An overview of all 24 teams in the division, featuring last season’s achievements, key players and predicted outcomes.AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Last season: 6th – Play-off semi finalists
Bournemouth were the fairytale story of last season. Financial troubles and point deductions of recent years were cast aside by the Cherries as they reached the play-offs after coming straight up from League Two.
A turbulent but successful season saw manager Eddie Howe depart for Burnley halfway through the season but despite that huge blow, they still managed to reach the end of season lottery, where a thrilling semi-final against Huddersfield ended in an agonising shoot-out defeat on penalties.
One to watch: Danny INGS. In his first full season he chipped in with 8 goals: a respectable tally for a young forward with a seemingly bright future.
Prediction: they will struggle to match last season’s heroics. A lot will depend on being able to keep players such as Robinson, Feeney and Ings.
BRENTFORD
Last season: 11th
The highlight of the Bees season was reaching the final of the JP Trophy. Unfortunately they were beaten 1-0 by Carlisle in the Wembley showpiece, under the stewardship of Nicky Forster, who had taken over from ex-manager Andy Scott.
All in all, it was a decent season for the London side, who also had an extended run in the Carling Cup, only to be knocked out by eventual winners Birmingham in the last 16. Former Man City player Uwe Rosler is the new manager at Griffin Park.
One to watch: Clayton DONALDSON. The striker’s impressive goal ratio at both York and Crewe has earned him a move up the football pyramid, and he will be looking to continue that at League One level.
Prediction: mid-table obscurity is once again likely to be in store for the Bees
BURY
Last season: 2nd in League Two - Promoted
The Shakers crowned promotion to the third tier after a solid season at the top of League Two.
Manager Alan Knill departed towards the bookend of the campaign, and was replaced by Richie Barker, who won his first six games. Barker has since taken up the reins on a permanent basis as the Shakers embark on a third division campaign for the first time since 2002.
One to watch: Ryan LOWE. The striker was a key part to the Shakers success last season, scoring 28 goals. Recently subject of a bid by non-league Stockport, but will almost certainly stay in the third tier with Bury.
Prediction: survival is the word for Bury, and if Lowe can keep up his scoring form, they may just achieve it.
CARLISLE
Last Season: 12th
Despite mid-table obscurity, it was still a season to remember for the Cumbrians, as they prospered in the JP Trophy final.
A 1-0 win over Brentford at Wembley secured their second Football League Trophy.
One to watch: Jon-Paul McGOVERN. The Scottish winger joined up with fellow ex-owls Frank Simek and Graham Kavanagh in the North-west, and is more than familiar with this division having previously played for Swindon, MK Dons and the Owls.
Prediction: after JP success last season, there is no reason why Carlisle cannot push for a top-ten finish.
CHARLTON
Last Season: 13th
Similar to the Owls, Charlton also suffered huge underachievement last time out and certainly have ambitions to better a 13th placed finish this season.
Chris Powell has already brought in the likes of Michael Morrison, Danny Green and Mikel Alonso as the Addicks target promotion.
One to watch: Danny GREEN. Impressed with Dagenham in this division last year, scoring 11 goals, and now given a chance to do the same at Charlton. Linked with the Owls, Green is a typical flashy winger, with a keen eye for goal.
Prediction: given their transfer activity, they will certainly be challenging for promotion. Play-offs a minimum.
CHESTERFIELD
Last Season: 1st in League Two - Promoted
The Spireites cruised towards promotion last season, as John Sheridan’s side won the league on 86 points scoring 85 goals in the process.
One to watch: Tommy LEE. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper has impressed during his stay in Derbyshire, and is expected to earn more plaudits once he makes the step-up to League One.
Prediction: although many say survival is the priority for newly-promoted sides, Chesterfield appear to have enough in their locker to target a mid-table to top-half finish.
COLCHESTER
Last Season: 10th
One of those sides that is hard to follow, unless you support them, Colchester finished a respectable tenth last season. Manager John Ward did a decent job leading the side to within a close shave of the play-offs.
One to watch: Ian HENDERSON. Got into double figures last season, and will look to reach a similar target this time round.
