<div class="track"><img alt="" src="http://hits.guardian.co.uk/b/ss/guardiangu-feeds/1/H.24.1.1/30369?ns=guardian&pageName=League+One+2012-13+season+preview%3A+the+bloggers%27+view%3AArticle%3A1785856&ch=Football&c3=GU.co.uk&c4=League+One+%28football%29%2CFootball+League%2CSport%2CFootball&c5=Not+commercially+useful&c6=John+Ashdown&c7=12-Aug-10&c8=1785856&c9=Article&c10=Blogpost&c11=Football&c13=&c25=Football+League+blog%2CSport+blog&c30=content&c42=Sport&h2=GU%2FSport%2FFootball%2FLeague+One" width="1" height="1" /></div><p class="standfirst">The people who <em>really</em> know their clubs give us the lowdown on what to expect in the League One next season<br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/aug/10/championship-2012-13-season-preview-bloggers" title="">Click here for the Championship preview</a><br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/football-league-blog/2012/aug/10/league-two-2012-13-season-preview" title="">And here for the League Two preview</a></p><h2>Bournemouth </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer</strong> After the histrionics of last season, the summer has seen a welcome focus on the footballing side. New manager Paul Groves has been stamping his mark on the club with a backroom reshuffle, and it has very much been a case of 'out with the old' – with long-serving Warren Cummings and Shaun Cooper being among the departees – and in with the new. If the aim has been to signal intent, then recent signings will have helped: Lewis Grabban and Eunan O'Kane both come from League Two chomping at the bit to prove they can cut it at a higher level; the returning Josh McQuoid has been scoring for fun in pre-season, and it's great to see last-season loanee Miles Addison return on a permanent basis. The most intriguing newcomer, however, has to be Dutch striker Frank Demouge from Utrecht. Unfortunately, since he's slated to go under the knife thanks to a recent knee injury, it could be a while before we actually see him.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Promotion. The playing side has been invested in on an unprecedented scale, and anything less than a playoff place would be seen as a failure.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Who knows? If the last few years have been anything to go by, anything could happen. Much will depend on Groves, who still has a lot to prove and the majority of supporters to win over. And after years living on the breadline, it's hard not to be a tad weary regarding the long-term – or indeed, the short term – viability of the club's current business model.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>After a number of seasons hampered by injury and interrupted by international call-ups, Joe Partington has a real opportunity to stake a claim for the central midfield berth, and could be this</p><p>season's breakout player. If he stays fit, that is.</p><p><strong>We'll finish </strong>With the money we've spent, play-offs should be the minimum expectation.</p><p><strong>Steve Wright, Bournemouth fan (</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/@stevewright22" title=""><strong>@stevewright22</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><p></p><h2>Brentford </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>After a steady first season in charge, Uwe Rosler strengthened his squad by bringing in Tony Craig from Millwall, Farid El Alagui from Falkirk and Adam Forshaw from Everton. Yet by far the biggest moment of the close season came when the club announced that owner Matthew Benham had purchased the land at Lionel Road, for a long time now the club's preferred site for a new stadium. After decades of waiting and many an artist's impression having gone to waste, it looks like we'll be leaving Griffin Park in the not too distant future, with the 2016-17 season already being mooted.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>More of the stylish football Rosler got the team playing at times last season, just with more cutting edge in the final third, consistency in terms of results and promotion to round things off. A win over Fulham in the FA Cup wouldn't be too bad either.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>As it's Brentford, probably broken dreams.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Big things were expected of Harry Forrester last year after he turned down Ajax to sign for the Bees (no, that's not a joke). After a stop-start first season at Griffin Park, Rosler has challenged the young midfielder to get fitter and nail down a regular starting place. The signs are good as Forrester has been on fire in pre-season and if he can fulfill his undoubted potential he could become a big player for us.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>My prediction of a play-off finish last season didn't come to fruition and I don't want to put the kibosh on our chances again but this time around we've got a stronger squad and League One's a little weaker, so a top six finish is achievable. Of course, if and when we get to the play offs we'll probably lose because that's what Brentford do.</p><p><strong>Will Gore, Brentford fan </strong>(<a href="http://www.twitter.com/WillGore" title="">@WillGore</a>)</p><h2>Bury </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>The departure of manager Richie Barker just days before the season starts has thrown fan feeling into perplexing disarray regarding what to expect from the next few months. Before he left, Barker signed Marcus Marshall, Adam Lockwood and Lateef Elford-Aliyu (who had a successful loan spell with Bury last season) combined with the pre-announced signing of goalkeeper Trevor Carson, which didn't really cause much of a ripple. The saga of other goalkeeper Cameron Belford still lingers on after a much-predicted move to Southend fell through. Whatever any new manager might think about these players as well as the crop that remained is a mystery.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>No Bury fan can ever imagine promotion to be top of the agenda but I don't think we imagine it will be a scrap for survival either. Barker showed he was still learning the ropes of the job last season as he found his best XI and when he did we were entertaining.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Mediocrity all the way will personally suit me down to the ground. When we were good we were very good but when we bad we were awful last season. More of the former than the latter please. All of this is entirely dependent on who the board see fit to be the new man in charge though.