will depend on how well Lincoln's new signings adapt, although Maheta Molango, Paul Mayo and Nat Brown all look quality buys.
PREDICTED POSITION: 12th
STAR MAN: Gareth McAuley
ONE TO WATCH: Maheta Molango
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: Maheta Molango (Brighton), Marvin Robinson (Stockport), Nat Brown (Huddersfield), Omari Coleman (Watford), Colin Cryan (Scarborough), Dean Keates (Kidderminster), Scott Kerr (Scarborough), Paul Mayo (Watford), Steve Robinson (Swindon), Gary Birch (Kidderminster)
OUTS: Jack Hobbs (Liverpool), Kevin Sandwith (Macclesfield), Peter Gain (Peterborough), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Huddersfield), Ben Futcher (Boston), Richard Butcher (Oldham), Martin Carruthers (Out of Contract), Ritchie Hanlon (Out of Contract), Ciaran Toner (Grimsby), Simon Yeo (New Zealand Knights)
Macclesfield Town
Brian Horton did a miraculous job last season in turning The Silkmen into promotion contenders, but a repeat performance looks unlikely. Matthew Tipton has departed and much will now depend on how Jon Parkin copes with his new strike partner, be it Allan Russell or Kevin Townson.
PREDICTED POSITION: 13th
STAR MAN: Jon Parkin
ONE TO WATCH: Allan Russell
SKYBET ODDS: 14/1
INS: Allan Russell (St Mirren), David Beresford (Tranmere), Martin Bullock (Blackpool), Kevin Sandwith (Lincoln), Kevin Townson (Rochdale), Michael Symes (Bradford)
OUTS: Steve Wilson (Tranmere), Matthew Tipton (Mansfield), Matt Carragher (Out of Contract), Joey Jones (Out of Contract), Graham Potter (Out of Contract), Tommy Rooney (Out of Contract), Michael Welch (Out of Contract), Steve Wilson (Out of Contract), Steven Brackenbridge (Out of Contract), Jassim Swadi Fayadh (Out of Contract)
Mansfield Town
Carlton Palmer has bolstered his squad substantially for the new season, but The Stags will find it hard to keep up with the promotion pack. Matthew Tipton and Adam Birchall are exciting additions up front and should score more than their fair share of goals, while experienced campaigners Jon-Olav Hjelde and Gus Uhlenbeek should perform well at the back.
PREDICTED POSITION: 11th
STAR MAN: Matthew Tipton
ONE TO WATCH: Giles Coke
SKYBET ODDS: 33/1
INS: Jon-Olav Hjelde (Nottingham Forest), Kevin Pressman (Coventry), Christopher Beardsley (Kidderminster), Stephen Dawson (Leicester), Gavin Peers (Blackburn), Matthew Tipton (Macclesfield), Adam Birchall (Arsenal), Jason Talbot (Bolton), Gus Uhlenbeek (Wycombe)
OUTS: David Artell (Chester), Tommy Curtis (Chester), Kevin Pilkington (Notts County), Colin Larkin (Chesterfield), Alex Neil (Hamilton), Scott McNiven (Chester)
Northampton Town
One of the powerhouses of League Two and Northampton surely won't be stopped this time around in their quest for promotion. Colin Calderwood has added quality and experience to his already talented outfit and the likes of Sean Dyche and Ian Taylor should revel in the upcoming promotion battle.
PREDICTED POSITION: 3rd
STAR MAN: David Kirk
ONE TO WATCH: Brett Johnson
SKYBET ODDS: 6/1
INS: Sean Dyche (Watford), Chris Doig (Nottingham Forest), Eoin Jess (Nottingham Forest), Brett Johnson (Aldershot), Ian Taylor (Derby), Jason Crowe (Grimsby), Bradley Johnson (Cambridge), Lawrie Dudfield (Southend)
OUTS: Luke Graham (Forest Green Rovers), Tommy Jaszczun (Rochdale), Steve Morison (Out of Contract), Marc Richards (Out of Contract), Luke Weaver (Out of Contract), Chris Carruthers (Bristol Rovers), Lee Williamson (Rotherham), Ryan Doherty (Boston), Chris Willmott (Oxford)
Notts County
New County boss Gudjon Thordarson knows the task that lies in front of him at Meadow Lane and survival will be his main objective. Thordarson has been limited in the players he has been able to bring in, but Lewis McMahon should add some quality to the midfield department.