Prediction: mid-table is the best they can hope for, play-offs a distant dream at this stage.
EXETER CITY
Last Season: 8th
Along with Bournemouth, the Grecians massively overachieved last season, finishing only a point off the play-off places.
Manager Paul Tisdale assembled a small, tight-knit squad that more than punched above its weight, and will look for the same this season.
One to watch: Liam SERCOMBE. After losing the 28-goal partnership of Ryan Harley and Jamie Cureton, Exeter will look to highly-rated Sercombe to chip in with his fair share of goals.
Prediction: unlikely to replicate last season’s heroics – mid-table finish.
HARTLEPOOL
Last Season: 16th
It was a decent first season for Mick Wadsworth, who was handed the managerial reins on a permanent basis as the campaign progressed.
Pools were, at one stage, challenging for the top six, but predictably faltered, before finishing in the mid-regions of the division, but importantly, well clear of the bottom four.
One to watch: Nolberto SOLANO. Undoubtedly the marquee signing of the summer for Pools, the Peruvian veteran still has an eye for a goal, and with a mean free-kick in his locker, Solano could be set to enjoy his swansong in style.
Prediction: despite a number of promising players on the books, Pools will struggle to get out of the bottom half. Lower to mid-table finish.
HUDDERSFIELD
Last Season: 3rd – Play-off Finalists
The Terriers amazing 27-match unbeaten run came to a crushing halt in the Play-off final, when they were edged out 3-0 by Peterborough. The run, which stretched from December to May, broke all sorts of records as Lee Clark’s men came within a whisker of promotion.
After a season of promise, it was a sour ending for the Yorkshire club, who are the bookmaker’s favourites to gain revenge and get promotion this time around.
One to watch: Danny WARD. The combative winger/striker signed on at the Galpharm permanently this summer after a loan stint last season: in seven games at the tail end of last season, he grabbed three goals.
Prediction: Bookies aren’t often wrong, and with a few tweaks to the squad, expect Clark’s men to be in the top two come May.
LEYTON ORIENT
Last Season: 7th
The O’s impressive season saw them miss out on the play-offs by just a single point. An extended FA Cup run also saw the club generate much-needed revenue, whilst manager Russell Slade steadied the ship towards the season’s climax, only for Bournemouth to pip them to Sixth Place.
One to watch: Jamie CURETON. Snapped up on a free from Exeter, the 35-year old could turn out to be one of the bargains of the season, especially if he can replicate his statistic of 17 goals in just 30 games for the Grecians.
Prediction: Could be in contention again this year, but a top-ten finish may be their best hope.
MK DONS
Last Season: 5th – Play-off semi-finalists
The Dons had a solid season, and were always in and around the upper echelons of the division, eventually finishing in fifth.
In the Play-offs, a thrilling first leg with Peterborough ensued, with the Dons prevailing 3-2. However, in the second leg the Posh ran out 2-0 winners to seal a Final date, before their eventual promotion. This time around, Karl Robinson will aim to get one better.
One to watch: Sam BALDOCK. The striker scored 12 last season, finishing as Dons top scorer. Ironically, Baldock was recently the subject of a £1million-plus bid from Peterborough, only for the player to pledge his future to Karl Robinson’s side.
Prediction: look a decent bet for a play-off place at least. Good set-up, good young manager, and a decent playing squad.
NOTTS COUNTY
Last Season: 19th
A farcical season off the field, County had a change of ownership as they came to terms with the aftermath of the “Sven and Sol” days. On the field, Craig Short, Paul Ince and Martin Allen all took the managerial hot seat throughout the season
A rollercoaster campaign eventually saw Allen secure County’s status as a League One club, before being offered an extended contract.
One to watch: Lee HUGHES. The controversial forward may divide opinion; however one thing that cannot be questioned is his goal scoring form for County. Recently offered a contract extension, Hughes has bagged double figures the last two seasons.
Prediction: Could have a survival scrap on their hands again, unless Allen can pick out some gems in the transfer Market: season of struggle ahead.