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>David Worrall was very much the star man on the wing and unless a substantial bid comes in for him I imagine he will be this season too. Elford-Aliyu also has the makings of an important squad member.</p><p><strong>We'll finish </strong>Mid-table finish with more people of the town getting down to support the club.</p><p><strong>James Bentley, Bury fan (</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/@JamesIsABuryFan" title=""><strong>@JamesIsABuryFan</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><p></p><h2>Carlisle United </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Some flux but not too much. With nine out of contract many feared a mass exodus but only three senior players left - Lubo Michalik and Tom Taiwo are still without clubs and Francois Zoko's shot at the big time stalled one place higher than our eighth last year - at Notts County. Not a popular move in Cumbria. Mike Edwards already looks an improvement on Michalik at centre-half while Danny Cadamarteri will add wiliness to a frontline over reliant on Lee Miller. Signing of the summer looks like being Italian left back Alessio Bugno, son of cycling great Gianni – he has already won the hearts of Brunton Park with an impressive pre-season.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>The delusional want automatic promotion but even the realists see a strong possibility of a play-off campaign in an open looking division. A bit more consistency and eradication of some of last year's four- and five-goal reverses would also go down well.</p><p><strong>What they'll get </strong>For once I think the reality matches expectation. Our midfield three is amongst the league's best and last year's defensive toil looks fairer in pre-season. We still look a flair player short with Zoko gone and Jon-Paul McGovern and Rory Loy missing pre-season. Someone to help Lee Miller is still on the shopping list.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>For the first time in ages we have a few. Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie might unseat Adam Collin on pre-season form and Mark Beck's seven goals show promise; though his game sense and strength are not League One ready. Not so 18-year-old Brad Potts – the utility man looks likely to keep US international Frank Simek out at right-back and rumour persists that his one year neo-pro deal is swiftly being re negotiated.</p><p><strong>Where will we finish? </strong>Last year I said seventh to 10th and so nearly was wrong in the right way so tempted there again. With the extra forward I'm convinced Greg Abbott will find I think we'll be in the top six.</p><p><strong>John McGee, </strong><a href="http://www.keithmincher.blogspot.com" title=""><strong>Bring Me the Head of Keith Mincher</strong></a><strong> </strong>(<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/epouvantail" title="">@epouvantail</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Colchester United </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>It's been a relatively busy summer of movement both in and out at the club. Key names from last season, including Ben Williams, Steven Gillespie and player of the year Kayode Odejayi, have departed but Freddie Sears, Clinton Morrison and Marcus Bean have arrived as good replacements.<strong> </strong>Undoubtedly, the key moves of the window were convincing Magnus Okuonghae and John-Joe O'Toole that their futures lay in Essex.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>On paper, our squad is good enough to challenge for a play-off spot, with a good mix of youth and experience. All supporters wearing the blue and white stripes will be harbouring hopes of penetrating those places, after John Ward's side have come close in previous seasons.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>For once, the difference between an optimistic and realistic view is quite minimal. Clearly the likes of MK Dons, Sheffield United and Notts County will pose a threat, but the league is there for the taking.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>There are a number of youngsters given pro contracts who look to be good prospects, including Tosin Olufemi, All eyes will be firmly fixed on whether Sears can deliver his potential and how newly-anointed No1 keeper Mark Cousins performs.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>Sixth with 70 points.</p><p><strong>Daniel Jolly, </strong><a href="http://www.skysports.com/fanzone/blogs/0,24024,11702,00.html" title=""><strong>Sky Sports Fanzone </strong></a></p><p></p><h2>Coventry City </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Welcome to the sky blue merry-go-round. There's been the usual mix of out-of-contract assets able to leave the Ricoh for sod all (most noticeably Martin Cranie and Sammy Clingan), while fans' favourite Richard Keogh and young Gael Bigirimana have been pinched in exchange for what appear to be reasonably acceptable fees. Madly, the outgoing faces haven't really been the story of this particular summer. Andy Thorn has embarked on a Football Manager-style shopping spree – Kevin Kilbane, Stephen Elliott and John Fleck all joined the ranks in a flurry of summer activity, followed soon after by Callum Ball and Reece Brown from Derby and Manchester United respectively. We've also landed an intriguing French duo of Kevin Malaga and William Edjenguele. Nobody has any real idea how good they are, but YouTube tells us that they're actually footballers, which is nice.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Let's face it. This is League One and we don't want to be here. The sooner we can sort things out and get out of it, the sooner we can all stop weeping into our collective sky blue soup. We've brought in a bunch of players, many of whom would usually provide enough quality to challenge for promotion in some form. That's what the fans want. Is that realistic? Lord only knows.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>We're still fighting the relegation blues, and following a mixed (but often diabolical) pre-season, we're lacking a bit of positivity right now. What do all these personnel changes mean if we're still carrying the same lack of organisation seen last season? The likelihood is if we can't shake off the mediocrity soon, we're in for another frustrating season.