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Coca-Cola League One Preview 2008/09

FOOTBALL - LEAGUE ONE 2008-09 SEASON PREVIEW
Coca-Cola League One seems another fairly open contest, though there is one outstanding side in the race for the title. Leeds United, having started the 2007-08 season on -15 points by virtue of being in administration. However, Leeds won 27 of their 46 games, with 10 draws and only 9 losses, finishing 5th. Starting on equal terms, they will be considered certainties by many and skybet’s 7/2 to win the League and Evens about promotion both look tempting. However, a word of warning - your correspondent has been a fan for close to 40 years and Leeds’ ability to surprise comes as no great shock, ranging from last year’s “nearly promotion” season from an “impossible” position, to the 1-0 loss to Bob Stokoe’s Sunderland, when overwhelming favourites for the 1973 FA Cup Final.

The battle for the remaining promotion places is a difficult puzzle. Colchester, with an improved defensive line, are entitled to top the shortlist. Carlisle’s form of last season, along with John Ward’s new signings, entitle them to be thereabouts. Northampton may prove to be this division’s “dark horses”, with Brighton, Oldham and Southend completing the shortlist.

As far as relegation is concerned, Yeovil can’t score enough goals and Cheltenham are simply not good enough. Scunthorpe’s tiny squad must be a great disadvantage, while Millwall has been “on the slide” for several seasons and an improvement in their away from is vital, if they are to avoid the drop to League Two. Bristol Rovers lack any great strength in depth and must also be contenders.

Leeds United
To Win League One: 7/2 (skybet)
To be Promoted: Evs (skybet)
To be Relegated: 80/1 (totesport)

Leeds had a remarkable season in 2007-08. Having been deducted 15 points at the start of the season for being in administration, they confounded everybody by finishing fifth with 76 points. They only missed out on promotion by virtue of losing 1-0 to Doncaster Rovers in the playoff final. Had they started on level terms, they would have gained an automatic promotion spot, a single point behind champions Swansea. Enoch Showunmi, having turned down Leeds in January, has now joined the club on a two-year contract, having left Bristol City on a free transfer. Showunmi, a Nigerian international, played 61 times for Bristol City, and although scoring only 18 goals, evidently impressed United boss Gary McAllister. The Leeds manager had stated he was looking to strengthen his squad, including a striker to replace Leon Constantine, who joined Northampton Town last week. Irish defender Alan Sheehan joined Leeds on loan from Leicester in January and although offered a new contract by Leicester, the 21-year-old jumped at the chance to sign a three-year deal at Elland Road. Commencing the 2008-09 season on level terms, if reproducing last season’s form, Leeds are worthy favourites to win League One, with 7/2 seeming a fair representation of their chances.

Leicester City
To Win League One: 11/2 (Boylesports)
To be Promoted: 13/8 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 66/1 (skybet)

Nigel Pearson completed his first signings since being named the new Leicester boss by recruiting defender Michael Morrison (from Cambridge United), midfielder Lloyd Dyer (from MK Dons) and Welsh under-21 international Nicky Adams (from Bury). He has not ruled out the possibility of further signings before the start of the season, as he seeks to form a balanced squad, so will be hoping for further funding from Serbian chairman Milan Mandaric. Pearson will also be keen to start the new season on the right foot, given the turnover of managers since Mandaric took control.

Diminutive midfielder Levi Porter is looking to put the disappointment of injury and relegation behind him by forcing his way back into the first team to help gain promotion back to the Championship. Due to his serious knee injury, Porter was a spectator last time round as the season crumbled away, but is looking to rebuild his career. Now 21, he is well-known to Pearson from the England under-21 side, so has little to prove, other than fitness. In last season’s Championship campaign, Leicester were pretty solid at the back, conceding less than a goal per game but their lack of success in front of goal, despite manager Ian Holloway spending over £4 Million in the transfer market, was a major contributory factor to their relegation. Strengthening the front line must be Nigel Pearson’s prime objective. 11/2 is way too short about the Foxes winning the division and 13/8 about promotion makes no appeal, at least at the moment.