OLDHAM
Last Season: 17th
What started as a season of hope, soon turned into mid-table obscurity in Paul Dickov’s first managerial job. The Latics struggled for consistency, and the loss of young play-maker Dale Stephens, first on loan, and then permanently to Charlton, didn’t help.
Continued confusion around the stadium situation (Oldham hope to move away from the dilapidated Boundary Park) also hindered morale and form.
One to watch: Chris TAYLOR. The midfielder bagged 11 goals last season as Oldham slipped down the table after an impressive start. Linked with Championship clubs, it could be a big season for the 24-year old.
Prediction: a season of struggle ahead, with Dickov’s team likely to be scrapping to stay out of the trapdoor.
PRESTON
Last Season: 22nd in Championship – Relegated
A dismal campaign for North End saw them change manager halfway through the season. Phil Brown came in to replace Darren Ferguson, and despite an initial struggle, there were small signs that survival may be secured.
However, Brown’s men simply couldn’t keep their heads above water, and were relegated with three games to go. With the new season less than a month away, PNE have yet to make a summer signing, whilst Sean St Ledger and Paul Hayes are just two faces to have left the club.
One to watch: Iain HUME. The former Barnsley man grabbed 12 goals despite Preston’s relegation, and has the ability to deliver prolifically at this tier, having once scored 16 goals in a season for Tranmere.
Prediction: a wafer-thin squad needs bulking up if a promotion push is to be mounted. With Phil Brown in charge, fully expect Preston to be in and around the top-six.
ROCHDALE
Last Season: 9th
Dale were another of the overachievers last season, finishing a highly respectable 9th in their first season out of the fourth tier in 41 years.
Keith Hill, now at Barnsley, moulded the small Lancashire team into a formidable force, and laid the foundations for a solid season this time around.
One to watch: Gary JONES. The likeable Scouser was Dale’s top scorer last season, despite being a central midfielder. He is closing in on 300 appearances for the Spotland outfit, and will once again be the key man in the middle of the park.
Prediction: mid-table looks a safe bet, although the small squad may struggle to cope with injuries/suspensions.
SCUNTHORPE
Last Season: 24th in Championship – Relegated
An awful season for the Iron resulted in a drop to League One. However, it is hardly surprising, given that they went through three managers with Nigel Adkins starting the season, only to leave for Southampton in September 2010.
Adkins was replaced by former player Ian Baraclough, who failed to stop the rot before being axed in March this year. Ex-player Alan Knill agreed to pick up the buck but failed to save Scunny from demotion, after a forgettable campaign.
One to watch: Garry THOMPSON. The 30-year old winger is recently back from a long-term injury, but with an ability to pick out front men, and an eye for goal, Thompson will be integral to the Iron’s hopes of promotion.
Prediction: looking for a third recent promotion from this division, United look well-equipped. If Knill can raid the transfer market wisely, there’s no reason why they can’t achieve a top-six finish.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Last Season: 23rd in Championship – Relegated
It was a season to forget for the Blades, but one to savour for Owls fans. The team in red and white went through no fewer than four managers in a turbulent campaign that delivered a paltry 11 victories.
Star players were sold, with an over-reliance on loan players ultimately proving their downfall. So far this summer only Mark Yeates and Darius Henderson have fled the sinking ship with the likes of Montgomery, Evans and Quinn likely to follow in due course.
One to watch: Jordan SLEW. The youngster showed promising signs last season and was recently the subject of a bid from Fulham. But, with the club showing a tendency to flog their best assets, Slew may not even be around come August 6, leaving a gaping hole in their attack.
Prediction: despite the expected promotion assault, the Blades may find themselves sifting through another selection of managers, especially if Wilson’s men go on a bad run. Top 10 finish, just missing out on play-offs.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Last Season: 15th
A season to put to bed for the Owls, as they sunk to mid-table obscurity despite initial high hopes at the start of last August.
Alan Irvine was replaced halfway through the season by Gary Megson, who helped to steady the ship as the Owls avoided a relegation scrap for the second season in a row.
There were however some positives from the year, such as Nicky Weaver, who established himself as the undisputed number 1, Neil Mellor reaching 20 goals in all competitions and the purchase of the club by Milan Mandaric, helping secure the club’s future.
