Coca-Cola League Two Preview 2008/09

July 13, 2008

FOOTBALL - LEAGUE TWO 2008-09 SEASON PREVIEW
League Two looks to be the most open division of all, with bookmakers going 9/1 the field and nine teams at 12/1 or less to win the title. A new-look Darlington, at 10/1, heads the shortlist, with last season’s 5th placed Rochdale a close second at 12/1 and Wycombe not that far behind, at the same price. The title shortlist is completed by relegated Port Vale, at 14/1 and Lincoln at a speculative 25/1.

The battle for promotion places looks equally competitive, with seven teams priced at 3/1 or less to be playing League One football next season. Aldershot Town made a nonsense of the Blue Square Premier last season and are fancied to be leading promotion contenders, at least (11/2 for promotion). New-look Brentford, under Andy Scott, also appeal at 5/1. Revamped Lincoln is of definite interest at 7/1. 888sport and Blue Square offer good value odds on League Two Betting.

The fixed-odds layers do not currently have prices available for relegation from League Two. However, the Betfair betting exchange prices are included below, to offer a guide. Relegation seems certain for Luton Town, unless they can overturn the 30 point deduction made by the Football League for various irregularities. Assuming they are not able to do so, Betfair’s 4/11 looks like a licence to print money. Bournemouth and Rotherham are both also in administration and with the threat of points being deducted, they seem the most likely contenders to join Luton in the Blue Square Premier league. Accrington Stanley, Dagenham & Redbridge, Chester City and Macclesfield Town will surely be hoping the sides in administration have further points deducted, as otherwise, they are leading contenders to join Luton.

Bradford City
To Win League Two: 9/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 5/2 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 25/1 (Betfair)

Stuart McCall was appointed Bradford City boss prior to the 2007-08 League Two campaign. He had targeted promotion during his first season, but the club was in the bottom half of the league until after the New Year, and could only finish tenth, 16 points short of the play-off spots. McCall released 13 players at the end of the season, and also lost his captain, David Wetherall, who retired, and Luke Medley, who turned down a new contract in favour of a return to London (Barnet). McCall added four new signings, Harrogate ‘keeper Jonathan McLaughlin, midfielder Chris Brandon from Huddersfield, defenders Paul Arnison from Carlisle and Graeme Lee from Doncaster as he attempted to build a team to challenge for promotion. City returned to pre-season training on 1 July 2008, with a fifth new player, after Tranmere Rovers midfielder Paul McLaren signed a two-year deal. Given the competitive nature of this division, Bradford look plenty short enough at 9/1 to win it and 5/2 to gain promotion.

Darlington
To Win League Two: 10/1 (Paddy Power)
To Be Promoted: 9/4 (Paddy Power)
To Be Relegated: 25/1 (Betfair)

Darlington’s failed in their promotion effort last season, losing on penalties to Rochdale in the playoff semi-final. Boss Dave Penney immediately set about the task of rebuilding the squad for the 2008-09 campaign.

He disposed of no less than nine players, namely John Brackstone, Kevin Burgess Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, Michael Cummins, Julian Joachim, Clark Keltie, Shaun Reay, Neil Wainwright and Scott Wiseman. Middlesbrough midfielder Jason Kennedy became the first new signing for the Quakers after an impressive loan spell with the club. Kennedy was soon followed by 6′3″ Leyton Orient defender Clayton Fortune. Penney has also recruited wingers Adam Griffin and David Poole from Stockport County, along with Adam Proudlock from the same source. Darlington is fancied to go close to winning the division, with 10/1 looking appealing.

Gillingham
To Win League Two: 11/1 (Bet365)
To Be Promoted: 5/2 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 16/1 (Betfair)

Gillingham’s main sponsor has announced it is to cut its financial backing by half following the club’s relegation. The Kent Reliance Building Society signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the club last year, but it was based on success on the field. KRBS chief executive Mike Lazenby said he hoped the relationship with the club would still continue, but a Gillingham spokesman refused to comment. Experienced centre back Leo Roget has impressed manager Mark Stimson in training and will take part in Gillingham’s pre-season campaign. The 30-year-old is not with the squad currently training in Spain, but is with fitness coach Danny Ellis, having been out of the game since 2006.

