2004/5 Season Preview: Part 3

By Albatross
January 12 2005

Another day closer to the start of the 2004/5 season, and another six contenders in Division 2 (League 1 is such a silly name) go under the Pools Online Microscope: Milton Keynes Dons, Oldham Athletic, Peterborough United, Port Vale, Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County.

Milton Keynes Dons Last Season: 24th in Div1 (Relegated)
Departures: Warren Barton, Jermaine Darlington, Mark E'Beyer, Rob Gier, Michael Gordon, Shane Gore, Wayne Gray, Peter Hawkins, Paul Heald, Nico Herzig, Dean Holdsworth, Darren Holloway, Albert Jarrett, Nick McKoy, Danny Morgan, Lionel Morgan, Lee Worgan
Arrivals: Gareth Edds, Izale McLeod, Steve Palmer, Allan Smart, Gary Smith (Loan)
On the Pitch: Last season was a disaster by anyone's standards, and with the players inbound hardly household names only a supreme optimist could see them in the top half. Having said that, they did find some slight form towards the end of last season, with two of their total of eight league wins coming in the last five games.
Off the Pitch: Administration, a name change, and an horrendous season might lead to protest elsewhere; in Milton Keynes, it lead to an outbreak of mumbling followed by a renewal of season tickets. Both of them.
The Boss Man: Stuart Murdoch must feel like a Primary School teacher at times, such is the age of his squad; his continuing role seems secure though on the grounds that there can't be many people that would want his job.
Watch out for: Um. Anyone that scored more than five last season has already left, so no-one really. Well, there's Allan Smart (last senior goal: April 2002) I suppose. And new signing Izale McLeod scored a total of four goals in two seasons for Derby. Beyond that you'd be better off going to see AFC Wimbledon as they climb the Pyramid if you're looking for goals.
Prediction: A paper-thin squad makes my head agree with my heart. 24th.

Oldham Athletic Last Season: 15th
Departures: Steve Corry, Dean Crowe, Craig Fleming, David Miskelly, Paul Murray, Carlos Roca, Darren Sheridan, John Sheridan, Clyde Wijnhard
Arrivals: Mark Arber, Rodney Jack
On the Pitch: An improvement after their takeover and appointment of Brian Talbot was most welcome, and they comfortably avoided relegation in the end. Continued progress is a possibility.
Off the Pitch: It's been a lot quieter this summer after their tumultuous time last year.
The Boss Man: Brian Talbot may not have the budget he once had at Rushden, but he knows his way around and will be looking to move the team upwards.
Watch out for: Scott Vernon proved something of a find with 14 goals last season - and he will benefit from having Rodney Jack to learn from.
Prediction: A surprise package and 8th place.

Peterborough United Last Season: 18th
Departures: Andrew Fotiadis
Arrivals: Andre Boucard, Leon Constantine, Craig Ireland, Peter Kennedy, Elliott Ward (Loan)
On the Pitch: A relegation battle was not what the Posh faithful expected last season; at the moment all their hopes will be pinned on Leon Constantine, and a belief that their home form cannot possibly as bad as it was last year. However, when even the manager says that survival is the only target....
Off the Pitch: Barry Fry did a Victor Kiam last year and bought the club; looks like Posh are stuck with him then. It's been a fairly quiet summer by Fry's standards.
The Boss Man: Fry is now an immovable object - maybe he's still haunted by the frequent "Sackings" Stan Flashman handed out, but until Fry decides he's had enough, he'll remain at London Road.
Watch out for: Constantine was prolific for Southend last season and Posh will hope he can make an impact at the next level up; meanwhile they will be hoping to get another season out of 37 year old Andy Clarke.
Prediction: More struggle, this time ending in failure. 22nd.

Port Vale Last Season: 7th
Departures: Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Ian Brightwell, Neil Brisco, Liam Burns, Dean Delaney, Adrian Littlejohn, Steve McPhee, Joe Molloy, Michael Walsh
Arrivals: Robin Hulbert, Lee Matthews, Dean Smith, Jeff Smith
On the Pitch: Vale were of course pipped for a playoff place by Pools - but having lost at least a couple of key players over the summer may well damage their chances of going further this season.
Off the Pitch: It's been fairly quiet for Port Vale over the summer - a contrast to previous seasons that have seen them on the brink.
The Boss Man: Martin Foyle came in at a difficult time but got Vale playing well - he needs to foster a good team spirit to get them up there again though.
Watch out for: With McPhee gone, Billy Paynter will be trying to take his place in the side. Steve Brooker has the potential to be a danger too, while Lee Matthews will hope to make more impact at Vale Park than he did at Bristol City.
Prediction: With some key players gone, a decline and 13th.

Sheffield Wednesday Last Season: 16th
Departures: Craig Armstrong, Brian Barry-Murphy, Jon Beswetherick, Leigh Bromby, Terry Cooke, Derek Geary, Steven Haslam, Paul McLaren, Robbie Mustoe, Robbie Poulter, Adam Ogden, Kevin Pressman, Alan Quinn, Mark Robins, Matt Shaw, Dean Smith, Chris Stringer, Laurie Wilson
Arrivals: Guy Branston, Lee Bullen, Patrick Collins, Paul Heckinbottom, David Lucas, Steven MacLean, Chris Marsden, John-Paul McGovern, Lee Peacock, Glenn Whelan
On the Pitch: For all the big predictions, last season plumbed new depths for Owls Fans. A mass clear-out followed, and to be fair the players that have been signed look more the sort of competent hard-working pros that a club at this level needs than last year's show ponies.
Off the Pitch: The approach by Ken Bates that in effect became a hostile takeover has polarised Wednesday fans, and has lead to a promise from Turner and main backer Dave Allen that they will leave if the Owls aren't at the right end of the table at Christmas.
The Boss Man: Chris Turner is under fire from some quarters, and knows that he needs to get things right and quickly to secure his job.
Watch out for: The new forward pairing of MacLean and Peacock has plenty of potential - but will they deliver when so many others have failed?
Prediction: Turner to keep his job - and Wednesday to hit 3rd.

Stockport County Last Season: 19th
Departures: Dave Challinor, Kevin Ellison, Aaron Wilbraham
Arrivals: Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Neil Cutler, Warren Feeney, Derek Geary, Lee Mair
On the Pitch: A struggle against relegation behind them, Stockport have made some decent signings and will be expecting progress.
Off the Pitch: It's been a fairly quiet summer, although Carlton Palmer's successful compensation claim may have raised a few eyebrows.
The Boss Man: Sammy McIlroy knows improvement is needed, and has made some shrewd-looking signings.
Watch out for: Luke Beckett suffered a bad injury that kept him out for most of the season last time - but if he stays fit should be top scorer for the Hatters. Rickie Lambert scored a few from Midfield last season and should feature too.
Prediction: Another surprise - and 9th.