By Albatross
August 1 2002

The third and final part of Pools Online's preseason look at Division 3. But where will Pools finish? Read on to find out where Albatross thinks Pools will be at the end of the season. Scunthorpe United Last Season: 8th

Normally you'd expect a team that just missed out on the Playoffs last year to be challenging again this time, but I don't think Scunthorpe will be up there. Manager Brian Laws is apparently "on holiday" less than two weeks before the start of the season, and when questioned on Scunthorpe's official site about how a reduced squad size would help in a promotion bid, the Chairman replied: "Who said a smaller squad was supposed to improve our chances of promotion?" They have signed former Man Utd trainee Paul Wheatcroft, and Peter Beagrie can still be a threat, but I think they're going to have to settle for mid-table obscurity this season.

Shrewsbury Town Last Season: 9th

With Jemson, Aiston and Luke Rodgers, Shrewsbury should score plenty of goals for Kevin Ratcliffe's side who were pipped for the Playoffs by Pools on the last day. Confidence is understandably high amongst the fans, and I'll be very surprised if they don't make a playoff slot. Of more concern may be the Gay Meadow pitch - a spell of bad weather in the Winter may lead to postponements and a fixture backlog.

Southend United Last Season: 12th

Rob Newman's big signing so far has been striker Graeme Jones. The man who fired Wigan to promotion a few seasons back has been playing in Scotland - most recently with St. Johnstone - but has now moved to Roots Hall. Whether he can regain his form at Wigan is open to question, but he's experienced and is likely to be joined at Southend by a couple of youngsters from Aston Villa on long-term loans. A good season for Jones could see Southend challenge for a Playoff Spot, but it's more likely that they'll finish about where they did last time.

Swansea City Last Season: 20th

Player/Manager Nick Cusack has brought in several players over the summer, including veteran Paul Reid from Bury, and forward Jonathan Keaveny who proved to be prolific in the League of Wales for Carmathen after joining late in the season. With new ownership since this time last season, Swansea will expect to improve and may be surprise challengers for the Playoffs if Cusack can get the blend right.

Torquay United Last Season: 19th

Following the departure of Roy McFarland, Leroy Rosenoir has stepped into the Torquay Hotseat. Never the richest of clubs, Rosenoir will be on a very tight budget at Plainmoor - his only signing so far has been young Keeper Jamie Attwell, and a lot will rest on the form and fitness of Alex Russell and Tony Bedeau. The loss of McFarland, lack of signings, and their finishing position last season make me think a struggle against relegation is on the cards for the Gulls.

Wrexham Last Season: 23rd Div 2 (Relegated)

Of the four relegated sides, Wrexham may well be best equipped to go straight back up again. Denis Smith is experienced, and has had success at lower levels; and Wrexham Fans believe players such as Lee Trundle and Hector Sam will be a handful for any defence. Expect them to challenge, but I think they may have to settle for the Playoffs. The appearance of Andy Dibble in goal for the North Wales team may make some Poolies think otherwise though!

York City Last Season: 14th

When John Batchelor bought York City, he promised to make them the most unusual side in the league. On the Football side, he's appointed Luther Blissett, but some York fans would prefer Terry Dolan to have gone first! How well York do may depend on how much Batchelor is prepared to let Dolan or his successor invest in players, and on the quick return to fitness of Alan Fettis, who is doubtful for the start of the season. 14th last season, and whether they'll improve on that is debatable.

All of which brings us to.....

Hartlepool United Last Season: 7th

No players in - yet - but the signing of Gordon Watson for another season was a tremendous fillip. Our form towards the end of last season was exceptional, and with a squad that's possibly at it's strongest ever, we have to be contenders. Every Poolie expects another good season, every Poolie wants promotion, and I for one believe we can do it. The Title may prove to be beyond us, but I think an automatic spot is there for the taking.

Predictions!

The main value of predictions before the start of the season is that they give everyone else something to laugh at when they fail to come true. However, like everyone else I have my views, and so here they are!

Champions: Hull City

Runners Up: Rochdale

Third: Pools

Playoffs: Rushden and Diamonds, Wrexham, Shrewsbury Town and Swansea City

Relegated: Two from Boston United, Lincoln City and Torquay United.

Let battle commence!