Peterborough Utd
To Win League One: 11/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 7/2 (totesport)
To be Relegated: 20/1 (skybet)

Posh director of football, Barry Fry confirmed that seven Peterborough players have been put on the transfer list, including winger Adam Newton, who still has a year left on his contract, after he expressed a desire to join Brentford. Also on the transfer list are goalkeepers Mark Tyler and Shwan Jalal, defenders Adam Smith and Daniel Blanchett, midfielder Josh Low and striker Danny Crow. Striker Scott Rendell has made his loan move to Peterborough a permanent signing, having ended the season on loan from Cambridge. Cambridge boss Jimmy Quinn was sad to lose Rendell, but always knew keeping him would be difficult. Quinn considered the move a good deal, considering he cost nothing and was not highly paid. 21-year-old Rendell scored 3 goals for Peterborough last season, adding to the 21 he had already scored for Cambridge. Versatile Wycombe right-back Russell Martin has agreed a transfer to Peterborough, signing a three-year contract, delighting boss Darren Ferguson. With the departure of Claude Gnakpa, who failed to agree new contract terms, Martin will make an ideal replacement. However, he is under twenty-four, so does not qualify for a Bosman free transfer. Compensation will have to be paid, though Ferguson is unconcerned, as this is unlikely to be a bank-busting amount. Martin is delighted with the move, as he wants to further his career at a higher level and is impressed with the ambition of the management team. Peterborough was a sound unit in all departments last season, gaining automatic promotion from League 2. The 2008-09 season is likely to be one of consolidation, so a challenge for honours seems unlikely. However, as long as Ferguson is shrewd with his recruitment, there seems no reason why the Posh should not establish themselves as a genuine top-half League One side.

MK Dons
To Win League One: 14/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 9/2 (Paddy Power)
To be Relegated: 20/1 (skybet)

Roberto Di Matteo stated that he hopes to be a better manager than he was a player after his appointment as boss of newly-promoted Milton Keynes Dons. The 38-year-old, who starred for Chelsea and Lazio, as well as representing Italy 34 times, has signed a one-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months, and is looking forward to the new challenge. Striker Sam Baldock and midfielder Luke Howell have signed contract extensions with the Dons. Nineteen year-old Baldock made nine appearances and Howell eleven, as the clinched the League Two title. They join Paul Mitchell and Drissa Diallo in signing new contracts club this summer. Di Matteo’s lack of managerial experience may be a deciding factor in the Dons’ fate in the 2008-09 season. Against generally classier opposition, it is hard to foresee an honours’ challenge, though a top half finish is expected.

Carlisle United
To Win League One: 16/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 6/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 14/1 (888sport)

Carlisle manager John Ward is keen to add to his options up front as speculation continues linking Joe Garner with a move to Nottingham Forest. Ward has brought in defender Josh Gowling from Bournemouth and goalkeeper Ben Williams from Crewe this summer, while former West Bromwich Albion winger Dean Nicholson is on trial at Brunton Park. “Ideally I’d like to bring in a couple more faces,” Ward said. Midfielder Grant Smith has signed a new one-year deal. The 28-year-old playmaker made 17 appearances for the Cumbrians last season, scoring once. A reproduction of last year’s form, which resulted in a 4th place finish, makes Carlisle live promotion candidates. skybet’s 6/1 seems fair enough.

Brighton & Hove Albion
To Win League One: 20/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 7/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 10/1 (Stan James)

Former Brighton assistant manager Bob Booker is returning to the club’s coaching staff. The 50-year-old has been appointed as reserve team coach by Micky Adams, who originally brought him to the club back in 2000.

Michael Haswell of AFC Wimbledon is a Brighton a one-week trial. Haswell will be with the squad during their trip to Ireland and feature in a pre-season friendly with Worthing. The Seagulls have no recognised left back in the squad at present, though David Livermore has some experience in the position. Gary Hart, Paul Reid and Kerry Mayo were all released under previous manager Dean Wilkins, but were welcomed back for pre-season training by Adams. He has not ruled out the possibility of offering any of them new terms before the start of the new season. Additionally, Brighton have signed utility player David Livermore from Hull City on a two-year contract. Livermore, 28, can play at left-back or in central midfield and is the club’s fourth signing of the summer. 7th last season, Brighton must be realistic promotion challengers.

Huddersfield Town
To Win League One: 20/1 (sportingbet)
To be Promoted: 7/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Relegated: 12/1 (totesport)

Huddersfield Town have fought off competition from several Championship clubs to sign former Scunthorpe United midfielder Jim Goodwin, after he was released at the end of the 2007-08 season. Manager Stan Ternent said, “Jim is a real winner and a very competitive midfield player who is a proper Championship performer.”

