Who will be in the frame at the end of the season?

By Albatross
July 29 2002

Pools Online takes a quick look at each of the teams that will be chasing glory in Division 3 this season. Remember to check back for Parts 2 and 3 later in the week.

AFC Bournemouth Last Season: 21st in Div 2 (Relegated)

Most of the talk at Bournemouth over the close season seems to have been about things off the pitch - notably an attempt to clear the club's debt by doing a Sale and Leaseback of the ground, which is, let's say, not universally popular with the fans. The other main speculation has been whether Matt Holland will move on from Ipswich and net them a healthy slice of cash due to a sell-on clause. Bournemouth finished in the last of the Relegation Slots, but a lot depends on them sorting out the situation off the pitch to allow O'Driscoll to get to work. Ex-Poolie Steve Fletcher is one of the most popular players at Dean Court, but has suffered with injuries recently and his appearances may be limited. Should be in the upper half, and may challenge for a playoff slot.

Boston United Last Season: Conference Winners

Boston start the season 4 points behind the rest, and 100K poorer, after the recent FA Investigation into alledged Financial Irregularites. The penalty is being appealed against, but in the meantime stand-in manager Neil Thomson will face an uphill struggle to keep Boston in the league. Names to watch out for include former Grimsby man Daryl Clare - a target for several League clubs before going to Boston last summer - ex-Walsall stalwart Tom Bennett, and recent signing Neil Redfearn. Something of an unknown quantity, but I suspect they'll be fighting at the wrong end of the table this season.

Bristol Rovers Last Season: 23rd

The arrival of Ray Graydon and a mass clearout of players have given Rovers fans reasons for optimism. While Graydon's credentials are not in doubt - he worked a minor miracle at Walsall on not a lot of money - it's noticable that Rovers fans aren't shooting their mouths off as they were last season. Rovers will return - but Graydon needs time, and a finish in mid-table would mark considerable progress from last term.

Bury Last Season: 22nd Div 2 (Relegated)

Bury have had well-publicised financial troubles for some time now, and no-one was surprised to see them relegated to the basement division. Player/Manager Andy Preece and assistant Steve Redmond will be hoping thet Jon Newby and Garethe Seddon can notch a few, but with not a lot of cash about the club it's difficult to see Bury challenging. A Relegation Struggle is a possibility, but I'd tip them to stay up - though maybe not by as much as they'd like.

Cambridge United Last Season: 24th Div 2 (Relegated)

John Taylor's first task will be to try and improve Cambridge's woeful away form - last season they failed to win a single league match away from the Abbey. He'll be hoping the influential Paul Wanless can run the midfield, with promising defender Adam Tann also a name to look out for. I think they'll have to settle for mid-table, but U's fans will no doubt disagree!

Carlisle United Last Season: 17th

The big story at Carlisle has been the slae of the club to Irish businessman John Courtenay amid much jubilation from Cumbrian fans. Carlisle are now an unknown quantity as everyone waits to see what Courtenay will do; he's already bringing back Roddy Collins to manage the side, and rumours abound about players coming in from Irish League sides. How well such players would adapt to Division 3 is up for debate - though Richie Foran made quite an impression last season. I personally think Collins has too much to do in too little time to make Carlisle real contenders this season, but I expect them to improve as the season goes on and to finish in the upper half.

Darlington Last Season: 15th

Tommy Taylor has been working quietly to improve their squad, while George Reynolds seems to be realising that footballers aren't like Chipboard Factory workers after all. In Andy Collett they have one of the best keepers in the lower divisions - as Pools have found out more than once - but they possibly lack the depth in their squad to really make an impression, and with wages limited it's difficult to see them competing for the players who will add real quality to the squad. Nevertheless, I expect them to improve and finish just about in the top half.

Exeter City Last Season: 16th

Exeter find themselves with a Board of Directors that's better known that the majority of the players, with Uri Gellar listed as Co-Chairman and Michael Jackson an honourary Board Member. On the pitch, manager John Cornforth will be looking to improve on last season's showing and indeed a few people are tipping them as dark horses for a Playoff spot. The signing of former Pools Loanee James Coppinger is a sign of intent, and I expect them to be in or around the top 10, although maybe not making a sustained playoff bid.

That's all for now, but come back later in the week to read my thoughts on more of the teams we will face this season.