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Even though the bigger names may have left, there are plenty who have the potential to step up and stand out this year. John Fleck comes with a reputation as a classy piece, while Cody McDonald has shown his prowess at this level. Personally, I'd keep an eye on young Conor Thomas as he establishes himself in the starting lineup. He's still very young, but having caught the eye of Liverpool a short while back, his League One credentials shouldn't be in doubt.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> Even with the inherent negativity of the last few months dragging us down, I still see us top half and pressing for those play-offs. I'm sorry to those who'll believe this to be lunacy, but anything less would be a bit of a horror, given the wealth of players joining the club. I hope the club knows that.</p><p><strong>Neil Allison, </strong><a href="http://www.skybluesblog.co.uk/" title=""><strong>Sky Blues Blog</strong></a><strong> (</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/neilallison" title=""><strong>@neilallison</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><p></p><h2>Crawley Town </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>A word that could be used is "hectic". We've released the deadwood and brought in defender Mark Connolly from Bolton, Nicky Adams from Rochdale, Mat Sadler from Walsall, Paul Jones from Peterborough and signed Gary Alexander permanently. The new boys look good signings with Adams, Sadler and Jones impressing the most so far. We also brought in a "new" manager in Sean O'Driscoll, seen him leave for Nottingham Forest and get Richie Barker in from Bury; the new man at the helm for our maiden journey into the world of League One football!</p><p><strong>What the fans want</strong> Depends if you're a newbie or not. The newer fans will probably want promotion again. The supporters that have been watching Crawley since the days of administration and playing at the likes of Gloucester City will take staying in the league... especially after this summer's activities!</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get</strong> Erm... not sure. Barker hasn't managed a game for us yet but I've heard good reports about his style. Don't expect us to mount a challenge at the top of the table but doubt we'll be fighting like beavers at the bottom either so probably mid-table or just outside the play-offs at a push … a tad optimistic?</p><p><strong>One to watch</strong> Jonte Smith scored plenty of goals during his first season in our youth team and the Bermudan has been offered a professional contract with us. With our striker shortage at the moment, he will probably get a few games too.</p><p><strong>We'll finish…</strong> Between eighth and 15th.</p><p><strong>Warren Lucy, </strong><a href="http://warrenlucy.blogspot.co.uk/" title=""><strong>The Goalmouth Scramble</strong></a></p><p></p><h2>Crewe Alexandra </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>After ending last season with a play-off final win on the back of a 19 game unbeaten run, the good feeling continued over the summer with an unbeaten pre-season. Crewe have made five new signings: Mark Ellis and Gregor Robertson to strengthen the back four, Abdul Osman to add numbers in midfield, as well as Mathias Pogba and Michael West to provide more attacking options. The most high profile departure was Nick Powell, moving to Manchester United for an initial fee of £4m. Among those also leaving were play-off winning captain David Artell (Port Vale) and midfielder Lee Bell (Burton).</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Crewe fans love to see good attacking football, so that'll be a priority. After the high at the end of last season every fan wants the team to push on further and have even more success, with another play-off campaign and trip to Wembley come May.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>They may not get another play-off campaign but they'll be guaranteed to see a side hold their own in a league above. Good football will be played throughout and a top-half finish is a real possibility, which can be regarded a good season for a newly promoted side.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>After Nick Powell's emergence last season everyone wants to know who's next. Max Clayton looks the most likely, an 18-year-old striker with England youth experience. Often described as a young Michael Owen, this season looks the time for Max to breakthrough.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> Top half of the table, with around 65 points.</p><p><strong>Rob Dutton, Crewe fan</strong></p><p></p><h2>Doncaster Rovers </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>'End of an era' probably sums up the close-season. A staggering 19 players have departed the club meaning that only 11 of the squad which ended our four-year Championship sojourn remain, and two of those, Brian Stock and Jamie Coppinger, are likely to leave before the month's end. Aside from youth team players offered pro contracts, thus far only four players have come the other way, Rob Jones, David Cotterill, Dave Syers and Robbie Blake and though each has looked promising in pre-season the high squad turnover means you can expect the most used word in Rovers' coverage next season to be 'transitional'. Still, it beats 'experiment'.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Personally I'd be delighted with a season of mid-table anonimity whilst the club seeks to stabilise itself once again. A quick shufty on one of the fans' messageboards suggests many would happily welcome Willie McKay back on board if he could offer us a player or two. Football eh?</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>The squad being so thin so close to the season's commencement points to it being something of an understandable struggle. A tough start, followed by an improvement as the players get to know each other petering out to a mid-table finish, with a disappointing cup exit along the way. In short, back to normality.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Six of last season's Alliance Cup winning youth team have now signed pro, with full-back James Husband the highest rated of the bunch.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> Unspectacularly, but in a better shape off the field than we were at the season's start.