Npower League 1 Season Preview

Npower League one is the third-tier leagues of English professional soccer.

The league consists of 24 teams, two of which will be automatically promoted at the end of the season. Teams that finish between third and sixth place play a knockout tournament with the winner also gaining promotion.

At the other end of the division, the bottom four clubs go down.

The third tier is a strange mix of large clubs formerly in the top two divisions and smaller regional clubs whose ambition is to stay in that league.

However, past history does not necessarily correspond with success in the division, and many large clubs have been stunned by League One’s competitive nature.

Here’s a look at the 24 clubs.

AFC Bournemouth

Nickname: The Cherries

Year Founded: 1890

Stadium (Capacity):  Dean Court (10,000)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 11th

Manager: Paul Groves

Notable Transfers In: Frank Demouge (FC Utrecht), Miles Addison (Derby), Eunan O’Kane (Torquay)

Notable Transfers Out: Warren Cummings (Wimbledon), Scott Malone (Millwall), Michael Symes (Leyton Orient)

Key Player: March Pugh

Preview: The Cherries have been tipped as a dark horse for promotion for the last few seasons, but inconsistencies have always hindered them at vital moments.

Heavy investments in players over the closed season will have roused the fans' expectations further, especially since much coveted midfielder Miles Addison signed.

Possibly the biggest addition to Bournemouth’s squad came last January when they acquired Matt Tubbs from Crawley. His goals may make all the difference this time around.

Predicted Finish: Playoff Challengers

Brentford

Nickname: The Bees

Year Founded: 1889

Stadium (Capacity):  Griffin Park (12,763)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 9th

Manager: Uwe Rosler

Notable Transfers In: Farid El Allagui (Falkirk FC), Tony Craig (Millwall), Stuart Dallas (Crusaders)

Notable Transfers Out: Marcus Bean (Colchester), Gary Alexander (Crawley), Craig Woodman (Exeter)

Key Player: Sam Saunders

Preview: Brentford have been one of the most consistent clubs in League One over the past five years, as they consistently finish around mid-table.

Uwe Rosler has put together a team over the past year who are capable of defeating anyone on their day. This brings real hope to the club that a promotion push might be on the way.

Unfortunately, there are still concerns over the consistency of Brentford’s strikers, with Clayton Donaldson being particularly notable for blowing hot and cold.

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Bury

Nickname: The Shakers

Year Founded: 1885

Stadium (Capacity):  Gigg Lane (11,840)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 14th

Manager: Vacancy

Notable Transfers In: Craig Jones (The New Saints), Adam Lockwood (Doncaster), Marcus Marshall (Rotherham)

Notable Transfers Out: Shaun Harrad (Cheltenham), Mike Grella (Scunthorpe), Andy Haworth (Falkirk FC)

Key Player: Andy Bishop

Preview: Bury confounded pundits last season when the relegation favourites finished in a comfortable mid-table position.

However the Shakers have lost manager Richie Barker to Crawley, which may shake the foundation of the tight-knit squad.

The next man in must keep that squad togetherness, or it will be a tough season.

Predicted Finish: Relegation

Carlisle United

Nickname: The Cumbrians

Year Founded: 1904

Stadium (Capacity):  Brunton Park (18,202)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 8th

Manager: Greg Abbott

Notable Transfers In: Alessio Bugno (Monza), Danny Cadamarteri (Huddersfield), Mike Edwards (Notts County)

Notable Transfers Out: Francois Zoko (Notts County), Craig Curran (Rochdale), Graham Kavanagh (Retired)

Key Player: Lee Miller

Preview: Another consistent League One team, Carlisle just missed out on the playoffs last season, and they will be expected to challenge this time around as well.

The loss of striker Francois Zoko will put more pressure on former strike partner Lee Miller, but adequate replacements like speedster Danny Cadamarteri will help fill that gap.

Predicted Finish: Playoff Challengers

Colchester United

Nickname: The U’s

Year Founded: 1937

Stadium (Capacity): Colchester Community Stadium (10,084)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 10th

Manager: John Ward

Notable Transfers In: Clinton Morrison (Sheffield Wednesday), Merrick James-Lewis (Southend), Freddie Sears (West Ham)

Notable Transfers Out: Kayode Odejayi (Rotherham), Steven Gillespie (Fleetwood Town), Ben Williams (Hiberian FC)

Key Player: Magnus Okuonghae

Preview: Colchester have continuously over-achieved for a club who average 4,000 in attendance of games, but this may be the season when that luck runs out.