Goodwin was Huddersfield’s second close-season signing, following striker Keigan Parker’s recruitment from Blackpool. Defender Chris Lucketti has returned for a second spell, after agreeing a free transfer from Sheffield United. Blades’ manager Kevin Blackwell was of the opinion that, at the age of 36, a two-year contract, virtually guaranteeing first-team football was an excellent opportunity for Lucketti. Also obtained on a free transfer was Scunthorpe United defender Andy Butler. The 24-year-old centre-back, who turned down the offer of a new contract at Glanford Park, has signed a three-year deal with Huddersfield. Manager Stan Ternent seems confident of a prominent showing by Huddersfield in the 2008-09 season. While they are undoubtedly a genuine top-half side, a challenge for promotion seems unlikely.

Colchester United
To Win League One: 20/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 7/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 12/1 (totesport)

Colchester has smashed its transfer record to bring in talented Cheltenham Town striker Steven Gillespie for £400,000. They have also completed the signing of Rochdale midfielder David Perkins, for an undisclosed six-figure fee. The 26-year-old started his career with Morecambe before joining Rochdale 18 months ago. He scored six goals in 45 appearances last season, helping them reach the League Two playoffs. Gillespie and Perkins join previous signings Paul Reid, the former Barnsley captain, who can play in both defence and midfield and defenders Matt Lockwood and Matt Heath. A leaky defence played a large part in Colchester’s relegation from the Championship. With greater surety in this area, Colchester may well make a quick return to the higher division and 7/1 about them doing so makes some appeal.

Southend United
To Win League One: 20/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 6/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 14/1 (888sport)

Southend United have signed goalkeeper Ian Joyce on a one-year contract from Watford, while defender Simon Francis has signed a three-year contract extension. The 23-year-old indicated he would be staying at Roots Hall two weeks ago and has now signed to stay with the club until 2011. Francis joined the Blues from Sheffield United in 2006 and has since made 56 league appearances for the club. One of the hot targets for League One sides is Wolves defender Charlie Mulgrew. The left sided player turned down a move to Swindon, perhaps allowing Southend to move in. Mulgrew was on loan at Roots Hall last season and may now fancy a return.

6th place in the League, losing out in the playoff semi-final, identifies Southend as promotion contenders. There are a few sides that may prove too strong in the race for the title, though.

Tranmere Rovers
To Win League One: 25/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Promoted: 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 9/1 (William Hill)

Tranmere Rovers have signed former Walsall winger Edrissa Sonko on a one-year deal. The 28-year-old Gambian international, who can play on either wing or in the centre of midfield, joined Walsall last summer and made 37 appearances. Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore said, “I’m delighted to sign Edrissa, he’s a talented player. He has bags of pace and the tricks to beat a defender; he’s played across Europe and at international level.” Tranmere have also signed attacking midfielder George O’Callaghan from Cork City. He will be an ideal replacement for Paul Mclaren in the heart of midfield. After a stumbling block during contract negotiations, Ronnie Moore managed to smooth out the deal to secure the most exciting signing of the season so far. O’Callaghan is held in the highest regard Cork, where they call him “The King.” Striker Bas Savage last night signed a two-year deal, days after a formal bid from Rovers boss Ronnie Moore. The 26-year-old signed hours after his new boss told him he wants him to be his number one striker. Savage feared he might not get enough games at Millwall, behind Gary Alexander, Lewis Grabban, Neil Harris and Ashley Grimes. Tranmere’s new recruits seem certain to improve one the team’s 11th place of last season, without troubling the principals.

Scunthorpe United
To Win League One: 25/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 8/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 10/1 (888sport)

Scunthorpe United has secured the signature of former Falkirk defender Kenny Milne. The 28-year-old, who joined the Bairns from Partick Thistle in 2005, has signed a two-year contract. Milne, who began his career with Hearts, rejected the offer of a new contract from the SPL outfit. The League One side have also handed a trial to released Manchester United left-back Michael Lea. Lea, 20, never got as far as the Old Trafford first-team and spent part of last season on loan at Royal Antwerp.

Scunthorpe desperately need to sign some quality players. The current squad contains less than twenty players, and unless this situation is rectified in the immediate future, it is not difficult to foresee the club’s slide continue, possibly as far as League Two.

