Boz
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- Joined
- 30 Sep 2005
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- Player
- Iain Hume
My thoughts on the likely top and bottom sides for the coming season; it will be interesting to hear any other viewpoints on what looks like a tougher L1 than last year's.
Promotion Unlike last season, all of the sides who were relegated look capable of going straight back up and in Jackett, O'Driscoll and Ferguson they have managers familiar with the pitfalls at this level. I would also pitch Brentford in the top 6, they have good financial backing and seem capable of performing to last season's standard. Preston, with play-off guru Simon Grayson in charge also seem good for a top 6 spot. A number of other teams are in contention, although I reckon Sheffield United may regret opting for a rookie boss in David Weir...he'll probably turn out to be the next Sir Alex now I've written that
Relegation There are no obvious candidates for the drop, in contrast to last time, when Bury and Pompey looked out of it from the off. Shrewsbury seem favourites to go down, Walsall have lost 3 of their best players, Stevenage are likely to continue their struggles under the returning Westley, while Coventry's exile is likely to push them closer to the bottom. Carlisle and Colchester may be lurking down this end too.
Last year none of the promoted teams went straight back down again. I'm unsure they'll be as lucky this time round; Gillingham and Port Vale being more at risk than the promoted Yorkies.
Promotion Unlike last season, all of the sides who were relegated look capable of going straight back up and in Jackett, O'Driscoll and Ferguson they have managers familiar with the pitfalls at this level. I would also pitch Brentford in the top 6, they have good financial backing and seem capable of performing to last season's standard. Preston, with play-off guru Simon Grayson in charge also seem good for a top 6 spot. A number of other teams are in contention, although I reckon Sheffield United may regret opting for a rookie boss in David Weir...he'll probably turn out to be the next Sir Alex now I've written that
Relegation There are no obvious candidates for the drop, in contrast to last time, when Bury and Pompey looked out of it from the off. Shrewsbury seem favourites to go down, Walsall have lost 3 of their best players, Stevenage are likely to continue their struggles under the returning Westley, while Coventry's exile is likely to push them closer to the bottom. Carlisle and Colchester may be lurking down this end too.
Last year none of the promoted teams went straight back down again. I'm unsure they'll be as lucky this time round; Gillingham and Port Vale being more at risk than the promoted Yorkies.