Spending power could be crucial

CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE TO ATHLETIC’S LEAGUE ONE RIVALS
BRIGHTON (manager Micky Adams): Finished one place higher than Athletic last term and, having invested wisely, they should be a threat to all. Sacking boss Dean Wilkins was rather harsh, but Adams is back for a second spell – and maybe a second promotion. Last season: 7th; Prospects: Worth an each-way flutter at 20-1.



BRISTOL ROVERS (Paul Trollope): New £100,000 striker Darryl Duffy will be key to a side who struggled for goals last season. They must also improve on a dismal record of only five home wins out of 23. Last season: 16th; Prospects: Plenty of industry, a lack of points.



CARLISLE (John Ward): Lost their way from April onwards and ended up beaten by Leeds in the play-offs, while the summer sales of ’keeper Keiren Westwood and striker Joe Garner, albeit for big money, were serious blows. Will do well to challenge again. Last season: 4th; Prospects: Less rosy than 12 months ago.



COLCHESTER (Geraint Williams): Had a horrible campaign in the Championship, earning just 38 points, but money has been spent and they are lively contenders. There’s good news whatever happens as they have finally left clapped-out Layer Road for a new stadium. Last season: 24th Championship; Prospects: Play-off possibles.



CHELTENHAM (Keith Downing): The Robins survived by the skin of their teeth last season and have now lost star player Steven Gillespie to Colchester. They will fight like dogs, but it’s easy to see why most people are tipping them for relegation. Last season: 19th; Prospects: Dire.



CREWE (Steve Holland): Also survived on the final day, but their displays against Athletic showed a team with a soft underbelly. The decision to spend £200,000 on Tranmere striker Calvin Zola was an eye-opener, flogging Nicky Maynard was unavoidable. Last season: 20th; Prospects: Poor if they don’t toughen up.



HARTLEPOOL (Danny Wilson): Not much transfer movement, which suggests little change in their position. Hartlepool are often strong at home and another mid-table effort wouldn’t be so bad. Last season: 15th; Prospects: Enough firepower to stay out of trouble.



HEREFORD (Graham Turner): No big names, no big profile, but they were good enough to be the surprise package of League Two last season. Promoted teams often go well, but survival is the name of Hereford’s game. Last season: 3rd League Two; Prospects: A scrap lies ahead.



HUDDERSFIELD (Stan Ternent): Mega season-ticket sales, fuelled by a £100 special offer, have guaranteed big crowds, which means more people to moan if Town aren’t winning. However, as signings include Chris Lucketti and ex-Blackpool man Keigan Parker, optimism abounds. Last season: 10th; Prospects: Can loiter around the top six.



LEEDS (Gary McAllister): Favourites for the title, just as they should be with such an expensive squad. A 15-point deduction cost them last time, but they have the division’s most powerful array of talent and will surely make amends. Last season: 5th; Prospects: Definitely up if they handle the pressure.



LEICESTER (Nigel Pearson): Down at this level for the first time in their history, Leicester are in a mad rush to get back out. Trigger-happy chairman Milan Mandaric won’t waste time if Pearson fails to deliver, but they ought to be solid enough for a play-off spot. Last season: 22nd Championship; Prospects: Can spend their way out of League One.



LEYTON ORIENT (Martin Ling): Capable of being obdurate and organised; capable of playing nice football; capable of looking downright awful. The O’s are typical of this division and won’t trouble the leaders. Last season: 14th; Prospects: Mediocre, possibly worse.



MILLWALL (Kenny Jackett): There has been much uncertainty behind the scenes at Millwall, who are Athletic’s first-day opponents. That never helps, especially after a poor season, and they lack an obvious goalscorer. Last season: 17th; Prospects: Also-rans.



MK DONS (Roberto Di Matteo): The Italian boss was a fascinating appointment, but this is his first job – and how will Dons react to the loss of Paul Ince? They are a highly ambitious club, but back-to-back promotions are probably beyond them. Last season: 1st League Two; Prospects: A year of consolidation, then push on again.



NORTHAMPTON (Stuart Gray): Quietly effective for the last two years, although it’s hard to see them taking the next step by reaching the Championship. Striker Leon Constantine could be a good addition and Northampton will do nicely enough, thank you. Last season: 9th; Prospects: Should not be under-estimated.



PETERBOROUGH (Darren Ferguson): It seems the prolific Aaron McLean has settled down again after having his head turned by Wolves, which is potentially crucial for Posh’s chance of another promotion. With cash in the bank and goals through the team, they might just go close. Last season: 2nd League Two; Prospects: Don’t rule them out.



SCUNTHORPE (Nigel Adkins): Scunny have remained loyal to the charismatic Adkins, despite last term’s struggle, and are likely to be a well-drilled outfit. The toughest job is to replace Martin Paterson’s goals after his move to Burnley. Last season: 23rd Championship; Prospects: Top half.



SOUTHEND (Steve Tilson): The Blues got a tonking from Doncaster in the play-offs and will be eager to quickly get it out of their system. But the squad is now much smaller – 19 players, including three ’keepers . Last season: 6th; Prospects: Need to spend.



STOCKPORT (Jim Gannon): Deservedly beat Rochdale in the League Two play-off final as a young side were rewarded for playing attractive football. Trouble is, main man Liam Dickinson has gone to Derby and the new recruits are unproven. Last season: 4th League Two; Prospects: In danger of going back down.



SWINDON (Maurice Malpas): The manager is yet to win over most fans and, barring a surprise, he won’t be celebrating promotion this season. On the other hand, there is no lack of experience in the Swindon ranks, while Simon Cox is impressive up front. Last season: 13th; Prospects: Mid-table.



TRANMERE (Ronnie Moore): With the ink drying on a new contract, Moore is out to deliver the goods in his third season in charge. Rovers keep falling short and, as they look no better this time, it will probably happen again. Last season: 11th; Prospects: Treading water.



WALSALL (Jimmy Mullen): The departure of boss Richard Money, who had done particularly well during his two years, may lead to a decline in fortunes. Mullen knows his way around the lower leagues, but Walsall look short of strength in depth. Last season: 12th; Prospects: Uninspiring.



YEOVIL (Russell Slade): There is a severe risk that Yeovil will tumble all the way from play-off finalists, to mediocrities, to relegation material in the space of three seasons. The squad is thin and Slade must remedy his problems up front. Last season: 18th; Prospects: A year of toiling in vain.