English Football League / Alan Dudman / 05 August 2009 / Leave a comment

Alan Dudman looks at the teams who are unlikely to be fighting for either promotion or relegation this term.

"Following their success in lifting the League Two crown last season, newly promoted
Brentford may have to settle for a term of consolidation. Manager Andy Scott has
enjoyed a good start to his fledgling career, and the club's board are unlikely to be
hasty if results are unsatisfactory in the first few months of the campaign."

Brentford: Relegation odds [6.2], promotion odds [8.2]

Following their success in lifting the League Two crown last season, newly promoted
Brentford may have to settle for a term of consolidation. Manager Andy Scott has
enjoyed a good start to his fledgling career, and the club's board are unlikely to be
hasty if results are unsatisfactory in the first few months of the campaign.

Scott has brought in six new players to Griffin Park including Ben Strevens from Dagenham and former Welsh international goalkeeper Lewis Price. Captain Kevin O'Connor has signed a new two-year deal along with midfielder David Hunt.

Prediction: Mid-table at best, but the squad doesn't look strong enough to compete.

Colchester United: Promotion [7.2]

Colchester's star midfielder Johnnie Jackson has handed in a transfer request
and could be a major blow for manager Paul Lambert's hopes for the season.
Jackson is genuine class in this division - his creativity and goals would be sorely missed.

New arrival Joel Thomas cost £125,000 from Hamilton, and is an interesting striker
signing. Whilst Ben Williams from Carlisle has come in to replace outgoing Aussie
keeper Chris Coyne.

Prediction: Without Jackson, lower half of table.

Bristol Rovers: Relegation: [4.3], Promotion [11.5]

With three players on the transfer list (messrs Haldane, Williams and Rigg), Paul
Trollope is hoping to add to only a handful of signings so far.

Former Watford midfielder Dominic Blizzard has joined from Stockport - there isn't
really anything else exciting to add.

Prediction: Hovering above relegation, but safe.

Hartlepool United: Win [220], Promotion [23.0]

With five departures and seven new signings, Hartlepool's Director of Sport
Chris Turner has been a busy man.

Delving in to the Irish market was a decent idea, and they have captured Cork
City pair Denis Behan and Colin Healy. Behan has a terrific scoring record, and
Healy has played for Celtic and Sunderland.

Coldest and windiest ground in League One.

Prediction: Mid-table.

Leyton Orient: Promotion [15], relegation [4.00]

Manager Geraint Williams produced marvellous work in keeping the Os up last
season, and they really ought to be pushing higher this time around.

Six players have arrived for the new campaign, including striker James Scowcroft
from Crystal Palace. Williams mentioned the Londoners could be the surprise
package - I might have to disagree.

Prediction: Lower half of table but safe.

Oldham Athletic: Win Relegation [8.80], Promotion [9.2]

New boss Dave Penney is far better eqiupped for the job than Joe Royle was midway
through 2008/9, and three signings so far have highlighted Penney's need for goals
this season.

Kiegan Parker and Pawel Abbot are good additions, whilst Dean Furman left Ibrox for
a stint at Boundary Park...interesting.

Prediction: No better than 9th.

Wycombe Wanderers: Relegation [4.6]

Peter Taylor's Wycombe could be best equipped for life in a new division out of the trio
of promoted teams.

Although injuries have plagued his pre-season, Taylor's contacts have enabled him to
land former Reading defender Michael Duberry. Elsewhere Ian Westlake and Stuart Green look solid signings for a solid season.

Prediction: Ok for now.

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