By Albatross
August 5 2003

It's that time of year again.... it's been an eventful close season, but it's less than a week before Hartlepool United start their 2003/4 campaign in Division 2. Here's part one of a four part preview that covers all of the teams in Nationwide 2.

Barnsley

Last Season: 19th
Departures: Leo Bertos, James Dudgeon, Bruce Dyer, Rory Fallon, Matthew Ghent, Chris Morgan, Mike Sheron, Mitch Ward
Arrivals: None as yet (4/8/03)
On the Pitch: After being in Administration, Barnsley released a number of players over the close season - not necessarily good news for a team that struggled at the wrong end last time out. A number of key players have gone, and with no-one coming in - yet - the Tykes could well be up against it.
Off the Pitch: Barnsley have new owners, who very quickly appointed a new manager in Gudjon Thordarson. No new signings yet, and with a group of unhappy fans forming "AFC Barnsley" before the takeover, Oakwell is far from a happy ship at the moment.
The Boss Man: Gudjon Thordarson was unlucky to be sacked by Stoke after guiding them to promotion; his appointment following the takeover shows intent, but he'll need to turn things around quickly. He knows that his squad is thin, and has had any number of players on trial - but he'll be up against it even if he does bring in a few players.
Watch out for: With last season's top two scorers no longer at the club, look out for forward Rory Fallon and midfielder Kevin Betsy.
Prediction: If Thordarson can get new players in and get them to gel then there's hope; if not, it looks grim. I think he will keep them up, but it might take a late run to bring them to safety.

Blackpool

Last Season: 13th
Departures: Paul Dalglish, Graham Fenton, John Hills, Ian Hughes, John O'Kane, Jamie Milligan, Paul Robinson, Michael Theoklitos, Ben Thornley
Arrivals: Steve Davis, Kirk Hilton, Leam Richardson, Mike Sheron, Neil Danns (Loan), Jonathan Douglas (Loan)
On the Pitch: The last two seasons have seen Blackpool consolidate in Division 2, without really making headlines at either end of the table. They may have released a few players at the end of the season, but with Steve Davis and Mike Sheron coming in they've added experienced players who have done the business at a higher level.
Off the Pitch: Blackpool are continuing to redevelop Bloomfield Road, so it looks a bit like a building site; but all seems quiet other than that.
The Boss Man: Steve McMahon took Blackpool up and has kept them up; progress has been steady rather than spectacular, but that may be no bad thing.
Watch out for: John Murphy and Scott Taylor scored 35 goals between them last season; and new arrival Mike Sheron may net a few if he stays fit.
Prediction: I think they'll progress this season to finish in the top half, but won't seriously challenge for the playoffs.

AFC Bournemouth

Last Season: 4th in Div3; Playoff Winners
Departures: Chukkie Eribenne, Amos Foyewa, Narada, Andy Petterson, John Purches
Arrivals: Warren Cummings
On the Pitch: Last season saw Bournemouth bounce back from relegation, and with mainly fringe players having left the squad retains a similar look. A lot depends on injuries - last year saw several players out for long spells, and the fitness and form of some of the returning players may be crucial.
Off the Pitch: After last season's shenanigans it's been fairly quiet off the pitch this summer. There are still some financial issues, but nothing like the situation last year.
The Boss Man: Sean O'Driscoll will be hoping to build on last year's success.
Watch out for: Steve Fletcher has struggled for fitness, but is always likely to be a threat; Alan Connell looked good before picking up a serious injury that kept him out for the rest of the season; and Warren Feeney is another player who could do great things if he stays fit.
Prediction: Mid-table would be a considerable achievement - but is possible. Their passing football may be better suited to this division. Lower half maybe, but safe is what I say.

Brentford

Last Season: 16th
Departures: Ijah Anderson, Leon Constantine, Jamie Fullarton, Jay Lovett, Rizwan Rehman, Martin Rowlands, Mark Williams
Arrivals: Efan Ekoku, Matt Harrold
On the Pitch: Last season wasn't the greatest in Brentford's history, and the loss of Mark McCammon to Millwall towards the end of the year didn't help matters. 47 goals in 46 games tells it's own story.
Off the Pitch: Brentford were one of the first clubs to start slashing their wage bill - and although this is keeping them just about on an even keel, it's limiting the players they can afford to sign.
The Boss Man: Wally Downes had his first full season in charge last year, and knows that he's up against it. He's finding it hard to add experience to his squad under the strictly limited finances available to him.
Watch out for: The Bees will be hoping that Stephen Hunt can improve on last season's tally of 10, and that veteran Efan Ekoku can find his shooting boots.
Prediction: It's hard to see Brentford challenging this season, but they should also be just about safe from relegation - provided they score a few more goals.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Last Season: 23rd in Div1
Departures: Dave Beasant, Paul Brooker, Paul Kitson, Will Packham, Paul Rodgers, Bobby Zamora
Arrivals: Ben Roberts, Carl Wilson-Dennis, Leon Knight (Loan)
On the Pitch: Brighton looked doomed for almost the whole season - and by the time Steve Coppell took over from Martin Hinshelwood in October the pattern had already been set. They may be thinking of bouncing straight back, but currently look somewhat weaker than the side that won promotion last time round.
Off the Pitch: Brighton's ongoing problem remains the issue of their ground; Withdean is so limited that they can't compete financially with some of the other clubs. The sale of their hottest property in Bobby Zamora just emphasises their plight.
The Boss Man: Steve Coppell improved Brighton's form no end, but couldn't save them; he's got experience by the bucketload, but has been known to suffer under pressure. Failure to match up to the fans expectations early on might see that pressure mount again.
Watch out for: With Zamora gone, Brighton will be looking to Gary Hart and the on-loan Leon Knight to hit the net on a regular basis.
Prediction: Playoffs at best; mid-table more likely.

Bristol City

Last Season: 3rd
Departures: Peter Beadle, Ben Cleverley, Scott Murray, Keith Millen
Arrivals: Lee Miller, Luke Wilkshire
On the Pitch: City went close last season before losing in the Playoff semis to Cardiff; and almost all of the main players of last season are still at the club. Scott Murray's loss to Reading may affect them, but with Luke Wilkshire and Lee Miller arriving, there's no reason why they shouldn't finish where they left off.
Off the Pitch: After initially indicating that there was no money available - even after selling Murray - City have spent six figure sums on their two signings.
The Boss Man: Danny Wilson has been around a bit in terms of time and teams, and knows what it takes to get a side promoted.
Watch out for: Christian Roberts scored 17 and Lee Peacock 14 goals last time out; add in Lee Miller from Falkirk and goals shouldn't be lacking at Ashton Gate.
Prediction: Promotion looks highly likely, possibly even the title.