PREDICTED POSITION: 22nd
STAR MAN: Kelvin Wilson
ONE TO WATCH: Lewis McMahon
SKYBET ODDS: 20/1
INS: Dan Martin (Derby), Andy White (Crewe), Lewis McMahon (Sheffield Wednesday), Brian O`Callaghan (Out of Contract), Kevin Pilkington (Mansfield), Stacy Long (Charlton), Jake Sheridan (Dunkirk)
OUTS: Shaun Harrad (Burton), Paul Bolland (Grimsby), Stefan Oakes (Wycombe)
Oxford United
Brian Talbot embarks on his first full season at The Kassam Stadium and it could be a very successful one. Youngsters Chris Hackett and Craig Davies are as good as you get at this level and the likes of Chris Hargreaves, Chris Willmott and Stuart Gray bolster an already impressive group of players.
PREDICTED POSITION: 5th
STAR MAN: Chris Hackett
ONE TO WATCH: Craig Davies
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: Robert Hughes (Yeading), Chris Hargreaves (Brentford), Lee Mansell (Luton), Billy Turley (Rushden), Stuart Gray (Rushden), Chris Willmott (Northampton), Jude Stirling (Tamworth)
OUTS: Paul Burton (Out of Contract), David Mackay (Livingston), Jefferson Louis (Bristol Rovers), Terry Parker (Out of Contract), Danny Brown (Out of Contract), David Woozley (Out of Contract), Tommy Mooney (Wycombe)
Peterborough United
Mark Wright has wasted little time in stamping his own mark on the Peterborough squad and he has assembled a very impressive unit indeed. All of the summer arrivals are quality at this level, but managing to persuade Trevor Benjamin and Danny Crow to link up at London Road could be the key in a probable promotion campaign.
PREDICTED POSITION: 1st
STAR MAN: Trevor Benjamin
ONE TO WATCH: Danny Crow
SKYBET ODDS: 12/1
INS: Trevor Benjamin (Coventry), Danny Crow (Norwich), Dean Holden (Oldham), Paul Carden (Chester), Peter Gain (Lincoln), Lee Harrison (Leyton Orient), James Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday)
OUTS: Matthew Nolan (Out of Contract), Steven Thomson (Falkirk), Craig Ireland (Falkirk), Folawiyo Onibuje (Out of Contract), Danny Sonner (Port Vale), Simon Rea (Out of Contract), Curtis Woodhouse (Hull)
Rochdale
A long and difficult season looks likely for all those involved at Spotland. One major boost was the ability to keep hold of top scorer Grant Holt, despite major interest, and it could be his goals that keep Rochdale in the league come May.
PREDICTED POSITION: 21st
STAR MAN: Grant Holt
ONE TO WATCH: Ben Kitchen
SKYBET ODDS: 25/1
INS: Rory McArdle (Sheffield Wednesday), Tommy Jaszczun (Rochdale), Lee Cartwright (Out of Contract), Jonathan Boardman (Woking), Blair Sturrock (Kidderminster)
OUTS: Neil Edwards (Bury), Kevin Townson (Macclesfield), Leo Bertos (Out of Contract), Daryl Burgess (Out of Contract), Wayne Evans (Out of Contract), Greg Heald (Out of Contract), Leighton McGivern (Out of Contract)
Rushden & Diamonds
Both Barry Hunter and his young squad will have to learn quickly if they want to survive, but they are more than capable of doing so. Hunter has got together a very talented bunch of players who, if they can get a good start, will be more than able of grabbing a mid-table finish.
PREDICTED POSITION: 17th
STAR MAN: Andy Burgess
ONE TO WATCH: David Bell
SKYBET ODDS: 50/1
INS: Neil McCafferty (Charlton), Greg Pearson (West Ham), Daniel Chillingworth (Cambridge), Jamie Young (Reading), Andy Woodman (Colchester)
OUTS: Farhad Afandjyev (Out of Contract), Scott Chalmer-Stevens (Out of Contract), Adrian Littlejohn (Out of Contract), Gareth Seddon (Out of Contract), Craig Dove (Chester), Billy Turley (Oxford), Stuart Gray (Oxford), Sean Connelly (Out of Contract), Robert Duffy (Out of Contract), Alexander Hay (Out of Contract), Andy Sambrook (Out of Contract), Lee Worgan (Out of Contract)
Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters appears very happy with his squad and rightfully so as The Shrews could be one of the surprise packages this season. Their new signings in particular will have to perform well but big things are expected of youngsters Jay Denny and Steven Hogg - although it may not be until next season when the Gay Meadow faithful see the best of this squad.