Gillingham have also signed Doncaster striker Mark McCammon on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old Barbados international was a key member of the Rovers squad that clinched promotion to the Championship last season. He made 40 appearances and scored eight goals in the 2007-08 season, but turned down a new contract. Stimson has decided not to pursue an interest in striker Drewe Broughton and defender Moses Swaibu. Broughton was seen as surplus to requirements after the signing of McCammon and defensive options are plentiful. Reduced financial backing can only hinder the Gills, but they can still perform respectably at this lower level. Fancied for a top-6 finish.

Shrewsbury Town
To Win League Two: 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
To Be Promoted: 11/4 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 7/1 (Betfair)

Following former manager Gary Peters’ departure, newly appointed Paul Simpson made his own short-term changes for the remainder of the 2007-08 season with loan signings. Michael Barnes was signed on loan from Manchester United, but despite an impressive home debut, was not kept on, along with veteran striker Andy Cooke, who was released early from his contract after an injury-hit season. Doncaster Rovers central defender Graeme Lee was signed in March and played a handful of games before being recalled due to injuries.

Simpson released five players at the end of the season, Luke Jones, Colin Murdock, Jimmy Ryan, Michael Barnes and triallist Martin Riley, whilst Asa Hall rejected a contract offer. During the close season, youth team goalkeeper Jasbir Singh signed a 12 month contract with the club; meanwhile Stephen Hindmarch and experienced midfielder Paul Murray were signed on free transfers. Simpson broke the club’s transfer record with the signing of striker Grant Holt, who was signed from Nottingham Forest for £170,000, with defender Michael Jackson signing on a free transfer. Last season’s 18th place finish hardly inspires confidence and even allowing for changes in personnel, Hills’ 11/4 about promotion looks ridiculous.

Rochdale
To Win League Two: 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
To Be Promoted: 10/3 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 10/1 (Betfair)

Manager Keith Hill led Rochdale to 5th place in 2007-08, with their highest ever points total of 80. Having beaten Darlington on penalties in the playoff semi-final, they reached Wembley for the first time ever. Despite taking the lead, they eventually lost 3-2 to Stockport County in the playoff final. Reports suggest that Rochdale’s signing of Jon Shaw from Halifax may have cost £60,000, after Bradford pulled out of a move to sign the Blue Square Premier “Player of the Year”, due to the amount he would cost. Rochdale goalkeeper Sam Russell has been handed number one in the new squad numbers, as he and James Spencer have swapped shirt numbers for the 2008-09 season. With both keepers fit, for perhaps the first time Hill has a straight choice, and it would appear that Sam Russell has been given the nod. Russell hasn’t played since February, after a broken finger prematurely ended his season. However, he had done enough in his seventeen games for the club to be awarded a new contract. Rochdale look like genuine title contenders and Ladbrokes 12/1 looks too big.

Chesterfield
To Win League Two: 12/1 (Paddy Power)
To Be Promoted: 3/1 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 16/1 (Betfair)

Defender Robert Page considers it a “privilege” to be named Chesterfield captain and is relishing the responsibility. The former Wales centre-half, who was manager Lee Richardson’s first major summer signing, was named skipper this week. Page captained his country as well as his former clubs Watford, Sheffield United, Coventry and most recently Huddersfield. Manager Lee Richardson expects to make another signing within the next few days. He has already given notice of his intentions to sign both a goalkeeper and a left-sided midfielder. It is difficult to fancy Chesterfield for the title and the 3/1 offered about promotion is far too short.

Wycombe Wanderers
To Win League Two: 12/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 3/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 10/1 (Betfair)

Lewwis Spence has rejected a new contract at Crystal Palace and has become Peter Taylor’s first summer signing. The 20 year old midfielder is a product of the Palace youth system but is looking for regular first team football. Taylor has been impressed by the powerful running midfielder, with a great left foot, who has a great hunger for the game. Contrary to some newspaper reports, there will be no compensation payable to Crystal Palace for the signing of Spence. Local lad, John Mousinho also a midfielder, is the second player to sign, from Brentford, on a free transfer. Taylor has great ambitions for Wycombe. The primary objective for 2008-09 is promotion, but Taylor is aiming higher still, in due course. Wycombe are fancied for promotion at least, while winning the title is by no means out of the question.

