Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Brentwood In The FA Trophy At Edgar Street On Saturday 16th November At 3.00pm

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Season Preview: Part Four

Southend - 09/10 23rd(r), Bookies 33/1 16th= - With 48 hours to go to kick off at the time of writing they remain under a transfer embargo with no absolute guarantee they'll have a team to field. Chairman Ron Martin reiterates the 'don't panic' like that Iraqi government spokesman, but the walls keep tumbling down and only a fruit'n'veg seller is keeping the club upright. Paul Sturrock's hastily assembled squad has a hint of desperation about it and, if it is allowed to start, will likely bounce around the lower reaches.

Stevenage - 09/10 1st(p), Bookies 16/1 7th= - Attitude is more important than ability. Apparently. Graham Westley has delivered the Boro to their 'rightful' FL place with his own special management style. They're expected to carry on and push for a play-off spot this term but, with limited League experience, they're more likely to hold a comfortable mid-table spot and consolidate for the time being.

Stockport - 09/10 24th(r), Bookies 50/1 20th - Paul Simpson says his side will be happy to be a League side come May. If that's the level of their ambition then who are we to argue! 22nd is the target and, given most of their side arrived in the last two weeks or were from last season's reserve side, they're unlikely to fare much better and will probably rely on rated keeper Owain fon Williams to keep them the right side of the relegation line.

Torquay - 09/10 17th, Bookies 25/1 14th - Paul Buckle had done some tidy business in the summer, picking up the highly rated Billy Kee amongst others. A largely young side, with the experienced heads of Martin Gritton and Guy Branston thrown in, they are likely destined for mid-table anonymity unless Kee, Elliott Benyon, or Chris Zebroski can manage a 20 goal season.

Wycombe - 09/10 22nd(r), Bookies 11/1 3rd - They want an immediate return to League One and have invested to achieve that. £125,000 on Scott Rendell and the acquisition of former Bulls target Ben Strevens should provide the goals to put them in the picture, but it is veteran midfielder Gareth Ainsworth that will likely hold the key. If the 37 year old can muster a full season they should be top three, but if they lose his influence they may fall short.