Didn't they do well (part two)?

Last updated : 27 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. We continue this investigation in no special order, so here we go again.

AFC Bournemouth (finished 8th. one point off a play-off spot)
A top10 finish would be good, if not actually in the play-off positions. Sean O'Driscoll is an understated manager, always gets the best from players, always able to find players who can do a good job even though we have no money. I fully expect him to be at Dean Court in 10 years time!!

I predict: Sheffield Wednesday should walk the Division and Stockport County to go with them. As for the play-offs, Bristol City (again), AFC Bournemouth (I'll be brave), Hull City, Swindon Town.

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: Stockport for promotion let you down! 6/10

Barnsley (finished 13th.)
Impossible to have too much confidence with an almost totally new squad but based on the new signings and a friendly match - I reckon we'll be up there. Definitely be a more entertaining team than last season. Manager Paul Hart - quietly spoken - but seems to know what he wants regarding players and tactics. Had a raw deal at Forest according to most of their fans and should hopefully be here for a couple of seasons at least - Ridsdale chose him so he should be given time. Made some hard decisions when releasing most of our squad including Kevin Betsy and Craig Ireland who came second and third in the fans player of the season poll.

I predict: Champs: Tranmere, Runners up: Barnsley (optimistic for a change)
Play-offs: Swindon, Bristol City (as always), Hull and Hartlepool.
Down: Brentford, Peterborough, Chesterfield (about time) and Colchester.

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: Brentford for relegation! 5/10 for trying

Swindon Town (finished 12th.)
Hopefully another top half finish will do for this season. I predict the top six as Bristol City, Swindon, Walsall, Bradford, Bournemouth, and Hartlepool

The Chairman's marks for your prediction: Only one right out of six 4/10 - Keep trying

Tomorrow we conclude our report with a look at last season’s aspirations of Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Walsall.