Bournemouth
To Win League Two: 12/1 (skybet)
To Be Promoted: 3/1 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 5/2 (Betfair)

Bournemouth’s relegation from League One was as least partly due to the 10-point deduction imposed by the FA. However, the club is still in administration and as with Luton, a further points deduction cannot be ruled out. The Board of the Football League has decided to defer discussion of issues surrounding the administration of Bournemouth until all necessary paperwork has been submitted. The team certainly has enough quality to mount an immediate challenge for promotion, but with a number of off the pitch issues to resolve, are best ignored.

Port Vale
To Win League Two: 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
To Be Promoted: 10/3 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 14/1 (Betfair)

Manager Lee Sinnott was unable to prevent Vale from sliding into League Two in 23rd place with only 38 points. 2008-09 will be Vale’s first season in the bottom tier of the Football League for almost a quarter of a century. Sinnott insists mental strength will play a big part in determining Port Vale’s success in the coming season. He has endured a disappointing start, with relegation after just six months in the job. However, he is building a squad for the forthcoming campaign and has some clearly-defined goals. Sinnott said, “It’s all about moulding a group to the way that you want it, bearing in mind the capabilities of each player of how they integrate into the team and setting out goals. It’s easy to set out goals, the hard part is to understand and implement how we’re going to get there. That kind of mental aspect will be dealt with in pre-season.”

Port Vale seem likely to make a spirited bid for an immediate return to League one and 14/1 looks inviting.

Brentford
To Win League Two: 20/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 5/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 13/1 (Betfair)

Brentford manager Andy Scott expects his players to give 100% every day and wants to make sure his team is a close unit. That being the case, he has assured his players of his full backing. Scott, who was appointed at the start of 2008 following the sacking of Terry Butcher, has brought in eight new signings over the summer. He pointed out that the backroom staff have also changed substantially and he is content that the club is a far more professional outfit that needs to be challenging at the top of the league. There seems no reason why that should be beyond them and 5/1 about promotion is appealing.

Rotherham Utd
To Win League Two: 20/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 5/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 6/4 (Betfair)

The Board of the Football League, meeting on 10th July, received preliminary information from a new company wishing to take Rotherham United’s place in League 2. The new company has not yet submitted a complete application, although it has indicated that it would wish to play at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. The Board reminded the company that a club is ordinarily required to play its matches in its existing town, though can be permitted to play elsewhere on a temporary basis, while a new ground is being built or developed. In this case, if the new company were to apply to play elsewhere on a temporary basis, before giving permission the Board would require it to agree to return to Rotherham within a period of four years, and also to lodge an irrevocable bond of £¾ million.

The new company was also reminded that all creditors must be paid in full. In Rotherham’s case, this includes an outstanding debt to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. The new company would be required to determine its proposed course of action before the start of the coming season. In the event that the Board receives a complete application from the new company, it reserves the right to impose further conditions. Rotherham’s new owner Tony Stewart is confident the club can avoid a 15-point penalty when it comes out of administration. The club’s lawyers are still working towards paying off the Millers’ creditors, via a Company Voluntary Agreement that is required under Football League rules. With all the off the pitch concerns, Rotherham are best dismissed from calculations, although a deduction of 15 points would make Betfair’s offer of 6/4 about relegation look generous.

Aldershot Town
To Win League Two: 22/1 (888sport)
To Be Promoted: 11/2 (888sport)
To Be Relegated: 10/1 (Betfair)

Aldershot Town boss Gary Waddock made his first signing since winning promotion to the Football League by recruiting defender / midfielder Dean Howell from Blue Square Premier side Rushden & Diamonds. His next signing was 25 year old defender Chris Blackburn from Swindon Town, followed by Woking striker Marvin Morgan. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull also signed a new two-year contract. Joel Grant left to join Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £130,000, a club record sale, which will provide Waddock with additional funds for the 2008-09 campaign. They looked a pretty classy outfit in their domination of the Blue Square Premier last season and are fancied to continue their progress with a further promotion in the coming campaign.

