I thought Keith Hill was unlucky to lose his job at Barnsley last season, he had a very limited budget and his ‘Man in a pub’ quality meant you were always privy to an honest assessment of the game. Now he’s back where he made his name – Rochdale.
After a succession of poor managerial appointments, Dale reappointed the 44 year old to the post and the turnaround soon followed. They surely must be a decent bet for a Top 7 Finish.
They remained unbeaten at home since late February and impressive victories away at Exeter and Fleetwood in April won over the fans and saw them climb the table.
Matt Done has re-joined from Hills former club whilst Olly Lancashire and Ashley Eastham will be asked to add some much needed steel to the defence. Add to this, a crop of promising youngsters such as Joe Bunney and Scott Tanser and the Lancashire side should quietly climb up the division.
York’s first season back in the Football League appeared to be coming to a premature end, but manager Nigel Worthington steered them clear of trouble and they look a decent bet for a Top Half Finish.
Worthington is an astute boss and he may have been a little rusty when making the transition from International management, but he should significantly improve their finishing position this time around.
Matty Blair may have headed across the Pennines, but Ryan Jarvis and Craig Clay are two signings who might not set the world alight, but certainly know this division.
Ryan Bowman, Wes Fletcher and the unknown quantity of Estonian winger Sander Puri have also arrived at Bootham Crescent and if midfielder Michael Coulson can chip in with a few goals from midfield they should be capable of pushing up the table.
Financial woe continues to haunt the South West clubs in League Two and finally Plymouth look to have a fresh start. They look a decent bet to emerge as Top South West Team.
Their neighbours Exeter haven’t been able to secure the services of key players such as Jamie Cureton and Matt Oakley due to financial restrictions, whilst the Pilgrims are hardly cash rich, they certainly have the kind of stability they have craved for a number of seasons.
Marvin Morgan can be impressive and frustrating in equal measure and fans will be hoping it is the former as the ex-Shrewsbury man can be unplayable on his day.
He should combine with the sprightly Ruben Reid, on loan from Yeovil and the former Morecambe man Lewis Allessandra to create a potentially potent forward line.
Manager John Sheridan used the loan market to good effect last season and will be likely to do the same once more. He’ll be hoping Crystal Palace lend him Jason Banton, who had an impressive spell in the West Country last season.
A decent crop of youngsters and an experienced manager will see Plymouth steer well clear of trouble and probably Exeter too.
League Two Ante-Post Betting Tips
Rochdale to finish in the top 7 - 9/4
York to finish in the top half - 2/1
Plymouth to be the top South West team - 11/8
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