By Albatross
August 1 2005

The second four of Hartlepool United's rivals to be previewed ahead of the 2005/6 season are Brentford, Bristol City, Chesterfield and Colchester United. Who's in, who's out, and what's been going on over the close season? Brentford Last Season: 4th
In: Paul Brooker, DJ Campbell, Ricky Newman, Lloyd Owusu, Olafur Ingi Skulason
Out: Deon Burton, Scott (B) Fitzgerald, Chris Hargreaves, Matt Harrold, Steve Hunt, Jamie Lawrence, Andy Myers, John Salako, Stewart Talbot
Shake it all about: The Bees Supporters Trust are trying to raise enough money to buy the club off Ron Noades' Altonwood Developments before their option runs out in September. If they fail, the future for the club is uncertain.
Manager: Martin Allen Plenty of comings and goings at Griffin Park, but with Lloyd Owusu returning to the club he made his name at they may score a few more. Many of the key players remain, and it would be no surprise if they can challenge for the playoffs again although I think they will fall a little short.
Predicted Finish: 10th

Bristol City Last Season: 7th
In: Michael Bridges, Matt Heywood, Richard Keogh, David Partridge, Alex Russell, Grant Smith, Marcus Stewart
Out: Joe Anyinsah, Mickey Bell, Danny Coles, Tony Dinning, Tom Doherty, Marc Goodfellow, Darren Hawkins, Paul Heffernan, Leroy Lita, Craig Loxton, Lee Miller, Sekani Simpson, Daniel Wring
Shake it all about: Players leaving for six figure fees, replacements mainly on free transfers: it looks like the Money Tree may finally have died at Ashton Gate. The departure of Leroy Lita put the tin lid on it for many City fans.
Manager: Brian Tinnion
After a poor start City put together a good run that started just too late to get them into the playoffs last season. Some high-profile names have departed - but their strikeforce still looks formidable with Brooker, Stewart and Bridges. They will expect to be at the right end of the table from the very beginning.
Predicted Finish: 5th

Chesterfield Last Season: 17th
In: Paul Hall, Reuben Hazell, Colin Larkin, Barry Roche
Out: Kevin Dawson, Ian Evatt, Mark Hudson, Jamie McMaster, Glyn Thompson
Shake it all about: Repeated attempts to sign Sammy Clingan from Wolves - and to flesh out their squad in general - seem to have been the main things getting the Chesterfield fans talking over the summer. The talent search has included looking outside the UK for suitable players.
Manager: Roy McFarland
The Spireites started last season like a train - but soon went off the rails, gradually drifting down the table to rest in 17th. That was at least an improvement after a couple of seasons hanging on by the skin of their teeth; however they've lost a couple of key players over the summer in Evatt and Hudson and seem to be struggling to find replacements.
Predicted Finish: 22nd

Colchester United Last Season: 15th
In: Chris Iwelumo
Out: Ben Bowditch, Bobby Bowry, Gavin Johnson, Joe Keith
Shake it all about: The long-running hopes of a new ground finally being built remain, and the fans are hoping that the manager - rumoured to have been a target for Cardiff at one point - will still be there by the time it actually happens.
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Parkinson continues to impress at Layer Road with his ability to make the best of what's available - most Poolies will have been highly surprised at the transformation of Neil Danns for example after he looked decent but not special on loan to us. Iwelumo could be a good signing up front alongside Marino Keith, and some improvement is possible - though they may not yet have enough to challenge for a playoff spot.
Predicted Finish: 14th