Part 2 of our preview of Division 3

By Albatross
July 31 2002

The second part of Pools Online's Season Preview starts with Hull and works its way through to Rushden and Diamonds. The final part will be live towards the end of the week, so remember to check back.

Hull City Last Season: 11th

Hull fans are talking up their chances in what seems to have become an annual display of optimism. Last season they started superbly before fading badly in the second half of the season, despite spending plenty of money. With Jan Molby in charge even more money has been spent - notably on Northern Irish International Stuart Elliott. Youngster Stuart Green has arrived on loan for the season from Newcastle, and Ritchie Appleby has rejoined Molby, having played under him at both Swansea and Kidderminster. Hull have failed to fulfil their potential in the past, but Molby knows what he's doing at this level and they should be challenging for an automatic promotion slot come May.

Kidderminster Harriers Last Season: 10th

After losing Molby to Hull, Kiddy appointed Ian Britton as manager, and with Sean Parrish signing from Chesterfield to fill the gap left by Appleby's departure they once again look a solid unit. Their problem may be scoring goals - last season no-one scored more than eight - and this I feel will stop them getting into the Playoffs. As well as Parrish, watch out for Dane Bo Henriksen, and Drewe Broughton.

Leyton Orient Last Season: 18th

Orient didn't pull up any trees last season, and Paul Brush will be expected to improve for a side that have seen playoff action almost every other season. Lee Thorpe has arrived from Lincoln, and with players like Matt Lockwood and Simon Downer attracting attention from Orient's London Neighbours their fans will be hoping for a better finish. They may get it, but I don't expect Orient to last the distance and they may have to settle for mid table.

Lincoln City Last Season: 22nd

Another club in dire financial straits, Keith Alexander's men face a real battle to retain their league status. The loss of Thorpe to Orient is a real blow for them, and they are having to scour the Non-league scene for players. Simon Yeo (formerly with Hyde United and Northern Irish side Coleraine) and Dene Cropper (Worksop) have arrived to try and plug the gap, and they have recently had Adie Mike on trial. Unless they can unearth a few gems though, they have to be amongst the favourites for the drop.

Macclesfield Town Last Season: 13th

Macclesfield have been in the doldrums recently, but the arrival of new manager Dave Moss in the second half of last season saw a considerable improvement and they should be comfortable in the middle of the table. Whether they can get higher depends a lot on how much Moss can get from new signings such as Neil Robinson (from NW Counties side Prescot Cables) and existing players such as Kyle Lightbourne, who by all accounts was a big disappointment last season.

Oxford United Last Season: 21st

Oxford seem to have been in Freefall in recent seasons, and struggled to cope with Division 3 last season. A clearout has seen 11 players leave, including Joey Beauchamp and Paul Moody, with only 4 signed so far. However in Ian Atkins they have someone who knows what's needed in the division and he should see them comfortably safe if nothing more. Watch out for Atkins' occasional outbursts as they are frequently entertaining - sometimes more entertaining than his teams!

Rochdale Last Season: 5th

Dale have been a consistently good side for the last 3 seasons, and the arrival of Lee Hodges cemented them in many minds as real title challengers this season. Add to their already impressive squad the names of Steve MacAuley and someone Pools fans know all about, Chris Beech, and Rochdale have good reason to expect success. The main concern is how new boss Paul Simpson will take to management, but they should be up there. Real promotion candidates, and popular ones too amongst many fans.

Rushden and Diamonds Last Season: 6th

Diamonds should be challenging again this season after reaching the Playoff Final last year. Much depends on Onandi Lowe, but Brian Talbot surely has funds available to secure players to strengthen his squad should he feel the need to. A highly professional and well-funded setup, I expect Rushden to be pushing for a top 4 finish.