Lets look at the evidence

By Simian
July 16 2002

Not long to go now. The Cheltenham heartache seems so long ago and now it's almost time for our first championship season. Or is it? Is it going to be a walk in the park or another big build up to nothing? Lets look at the challengers and see if there is a way through the hype.

I suppose it's traditional to look at the main threats to ourselves this season. Of the clubs that came down, Bournemouth seem best equipped to mount a challenge, Wrexham also have their chance. Bury and Chambridge seem doomed to mid-table at best.

Hull City again are favourites although last season they promised much and delivered nothing, eventually slipping to a mid-table finish. Now that Jan Molby is in charge at Hulls magnificent new stadium, will there be any change? Well Molby has been in charge of a Kidderminister side that has done little since arriving in the league. In fact last season they errmmm.... died away "Eventually slipping to a mid-table finish" does seem familiar. Nevertheless Hull are a definite threat and must be considered one of the favourites for a top three finish.

Similarly R&D. A magnificent first season saw them completely outclassed by a Cheltenham team that had themselves been outclassed by Hartlepool only days before. Rushden do seem to be a one man team in Onandi Lowe. Whether they can be successful depends to a large degree on their ability to hold on to their star man. when Lowe plays well Rushden play well. Vice Versa applies.

Rochdale.. I would dearly love to see Rochdale go up. In the same way as ourselves they have been perennial strugglers. New signing Lee Hodges will be an asset to Rochdale. Despite being released by Scunthorpe the lad can play. Can't see any better than play-offs for Rochdale.

Scunthorpe don't seem to have made any significant signings there again neither have we. Unlike ourselves however Scunthorpe need to strengthen their side. They slipped away badly last season and there are no obvious reasons why they should do better this year.

Bristol Rovers had a seriously crap season, finishing just one place off the bottom. Only the complete ineptitude of Halifax maintained their league status. Just as well for Brizzle because they sure as hell didn't feel live saving themselves. I really can't envisage that level of performance lasting, I expect play offs at worst for the Rovers.

What of the new lads? whether they be Boston United or Dagenham & Redbridge. As usual a season of consolidation is favourite. Rushden did exceptionally last year perhaps it will happen again. Then again perhaps not. No point in my making a prediction, I've got nothing to go on.

Of the rest, you pays your money and takes your choice. Shrewsbury, Kidderminister, Orient, Southend, Oxford. Hard to choose between them.

What of our friends along the road. Much of a muchness I'm afraid. They ended the season with a weak team and there have been no signings of any note. Work it out for yourselves.

I haven't yet mentioned the mighty Pools. Of course promotion is expected. Based on the form shown during the last 2/3 of last season we shouldn't have a problem. In my 20 odd years of supporting Hartlepool United I have never seem the team so strong in every department. Two 12-0 wins ain't a bad start to the pre-season admittedly not against premier league opposition. Even so, it's still not bad! Unlike last season we have not had wholesale changes which always need time to gel, we can hopfully start where we left off. WE WILL GO UP.

PREDICTIONS

Automatic and the Championship

Hartlepool / Hull / Bournenmouth

Play-Offs

Rochdale / Wrexham / Rushden & D / Bristol Rovers

Dark Horses

York City

Relegation

Torquay / Lincoln