Gillingham:
A team who has struggled throughout the season, despite the change in manager. After losing 5 of their first 6 games in charge, Ronnie Jepson was sacked and replaced by Mark Stimson, a proven manager in non-league with Grays Athletic and Stevenage Borough. The gamble hasnt paid off however, as the Gills have continued to struggle. Stimson has tried to make his mark by bringing in players he knows well from his days in Non-League, mostly from his time with Stevenage, but the players have struggled to make the step up.
After leading 1-0 against Swindon for much of yesterday's game, a last gasp equalizer from the Robins was a massive blow to their chances of survival. Needing a win away at Leeds on the final day and other results to go their way, Gillingham's chances certainly look bleak. Favourites to drop.
Bournemouth:
What a remarkable turnaround for the Cherries. Kevin Bond's team looked all but doomed after taking a 10 point penalty for going into administration, but 6 wins in the last 6 games has given them hope. The financial problems seem to have been put to one side at the moment, with the club's long term future still in considerable doubt, and the players deserve immense credit for putting it all to the back of their minds.
A vital 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Crewe yesterday leaves the Cherries only one point away from safety with one game to play, and with momentum on their side, you could certainly see Bournemouth getting a result away at Carlisle, who seem to be stuttering after losing their automatic promotion spot, though a win for the Cumbrians could see them regain that spot. Both sides with much to play for.
Cheltenham Town:
The Robins seemingly looked safe at one point, but complacency has seemingly crept into the Robins form, and now relegation is a distinct possibility. Losing manager John Ward to Carlisle early in the season was a blow, but in Assistant Manager Keith Downing they had someone who knew the club and knew the players, making the transition a lot easier.
Just being in League One is an achievement for Cheltenham, who defied the odds last year by staying up. Can they do it again? A 2-1 loss away to Oldham yesterday certainly didnt help matters. A win against 2nd placed Doncaster will confirm safety, but that isnt as easy as it seems, with Doncaster needing to win to confirm automatic promotion. But then again, Cheltenham are used to defying the odds.
Crewe:
A somewhat disappointing season for Crewe, who have struggled all season. Gradi moving away from his management role into a technical director role has hit the Railwaymen hard, with Steve Holland struggling to get to grips with his first job in management. The club has never backed away from their attacking footballing traditions however, which has guaranteed goals - at both ends.
After failing to confirm safety against fellow strugglers Bournemouth yesterday by losing 1-0, a point at home to Oldham will be enough for Crewe on the final day.
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So there we have it. A fasninating climax with much to be settled at both ends of the table. If I was to stick my neck out, I'd say Bournemouth to clinch safety with a win at Carlisle, and Doncaster to clinch promotion and send Cheltenham down in the process with a win at Cheltenham. For me these are the key games, and I for one cant wait for all the twists and turns to come.
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