One to watch: Julian BENNETT. Brought in to replace Tommy Spurr, Bennett’s last foray into this division was with Nottingham Forest, when he was part of the promotion-winning side. That season he also got into the League One team of the year, and could be a vital component as the Owls look to tighten the backline this season.
Prediction: Gary Megson has been thorough in his search for new blood, and has not been afraid to get rid of the “deadwood”. With 2/3 more signings the Owls can be confident of achieving a top six finish at the very least.
STEVENAGE
Last Season: 6th in League Two – Play-off Winners, Promoted
Stevenage achieved back-to-back promotions after a surprise season ended in them facing Torquay in the Wembley showpiece.
In the game, John Mousinho scored the winner to put Graham Westley’s men into the third tier for the first time in their history, and complete a memorable campaign, which also included the small matter of an FA Cup victory over Premier League giants Newcastle United.
One to watch: Jon ASHTON. The stocky defender was crowned player of the year last time out and looks to be the rock at the back for Boro. A former Leicester player, he has appeared at Premier League level early in his career.
Prediction: with a number of experienced heads in the camp, and a wily manager in Westley, do not rule out a top-10 finish for Boro.
TRANMERE
Last Season: 17th
An avoidance of a late-season relegation scrap was welcomed at Prenton Park, but they could be in for such a battle this year, having recently agreed to the sale of highly-rated youngster Dale Jennings to German giants Bayern Munich.
Jennings departure may swell the coffers, but the club is unlikely to be able to do anything other than face a battle for survival, given the threadbare facilities at the disposal of manager Les Parry.
One to watch: Owain Fon WILLIAMS. Snapped up on a free, Williams could be one of the signings of the season in this division. A few years ago, he was highly rated but has since lost his way. A rediscovery of his form may see Rovers picking up a decent fee for him in the future.
Prediction: Relegation looks to be unavoidable, especially considering the squad at the moment. It will take a monumental effort for Tranmere to survive.
WALSALL
Last Season: 20th
The Saddlers survived relegation by the skin of their teeth thanks to a miraculous recovery aided by ex-Owl Dean Smith, who took over managerial duties in January.
Smith delivered 7 wins from 25 games, resulting in Walsall surviving by a single point on the final day, and seeing Dagenham exit the league in their place. A similar battle looks likely this year, as the budget is cut and attendances drop.
One to watch: Kevan HURST. Always a decent performer, Hurst was snapped up on a free transfer, and along with fellow new recruits, Lee Beevers and Ryan Jarvis, looks a safe bet for this division.
Prediction: it is hard to predict anything other than a season of struggle for the Midlanders. They will do well to stay up again this year.
WYCOMBE
Last Season: 3rd in League Two – Promoted
In his first full season as manager, Gary Waddock delivered an immediate return to League One for the Chairboys, despite a frantic title fight at the top of League Two.
Wanderers scraped automatic promotion by a single point over closest rivals Shrewsbury, and this season they will aim to put an end to the recent switching of divisions, and consolidate themselves in the third tier of English football.
One to watch: Scott RENDELL. The journeyman striker, aged 24, scored 19 goals last season as Wycombe bagged promotion. That kind of strike-rate will go some way to keeping them in this league.
Prediction: Wanderers have a struggle on their hands, and could be saying hello again, to League Two come next May.
YEOVIL
Last Season: 14th
It was a respectable finish of 14th for the Glovers last season. Their top scorer was Dean Bowditch, who grabbed 15 goals as the Somerset outfit finished 12 points clear of relegation and 12 adrift of the top six.
During the close season, Yeovil lost Bowditch, who departed to MK Dons, along with a host of other players, leading manager Terry Skiverton to use the unique method of social networking site Twitter, to get suggestions from fans on who to sign.
One to watch: Bondz N’GALA. The former West Ham defender could be a key asset in the Yeovil backline, having joined on a free from Plymouth. He possesses great strength and played 26 times in this division for Argyle last season.
Prediction: a season of struggle is likely to ensue for Yeovil. They lack depth and quality, and are understandably one of the favourites to go down.