</p><p><strong>Glen Wilson, (</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/vivarovers" title=""><strong>@vivarovers</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><p></p><p></p><h2>Hartlepool United</h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Seven players have left the club which saw some long serving players (like James Brown, Gary Liddle and Adam Boyd) leave which then allowed manager Neale Cooper to free up wages to bring in some new players to the club. So far, Cooper has brought in three players: midfielder Simon Walton from Plymouth, pacy winger Jonathan Franks from Middlesbrough and striker Steve Howard who is now in his second spell with us and will be hoping to help cure the team's shyness in front of goal.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>We'd like to see a goalscorer at the club after seeing only four teams score less than us in League One last season (two of whom were relegated) and also for some consistency.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Howard brings experience to the club and has shown in pre-season what a handful he can be, however the big target man will need some good service to see him getting goals which we lacked last season but hopefully Franks, who can play on either wing, can provide some service.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>18-year-old left back Darren Holden has impressed whenever he's played for the first team and hopefully he'll be able to make an impact at Victoria Park this season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>In my opinion, a mid-table finish for us.</p><p><strong>David Jolly, Hartlepool fan</strong></p><p></p><h2>Leyton Orient </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>After escaping relegation by the skin of our teeth last season, a drastic overhaul of the squad was hoped for and widely anticipated. Instead, Russell Slade has opted for a middle ground, with a few changes in each sector of the pitch. Out have gone the long-serving Terrell Forbes and Matthew Spring, the talented but raw George Porter, the disappointing Jamie Cureton, the frustrating Jonathan Tehoue and, thankfully, the cast of loanees and short-term contract players that were so inadequate last season. In come a range of solid-but-unspectacular newbies: Gary Sawyer, new captain Nathan Clarke and Mathieu Baudry in defence, Anthony Griffith and Lloyd James in midfield, and Michael Symes and Ryan Brunt up front. Encouragingly, all fill gaps that were so exposed last year, but worryingly, we look very low on creativity. Off the field, the continual moving of the goalposts by the authorities to make sure West Ham get the Olympic Stadium is hugely frustrating, although Barry Hearn's continual annoyance to those same authorities by refusing to cave in is, however, a joy to watch.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Given the signings and our general disposition towards Morrissey-levels of miserablism, most Os fans would probably be happy to avoid relegation. Paradoxically though, we also won't be happy with this – Slade needs a good start to repay the fans' backing through our end of season disaster run last time out, and if we're hovering around the dropzone at Christmas, the pressure may mount to breaking point.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>On paper, the squad looks solid enough to stay up, but it doesn't look like being pretty and a lot rests once again on Dean Cox to provide the assists. If he doesn't produce, we're in trouble. Given Uncle Barry's loyalty towards managers, lower mid-table, complaining supporters and an under-fire manager is likely.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Youth team graduate Moses Odubajo announced himself on the last game of the season with a beauty of a goal, hopefully he will be given a run on the wing to show what he can do. The 17-year-old Afolabi Obafemi has also impressed in pre-season, he could be our new ace in the pack.</p><p><strong>We'll finish </strong>16th place. Out of the Carling Cup to Charlton, and beaten by Dagenham (again) in at least one of the other cups. West Ham will have the Olympic Stadium and be busy preparing to issue tickets for £1 in our local area to fill it. It really is tough being so positive all the time.</p><p><strong>Dave Fawbert, Leyton Orient fan (</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/DaveFawbert" title=""><strong>@DaveFawbert</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><h2>MK Dons </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>The most significant arrival is Alan Smith, who joined on loan last season due to an apparent appreciation for the club's, or more specifically manager Karl Robinson's, footballing ethos. He has signed permanently after his Newcastle contract expired and is likely to start the season leading the line up front. Jon Otsemobor was next in the door, and will replace last campaign's loanees Adam Smith and James Tavernier at right-back. At the time of writing, negotiations with a mystery centre-back were ongoing but the departure of Tom Flanagan to Gillingham for six months indicates that something in that department is nearing completion. It needs to be.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>After two seasons in the play-offs, the goal is the top two, particularly given that the division does not look quite as strong this season. If Smith gets a full pre-season under his belt and stays fit for a good amount of games thereafter, he should make more of a difference than he did while on loan.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Third or fourth. We've collected 77 and 80 points in our two seasons under Robinson – I expect an improvement of a few points again, but we'll have to hope that the trend of 90-point plus second-place sides ends if we want to have a chance of going up automatically.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Shaun Williams was outstanding late last season at centre-back, and particularly impressed in the play-offs. He is a central midfielder by trade, and his performances alone seem to have persuaded Robinson to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 to make room for him alongside Darren Potter and Stephen Gleeson.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> Top seed in the play-offs and hopefully, this time, at Wembley.