npower League One prediction

Promoted:

Southampton- So often teams find it hard to raise themselves again after a successful season dominated by a points deduction. I don’t expect it to be plain sailing for Alan Pardew’s men but with the squad they have, on top of the investment that will come in January if all is not right, makes them favorites for promotion.

Huddersfield Town- Lee Clark appears to have added steel to Huddersfield’s leaky defence by signing Joey Gudjohnson in midfielder and defender Gary Naysmith, and along with last season’s similar frightening forward line it could be the perfect combination to fire Huddersfield to promotion.

Playoffs:

Charlton Athletic- In my mind Phil Parkinson worked wonderers at Charlton last season and despite losing two both Jonjo Shelvey and Nicky Baily for hefty fee’s I expect much the same this year round. The loss of Deon Button is a blow with Akpo Sodje expected to be relied on for goals.

Sheffield Wednesday- Despite last season’s final day heartbreak I expect Alan Irvine to motivate his squad for a stab at re-promotion to the championship. The loss of Lee Grant is a huge blow, but Clinton Morrison’s signing on a free is a real coup.

Bristol Rovers- Never truly replaced Rickie Lambert last season and faded away during the final 10 games of the season. Now with Will Hoskins on board, and Luke Daniels in goal, a man pivotal to Tranmere Rovers’ survival last season Rovers are equipped to finish in the top six.

Peterborough United- The experience of Gary Johnson could prove pivotal for Posh as they seek re-promotion to the championship. With George Boyd on board and new signing Grant McCann the London Road faithful can rest assure the club is in good hands. Let’s hope owner Darragh MacAnthony lets them get on with it.

Relegated:

Hartlepool United- Survived by the skin of their teeth last season after a succession of loan signings, but after failing to sign up Roy O’Donovan and making little changes this summer you have to fear for Chris Turner and his team.

Carlisle United- Ian Harte’s heroics last season are unlikely to be repeated as the full-back struck 18 times for the mid-table side. Richard Keogh and Scott Dobie’s departures aren’t ideal with replacements few and far between.

Dagenham and Redbridge- Even though John Still has brought in some impressive names, not least Damien Scannell from Southend you have to fear Dagenham’s jaunt in League One will be a one-season affair. Still’s policy of also drafting in non-league players is bold, but unlikely to pay off a division above.

Rochdale- Not that it will dampen their supporters’ spirit, but the club’s first promotion since 1974 might end with just a single season in League One. Keith Hill has seen a succession of key players depart, not least Chris Dagnall, and with Craig Dawson’s future also uncertain it’s likely to be a long season at Spotland.