By Albatross
July 29 2005

The first four of Hartlepool United's rivals to be previewed ahead of the 2005/6 season are Barnsley, Blackpool, Bournemouth and Bradford City.

Barnsley Last Season: 13th
In: Paul Hayes, Brian Howard, Richard Kell, Daniel Nardiello
Out: Tom Baker, Michael Boulding, Mark Stallard, Tom Williams
Shake it all about: Barnsley were reported to the authorities by Scunthorpe after they claimed they had "tapped up" Paul Hayes and Richard Kell. The club denied any wrong-doing, and intends to defend itself against the allegation.
Manager: Andy Ritchie
After a terrible first half of the season that saw them risk plunging into the relegation dogfight, the departures of Paul Hart and Peter Ridsdale allowed the club to stabilise somewhat and pull up to mid-table. Ritchie took Oldham to the playoffs in this division not so long ago, but he may need a little more time to turn them into a serious force - though arrivals such as Kell and Hayes should certainly help.
Predicted Finish: 12th

Blackpool Last Season: 16th
In: John Doolan, Rory Prendergast, Scott Vernon
Out: Steven Boyack, Martin Bullock, Rob Clare, Paul Edwards, Zarko Grabovac, Sean Patterson, Leam Richardson, Richie Wellens, Danny Whittaker
Shake it all about: Plenty of doom and gloom amongst the Blackpool fans, with a feeling that their squad is currently looking a little thin on the ground.
Manager: Colin Hendry
After looking dead and buried for a large part of the season, it was only really in February and March that Colin Hendry's side managed to pull themselves out of trouble. With the departure of the influential Wellens and several others and not many arrivals, Blackpool look set to face another year of struggle.
Predicted Finish: 23rd

Bournemouth Last Season: 8th
In: Stephen Cooke
Out: Alan Connell, Wade Elliott, Garreth O'Connor, Kevin Scriven
Shake it all about: Money remains tight at Dean Court, with fund-raising efforts finding ever-more innovative methods of supporting the club.
Manager: Sean O'Driscoll
There's no doubting that Bournemouth have some quality players in their squad, despite the departures of Elliott and O'Connor to Burnley; however with O'Driscoll struggling to bring players in, injuries and suspensions would cost them dear. If everyone stays available they are still potentially contenders - but they look very short of cover.
Predicted Finish: 9th

Bradford City Last Season: 11th
In: Danny Cadamarteri, Russell Howarth, Bobby Petta, Damion Stewart, Andrew Taylor (Loan)
Out: Peter Atherton, Paul Henderson
Shake it all about: Fairly quiet at Valley Parade, although the decision by Middlesbrough to cancel their friendly at short notice didn't go down well.
Manager: Colin Todd
A solid enough season saw City flirt with the playoff spots without ever seriously threatening; however they are at least now on an even keel financially and will hope that some improvement can be made. They may have to settle for mid-table again though.
Predicted Finish: 11th