Lincoln City
To Win League Two: 25/1 (Ladbrokes)
To Be Promoted: 7/1 (Ladbrokes)
To Be Relegated: 9/1 (Betfair)

In the Industrial Revolution, Lincolnshire`s farmers rose to the challenge of a burgeoning population. Output increased and the nation feasted on the bounty brought by further invention within new industrial sectors. At first the momentum was slow, but it grew quickly. In October 2007, there was another spark, born of the maxim that necessity is the mother of invention. Peter Jackson arrived at Lincoln City, staring down the barrel of a Lincolnshire shotgun that threatened to blast the club into Blue Square obscurity. Having unselfishly saved the Imps, he saved himself from cancer. Both players and fans regard Jackson as “The Lord of the Imps.” This season the club has invested heavily in its defensive frailties, further strengthened in an enviable midfield and forward line. On top of household name Frank Sinclair, there is Janos Kovacs, Stefan Oakes, David Graham, Aaron Brown and excellent ‘young ‘keeper Rob Burch. Another top name will apparently arrive before the season starts. This may well be a season of difference, and 7/1 about Lincoln’s promotion is if definite interest. A small interest in Lincoln winning the title, at 25/1 might not go amiss.

Notts County
To Win League Two: 33/1 (sportingbet)
To Be Promoted: 9/1 (totesport)
To Be Relegated: 9/1 (Betfair)

The world’s oldest league club fighting for its life in the Football League. It is a club that has had to scrap for survival in the Football League in two of the past three seasons. Manager Ian McParland has a vision to resuscitate the club and restore it to its former glory, in every painstaking detail. After a disappointing season, he knows he has to build a squad capable of so much more than 21st place in League Two. He has taken the first steps towards achieving that, by bringing in players capable of taking the club forward. After ending last season with the worst scoring record in the Football League, he has swooped for Jamie Forrester, a proven goalscorer at League Two level. He has signed Matt Hamshaw in the hope he will be the answer to his problems on the right side of midfield. Club legend Michael Johnson, Russell Hoult and Adam Nowland have all also agreed deals at Meadow Lane and there is more to come before the start of the season. However, McParland is looking beyond shaping purely a successful first-team. He is looking at the bigger picture; at sustainable long-term prosperity and that includes, above all else, the new school of excellence in the image of the old one. The board have approved its re-launch from September, with teams from nine to 16. The following year they will extend it further by reintroducing a scholarship scheme for 16-19 year-olds and reforming a youth team.

McParland knows he might not still be in the hot-seat at Meadow Lane in a few years’ time to enjoy the fruit it bears, but it is important to him to be there at its rebirth. He said, “This club needs to be rebuilt from bottom to top for it to become the Notts County of old. It will be difficult but we have to improve everything to make it a proper football club again. Notts County has fallen miles behind nearly every club in the country. They have all got youth teams, centres of excellence and reserve teams and we don’t - a club like Notts County has not got that. That is what I am aspiring to do. I want to start all these things off and get it all in motion. It is important to the fans that this is a proper football club, with a professional infrastructure.” McParland admits it could take three years or more for the club to nurture talented youngsters into players capable of shining on the first-team stage. However, progress, however steady, is still progress in his eyes. He added, “We will try to do our best to move the club forward in every way from the first-team, to the centre of excellence to the youth team. This is where Notts County has to be going.” For all McParland’s efforts, it may be early days to expect a Magpies renaissance, though improvement must surely be forthcoming.

Grimsby Town
To Win League Two: 33/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 8/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 6/1 (Betfair)

Grimsby Town manager Alan Buckley has refused to give up his efforts to land striker Michael Boulding from Mansfield Town. The 32-year-old hitman scored 25 times last season in a struggling side that eventually lost their Football League status. Boulding’s form last term has led to a host of clubs chasing him this summer, but Buckley hopes the Mariners can win the race. Meanwhile, the manager is set to start talks with another striker about a possible move to Blundell Park. He added, “We know what he (Boulding) can do but, at the moment, I have a different type of striker to speak to. It may be a bit more drawn out than the others as he is still at a club but I’m not sure they want to keep him. I’ll just talk to him about the football side of things and see.” Grimsby are expected to finish safely in mid-table but not really much more.

