Season Preview - Part Two

Gillingham

Last season was one most Gills fans will want to forget after saving themselves from relegation on the final day of the season. They will be hoping for a better time this time round and with the experience of Iwan Roberts on board.

There are also a number of good young players including ex MK Dons striker, Patrick Agyemang who can cause defences plenty of problems with his blistering pace.

Gillingham are likely to find it difficult once again but this time around are more then likely to find themselves placed just in the bottom half come the end of the season.

Player To Look Out For - Danny Spiller

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom half

Ipswich Town

Despite the poor start Ipswich made last season, Joe Royle still led the team to the Play Offs only to be beaten in the semi finals to West Ham United. 

There have been a couple of new signings at the club including former Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock and Wigan Athletic skipper Jason De Vos.

De Vos could well be a key player for the tractor boys as they try to improve the defence which leaked goals for fun last term.

Player To Look Out For - Darren Bent

1871Royals Prediction - Play Off's

Leeds United

Leeds with start then new season with more or less a new squad of players after the financial problems of the last few season, which was the big factor in their relegation into the Coca Cola Championship.

There is also a new manager in charge, Kevin Blackwell has taken over from Eddie Gray and has been busy in the transfer market. There is plenty of quality bought to the club including Michael Ricketts, Jermaine Wright, Neil Sullivan and new club captain Paul Butler.

Expect Leeds to be there or there about come the end of the season and a quick return to the Premiership is a big possibility.

Player To Look Out For - Michael Ricketts 

1871Royals Prediction - Play Off's

Leicester City 

Another team relegated from the Premiership last season and after the well documented happenings at the Walkers Stadium last season, boss Mickey Adams will be keen for his team to bounce straight back at the first attempt.

After the loss of striker Paul Dickov to Blackburn, Adam's has signed West Ham and Reading target David Connolly for £500,000. 

There has also been the experience of Martin Keown added to the squad. Even though Muzzy Izzet has departed their is plenty of quality in the City squad to suggest they will be able to be promoted automatically.

Player To Look Out For - David Connolly

1871Royals Prediction - Champions

Millwall

At one stage last season it looked as though Millwall had a fantastic chance of reaching the Play Offs but due to their FA Cup run which took them go all the way to the final, their league form slipped away.

This year sees the London club playing in the Uefa Cup and although this will be a great experience for the fans, staff and players it may see their league form being distracted.

The Lions have lost Tim Cahill to Everton but have replaced him with ex Leeds United midfielder Jody Morris. He could form a lethal midfield partnership with player-manager Dennis Wise.

Player To Look Out For - Jody Morris

1871Royals Prediction - Top 10

Nottingham Forest

After the nightmare campaign last season, Forest will be looking to the goals of David Johnson to help them recapture the form in the 02/03 season, which saw them, lose in the Play Offs in dramatic circumstances to Sheffield United.

The main news circulating round the City Ground this summer was that of Andy Reid's proposed move to Tottenham. Although still no fee has been agreed and so the Irish International looks like staying though he has handed in written transfer request.

Joe Kinnear did wonders for the team last season but whether he can bring the glory days back to the club is another matter.

Player To Look Out For - David Johnson

1871Royals Prediction - Mid Table