L2 Preview..

With the season kicking off in a matter of days, its now time to preview my personal favourite league.

I mean, you have Rochdale, who are approaching their 34th year in the 'Rochdale division'. Will this be the year they finally leave L2, one way or another? The loss of David Perkins to Colchester will hurt them, but they've invested wisely otherwise, with the signings of experienced players such as Ciaran Toner and Jon Shaw, and their attacking brand of football is always refreshing to see. So close yet so far last season, lets hope they do it this time round and there's no playoff final hangover. If there's anyone I wouldnt begrudge promotion to, its Keith Hill's men.

In terms of time spent in L2, Darlington arent far behind of course, and in a shock twist...havent spent a lot of money! That's right, the Quakers budget has actually been cut significantly this season, which makes a change. However, with Dave Penney in charge, they'll be right up there..even if he isnt used to working with a moderate budget. Pawel Abbott is a potential match winner in his own right when kept fit, and Steven Foster was arguably the best defender in the division last season. Both players will be key for the Quakers.

Who else will be the moneybags of the division, though? That mantra has seemingly moved to Bradford City, who are of course far too big for this league. Obviously. They're a massive club, they used to be in the Premiership once you know. But in all seriousness, after a season of massive underachievement last season, the pressure is now on for Stuart McCall to deliver, or he'll be picking up his P45. The clearout at Valley Parade was massive, with lots of players released to make way for new blood. Experienced pro's have been added to the Bradford ranks, with Chris Brandon, Graham Lee, and Paul Arnison all signed up. All 3 players have won promotion from L2 before, and their experience will surely be key. The bookies favourites for promotion, and with 10,000+ crowds - all eyes will be on Bradford City to deliver.

Speaking of delusions of grandeur, what about Bury? Every summer its the same with their fans - "we're going to win promotion, this is our year, we won the FA Cup once"...etc etc. Well this year, it could be. The paralells with Rochdale (before their playoff season) are scary, changing manager to a local hero, finishing the season strongly with a young side, and playing good attacking football. And they've even kept hold of Andy Bishop, who surely needs a dope test for staying at Gigg Lane for so long.

Shrewsbury arent far behind Bradford in the moneybags stakes, and for my money (ha, see what I did there?) - are the team to beat. With the young and talented Paul Simpson in charge, who has won this league before with Carlisle, Shrewsbury look strong enough to put last season's disappointment behind them. Grant Holt and Richard Walker are good strikers who know where the back of the net is, and will guarantee goals at this level, probably to be supplied by the classy Ben Davies and clever Mark Pugh in midfield. And at the other end, the experienced Michael Jackson and the underrated Kelvin Langmead will shore things up at the back. Strong all over the park, with a good spine to the team, I fancy Shrewsbury to take the title.

Their challengers? Well the aforementioned Rochdale and Darlington will look to kick on from last season, and Wycombe will be looking to improve on their playoff finish, though the signing of Barnet comedy reject and non-league superstar Magno Vieira will probably go no way towards doing so. Other signings have been more impressive however, and the enigma that is Leon Knight will always score goals at this level (that's if he's not asking for a transfer request, which at time of print, it looks like he has done!), along with the experienced Scott McGleish, who like a good wine has improved with age. With the experienced Peter Taylor at the helm, Wycombe will be in and around the top 6 once again.

I like the look of Chesterfield as well. If Lester continues to bang them in, and they can keep the pacy and exciting Jamie Ward - they'll certainly be a threat. The loss of Peter Leven to Franchise FC will hurt the Spireites, but the additions of Robert Page and Kevin Austin will give Chesterfield some much needed experience at the back. Consistency is the key for Chesterfield this season, a lack of it cost them a playoff place last season.

The relegated sides from L1, honestly, have never looked weaker. Luton and Bournemouth are in a bit of a state financially, with the former looking to just stay alive. Bournemouth could be thereabouts, should they continue with last season's excellent end of season form, but I feel a season of consolidation is more likely. They need to sort themselves out off the field before even entertaining thoughts about promotion.

Port Vale could mount a challenge, and of the 4, look the most likely to do so. Lee Sinnott looks like a competent manager, and has had great success in non-league with Farsley Celtic, with 3 promotions in 4 seasons. It was a case of damage limitation for Sinnott last season, with the club pretty much doomed as soon as he took over, and the job really starts now. At Gillingham the situation is quite similar, though Mark Stimson had a lot more time to try and salvage Gillingham's season, and failed to do so. A good start is crucial for both managers if they're to mount a promotion challenge, and a scouting network outside the non-league would help. There's a big gap between the BSP and L1, you know.