</p><p></p><p><strong>Oliver Platt, MK Dons fan</strong></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.mkdsa.co.uk/" title=""><strong> </strong></a></p><h2>Notts County </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Keith Curle has worked diligently in the summer to ensure we won't be bullied this season. Signings like Enoch Showunmi and Gary Liddle stand out in the outfield – as does Francois Zoko who is possibly the most exciting signing I think we've made (barring the Munto summer) in years. Bartosz Bialkowksi could prove to be quite the coup in goal also. Meanwhile we've shipped a ton of deadwood out like Karl Hawley and John Spicer. Also gone is Ben Burgess – who lost a Wembley play-off final, signed for Tranmere and they still weren't the worst things to happen this summer as he took himself into retirement.<strong> </strong>Hard to read much into the pre-season games against non-league opposition in glorified training sessions. But when things stepped up against AEK Athens (and before the heavens opened) we looked great value for our 1-0 lead.<strong> </strong>Alan Judge's rumoured refusal to put pen to paper on a new contract is certainly a huge concern after his input last year, but if any money coming in from a potential sale went towards bringing back loanees like Jonathan Forte and Lloyd Sam it would cushion the blow considerably.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>I think the majority are slowly coming round to this squad having been initially unconvinced by the players KC has drafted in – in that respect it mirrors the reaction Martin Allen received at the end of last summer. That said, there are still a few who will be grateful if we can avoid a relegation battle – but that would've been no different if we'd have brought in Lionel Messi.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>I'm a bit confident actually. Our end of season form last year, coupled with us having got rid of some right dross whilst reinforcing quite nicely means it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to see us pushing for the play-offs again. Certainly I think we're maybe one or two big signings away from turning that into a legitimate automatic promotion charge.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>A year on from his move up from the youth team, Haydn Hollis could easily become a star for Notts this season in the heart of defence.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>Notts being Notts, we're as liable to finishing one place outside the play-offs as we are outside the relegation zone. But I'll slot us into fifth place with a shout of making it to Wembley.</p><p><strong>Stuart Brothers, </strong><a href="http://www.thenottsblog.co.uk" title=""><strong>The Notts Blog</strong></a> (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/StuTNB" title="">@StuTNB</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Oldham Athletic </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Gone: the main ones are Shefki Kuqi (no one's weeping); Chris Taylor (had some great years but right time to go) Kieran Lee (player of year for last two years). Incoming: Robbie Simpson has re-signed. Lee Croft is in on a year-long loan (welcome back); Jonathan Grounds from Boro (seems well regarded), Dan Taylor, coltish striker from Newcastle; Connor Brown from Wednesday. We've just snapped up veteran ex-Scunny stopper (ie big lump) Cliff Byrne. Feeling is we need a striker as a priority.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>The fans want something other than what seems to happen every year – a promising build-up from September to December, then a spirit-sapping, numbing lurch down the table from January onwards and a finish between 15th and 20th. Optimists can say with James Wesolowski and Dean Furman together in central midfield and Simpson in front of them, we've never lost a game.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>The pessimist's response to that is that all the above are to a greater or lesser extent injury prone, and that they've only played eight games together. Gates will remain low, so unless we're very lucky with injuries (or land the near-mythical Big Money if Micah Richards moves) it's probably going to be the usual diet of young loanees and stopgap signings.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>David Mellor (save your Chelsea shirt gag, OK?) attracts the scouts, but no one seems to know his best position yet. Centre half James Tarkowski could have his breakthrough season - he'll certainly get enough opportunities.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> The law of averages says 16th. I've got no idea. Spirits are high after friendly win over Man City though<em>.</em></p><p><strong>Neil Tague, Oldham fan </strong>(<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/NeilTague" title="">@NeilTague</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Portsmouth</h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>The fact that we've spent all summer trying to get rid of our entire squad says it all. We've got a team of children and trialists we can't sign, plus a millionaire clinging onto his contract and risking our liquidation. We've been thrashed in pre-season friendlies by Gibraltar and Brighton, but somehow beating Aldershot and then a strong Bolton side has given us a sliver of hope. I'll still be stunned if we manage to put out a team – let alone a competitive one.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>A takeover by the Portsmouth Supporters' Trust. We're not asking for promotion, we're not</p><p>demanding signings, we're desperate for mere survival and some semblance of stability.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>At worst, a takeover by Balram Chainrai and the slow death of the club. At best, immediate liquidation as Tal Ben Haim plays hardball over the remainder of his contract.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>It depends hugely on whether we can sign trialists like Izale McLeod or Mustapha Dumbuya. Of the current crop, Sam Magri has captained England under-17s and Portsmouth in pre-season. A centre-back who trialed with Liverpool last season, he could be key to any revival we experience, hopefully we can rebuild around him as he gets the chance to play regularly.</p><p><strong>We'll finish …</strong> the season if we're lucky.