League Two News: Can Ronnie mould Millers into winners?

English Football League / Ian Lamont / 30 July 2010 / Leave a Comment

Ronnie Moore's Rotherham could be in contention at the top

"Rotherham [14.0] have made several additions to the squad that could help them win the title, after play-off final defeat last season."

Rotherham have made a number fo shrewd acquisition this summer, so are they ready to challenge for promotion this season? Ian Lamont updates on the latest happenings in League Two..

Rotherham have been near favouritism in pre-season for League Two for several years. Points deductions swiftly increased their price two years ago, while last season they were deposed after initial favouritism by big-spending Notts County.

This campaign, they are again amid the leading lights and have made several additions to the squad that could help them win the title, after play-off final defeat last season. Such an experience often breaks a team and the theory was given legs by the surprise exit of Ian Sharps. A more confident and assured looking defender would be hard to find at this level, so he certainly strengthens Shrewsbury Town.

Ronnie Moore's Millers have captured defenders Tom Newey and Ryan Cresswell (both Bury), Luke Ashworth (Leyton Orient) and Johnny Mullins (Stockport), enough to build a garrison of defences. Evidently last season's backline was not good enough for Moore.

There is also an addition at the other end, Tom Elliot on loan from Leeds United to go with the mercurial Adam Le Fondre. Still backable at [14.0], they are certainly on the short-list - with Wycombe as advised last week - for the title, while short-priced Gillingham have to be a lay.

The Gills are in danger of out-doing West Brom as the archetypal yo-yo club. Having sacked Mark Stimson, who got them promotion two seasons ago, Andy Hessenthaler has returned from Dover.

He earned the Gills their highest placing in the Championship, but opinion is divided on what he can achieve now. Life will be tougher without striker Simeon Jackson, whose 2008-09 tally included the play-off winner. Some think Hessenthaler should have heeded the adage 'never go back'. New player-coach Nicky Southall, meanwhile, believes the new regime can re-establish the relationship with the fans that he believed Mark Stimson lacked.

It was certainly true the fans were on Stimson's back quickly in his first full League Two season, before their charge to the play-offs. With skipper Barry Fuller and defender Simon King both out, and Cody McDonald being Jackson's replacement as part of the deal with Norwich, there is much to commend one assessment by a fan I know that Gillingham will strive for the play-offs but fail - and furthermore that Stimson will outdo the Kent club at Barnet. Lay the Gills for the title at [10.0].

Barnet might have lost decent players - Irish striker John O'Flynn (Exeter), golden oldie Paul Furlong (Kettering) and winger Albert Adomah (Bristol City) - but their replacements have been cute.

Thirteen new signings will take time to bed in, but they are a combination of youth and experience at the level. Striker Ricky Holmes (Chelmsford) has been highly rated for years, Steve Kabba adds experience. Full-back Sam Cox (Tottenham) and Norwich's Danny Kelly, a striker, both have promise, as does sought-after Darren Dennehy. But for me Glen Southam (ex-Dagenham) and Glenn Poole (Brentford), suggest that Barnet can reward those who lay them for relegation. Look for [5.0].

Macclesfield and Accrington always start as relegation favourites. John Coleman will surely work his magic again to keep Stanley up, while Macclesfield might just lose their way after Keith Alexander's death last season. Hereford will be keen to avoid the ignominy of being the first team to be relegated three times since the advent of automatic relegation, but Simon Davey will find life tough after abandoning Darlington's bid to return swiftly from non-league.

While caution should be exercised in taking too much note of pre-season performances - and getting carried away about one's own side - the noises emanating from Aldershot seem highly positive. Maybe the policy of signing a couple of higher-level, ageing players looking for a last hoorah might just provide more than that sniff of League One football offered, via the play-offs, last term. Midfielder Glen Little, 34, late of Sheffield United, seems to think so. Defender Darren Jones, recenlty of Walsall, has had rave reviews. Seek [5.0] for promotion.

Recommended bets:

Back Rotherham at [13.5] for the League Two title
Lay Gillingham at [10.0]
Look for [5.0] Aldershot to be promoted
Lay Barnet for relegation at [5.0]