BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION
Manager: Mickey Adams
Ground: Withdean Stadium
Capacity: 6,960
Last Season: Albion were on the brinks of playoff contention going into the last month of the season but they didn’t quite have enough to stage a late charge into the top six. Manager Dean Wilkins stepped down as boss at the end of last season despite a good finish in seventh but Mickey Adams has now returned to try to break into the playoffs this time.
Players In: Adam Virgo (Celtic) FREE, Dave Livermore (Hull) FREE, Colin Hawkins (Coventry) FREE, Kevin McLeod (Colchester) FREE
Players Out: None
This Season: Hopes will be high at The Withdean this season following a decent league finish last time out. Mickey Adams being back in the hot seat will fuel that expectation and their home form could be the major factor in determining how far they can go. The signing of Adam Virgo on a free transfer could be key to sturdying their defence while Kevin McLeod will bring a lot of experience to the midfield after making over thirty starts int he Championship with Colchester.
Key Man: Nicky Forster
The former Reading man hit fifteen goals last season and will once again need to hit the net to propel Albion up the table. The up and coming Dean Cox will support him from midfield and keeping these two fit will be key for the Seagulls.
BRISTOL ROVERSManager: Paul Trollope
Ground: The Memorial Stadium
Capacity: 11,916
Last Season: Rovers will be most remembered for their F.A. Cup run last season where they saw off Fulham and Southampton en route to the Qaurter Finals. Rovers’ league formed dipped after thei cup exploits though and they finished well down in the bottom half. Consolidation was the key last season following promotion but the Gas will be looking ti push on this time around.
Players In: Jeff Hughes (Crystal Palace) FREE, Darryl Duffy (Swansea) £100,000
Players Out: Richard Walker (Shrewsbury) Loan
This Season: Paul Trollope will be looking to improve Rovers’ league form this season as they try to turn last season’s cup form into a top half finish. They have a tough start though with Carlisle, Brighton and Leeds all to play in the first month of the season. Darryl Duffy will provide a much needed presence to the forward line and will score goals at this level.
Key Man: Rickie Lambert
Lambert is one of the best players in the bottom two leagues and on his day can turn a game. The former Rochdale midfielder has an eye for goal and was one of the key men during Rovers’ cup run last season. If they can keep him fit, Rovers have a massive player on their hands.
CARLISLE UNITEDManager: John Ward
Ground: Brunton Park
Capacity: 16,651
Last Season: Carlisle were beaten in the playoff semi finals last season as Leeds stole through with a ninetieth minute goal to break their hearts. John Ward’s side were in the top two for much of the season but dropped into the playoffs late on before falling to Leeds. The Brunton Park fans will be hoping for more of the same this time out.
Players In: Josh Gowling (Bournemouth) FREE, Ben Williams (Crewe) FREE, Michael Bridges (Hull) Loan
Players Out: Steve Hidmarch (Shrewsbury) FREE, Paul Arnison (Bradford) FREE, Joe Garner (Nottingham Forest) £1.1 million, Keiron Westwood (Coventry) £500,000, Kevin Gall (Lincoln) Loan
This Season: Losing both goalkeeper Keiron Westwood and striker Joe Garner will be massive blows for the Cumbrians and it will be interesting to see how they cope with losing two of their biggest names as well as trying to bounce back from the playoff defeat. Michael Bridges has returned to the club on loan from Hull and John Ward will be praying that Bridges can bring his magic back to the side he won promotion with two seasons ago.
Key Man: Michael Bridges
Bridges was the star man as Carlisle won promotion from League Two in 2006 and he will be returning to Brunton Park with unfinished business to try and fill the void left by Joe Garner’s departure. Bridges spent some brief time in Australia with Sydney F.C. last season after being left out at Hull but will be wanting to reintroduce himself in style to the Carlisle fans.
CHELTENHAM TOWN
Manager: Keith Downing
Ground: Whaddon Road
Capacity: 6,550
Last Season: Cheltenham survived by the skin of their teeth to climb to safety on the final day of the season, denying Doncaster automatic promotion in the process. Keith Downing worked wonders to keep the Robins up for the second season in a row on a tight budget and will more than likely be facing a relagation fight again.
Players In: Alex Russell (Bristol City) FREE,
Players Out: Steven Gillespie (Colchester) £400,000
This Season: Steven Gillespie’s departure for League One rivals Colchester United is a massive blow for the Robins and they will do extremely well to avoid another relegation dog fight, particularly with the money bags of Peterborough and MK Dons both coming up from League Two. Damian Spencer will be looking to fill Gillespie’s boots but a new forward is surely needed if Town are to stand any chance of survival.
Key Man: Alex Russell
The former Bristol City midfielder, who spent a brief spell on loan at Sixfields last season, will bring bags of experience to the middle of the park for Cheltenham and his wise head and calming presence will be in great demand this season.
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