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Predictions for 2004/5 : Boston - Chester
By Nathan Jackson
July 29 2004
So, here we are, less than 2 weeks away from the beginning of the season and it's time for my usual, final predictions. In the first of 4 parts, we take a look at our local neighbours Boston then through the next 5 teams down to Chester.

Well no self-respecting preview to the season would be caught without having the most controversial team in the Division come first, that and they also happen to be first alphabetically. I am of course, talk about....

 

BOSTON UNITED - PREDICTION 7TH - PLAYOFFS BUT LOSE IN SEMI FINALS

Boston United have made some impressive pre-season signings with 2 Scottish Premiership Players coming to York Street. Austin McCann and Andy Kirk both adding to an impressive looking Boston side who, under Steve Evans towards the end of the season, had one of the most impressive forms in the Divison. Boston had also signed Derek Lilley but after less than 2 months with the club, he failed to settle and quickly transferred back to Scotland. Other than that, it's been a good summer for the Pilgrims which also looks set to have Gazza added to the squad as a player coach.

The only problem with Boston is their inconsistanecy which still existed when Steve Evans re-took over as they seemed to do well against the top teams but flop against the teams near the bottom and they are far from invinible. Despite this, I feel Boston are in for a good season and after finishing last season in the top half of the table, I predict a first ever,albeit unsuccessful playoff campaign, is on the cards.

BRISTOL ROVERS - PREDICTION 9TH

Bristol have made numerous signings this summer, some look really promising and some well, don't. Ian Atkins took over at the end of the season and got his usual victory of the Imps in his first game in charge. Atkins will no doubt make his players work hard but will also bring his own, hoof-ball tactics to a team that wasn't very attractive to look at in the first place.

They have lost several key first team players in pre-season, however, the new players should prove as adequate cover and a good season by their standards looks to be on the card.

BURY - PREDICTION 21ST

Bury are one of the quietest teams in the Division, however, they are a stumbling block for most of the top teams as only 1 team in the top 7 won there and only 1 more even got a point. However, their form is often abysmal and then a prone to shooting themselves in the foot.

They will be incouraged by the re-signing of their ex-prolific striker, Jon Newby after he failed to make an impact at Huddersfield last season. Bury have the highest total points tally than any other club in this Division, however, if they are not careful, they could end up staring relegation in the face, but then again, they are too good for that.........or have we heard that story before (looks at Carlisle, York and Shrewsbury)

CAMBRIDGE UNITED - PREDICTION 13TH

I'm not even going to pretend to know what the hell is going on at Cambridge, all I do know however is that they are no managed by Renard rather than Claude Le Roy and that they have made some good signings. Not knowing too much, I have decided to predict them a default prediction of 13th.

CHELTENHAM TOWN - PREDICTION 17TH

In similar contest to Bury, they are too inconsistant for their own good as one minute, they looked like they could beat anyone, but minutes later, it looked like anybody could beat them.

Impressive pre-season signings will raise optimism down there and John Ward did get them playing football although the irratic results could prove to be yet another season of mid-table mediocrity for the Robins.

CHESTER CITY - PREDICTION 6TH - PLAYOFFS - BUT WILL LOSE IN SEMI-FINALS

Chester City were conference champs last year and with the pre-season signings they have made this season, I doubt anybody will be ruling them for any less than a top 10 finish due to the recent history of promoted teams and they are one of the longest shots for relegation but are they actually ready for League 2.

Chester have a good, young manager in Mark Wright and he quite literally, turned their fortunes around as they were staring relegation in the face from the Conference. I'm going to stick my neck out and put them as one of the playoff teams but will also lose out in the semi finals.

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