By Albatross
August 4 2005

The next four of Hartlepool United's rivals to be previewed ahead of the 2005/6 season are Scunthorpe United, Southend United, Swansea City and Swindon Town. Who's in, who's out, and what's been going on over the close season?

Scunthorpe United Last Season: 2nd Division 3
In: Jim Goodwin, Richard Hinds, Tommy Johnson, Richard Ryan
Out: Terry Barwick, Lee Featherstone, Wayne Graves, Paul Hayes, Richard Kell, Josh Lillis, Russell Penn, Kevin Sharp
Shake it all about: The Paul Hayes/Richard Kell saga, concern about signings and complaints about the standard and price of new shirts have been some of the topics getting Iron fans exercised.
Manager: Brian Laws
Like most managers at this point in the season Laws is projecting optimism - stating that he believes the gap between Divisions 2 and 3 is not that big. Scunny fans remain to be convinced - and unless Tommy Johnson stays fit and has a vintage season up front I can see them struggling.
Predicted Finish: 24th

Southend United Last Season: 4th Division 3 (Playoff Winners)
In: Mitchell Cole, Shaun Goater
Out: Tes Bramble, Jim Corbett, Michael Kightly, Nicky Nicolau
Shake it all about: Will he stay or will he go? Speculation about last season's discovery Freddy Eastwood moving on, together with specualtion about signings, have enlivened an otherwise quiet summer at Southend.
Manager: Steve Tilson
With very few players coming in, Southend are having to rely on their existing squad. The prolific Eastwood could prove a handful for defences, as may Goater if he's fit - but realistically the Shrimpers are aiming for survival rather than the top.
Predicted Finish: 20th

Swansea City Last Season: 3rd Division 3
In: Adebayo Akinfenwa, Marc Goodfellow
Out: Brad Maylett
Shake it all about: With a new stadium this season, and some concern expressed about the lack of signings, there's been plenty to talk about for the newly-promoted Jacks.
Manager: Kenny Jackett
While Swansea have only made a couple of additions to their squad so far, they also haven't lost any key players and in fact have a fairly large squad. They may be a little short of a Playoff challenge, but should be well clear of the relegation battle as well.
Predicted Finish: 15th

Swindon Town Last Season: 12th
In: Patrick Collins (Loan), Jamie Cureton, Nicky Nicolau, Tony Thorpe, Gareth Whalley
Out: Steve Book, David Duke, Luke Garrard, Matt Hewlett, Matt Heywood, Brian Howard, Sammy Igoe, Sam Parkin, Steve Robinson, Grant Smith
Shake it all about: Financial concerns and a number of players leaving early on didn't bode well, although there's optimism returning after the arrival of Cureton and Thorpe.
Manager: Andy King
King has had to re-model his squad, and although he still looks to have a good strikeforce expecting them to become playoff contenders is probably over optimistic. I don't see them dropping into the relegation scrap though.
Predicted Finish: 17th