</p><p><strong>Benedict West, Portsmouth fan</strong></p><p></p><h2>Preston North End </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Where to start? Thirteen players signed by the end of May, almost all of last year's squad released, sold or training on their own, <em>another </em>text messaging furore – it's certainly been interesting. What we're left with is a squad of almost entirely new players that all fit into Graham Westley's game plan. There's been some encouraging signs in pre-season, particularly from the likes of John Mousinho, Jack King and Jeffrrey Monakana, but the signing of a striker between now and the start of the season is what will really make the difference.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>A committed team playing attractive, attacking football for a manager who lives up to his own hype. Anything better than the poorly-organised, disinterested teams we saw playing under various managers last season. Oh, and butter pies in all corners of the ground.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>A committed team playing committed football, short on goals but difficult to beat – and, importantly, on a sustainable wage bill. A manager with soundbites straight out of the David Brent phrasebook, but who convinces players to run through walls for him.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>North End fans weren't getting too excited about the signing of 26 year-old Jack King from Woking earlier in the summer, but he's been one of the most impressive performers in pre-season and looks set to be a key part of our midfield this season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>It could go one of two ways – Westley's ways will work and we'll be challenging at the top, or it could blow up in his face and we'll be mid-table with Westley turfed out around Christmas. Definitely glass half full or half empty for North End fans at the moment.</p><p><strong>Aaron Lavery, </strong><a href="http://www.pne-online.net/forum/forum.php" title=""><strong>PNE Online User</strong></a></p><p></p><p></p><h2>S****horpe United </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>A massive squad overhaul has taken place over the close season, with the number of departures in double figures, fan favourite Cliff Byrne (now signed for Oldham) the most notable to leave the club after nine years loyal service. Players brought in have complemented what was left of a squad that struggled for periods of last season after relegation from the Championship. The biggest signings have been those of Mike Grella, Christian Ribeiro and David Mirfin. With the recent goal scoring exploits of the likes of Gary Hooper, Billy Sharp and Paul Hayes much will be expected of Grella, though a proven natural goalscorer is the one thing that seems missing from a slowly building squad.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Having tasted Championship football after years in the basement division many fans would have expected an instant return to the second tier. Visiting the likes of Birmingham and Blackburn on cold Tuesday nights would be a welcome return.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>With the need to find a 20-goals-a-season man glaringly obvious, a team built on a solid defence could be what they'll get. Mirfin and Reid at the heart of that defence looked solid at the end of last year so if the team can build from the back I'm sure we could be reasonably successful.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Has to be young striker Connor Jennings. Signed from non-league Stalybridge Celtic in January his season was wrecked by injury. A pedigree of 51 goals in 123 appearances for them tells you he can score and I think when he scores his first for the club they'll flow for him and we could see the next big thing off the Glanford Park production line.</p><p><strong>Where we'll finish </strong>My heart says at least play-offs at least but with so many new signings at the club I just hope they can gel quickly and see us finish higher than we did last year. I'll stick my neck out and say sixth.</p><p><strong>Carl Gac, </strong><a href="http://ironinourblood.blogspot.com/" title=""><strong>Iron In Our Blood</strong></a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/carlgac" title="">@carlgac</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Sheffield United </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>This was always going to be a summer of transition following the disappointment of last season's playoffs. With a reportedly unsustainable wage bill, pre-season has seen us try to balance the finances a bit. Lee Williamson, Matt Lowton, Andy Taylor and Simon Simonsen have all departed, their last actions of note unfortunately being to miss a penalty at Wembley.<strong> </strong>We're in reasonable shape though. Our best piece of business has certainly been to convince Kevin McDonald to renew his contract – this was unexpected and a huge boost. The pick of the new signings are Middlesbrough right-back Tony McMahon and striker John Cofie, loaned from Manchester United for the season.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Automatic promotion. The play-offs, repeatedly billed as 'the best way to go up', have been one nightmare after another for us. We've been to four finals, all losses, with not even a goal to celebrate. Understandably then, you won't find a Unitedite that would be thrilled at the prospect of another one this season.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Another play-off final. We thought we'd experienced all the varieties of devastating disappointment in play-off finals, but to lose on the 11th penalty was something new. We've never lost a lead in a play-off final though (mainly due to never having one), so perhaps that will happen this time – probably in the last minute of injury time.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>This might be the year our quick young winger Callum McFadzean breaks into the team. We're a bit short of options out wide, so he'll have a great chance this season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>third again, with fewer points and goals than last season.