PREDICTED POSITION: 16th
STAR MAN: Neil Sorvel
ONE TO WATCH: Jay Denny
SKYBET ODDS: 66/1
INS: Glyn Thompson (Chesterfield), Kevin Sharp (Scunthorpe), Colin McMenamin (Livingston), Neil Sorvel (Crewe), Mark Stallard (Barnsley), Ben Herd (Watford), Steven Hogg (Manchester United), Neil Ashton (Tranmere), Jay Denny (Stoke)
OUTS: Luke Rodgers (Crewe), Trevor Challis (Out of Contract), Carl Clampitt (Out of Contract), Scott Howie (Out of Contract), Ross Stephens (Out of Contract), Kevin Street (Out of Contract), Darren Tinson (Out of Contract), Martin O`Connor (Kidderminster), Jake Sedgemore (Bury), Sam Aiston (Tranmere), Mike Sheron (Out of Contract)
Stockport County
The Hatters have suffered two desperate campaigns which have seen them sink to League Two. Chris Turner is now rebuilding and although promotion looks slightly beyond them, they could very well be involved in the play-off chase.
PREDICTED POSITION: 9th
STAR MAN: Matthew Hamshaw
ONE TO WATCH: Paul Turnbull
SKYBET ODDS: 14/1
INS: Danny Boshell (Oldham), Mickael Wolski (Kilmarnock), Ross Greenwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Matthew Hamshaw (Sheffield Wednesday), Tesfaye Bramble (Southend), Mark Robinson (Hereford), Robert Clare (Blackpool), Jermaine Easter (Boston)
OUTS: Danny Jackman (Gillingham), James Goodwin (Scunthorpe), Chris Armstrong (Out of Contract), Stuart Barlow (Bury), Lee Cartwright (Rochdale), John Hardiker (Bury), Marvin Robinson (Lincoln)
Torquay United
Torquay are looking to bounce back to League One at the first time of asking and it is not a feat beyond Leroy Rosenior's men. Rosenior has snapped up French unknowns Mamadou Sow and Morike Sako, who he will hope can have a major influence on his side - who should be looking for a play-off spot.
PREDICTED POSITION: 6th
STAR MAN: Jo Kuffour
ONE TO WATCH: Morike Sako
SKYBET ODDS: 16/1
INS: James Sharp (Falkirk), Mamadou Sow (Out of Contract), Morike Sako (Out of Contract), Alex Lawless (Fulham), Liam Coleman (Colchester), Alan Connell (Bournemouth), James Bittner (Exeter), Matthew Hewlett (Swindon), Matthew Villis (Plymouth)
OUTS: Adebayo Akinfenwa (Swansea), Alex Russell (Bristol City), Lee Canoville (Boston)
Wrexham
The fact that Wrexham start this season is reason to be cheerful, although the forthcoming campaign could be painful. The Red Dragons have lost six first teamers and the loss of Spanish striking star Juan Ugarte will be a huge blow, however Jon Walters is a capable forward and his goals should help the Welsh club avoid a second straight relegation.
PREDICTED POSITION: 19th
STAR MAN: Jonathan Walters
ONE TO WATCH: Mark Jones
SKYBET ODDS: 14/1
INS: Lee McEvilly (Accrington), Michael Ingham (Sunderland), Lee Roche (Burnley), Jonathan Walters (Hull), Dave Bayliss (Luton)
OUTS: Brian Carey (Retired), Chris Llewellyn (Hartlepool), Craig Morgan (Milton Keynes Dons), Juan Ugarte (Crewe), Carlos Edwards (Luton), Hector Sam (Port Vale), Ryan Harrison (Out of Contract), Stephen Roberts (Doncaster)
Wycombe Wanderers
John Gorman has put together a top-class side who will no doubt be challenging for the top spot throughout the season. As long as Nathan Tyson stays fit and at the club, then Wycombe will be odds-on to fill one of the top three spots.
PREDICTED POSITION: 2nd
STAR MAN: Nathan Tyson
ONE TO WATCH: Ikechi Anya
SKYBET ODDS: 7/1
INS: Tommy Mooney (Oxford), Kevin Betsy (Oldham), Stefan Oakes (Notts County), Charlie Griffin (Forest Green)
OUTS: Shahed Ahmed (Out of Contract), Sonny Ball (Out of Contract), Adrian Caceres (Out of Contract), Craig Faulconbridge (Out of Contract), Matt Fox (Out of Contract), Scott Marshall (Out of Contract), Dean Thornton (Out of Contract), Ben Townsend (Out of Contract), Gus Uhlenbeek (Mansfield), Steve Claridge (Millwall)
Prices correct at time of publishing.