Oldham Athletic
To Win League One: 28/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Promoted: 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 7/1 (totesport)

Oldham Athletic have signed 17-year-old ex-Manchester United striker David Williams on a 12-month contract. Williams, who was released by the Premier League champions earlier in the year, was due to play for the club’s youth team last season. However, he suffered a serious knee injury just before taking to the field for his trial match. He is still recovering and will be unavailable for six weeks. Dale Stephens recently moved to Oldham after rejecting the offer of a new deal at Gigg Lane. The Latics have had a cash offer for the 20-year-old, who is out of contract at Bury, turned down. Instead, the transfer fee is likely to be set by a tribunal, as the Shakers are due compensation because of the youngster’s age.

In May, Oldham Athletic signed former Gretna goalkeeper Greg Fleming and teenage Manchester United utility man Kieran Lee on free transfers. Scotland Under-21 keeper Fleming has signed a three-year deal after being released on Monday by Gretna, along with the rest of their squad. The 21-year-old, who was also wanted by Crewe, played 30 Scottish Premier League games last season. Lee, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, has signed a two-year deal. With Oldham finishing 8th last season, it does not require a great leap of faith to foresee them putting up a strong challenge for promotion this time round. Ladbrokes’ 9/1 looks good value.

Millwall
To Win League One: 33/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 11/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 4/1 (William Hill)

Millwall has signed Manchester City youngster Ashley Grimes. The 21-year-old, who has played in midfield and attack, became a Lions player from 1 July. In June, Millwall signed Cardiff City keeper David Forde on a two-year deal after his release by the Bluebirds. Forde, 28, spent time on loan at Bournemouth who narrowly missed out on escaping the drop from League One. Lions’ boss Kenny Jackett said: “He did very well in his loan spells in League One last season and I believe he will prove an excellent acquisition for us. Millwall goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley has joined Motherwell on a week-long trial.

The 24-year-old former Chelsea trainee will join up with ex-Lions’ boss Mark McGhee at the Scottish Premier League club. Pidgeley joined Millwall on a free transfer from Watford in 2006, making 55 appearances for the club. The Steelman currently only have one goalkeeper at their disposal in the form of ex-Rangers starlet Graeme Smith. Millwall were very average in front of goal last season, particularly away from home. This is an area about which manager Jackett is fully aware, and if not rectified soon, a trip to League Two is almost a formality.

Swindon Town
To Win League One: 40/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Promoted: 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 4/1 (William Hill)

Swindon Town manager Maurice Malpas may turn to Ghana defender Akwasi Oduro after missing out on the signing of Charlie Mulgrew The 21-year-old left-back, based in Belgium, has been invited to join Swindon’s Austrian tour. Chairman Andrew Fitton has pleaded for supporters’ patience fans to be patient as they try to strengthen the squad, explaining that Premiership and Championship teams are unwilling to discuss loan deals until pre-season training has been completed. Malpas has challenged Chris Allen to prove himself in a Robins shirt this season. The midfielder travelled to Austria as part of a 20-man squad and is due to face the likes of Roberto Carlos when the Robins play Fenebahce, following a slightly disappointing 2-2 draw with Steaua Bucharest, having led 2-0 at the break.

With Allen entering the final year of his first two-year professional deal, Malpas needs the 19-year-old to prove himself worthy of a new contract. Malpas is of the opinion that Allen has failed to develop with experience and has been found lacking in some positions. Last season’s 13th place finish was less than awe-inspiring and another mid-table place is expected.

Northampton
To Win League One: 40/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Promoted: 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 9/2 (888sport)

Stuart Gray has a fully fit, classy squad, which seems destined to mount a major challenge for honours this season. Goalkeeper Mark Bunn is on of the best in the division, while the trio of a recovered Chris Doig, Gabor Gyepes and Mark Hughes form a formidable defensive line. Giles Coke and Danny Jackman were superb in midfield last season. Jackman was Cobblers “Player of the Year,” while Coke has proven tackling ability, tons of pace, and can score with both feet. Adebayo Akinfenwa is a handful for any opposition and commands near cult status with the fans. If Leon Constantine can find some form, the pairing looks deadly. The Cobblers could well prove to be the “dark horses” of the division and look overpriced at Ladbrokes 12/1 for promotion.

Bristol Rovers
To Win League One: 40/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (888sport)
To be Relegated: 4/1 (William Hill)

Bristol Rovers hope to sign striker Wayne Andrews if the player proves his fitness during pre-season. The 30-year-old is recovering from a knee injury he picked up playing for Rovers on loan last season. Striker Rickie Lambert intends to sign a new contract with the club but insists there is no hurry for it to be sorted out. Rovers’ top scorer last season, with 19 goals, he has just one year left on his current deal at the Memorial. Lambert, a £200,000 signing from Rochdale, proved his worth to Rovers during the side’s FA Cup run last season. The 26-year-old is adamant he will stay with Rovers and is looking forward to playing alongside new signing Darryl Duffy. After finishing 16th last season, survival in League One must be viewed as some sort of success.