The 2 promoted teams are obviously rubbish. And will probably get relegated on account of being rubbish.

Oh..you wanted a serious prediction. Well honestly, they'll both be fine. Both teams got promoted playing good football, which will stand them in good stead in the less physical L2, and have enough momentum and big enough fanbases to get to the dreaded 50 points. Out of the two, I can see Aldershot maybe suprising a few people, after years in the wilderness. They have a young hungry squad, and pace is their main asset - they have it in abundance, and they could spring a few shocks next season, with teams pushing high up the park not knowing what to expect. Their passionate crowds are always guaranteed to get behind them too. Who's to bet against back to back promotions for the Shots? Stranger things have happened.

As for Exeter, well, Marcus Stewart could be the signing of the summer in my eyes. He may have lost that yard of pace, but his brain is as quick as ever. Like Aldershot, after years out of the league, Exeter wont want to lose their newly aqquired league status too quickly, and I cant see them doing so. One thing though - Tisdale? Ditch the ridiculous suits mate.

What about the darkhorses? Well thats easy - Lincoln City. They have the 3 things I look out for when looking for potential darkhorses. Experienced manager? The instantly likeable Peter Jackson, who took over last season to save the Imps from the dreaded drop. He has won promotion from this league before, lets not forget, with Huddersfield Town, and before his treatment for cancer last season, Lincoln were perhaps on course for a playoff place. Proven goalscorer? A certain David Graham, who if kept off the booze and fags, (and Jackson has done so before) will piss all over this division. He's that good. And he'll have the young and impressive Lee Frecklington to provide the assists, who is surely due a big move soon, along with Stefan Oakes, who has as good a left foot as you're likely to see in the division. And finally, momentum being carried over from last season? Yep, despite the absense of Jackson, Lincoln finished the season in fine form under the guidence of Iffy Inoira. All that, throw in some strong aquisitions in the summer, and you have the recipe for success. Oh yes, this is Lincoln's year, I can feel it.

Another dark horse? How about Alan Buckley's Grimsby Town? In his 3rd spell at the club, Buckley is proving to have the midas touch once again, after guiding the Mariners to safety in L2, and then to Wembley last season in the JPT. With the right blend of youth and experience, a conscious effort to play good football, and some strong summer additions - Chris Llewennan and Robbie Stockdale in particular, Grimsby could be one to watch next season, though the lack of a natural goalscorer could count against them. Away fans certainly wont relish going there on a cold Tuesday night, anyway.

There is, of course, the relegation battle to discuss. One spot will no doubt go to Luton Town, who are in total and utter disarray. The 30 point deduction on the Hatters is harsh, undeserved, and will ultimately seal their fate before the season begins. With no money, no prospects, and a paper thin squad, its desperate times indeed for Luton. Cometh the man, cometh the Drewe, perhaps?

But what about the other spot? Accrington Stanley look like the obvious suspect, with a lack of dealing in the transfer market, and a poor squad to boot. Their crowds are consistently low, and it will be another season of struggle for the Stanley I feel. After punching above their weight for so long, it might be time for Accrington to drop. And you know what, it might be for the best. A team like Accrington just cant sustain League football, simple as that.

Dagenham and Barnet could also struggle. Like Accrington, both teams havent made any great moves in the transfer market, and both find themselves at the wrong end of the budget scale, with a lack of money and poor crowds. Their saving graces could be the astute management of John Still and Paul Fairclough, who I rate very highly indeed. Let's hope so in Barnet's case anyway, a team with a fantastic set of fans, a great breeding ground for young players to ply their trade, and the odd comedy player (see: Anthony Charles, Liam Hatch, Cliff Inakurang, and Magno Vieira..)

Bournemouth and Rotherham could also be sound bets to struggle, depending on the severity of their impending points deductions. It would be a great shame if the relegation battle was settled in such a way, but that's just the way of modern football these days, especially in the lower leagues. No-one ever looks out for the smaller clubs, do they?

And of course, Chester City. If there's one thing that stays true in L2, its a Chester City season. A season that will promise so much until Christmas, when a scandal rocks the club, and the team plummets down the table, only to scrape to the 50 point mark. I dont expect anything less this season, and I dont think Chester fans expect anything less, such is their inability to get excited about any kind of good start.

But what about the others? Well, fans of Brentford, Macclesfield, Morecambe, Notts County, and Rotherham - its mid-table mediocrity for you...I think. But look on the bright side, you could be off to Histon and Lewes this season...

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Champions: Shrewsbury

Promoted: Lincoln, Bradford

Playoffs: Darlington, Rochdale, Bury, Aldershot

Relegated: Accrington Stanley, Luton