Reduced budgets due to the low turnout has restricted the acquisition of many new players; however, the resigning of Magnus Okuonghae along with new strikers Clinton Morrison and Freddie Sears is a great piece of  business.

Predicted Finish: Survival

Coventry City

Nickname: The Sky Blues

Year Founded: 1883

Stadium (Capacity):  Ricoh Arena (32,609)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 23^rd in Championship (Relegation)

Manager: Andy Thorn

Notable Transfers In: John Fleck (Rangers), Stephen Elliott (Hearts), Adam Barton (Preston)

Notable Transfers Out: Martin Cranie (Unattached), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Gael Bigirimana (Newcastle United)

Key Player: Gary McSheffrey

Preview: This is the first time in 48 years that Coventry have played in the third tier of the English game, so they will hope for an immediate return to the Championship.

However, Coventry are not the first big name to drop down to this level in the last 10 years, with sides like Sheffield United and Leeds United taking more than one season to escape.

Restricted finances further inhibit the cause, so maintaining their League One status may be a more pressing issue at Coventry this time around.

Predicted Finish: Survival

Crawley Town FC

Nickname: The Red Devils

Year Founded: 1896

Stadium (Capacity): Broadfield Stadium (5,996)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 3^rd in League Two (Promoted)

Manager: Richie Barker

Notable Transfers In: Shaun Cooper (Bournemouth), Nicky Adams (Rochdale), Mat Sadler (Walsall)

Notable Transfers Out: Tyrone Barnett (Peterborough), Pablo Mills (Unattached), Scott Shearer (Rotherham)

Key Player: Sergio Torres

Preview: The Red Devils are coming off back to back promotion years to find themselves at the highest level of football that the club has ever reached.

However, Crawley has managed to undermine itself to some extent by losing both several key players and double promotion manager Steve Evans, who took the Rotherham job last April.

The transition to a new manager has not gone smoothly either, as original replacement Sean O’Driscoll left the club after 61 days to take the Nottingham Forest job. This meant O’Driscoll never managed Crawley in a live game during his time as manager.

Although new manager Richie Barker performed brilliantly to keep Bury up last year, this task may prove even more difficult.

Predicted Finish: Relegation

Crewe Alexandra

Nickname: The Railwaymen

Year Founded: 1877

Stadium (Capacity): Alexandra Stadium (10,153)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 7^th in League Two (Promoted)

Manager: Steve Davis

Notable Transfers In: Abdul Osman (AO Kerkyra), Michael West (Ebbsfleet Utd), Gregor Robertson (Chesterfield)

Notable Transfers Out: Nick Powell (Man Utd), Shaun Miller (Sheff Utd), David Artell (Northampton Town)

Key Player: Claude Davis

Preview: Crewe’s tradition of producing some of the best youngsters in the country continued last season, which brought about promotion to League One with it.

Unfortunately, the cost of producing great youngsters is the job of selling them on to support the overall finances of the football club, so Crewe have lost the brightest players from last season.

Intelligent buying from manager Steve Davis may lessen the blow, but this small squad will struggle over 46 games.

Predicted Finish: Relegation

Doncaster Rovers

Nickname: Donny

Year Founded: 1879

Stadium (Capacity): Keepmoat Stadium (15, 231)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 24^th in Championship (Relegated)

Manager: Dean Saunders

Notable Transfers In: Robbie Blake (Bolton), Rob Jones (Sheffield Wednesday), Billy Paynter (Leeds Utd)

Notable Transfers Out: Pascal Chimbonda (Unattached), Adam Lockwood (Bury), El-Hadji Diouf (Leeds)

Key Player: Neil Sullivan

Preview: Doncaster were cast adrift in the Championship last season, so it was no surprise when the squad got a major overhaul in the summer.

Manager Dean Saunders has removed most of the players on large wages, which is good for the financial health of the club, but replacements have not been as easy to find.

There is plenty of quality left in the squad, but a year of rebuilding is on the cards.

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Hartlepool United

Nickname: The Monkey Hangers

Year Founded: 1908

Stadium (Capacity): Victoria Park (7,856)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 13th

Manager: Neale Cooper

Notable Transfers In: Steve Howard (Leicester), Simon Walton (Plymouth), Jonathan Franks (Middlesbrough)

Notable Transfers Out: Nolberto Solano (Retired), Gary Liddle (Notts County), Adam Boyd (Unattached)

Key Player: Anthony Sweeney

Preview: Hartlepool are unlikely to light the season up with free flowing football, but the Monkey Hangers will be difficult to beat as a bogey fixture on many a club’s timetable.