Barnet
To Win League Two: 33/1 (Paddy Power)
To Be Promoted: 15/2 (Paddy Power)
To Be Relegated: 11/1 (Betfair)

Barnet boss Paul Fairclough says nurturing young talent is vital, especially when such players have had their dreams shattered at other clubs. Fairclough, in a recent interview, explained that the club was continually picking up young players seeking to get their careers back on track. He warned other clubs of their responsibilities to young players, as often players are released with no proper debriefing. He explained the difficulties coaches face in explaining to young players that they won’t make the grade. He also emphasised the careful manner of communicating with young players, attempting to maximise their potential. Barnet looks safe enough, but promotion may prove elusive at the moment.

Bury
To Win League Two: 40/1 (skybet)
To Be Promoted: 8/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 9/1 (Betfair)

Bury have signed defender Ryan Cresswell on a free transfer from Sheffield United. The 20-year-old was due to join Hungarian club Ferncvaros on a season-long loan but has instead opted for a permanent move to Gigg Lane.Cresswell, who spent time on loan at Rotherham, Morecambe and Macclesfield last term, has agreed a two-year deal with Alan Knill’s side. Bury assistant boss Chris Wilder worked with Cresswell at Halifax and his influence seems to have been a key factor in the player’s decision, as a number of other clubs had also been interested. Another side likely to finish in mid-table anonymity.

Morecambe
To Win League Two: 40/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 10/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 9/1 (Betfair)

Morecambe are interested in signing Accrington Stanley midfielder Ian Craney this summer, and he is one of the club’s top transfer targets. Manager Sammy McIlroy, a Craney admirer, has had two bids rejected by Accrington. Craney returned to the Fraser Eagle Stadium in January for a club record £85k from Swansea, but failed to find top form in the closing stages of the campaign. Stanley are looking for a bid in excess if this figure for Craney and are somewhat surprised that Morecambe have now made their interest public, despite no contact since the beginning of June. Sammy McIlroy is convinced that he needs a further two or three players, following the departure of a number of the squad last season. McIlroy mad some signings, but mainly as “stop gap” measures. McIlroy is also extremely unhappy at the prospect of losing assistant manager Mark Lillis to Hull City, but philosophical, as there is little he can do to stop such a move. Doubtless, Morecambe will be content to be playing League football in 2009-10 and there seems no reason why they shouldn’t.

Chester City
To Win League Two: 50/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 14/1 (totesport)
To Be Relegated: 11/9 (Betfair)

Chester City could soon pocket a stunning £400,000 windfall, but manager Simon Davies would be in no hurry to spend on new players. The Blues will receive a major financial boost if Ipswich Town forward Jon Walters leaves Portman Road and signs for any one of the three clubs currently chasing his signature. The 24-year-old was sold by Chester to Ipswich in January last year, with a sell-on clause written into his contract entitling City to 20% of any subsequent transfer fee. Walters is rated in the £2 million bracket and is being tracked by Premiership trio Stoke City, Wigan Athletic and West Brom. Davies views the money as an option for later in the season and is satisfied with the five players he has brought in over the summer. The only pressing issue is a back-up keeper for number one John Danby. He is also prepared to let striker Chris Holroyd and midfielder Mark Hughes leave, with the duo attracting interest from Cambridge United and Barnet respectively. Chester started well last season, before losing all form and finishing in 22nd place. Definite relegation candidates, but may survive as a result of the clubs in administration.

Exeter City
To Win League Two: 50/1 (skybet)
To Be Promoted: 10/1 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 5/1 (Betfair)

The 2007/08 season saw Exeter reach the play-off final, after finishing fourth in the Blue Square Premier League and overcoming local rivals Torquay United in the semi-final, scoring four goals in the last twenty minutes of the second leg. Exeter faced Cambridge United in the final at Wembley Stadium, in front of a record crowd of 42,511, winning 1-0 through a Rob Edwards goal, thus earning promotion to League Two.