Hartlepool United
To Win League One: 40/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (888sport)
To be Relegated: 4/1 (William Hill)

Hartlepool United has signed former Manchester United midfielder Ritchie Jones on a free transfer. Jones, 21, had been at Old Trafford as a schoolboy and was a regular reserve player. Pools have completed their second signing of the summer after Jones was released from Old Trafford at the end of last season. In June, Hartlepool United secured the signing of Nottingham Forest academy graduate Alan Power. The Dublin-born midfielder, 20, made just one first-team appearance for the East Midlands club against Peterbrough in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Striker David Foley signed a new deal to tie himself to Victoria Park. The 20-year-old, who was out of contract this summer, scored three goals in 11 starts and 27 substitute appearances last season. He holds the record for being the youngest player to represent Pools at the age of 16 years and 44 days. Hartlepool look safe in League One, but any sort of top-half finish would constitute a very successful campaign.

Leyton Orient
To Win League One: 40/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (888sport)
To be Relegated: 3/1 (Stan James)

Boss Martin Ling is still searching for a left winger after Wayne Corden’s departure in May, and confesses to encountering difficulties. He was on the verge of signing Robert Snodgrass from Livingston, but couldn’t agree terms. However, Ling, who particularly wants a naturally left footed wide player, still has several prospective targets. Ling has also secured Spurs’ striker Simon Dawkins on loan till January. He was a regular feature of the Tottenham reserves last season, following an injury plagued term, and is now ready to step up to full competitive status. Ryan Jarvis has made his loan a permanent agreement at Brisbane Road. A stronger strike force should aid Orient’s 2008-09 campaign, as they were deficient in this area last season. Traditionally, they have always been a “home” team, so any improvement in away form should see them improve of last season’s 14th place.

Walsall
To Win League One: 50/1 (Bet365)
To be Promoted: 20/1 (Bet365)
To be Relegated: 7/2 (William Hill)

Manager Jimmy Mullen mad his first major signing by acquiring Doncaster defender Stephen Roberts on a Bosman free transfer. The 28-year-old member of the Welsh squad turned down a new Doncaster deal to sign a two-year contract with Walsall. Roberts’ signing was quickly followed by striker Jabo Ibehre from Leyton Orient, on a one-year deal. Ibehre, 25, scored seven goals last season for Leyton Orient, where he had spent his entire professional career. The third recruit in three days was midfielder Dwayne Mattis from Barnsley on a free transfer. The 26-year-old midfielder played four games for the Saddlers on loan last autumn before suffering a broken leg. Another free transfer was Sofiane Zaaboub from Swindon, making him the fourth recent arrival. The left-footed midfielder, 25, was out of contract this summer. Walsall manager Jimmy Mullen said, “Sofiane is another proven player at this level. He is at the right age, has an excellent pedigree and I am sure will prove to be a valuable squad member.” Walsall are another side that should improve (12th last season) but any honours challenge is unlikely.

Hereford United
To Win League One: 50/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 20/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 9/4 (skybet)

Manager Graham Turner hopes to recruit three more players ahead of the 2008/09 campaign. He has recently signed Watford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old played for the Bulls last season as he spent a year on loan at Edgar Street. The French-born player made 41 league appearances for Hereford, scoring two goals, as he helped them to promotion from League Two. Teenage defender Gary Breen has been drafted from Manchester City while centre back Dean Beckwith, with over 100 appearances, has finally committed himself to the club. Turner is also looking to sign striker Bradley Hudson-Odoi from Fulham. He impressed in the Hereford reserves last season. Promising young Portsmouth ‘keeper Nick Jordan is also on the transfer “hit list” and it seems almost certain that Turner will take a goalkeeper from the Championship on loan for the 2008-09 season. Hereford’s first season in the higher division is likely to be an exercise in consolidation. They are certainly weaker sides than the Bulls and they are not fancied for an immediate return to League Two, despite being relegation favourites. They may prove to offer some value when “to stay up” prices become available.

