Didn't they do well?

Last updated : 26 June 2005 By The Chairman

At the beginning of last season we contacted some of our fellow League One editors and asked for their pre-season previews. The aspirations for the season were, as expected, usually upbeat and full of optimism. One year later we will take at look at some of the previews and see how they shaped up. In no special order, here we go.

Hull City (finished second - automatic promotion)
Going into a new league and with quite a few personnel changes it's hard to measure how we'll do. The expectation will again be for us to push for promotion and if we fulfil our potential there's no reason why we can't be doing that. Bristol City are always challenging, and I think we have the potential to be up there with them. Tranmere and Barnsley appear to have strengthened their sides well this summer. The likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon will be expected to be in the top six too. I hope for football's sake the MK Dons go down, and also Chesterfield who shouldn't be in this division in the first place.

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: 8/10 - Well done

Bristol City (finished 7th. one point off a play-off spot)
We will be Champions! Brian Tinnion new player-manager. A young squad with loads of attacking options. New 3-5-2 attacking system. I predict the top 6 to be Bristol City, Tranmere, Sheff Wednesday, Swindon, Walsall, Stockport County (yes, really)

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: Walsall and Stockport (yes, really) let you down 3/10 - Must try harder

Stockport County (finished bottom of the league - relegated)
Next season is very much about progression - not facing the relegation battle we've had to endure for the past 4 seasons! Sammy has bought during the summer, and very good signing's at that. Everybody seems optimistic about the new season, who isn't? But this time, we're just looking forward to finishing mid table or maybe at a push, a play-off spot. Also, a decent cup run is in order. I can't remember the last time we had a decent enough cup run. Final Position - I'd go for 8th to 12th, but I'd gladly take anything above. Sammy McIlroy is a legend - he's the best man for the job at the minute. He's got the lads playing football, which was non-existent under Palmer. There's a real buzz about the place, and hopefully we can progress into The Championship with McIlroy.

I predict: Champions - Bristol City, Runners Up - Tranmere, Play-Offs - Wrexham, Hartlepool, Sheffield Wed & Bradford.
To Go Down - Torquay, Doncaster, Chesterfield and Brentford

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: Wrexham in the play-offs! 4/10 - Needs to revise more

Tomorrow we will take a look at Bournemouth, Barnsley and Swindon