The club remains owned and run by its fans, through the Exeter City Supporters Trust. Promoted Exeter has announced that it will not increase admission prices at St James Park for the forthcoming League Two season. The Grecians hope that the return of league football to Exeter will swell the numbers coming to watch the team. However, if the average number of home fans at St James Park is less than 4,000 up to the end of 2008, they will have to increase prices. Last season the club drew an average of 3,533 home fans. A progressive side, they should comfortably remain in League Two, with a respectable top-half finish expected.

Macclesfield Town
To Win League Two: 66/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 14/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 5.2/1 (Betfair)

In February 2008, Keith Alexander was appointed manager, replacing Ian Brightwell, who with assistant Asa Hartford had experienced a run of poor results, leaving Macclesfield a place and two points above the relegation zone. Fifteen points (4 wins and 3 draws) from nine games guided the club away from relegation and Alexander was rewarded with a new two-year deal from April. Alexander has snapped up the Bury defender Paul Morgan on a season-long loan arrangement. The Silkmen boss knows the 29-year-old from their time together at Lincoln City. Morgan spent six years at Sincil Bank, making 238 appearances for the Red Imps, before signing for Bury last summer where he once again teamed up with Alexander.

The manager has also added Sierra Leone international Ahmed Deen to his squad. The 23-year-old left-back has played for several non-league clubs including Fisher Athletic and St Albans, and spent most of last term with Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford, and enhances Alexander’s defensive options. Nick Blackman and James Jennings have signed one-year deals, while Shaun Brisley has signed a two-year contract. Manager Keith Alexander has warned the club’s fans not to expect great things from his side this season. The Silkmen have flirted with relegation in each of the last three campaigns and Alexander is predicting more of the same. However, the plight of Luton, Rotherham and Bournemouth may come to their assistance, so remaining in League Two is quite likely.

Dagenham & Redbridge
To Win League Two: 80/1 (William Hill)
To Be Promoted: 20/1 (William Hill)
To Be Relegated: 4.2/1 (Betfair)

Dagenham boss John Still expects a hard task in his quest to bring new players to Victoria Road in time for the 2008-09 season The Daggers, who clinched their survival with a game to spare last term (their first season in the Football League) will continue to struggle to compete with the bigger clubs in League Two. Still pointed out that a little “ducking and diving” was required due to the small income generated by the club, requiring a good deal of planning and budgeting. Live relegation candidates, but for the misfortunes of other sides.

Accrington Stanley
To Win League Two: 100/1 (skybet)
To Be Promoted: 18/1 (totesport)
To Be Relegated: 7/2 (Betfair)

Accrington Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell has welcomed the news that Luton Town will start next season on -30 points. Bell said, “It’s nice to get an edge on them, but our aim is to get into the play-offs as it always has been. “However, if we find ourselves struggling as we have in past seasons, it’s good to have a cushion at the bottom.” Accrington Stanley has agreed terms to sign experienced midfielder John Mullin on a free transfer. Mullin was released by Tranmere Rovers at the end of last season. The 32-year-old has been training with Accrington in pre-season and has now been offered a contract. He has accepted a deal with John Coleman’s side and is expected to sign imminently. Mullin joins older brother Paul, who has made a club record number of appearances at centre forward. Stanley is likely to struggle once more and Luton starting with -30 points may aid their survival in the Football League.

Luton Town
To Win League Two: 250/1 (skybet)
To Be Promoted: 33/1 (skybet)
To Be Relegated: 4/11 (Betfair)

Luton was deducted ten points by the FA in June for breaches in regulations over payments to agents. The club went into administration in November and were automatically deducted a further ten points. The Football League has now followed the precedent they set with Leeds United last season, by inflicting a further 10-point deduction on Luton, as they were unable to agree a Company Voluntary Agreement to exit administration.

The Football League chairman, Brian Mawhinney, insists the points deduction is vital to “protect the integrity” of the competition. Luton will start the 2008-09 season on -30 points and surely face an impossible task in avoiding relegation to the Blue Square Premier league.

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