</p><p><strong>Joseph Clift, </strong><a href="http://onefootinthegame.com/" title=""><strong>One Foot In The Game</strong></a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/1FITG" title="">@1FITG</a>)</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Shrewsbury Town </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>The summer has been a time of significant rebuilding for Shrewsbury with the spine of the team departing, using last season's success to bag themselves contracts with clubs with bigger budgets. Captain Ian Sharps, vice-captain Shane Cansdell-Sheriff, midfielder Nicky Wroe and forward Jim Collins all opted to leave the Greenhous Meadow as have both senior goalkeepers. Reinforcements have arrived in all departments with the most eye-grabbing being Paul Parry from Preston North End and midfielders Asa Hall and Luke Summerfield from Oxford and Cheltenham respectively. Performances in pre-season fixtures have been encouraging and there is some quiet optimism flowing through the Salopian faithful.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>History provides Salop fans with a mild basis for their hopes. The dream is that Graham Turner will continue to mirror what he achieved in the 1980s with Wolves: a first season missing out in play-offs before successive promotions. Another good showing in the cups would be nice too.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Avoiding relegation would be acceptable to supporters more realistic with their ambitions. Given Turner's ability in the loan market, should the Shrews find themselves near the drop, a push into mid-table would be well within their reach. A mid-table finish is certainly within the realms of reality.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>It's an area of the club that probably needs more work and the best of the current crop, Ryan Woods, might have too many established faces ahead of him to make a real impact.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>14th or a place either side.</p><p><strong>Andrew Charding, Shrewsbury fan</strong></p><p></p><h2>Stevenage </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>After the departure of Graham Westley, it was inevitable the summer would lead to personnel changes. There is now little remaining of the squad responsible for Boro's ascent from the Conference into League One, with Gary Smith using the close season as a chance to shape a new team for a new era. The first few months of Smith's tenure saw Boro' move towards a more passing-focussed style of play and that looks destined to continue, with new arrivals such as Greg Tansey and James Dunne looking very capable. However, we'll learn a lot more about what the season has in store once it gets started.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Not so much want, but hope. Since 1990, it has been the case that Boro' either gain promotion or win the league within two seasons of a previous promotion. It could, therefore, be argued that Boro' will be a Championship club in 2013. Going close in the play-offs last season strengthens that case.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>For the first time in three years, we start the season in the same division we ended the last and some might argue that the dreaded second season syndrome might kick in. With a new style of play and new signings aplenty, mid-table will be a terrific achievement.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Luke Freeman will be the player to watch. With an ability to unlock defences in a shift of the ball, Boro' will look towards Freeman for plenty more goals and assists this season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish </strong>In the likelihood that "I don't know" won't be accepted as an answer, we'll end up between 10th and 14th and nearer – in terms of points – to the play-offs than the relegation zone.</p><p><strong>Pete Hayman, </strong><a href="http://www.boroguide.co.uk/index.php" title=""><strong>Boro Guide</strong></a><strong> </strong>(<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/boroguide" title="">@boroguide</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Swindon Town </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>As manager and chairman alike push for the Championship, sentiment has gone out the window, as last season's top scorer, Alan Connell, is one of many to leave. To make up for this, Paolo Di Canio has brought in seven to serve the club going forward. The memory of dodgy, foreign imports is still fresh from last year, and unsurprisingly, all signings have experience of the Football League, with Gary Roberts, from Huddersfield, a particular coup. However, the most important bits of business done was securing both manager and captain Paul Caddis on long-term deals.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Having watched Stevenage, Norwich and Southampton all complete successive promotions in recent years, there is genuine optimism that Swindon can join the club. Much will depend on how quickly the new signings settle into the team.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>While promotion isn't beyond the realms of possibility, after finishing rock-bottom of League One two seasons ago, a top-half finish would be satisfactory.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Miles Storey – currently fourth choice striker, so will be relying on injuries and suspensions, but at 18, he has pace and strength and just needs his first goal to give him confidence.</p><p><strong>We'll finish </strong>Play-offs after a late run of form.</p><p><strong>Rosie MacGillivray </strong><a href="http://thewashbag.com/" title=""><strong>thewashbag</strong></a></p><p></p><h2>Tranmere Rovers </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>There have been a few comings and goings this summer. Of the outgoing players, John Welsh and David Buchanan have left to join Preston and Lucas Akins has gone to Stevenage. They were all first team regulars but I think we've replaced them well. The star signing for Tranmere is undoubtedly James Wallace from Everton. He's a very talented midfielder who impressed during a loan spell with the club last season and his signing is a show of intent that we're looking to kick on this time around. There's also been a rather bizarre situation at Tranmere this summer. Striker Ben Burgess joined before four weeks later announcing his retirement! He's had a fair share of injuries and it appears that all that has caught up with him, so he's a contender with Mark Allott for shortest-lived new signing.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>After three seasons of fighting against relegation, a season without worry would be nice. We ended last season strongly and finished in the top half, just, in 12th. Every season, you should look for improvement and a battle for a play-off position would be fantastic.