Football League Two Preview

In the words of Liza Minnelli and Joel Gray from Cabaret (this column is nothing if not cultured) ’money makes the world go around, the world go around, the world go around’. Liza was clearly talking about League Two this season as the market looks to be dominated by two big spending teams, can anyone stop Rotherham and Fleetwood from claiming the title?

Steve Evans seems to be leading something of a blessed life after managing big spending Crawley he has now shifted across to a Rotherham side who have spent a lot of money this summer. The Millers have brought in an almost entire new team with Lewis Grabban among those shown the exit door. In have come new strikeforce Daniel Nardello and Kayode Odejayi and Icelandic international Kari Arnason. Evans has league know-how and some talented players at his disposal. To me there is no doubt Rotherham will be very close to the title, but odds of 7/2 (general) are a little too short over the course of a long season.

Fleetwood are another side who have been spending the cash after their promotion from the Conference Premier as they look to follow in the footsteps of Crawley. Steven Gillespie has dropped down a division from League One when some clubs in the Championship were being linked to the player. That is a statement of intent and a strike force of Gillespie, David Bell and Jon Parkin looks as good it could get at this level. They should hit the ground running and the 6/1 (general) on them to win the league looks generous.

Chesterfield are next in the market at 12/1 (general) following their relegation from League One last season. Convincing striker Marc Richards to join from Port Vale has been a great signing, but confidence could be at a low on a side that never got going in League One. They along with Wycombe 25/1 (general) should be the pick of the teams relegated from League One. Rochdale at 33/1 (boylesports) and Exeter also at 33/1 (Coral/ You Win) may take some time to adjust to life back in the division.

Bristol Rovers a 14/1 (general) should go much better than last season, Mark McGhee inherited a good squad who seemed to have lost some direction under previous boss Paul Buckle. The Scotsman did well when he came in and a number of solid signings should see them improved this season, but there are teams who appeal at a much bigger price.

As in League One we like a number of teams who just missed out on promotion last season to go well this time around. Southend finished fourth last season and have invested well this summer. If they can keep influential winger Ryan Hall then odds of 16/1 (general) look decent value. Torquay had a great second half of the season last year amassing 46 points from their last 23 games and with solid signings can go close again at 25/1 (BetVictor/Stan James/Coral). The final recommendation is for Cheltenham EW at 28/1 (boylesports/Bet Victor). The beaten play-off finalists shocked many last season at 150/1 as they ran very close in the title race and under shrewd boss Mark Yeates then they could shock a few again.

Those looking for some value at an even bigger price might want to consider Aldershot at 40/1 (general) they are another side who ended the season well and manager Dean Holdsworth has done good business in the transfer window.

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19/08/2012     © Frixo 2024