GUIDE TO LEAGUE TWO: PART TWO
In the second part of the series, wwfc.com is taking a look at three teams who can all claim to be in with a realistic shout of promotion to League One in the coming campaign.
If you missed the first installment, click here to bring yourself right up to date.
First up, Bournemouth.
The Cherries were one of the sides to suffer relegation heartbreak last year, despite an astonishing finish to the season in which they went undefeated in their last seven games - winning six and drawing one.
However Cheltenham Town's victory over Doncaster was enough to consign the coastal club to the depths of League Two, ending a five-year streak in the third tier of English football.
Their plight was not helped by huge off the field problems, with financial troubles and alleged debts of over £4 million forcing the Cherries into administration in February, and slapping them with a 10-point deduction.
As the season drew to a close and the 2008/09 campaign loomed large the inevitable pain of relegation was not the only concern for Cherries fans - as rumours circulated of another points deduction being enforced in time for the new season.
Fears have been eased slightly with talk of a new takeover bid, and with ex-England international and club favourite Darren Anderton signing a new contract, the summer months haven't quite been all doom and gloom down at the 'Fitness First Stadium'.
However the economic troubles have prevented any new players signing on, and with young starlet Sam Vokes joining Wolves manager Kevin Bond may have to rely on a cut down version of last years squad to fight for a place in the top seven.
Fans View
"Bournemouth's future continues to be uncertain with doubts still remaining over their eventual ownership. With the club currently under administration they have also been prevented from adding to their squad during the summer.
"Although talented striker Sam Vokes and key defender Josh Gowling have both departed, though a number of players have since committed their futures to the Cherries.
"According to our latest poll supporters' opinions appear pretty much split down the middle as to whether the club can make an immediate return to League One.
"If the team continue the momentum shown at the end of last season they should be well capable of mounting a sustained play-off bid at least." Steve Dean - Webmaster of Rednblack.net
Next up - Bradford City
Even though things on the pitch didn't quite live up to expectations, the City fans certainly captured the imagination of most who encountered them during the 2007/08 campaign.
The Bantams regularly boasted home attendances of more than 13,000, and the carnival atmosphere that they created on the last day of the season at Adams Park should live long in the memory.
Hopes were high this time last year at Valley Parade, as Stuart McCall side set their sights on promotion glory and an immediate return to League One.
However an inconsistent campaign resulted in a mid-table finish, as City finished 10th - 16 points outside the playoffs.
The manager has acted swiftly, releasing six players in the summer and bringing in five new faces to date.
The defence has been shored up, with right back Paul Arnison joining from Carlisle United and Graeme Lee signing on from Doncaster.
Midfielder Chris Brandon will also be wearing a Bradford shirt next year after joining from Huddlesfield whilst John McLaughlin will provide another goalkeeping option.
The coup of the summer for McCall though will surely be the signiture of ex-Luton midfielder Paul McClaren.
The 31-year-old turned down a new contract at League One outfit Tranmere Rovers, where he had just picked up the Player of the Season award, to come to Valley Parade and will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet over the next few months.
If he manages to bag a goal against the Wanderers the irony wont be lost on many Blues fans - McClaren was born and bred in High Wycombe.
The influx or talent will surely not stop there though, as the club who played Premiership football just nine years ago look to fight their way out of the basement division.
Fans View
"It's been a miserable few years for the Bantams as I'm sure most people will remember us being in the Premiership not too long ago, so our fall from grace has been fairly spectacular.
"However, this summer is perhaps the most positive it's been for some time around the club, and the chairman and manager have shown their ambition by trying to sign the likes of Darren Moore, who was playing in the top flight last year.
"With big crowds behind us and some decent young players in the squad, I think this is the year that we'll make an impression and begin climbing the ladder back up the leagues. A top three finish might be beyond us but I fancy us to finish in the play-offs and then the mighty Bantams support can roar us all the way to promotion at Wembley!" David Clifton, Leeds.
Last but not least - Brentford
Griffin Park will host one of the great memories of the 2007/08 season for many Wanderers fans, as the Chairboys romped to a 3-1 victory over the Bees on Boxing Day.
In fact the Wanderers managed to complete the double over the Londoners, edging them 1-0 in a closely fought contest in front of the Sky cameras back in September.
Like Bradford, Brentford found themselves relegated to the bottom division in 2007 and began the campaign with realistic hopes of a quick return to League One.
However despite an extraordinary run of form over Christmas and New Year the Bees couldn't quite last the pace, and finished in a slightly disappointing 14th place.
In preparation for the new campaign Andy Scott has been one of the busiest managers in the transfer market, bringing in no less than six new players, with three leaving Griffin Park for good.
Marvin Williams is perhaps the name that has got Bees fans talking the most, with the former Millwall youngster joining from Yeovil Town, while midfielder Marcus Bean and right-back Adam Newton also arrive at the London club with plenty of experience in the Football League.
Manager Scott has also been scouring the non-league scene for talent and snapped up promising youngsters Moses Ademola and Sam Wood from Croydon and Bromley respectively, while keeper Ben Hamer has joined on loan from Reading and defender Leigh Mills has signed on a year-long loan from Spurs.
Fans View
"After some questionable decisions last season, I think the majority of the Bees support are warming to Andy Scott and his signings so far look promising. We had Ben Hamer on loan last season and he certainly looked decent, while Newton was part of a team that got promoted at Peterborough so I'm pretty impressed with the way things are going.
"Glenn Poole was a big hit with the fans last season and scored some sensational goals so I think if he performs to the same standard then we might have a chance of making the top seven. He makes the team tick when he's on form and hopefully he'll reach double figures again in terms of goals.
"My prediction for the season? A borderline play-off finish. Come on you Bees!" Helen Phillips, Middlesex.
Tune in to wwfc.com for the next installment over the next week.