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Ronnie Moore is a very experienced manager and very rarely has he managed a side to a lowly position. With the strong finish after his appointment at the end of last season, together with the good signings he has made, I believe we'll be comfortable in the top half of the table for much of the campaign.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Jake Kirby made his debut in the final game of last season to give a small glimpse of his potential. The tricky winger is highly-regarded by Moore and if he is given an opportunity, he's a talented player who could make an impact this season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>ninth</p><p><strong>Paul Harper, </strong><a href="http://totally-tranmere.podomatic.com/" title=""><strong>Totally Tranmere Podcast</strong></a><strong> </strong>(<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/paulharper82" title="">@paulharper82</a>)</p><h2>Walsall </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>The summer has seen major change at the Banks's Stadium. More than 15 players have been shipped out in favour of a blend of youth and experience. Out went defenders Olly Lancashire, Lee Beevers, Darryl Westlake, Manny Smith and last seasons players' player of the season Mat Sadler, along with midfielders Kevan Hurst, Anton Peterlin, Alex Nicholls and fans' favourite Emmy Ledesma, and veteran striker Jon Macken. In, so far, we have, ex-Rochdale defender Dean Holden, ex-Wolves prospect Ashley Hemmings, last season's loan star Florent Cuvelier, former West Bromwich Albion defender Paul Downing, ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder James Baxendale, former Hereford United defender Ben Purkiss, midfielder Nicky Featherstone and former Manchester United reserves striker Febian Brandy. Clearly there is still much rebuilding to do, but the steps taken so far are relatively positive, though we are lacking in experience, a situation that must be addressed.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>Put simply the supporters want a play-off push. The Saddlers faithful are hungry for success after two long seasons of battling relegation.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>In reality, we'd all be very happy with mid-table mediocrity, anything that doesn't involve a final day miracle would be a nice building block for the future.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>Last season's breakout star was without a doubt Jamie Paterson. This season we believe striker George Bowerman is in line for a massive campaign. Used in the correct way and given the right support he will play a major part in the coming season.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>After two seasons of relegation battles, we'd be happy with a mid-table finish. However following a major squad clearout there is little experience in the team and we may struggle come the business end of the season.</p><p><a href="http://www.bescotbanter.net/" title=""><strong>Bescot Banter</strong></a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/bescotbanter" title="">@BescotBanter</a>)</p><p></p><h2>Yeovil Town </h2><p><strong>Story of the summer </strong>Last season's star performers have been picked up by bigger-spending clubs, giving Yeovil fans everywhere a sense of déjà vu. Defender Paul Huntington (Preston) and striker Andy Williams (Swindon) are the most notable players in question, and will be missed.<strong> </strong>However all is not lost. Manager Gary Johnson has plumped for a bit of experience in his signings, snaring 30-somethings Jamie McAllister and James Hayter, while retaining Richard Hinds and Gavin Williams to give the Glovers the air of maturity they have been crying out for going into recent seasons. Signing goalkeeper Marek Stech from West Ham further underlines a welcome change in club transfer policy. For the first time since 2008 we have a genuine No1 on the books, and will not have to rely on loan signings to stand between the sticks.</p><p><strong>What the fans want </strong>A top-10 finish including a brief dabble with the play-offs places, a return to the days of the eye-catching cup run and for Luke Ayling to score a goal.</p><p><strong>What they'll actually get </strong>Another mid-table finish, an FA Cup first round defeat to Weymouth and the sight of several optimistic-but-wayward shots from the aforementioned Ayling.</p><p><strong>One to watch </strong>I'm personally looking forward to seeing how Sam Foley adapts to life in League One. Signed from Conference side Newport County, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder is yet to make his League debut, but from what I have heard the Irishman is more than capable of making the step up.</p><p><strong>We'll finish … </strong>13th with 57 points, a goal difference of -18 and average home attendance of 4,251</p><p><strong>Jon Lewis, Yeovil fan (</strong><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JonLewis_" title=""><strong>@JonLewis</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><div class="related" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><ul><li><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/leagueonefootball">League One</a></li><li><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/football-league">Football League</a></li></ul></div><div class="author"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/johnashdown">John Ashdown</a></div><br/><div class="terms"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk">guardian.co.uk</a> © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our <a href="http://users.guardian.co.uk/help/article/0,,933909,00.html">Terms & Conditions</a> | <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/help/feeds">More Feeds</a></div><p style="clear:both" /><img width='1' height='1' src='http://guardian.co.uk.feedsportal.com/c/34708/f/639039/s/223f801a/mf.gif' border='0'/><br/><br/><a href="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/139263088514/u/49/f/639039/c/34708/s/223f801a/a2.htm"><img src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/139263088514/u/49/f/639039/c/34708/s/223f801a/a2.img" border="0"/></a><img width="1" height="1" src="http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/139263088514/u/49/f/639039/c/34708/s/223f801a/a2t.img" border="0"/>
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