BSP Preview..

Oh yes. No ego's or pampered stars in this league, just tinpot grounds and long ball football. And I wouldnt have it any other way.

First up, it has to be the Gulls - the most televised team in the country (outside the top flight), I'll have you know. All bias aside, I honestly see us as one of the favourites, if not the outright favourites. Improvements have been made in the right areas, with lots more strength in depth at our disposal, and the summer signings have been of the highest standard. A more expansive style of play has also been promised, which gives us more options. However, it certainly wont be easy. Expectation will be higher, and a good start will be key for us - we cant afford to be suffering from any hangover. Despite all this, I'll stick my neck out and say Champions. That's not to say we wont be short of challengers..

Stevenage will be right up there in my opinion. Love him or hate him (and most lean towards the latter) - Graham Westley is a good manager in the BSP, though it will be interesting to see if he's learnt his mistakes from last time at Broadhall Way. They've spent a bit of money - most of it wisely, on players that are experienced at this level. And importantly, they've kept hold of Steve Morison, who is a class act. The set up at Stevenage has always been in place for the Football League, will this be the year they get their act together and get promoted?

Rushden are also looking good, though where they've got the money from with their crowds and budget I'll never know. Sounds like a shit or bust situation up there, they really have gambled for promotion. But again, an experienced manager at the helm in Gary Hill, and a very potent strikeforce in Clare and Phillips. The good times could be returning at Nene Park, though I do wonder about the consequences if things dont go according to plan. They certainly wont be getting my sympathy if things go wrong.

Oxford? Certainly underachieved last year, and with their crowds, budget, and fresh ambition you have to fancy them. They've made some good signings so far - perfect examples of biding your time to get the targets you really want, instead of rushing into the market. They've always been defensively sound, with a great record last season, and if they can add goals to the equation then they will be a big threat. Signings like Lewis Haldane and James Constable suggest they will do so. Two of the best bits of business from the whole summer, in my opinion.

The two relegated sides are two interesting cases in my view. Wrexham will be there or thereabouts with the the wily Brian Little in charge, the only manager currently managing in the BSP to have achieved promotion from the division. His experience and contacts from around the divisions could be key. The squad looks strong, and I can see Little getting the best out of them with a clean slate from last season. They even have the journeymantastic Jefferson Louis to call upon, which is great news for everyone concerned.

Mansfield have finally sorted their off-field problems, at long last. However, with a new squad effectively being built from scratch, promotion may be beyond them. Billy McEwen will steady the ship at Field Mill, but its a case of too much, too soon for Mansfield. A season of transition I think. But on the brightside, at least they're not called Harchester United.

Last season's nearly men then. NCBA (That's Nigel Clough's Burton Albion..god forbid you dont mention them both together!) havent done enough in the market for me. Key players such as Daryl Clare and Mark Greaves have left, with no replacements in the pipeline. Playoffs at best, and the same for Cambridge who have made too many changes in a short space of time. Continuinity is key, and Cambridge lack it right now. They also lack a good manager it seems, after Jimmy Quinn was scandalously sacked, despite guiding the U's to Wembley.

For a darkhorse, as much as I dont like him, Steve Evans has made some shrewd signings indeed for Crawley Town, and has even managed to keep the impressive Jamie Cook around as well. With no point deduction hampering their progress this time around, Crawley could be around the playoffs if they stay consistent, as on their day they can beat anyone. It's just not their day often enough. They're the team everyone loves to hate, and Evans will no doubt use it to their advantage, with his 'everyone's against us mentality.

And I rate Liam Daish so highly that Ebbsfleet could indeed be in line for a playoff spot. The talented Daish and his squad will look to build on their FA Trophy win from last season and keep the thousands upon thousands of owners happy. John Akinde will be key to their hopes, providing they can keep hold of him, with Peterborough apparantly interested. One thing's for sure, if Daish isnt picking the team, he'll be out of Stonebridge Road. He doesnt suffer fools gladly.

Forest Green are another team I feel could mount a challenge, though the losses of key players such as top scorer Stuart Fleetwood and skipper Michael Brough will no doubt hurt them. Rovers' squad still possesses a lot of genuine quality however, with a healthy mix of youth and experience. And with Jim Harvey in charge, you're always guaranteed good, progressive football. A great example of how to run a club within your means, and still be successful. Other clubs in the division should take note.

Grays Athletic are looking to do a Hereford. No, they're not loaning players left right and centre, Chairman Mick Woodward has took over the managers job, ala Graham Turner. With the squad at his disposal, a playoff challenge isnt beyond the relms of possibility, though Woodward's lack of management experience may work against him, though he didnt do too badly last season.

What about the new boys? Kettering Town could ruffle a few feathers, after breaking numerous records in the Conference North last season. Their squad is packed with familiar names such as Darren Wrack and Lee Harper, and they'll be looking to do more than just survive.

Barrow are a team that buck the trend somewhat, with a management duo that is actually rather successful. Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison have worked in tandem to great effect so far for Barrow, and I can see their success continuing. With some solid signings so far, I expect Barrow to stay up, despite their reluctance to go full-time.

Despite winning the BSS last season, Lewes parted company with then manager Steve King, and in turn most of their squad. Does anything suprise you in Football any more? The fans discontent is increasing, with boycotts being considered. A big gamble for Lewes, which I believe wont pay off. A tough season could await The Rooks, and the same could be said for Eastbourne Boro, though their mean defence could prove otherwise, with 20 clean sheets last season. The BSP is a different prospect altogether though, and Eastbourne's defence will need to produce similar results next season.

Other strugglers will surely include Altrincham, who gained their third repreive from relegation in a row last season due to other clubs financial difficulties. Some would say this is lucky, I'd say it's smart and prudent on the part of Altrincham. Fair play to them for running their club properly, unlike others.

And no doubt Northwich Victoria will struggle, with unpaid tax bills not helping their cause whatsoever. Off field troubles never help matters on the field, and the goals of Lee Steele will be key for them once again if they are to survive. Another miracle act from Dino Maamria may be required, with the Tunisian pulling off the impossible to keep the Vics up last season.

I dont like Woking's chances either. The appointment of Kim Grant is certainly an interesting one, with Woking looking towards a new approach, with directors of football and all. Drastic change like this is always risky, and with talisman Marvin Morgan departing for Aldershot, things dont look good for the Cards.

As for the others, I expect them to be fine. Not good enough to mount a challenge, but too good to struggle. Now watch the likes of Kidderminster go ahead and rip up the form book..

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Champions: Torquay
Playoffs: Oxford, Wrexham, Stevenage, Grays
Relegated: Northwich, Lewes, Woking, Altrincham