Dartford - Last season 8th - Bookies 125/1 (14th=)
The loss of several key defendsive personnel, including Tom Bonner and Tom Champion to Cambridge, could unstable the surprise package of last season. Tony Burman's part timers have signed half a dozen new players, but only keeper Alan Julian has serious experience at this level while strikers Adam Birchall and Jason Prior have prolific records lower down but are yet to prove themselves at the Conference or higher.
The loss of several key defendsive personnel, including Tom Bonner and Tom Champion to Cambridge, could unstable the surprise package of last season. Tony Burman's part timers have signed half a dozen new players, but only keeper Alan Julian has serious experience at this level while strikers Adam Birchall and Jason Prior have prolific records lower down but are yet to prove themselves at the Conference or higher.
Forest Green - Last season 10th - Bookies 5/1 (2nd)
With nine strikers on their books, boss Dave Hockaday is expected to not have the goalscoring problem that blighted their chances last term. Impressive during the first half of last season, the Gumpers faded badly in the second term with many fans questioning whether Hockaday is the man to lead the charge of the unsustainable village side owned by the sustainable electricity king. Most bookies have the Gumpers have favourites ahead of Luton.
With nine strikers on their books, boss Dave Hockaday is expected to not have the goalscoring problem that blighted their chances last term. Impressive during the first half of last season, the Gumpers faded badly in the second term with many fans questioning whether Hockaday is the man to lead the charge of the unsustainable village side owned by the sustainable electricity king. Most bookies have the Gumpers have favourites ahead of Luton.
Gateshead - Last season 17th - Bookies 50/1 (12th=)
Last season's ground disaster has seen major renovation work on the International Stadium pitch. Rookie manager Anth Smith has signed defender Luke O'Brien to add experience to his defence, while midfielder Josh Walker has a lot to prove after making his Middlesboro debut as a 17 year old but drifting down the divisions afterwards. Mid-table, and staying in their own stadium for the season, will probably suit the Heed after flirting with relegation last term.
Last season's ground disaster has seen major renovation work on the International Stadium pitch. Rookie manager Anth Smith has signed defender Luke O'Brien to add experience to his defence, while midfielder Josh Walker has a lot to prove after making his Middlesboro debut as a 17 year old but drifting down the divisions afterwards. Mid-table, and staying in their own stadium for the season, will probably suit the Heed after flirting with relegation last term.
Grimsby - Last season 4th - Bookies 9/1 (4th)
The Mariners have shed squad numbers in favour of quality over the summer, and will welcome the return of striker Liam Hearn after missing virtually all of last season. Joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst are aiming for at least a repeat of last season's play-off tilt and, if they can keep the smaller squad injury free, they could be serious title contenders.
The Mariners have shed squad numbers in favour of quality over the summer, and will welcome the return of striker Liam Hearn after missing virtually all of last season. Joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst are aiming for at least a repeat of last season's play-off tilt and, if they can keep the smaller squad injury free, they could be serious title contenders.
Halifax - Last season ConfN 5th (P) - Bookies 40/1 (11th)
No big aspirations at Halifax who, like Chester, will be cautious in their approach to the fifth tier after going bust in the same division a few years ago. A number of experienced Conference performers have joined over the summer, but the bulk of the squad is the one that scraped into the last play-off place and mid-table obscurity will probably be a satisfactory outcome for the Shaymen.
No big aspirations at Halifax who, like Chester, will be cautious in their approach to the fifth tier after going bust in the same division a few years ago. A number of experienced Conference performers have joined over the summer, but the bulk of the squad is the one that scraped into the last play-off place and mid-table obscurity will probably be a satisfactory outcome for the Shaymen.
Hereford - Last season 6th - Bookies 33/1 (9th=)
A further cut in the playing budget at Edgar Street has coincided with the ending of the Bulls' final Football League contracts. The net benefit sees Martin Foyle have more money to play with than last season, and the man widely-regarded as a master at this level is drawing admiring glances from other clubs for his transfer dealings. Fans are concerned at a lack of pre-season goals, but the Bulls failed to score against the likes of Evesham and Worcester last pre-season before slamming in 11 goals in their opening four Conference games. A good start will be vital on and off the field.
A further cut in the playing budget at Edgar Street has coincided with the ending of the Bulls' final Football League contracts. The net benefit sees Martin Foyle have more money to play with than last season, and the man widely-regarded as a master at this level is drawing admiring glances from other clubs for his transfer dealings. Fans are concerned at a lack of pre-season goals, but the Bulls failed to score against the likes of Evesham and Worcester last pre-season before slamming in 11 goals in their opening four Conference games. A good start will be vital on and off the field.