Tight financial controls at the club have meant there are few big signings, but the addition of Howard should help with last season’s goalscoring issues.

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Leyton Orient

Nickname: The O’s

Year Founded: 1881

Stadium (Capacity): Matchroom Stadium (9,271)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 20th

Manager: Russell Slade

Notable Transfers In: Michael Symes (Bournemouth) , Nathan Clarke (Huddersfield), Ryan Allsopp (Hottur)

Notable Transfers Out: Matthew Spring (Wycombe), Jamie Cureton (Exeter), Terrell Forbes (Chesterfield)

Key Player: Kevin Lisbie

Preview: The O’s may have finished in the lowest position possible without being relegated last season, but they were seven points ahead of 21^st place holders Wycombe Wanderers.

This meant that Russell Slade’s men were safe with two games to go, which will also be the objective for this season.

The addition of Nathan Clarke from Huddersfield will help solidify the defence, and the experienced Kevin Lisbie guarantees goals, so survival should be on the cards once again.

Predicted Finish: Survival

MK Dons

Nickname: The Dons

Year Founded: 2004

Stadium (Capacity):  Stadium MK (22,000)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 5th

Manager: Karl Robinson

Notable Transfers In: Jon Otsemobor (Sheffield Wednesday), Alan Smith (Newcastle), Ryan Lowe (Sheffield Wednesday)

Notable Transfers Out: Louis Bragg (Unattached), Tom Flanagan (Gillingham), Charlie Collins (Tamworth)

Key Player: Dean Bowditch

Preview: MK Dons have maintained the core squad that finished fifth in League One last season, which sets them up for another strong campaign this time around.

Adding Ryan Lowe should take some pressure off of leading goal scorer Dean Bowditch, and the two could be a deadly combination,

The one aspect that may hold the Dons back from an automatic spot is the lack of defensive cover, but that can be rectified in the loan market.

Predicted Finish: Promotion

Notts County

Nickname: The Magpies

Year Founded:1862

Stadium (Capacity): Meadow Lane (20,229)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 7th

Manager: Keith Curle

Notable Transfers In: Francois Zoko (Carlisle), Gary Liddle (Hartlepool), Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Bristol City)

Notable Transfers Out: Jon Harley (Unattached), Ishmel Demontagnac (Northampton), Ben Burgess (Tranmere)

Key Player: Lee Hughes

Preview: Reliance on striker Lee Hughes and winger Jeff Hughes for goals undermined Notts County’s push for the play off places last year.

This situation has been rectified with the addition of striker Francois Zoko and winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce. This should bring a balance to the attack that was not evident during last season.

County may be one of the names in the automatic promotion hunt by the end of the year.

Predicted Finish: Playoff Contender

Oldham Athletic

Nickname: The Latics

Year Founded: 1895

Stadium (Capacity): Boundary Park (10,638)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 16th

Manager: Paul Dickov

Notable Transfers In: Lee Croft (Derby County), Cliff Byrne (Scunthorpe), Jonathan Grounds (Middlesbrough)

Notable Transfers Out: Shefki Kuqi (Unattached), Kieran Lee (Sheffield Wednesday), Chris Taylor (Millwall)

Key Player: Dean Furman

Preview: Limited budgets are not an uncommon problem in lower league football but Oldham’s ability to maintain consistent mid-table finishes—when similar clubs yo-yo between leagues—is inspiring.

Surviving is the challenge once again and Oldham—who have lost a couple of notable players in the summer due to high wage demands—will be confident of achieving their goal once again.

The battle may be a little tougher this year but Oldham should survive.

Predicted Finish: Survival

Portsmouth

Nickname: Pompey

Year Founded: 1898

Stadium (Capacity): Fratton Park (20,224)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 22^nd in the Championship (Relegated)

Manager: Michael Appleton

Notable Transfers In: No One

Notable Transfers Out: The entire first team squad

Key Player: Lady Luck

Preview: The saga of Portsmouth football club could sit alongside the great tombs of Viking history.

Needless to say that Portsmouth's offseason has been full of ups and downs.

The club remains in administration and only days away from being completely dissolved. Pompey’s supporters are attempting to purchase the club, but the inability to agree a CVA (debt repayment scheme) with some creditors is further complicating the situation.

To keep the club going every first team member of the squad was let go (for the cheapest possible agreement fee), and the team is currently made up of youth team and former non-league players.

Reports suggest that Pompey may be allowed to sign some players, but this will not be enough to keep it up this year. 