Yeovil Town
To Win League One: 50/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 16/1 (Bet365)
To be Relegated: 5/2 (skybet)

Boss Russell Slade believes luring Darren Way back to Yeovil could be “one of the most significant signings in the club’s history.” Midfielder Way returned to Huish Park for the third time in his career after joining on a two-year contract, from Swansea. Way is a firm favourite at the Glovers and Slade is confident he will settle quickly into a familiar environment. Slade considers his on and off field contributions beneficial to all at the club, particularly the younger players. Having been without a recognised ‘keeper after losing Steve Mildenhall to Southend and releasing Darren Behcet, are believed to be on the verge of signing a goalkeeper. Several names have been mentioned including Portsmouth’s highly-rated Asmir Begovic, who had a loan spell at Yeovil last season. Millwall’s England under-21 international Rhys Evans and Crystal Palace’s Scott Flinders have also been mentioned. Although he cannot be a long term option, having recently signed a three-year contract with Portsmouth, Begovic on season-long loan seems the preferable option. Wages demands from the relatively young ‘keeper would be quit low, leaving a larger proportion of the budget to strengthen other areas. Yeovil were particularly poor in front of goal last season, as 38 goals from 46 games indicates. Slade’s premier objective must be at least one quality striker, as League Two is beckoning.

Stockport County
To Win League One: 66/1 (Bet365)
To be Promoted: 16/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Relegated: 5/2 (skybet)

Stockport boss Jim Gannon has insisted County will stick to their principles when recruiting new strikers. Liam Dickinson’s £ ¾ million move to Derby left Gannon in search of a striker plus a first-choice goalkeeper. He is currently seeking players to develop Stockport into a genuine Championship side. The manager has noted how League Two and non-league players have progressed at a higher level, and will be viewing these leagues as a source of fresh talent. Ideally, he would like to sign a front target man, but is prepared to alter the system slightly and play two centre forwards if the appropriate player cannot be found.

The goalkeeping problem appears to have been solved, with the signing of Welsh under-21 ‘keeper Owain Fon Williams, from Crewe. Despite being linked with Bolton, Derby and Swansea, 21 year-old Fon Williams opted for first-team football at Edgeley Park. Current rumours suggest that Southend’s Gary Hooper is Stockport-bound having only spoken to them within the last couple of days. Cheltenham seems resigned to losing him, so these rumours might well have some foundation. Stockport have enough quality about them, especially if the rumours regarding Gary Hooper are correct, to be safe in League One. However, it may be a little early to expect much more than a top-half finish.

Crewe Alexandra
To Win League One: 100/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Promoted: 33/1 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 5/2 (Bet365)

Crewe captain Julian Baudet is backing new striker Calvin Zola to be a success at the Alexandra Stadium. Baudet considers him the man the team has been missing for the last year, a goalscorer and target man with the ability to win the ball The Congo striker from Tranmere Rovers for £200,000 in June. The Alex struggled in League One last term, only avoiding relegation after preferential results on the final day and Baudet is predicting another tough season.

Crewe coach Steve Holland believes the club’s young players can still have a part to play this season despite their summer spending spree. Alex have become one the top spenders in League One after paying out in excess of £300,000 for Calvin Zola and Joel Grant, as well as bringing in goalkeepers Steve Collis and Adam Legzdins. Holland pointed out that there are six 19-year-olds training with the first-team, all of whom possess bags of talent. Despite their outlay, Crewe face a tough assignment in merely surviving in League One, but are fancied to do so, without setting the world alight.

Cheltenham Town
To Win League One: 150/1 (skybet)
To be Promoted: 33/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 7/4 (Stan James)

Cheltenham have lost out in the race to sign Gary Hooper from Southend despite having a club record bid accepted for the striker. The Robins had an offer £100,000+ accepted as manager Keith Downing looks for a replacement for Steven Gillespie, who has joined Colchester in a £400,000 deal. However, the 20-year-old, who scored 12 goals in 19 games while on loan at Hereford last season, has opted to move elsewhere. Downing has urged supporters not to panic over the lack of new signings, as he is of the opinion that it still early days for most managers regarding their squad-building aspirations. The manager used a recent (July 8th) friendly with Didcot Town to assess four triallists, though Ryan Burge was injured in warming-up. Left-sided midfielder, Ryan Martin, will join training today. Downing was also delighted to see ex-Wolves’ defender Michael Townsend complete 45 minutes with no ill effects, having been out for much of last season.

Survival must be the prime objective for the 2008-09 season, but Cheltenham need to improve substantially and League Two football next season seems likely.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds