Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Darlington Away In The League On Saturday 23rd November At 3.00pm

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Season Preview - Part Four


Salisbury - Last season ConfS 2nd (P) - Bookies 200/1 (18th=)
The Whites return to the top flight of non-league after three years, having been demoted two divisions in 2010 for entering Administration. Assistant Mikey Harris has taken over from promotion winning manager Darrell Clarke, and has brought in a string of players with Conference pedigree. Warren Feeney joins as player/assistant and is joined up front by ex-FGR man Ben Wright. They should be strong enough for a reasonable first season having
 
Southport - Last season 20th - Bookies 200/1 (18th=)
Long standing manager Liam Watson's summer departure has seen wholesale changes to the club's playing staff. Rookie boss Alan Wright has signed experienced playmaker Jamie Milligan, ex-Stockport frontman Danny Hattersley, and a couple of players from relegated Barrow, while several more have joined from lower league sides. Another tough season awaits the Sandgrounders.
 
Tamworth - Last season 19th - Bookies 250/1 (22nd=)
The loss of a trio of key personnel, including top scorer Adam Cunnington, to full time Conference teams means boss Dale Belford has had a major rebuilding job to do this summer. Four ex-Bulls, including Tony Capaldi and young striker Richard Peniket, are among a dozen signings that also includes veteran forward Justin Richards but Belford's first full season as a manager may be a struggle from day one.
 
Welling - Last season ConfS 1st (P) - Bookies 150/1 (16th=)
A first Conference season in 13 years for the Wings. Manager Jamie Day remains registered as a player but has a squad with limited experience at this level. 22 goal top scorer Ross Lafayette's decision to stay with the club is a boost, while ex-Woking man Loick Pires rejoins him up top after a season away from the club. England C man Anthony Acheampong's departure to Barnet is a big loss, with replacements Blaine Hudson and Doug Berqvist having limited experience.
 
Woking - Last season 12th - Bookies 150/1 (16th=)
Garry Hill's Cards side made a comfortable return to the fifth tier last season and are expected to fit into the middle of the pack again this term. A largely unchanged squad saw just four players out the door with the main arrival being ex-Bull Gavin Williams. The veteran has already netted one trademark free kick in pre-season and is expected to play a big part in keeping the Cards clear of danger, but their overall budget is not large enough to be considered a danger to the top ten.
 
Wrexham - Last season 5th - Bookies 10/1 (5th)
The Dragons have trimmed their budget, axed some of their more experienced heads, and are widely expected to make the play-offs again. Striker Danny Wright's departure to FGR has been balanced by the arrival of Andy Bishop. Boss Andy Morrell has had a torrid time in pre-season transfer dealings, missing out on a string of targets, and is still chasing two new signings ahead of the weekend start. Another play-off charge could be hampered by the injuries that are already limiting his options.