Predicted Finish: Relegation

Preston North End

Nickname: The Lilywhites

Year Founded: 1880

Stadium (Capacity): Deepdale (22,404)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 15th

Manager: Graham Westley

Notable Transfers In:  Jon Walsh (Tranmere), Lee trundle (Neath), Richard Wright (Ipswich Town)

Notable Transfers Out: Graham Alexander (Retired), Paul Parry (Shrewsbury), Adam Barton (Coventry City)

Key Player: John Welsh

Preview: Graham Westley’s managerial style can be, at best, described as confrontational.

Since taking over at Preston in January 2012, Westley has upset players by sending them late-night text messages telling them that they have been dropped from the team. This was followed up by more texts to eight chosen individuals which informed those players that they were no longer welcome at training and that they should be actively looking for new clubs.

Unsurprisingly, Preston’s squad is all change from last season, although the overall quality is comparable. If these players get on with the manager then Preston have a chance of having a good season, but anything can happen under the governorship of Graham Westley. 

Predicted Finish: Playoff Contenders

Scunthorpe United

Nickname: The Iron

Year Founded: 1899

Stadium (Capacity): Glanford Park (9,088)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 18th

Manager: Alan Knill

Notable Transfers In: Mike Grella (Bury), David Mirfin (Watford), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City)

Notable Transfers Out: Garry Thompson (Bradford), Sam Togwell (Chesterfield), Michael O’Connor (Rotherham)

Key Player: David Mirfin

Preview: Scunthorpe nearly succumbed to a second consecutive relegation last season, as the former Championship club struggled to get to grips with life in League One.

This summer saw several high earners leave the club with young exciting talent taking their place.

It is probably one year too soon before Scunthorpe can expect to challenge for promotion, but it should be a far more comfortable season for them this time around. 

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Sheffield United

Nickname: The Blades

Year Founded: 1889

Stadium (Capacity): Bramall Lane (32,702)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 3rd

Manager: Danny Wilson

Notable Transfers In: Matt Hill (Blackpool), Tony McMahon (Middlesbrough), Mick Blackman (Blackburn)

Notable Transfers Out: James Beattie (Unattached), Steve Simonsen (Unattached), Mathew Lowton (Aston Villa)

Key Player: Stephen Quinn

Preview: Sheffield United were so close to promotion last season, falling just one win short of the automatic places. The Blades then missed out on the playoffs as well and find themselves now gearing up for another League One campaign.

United’s squad is slightly weaker on paper than last year’s squad, but younger legs may well be a blessing when it comes to the end of the season. The biggest loss for Sheffield United's chances is top goal scorer Ched Evans, who is currently serving time for sexual assault. 

Despite these factors, Sheffield United are rightfully heavy favourites and should achieve automatic promotion this season.

Predicted Finish: Promotion

Shrewsbury Town

Nickname: The Shrews

Year Founded: 1886

Stadium (Capacity): New Meadow (9,875)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 2^nd in League Two (Promoted)

Manager: Graham Turner

Notable Transfers In: Paul Parry (Preston), Darren Jones (Aldershot), Ryan Doble (Southampton)

Notable Transfers Out: Ian Sharps (Rotherham), Nicky Wroe (Preston), Shane Candell- Sherriff

Key Player: Paul Parry

Preview: Shrewsbury, for so long League Two’s nearly men, broke the shackles of tradition by coming a strong second and winning promotion to football’s third tier.

Saying that, there should be no doubt that Shrewsbury's ambition will to be survive the first year and then worry about the future. Intelligent work in the transfer market has seen them install more solidity at the back, with the addition of Darren Jones and craft in the midfield with winger Paul Parry.

This may be a surprisingly successful season for Shrewsbury.

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Stevenage

Nickname: The Boro

Year Founded: 1976

Stadium (Capacity): Broadhall Way (6,722)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 6th

Manager: Gary Smith

Notable Transfers In: Felipe Morais (Oldham), Anthony Grant (Southend), Greg Tansey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)

Notable Transfers Out: Craig Reid (Aldershot), Laurie Wilson (Charlton), Michael Bostwick (Peterborough)

Key Player: Jon Ashton

Preview: Stevenage showcased how much potential a double promotion–winning side can have when they defied media expectations and made the playoffs last time out.

However Stevenage’s great run came at a cost as interest in their players reached fever pitch, inevitably leading to some leaving the club. The loss of Michael Bostwick is a particular blow as that young man has a very bright future.

This may be a season of rebuilding for Stevenage before another assault at promotion next year.  

Predicted Finish: Mid-Table Obscurity

Swindon Town

Nickname: The Robins

Year Founded: 1879

Stadium (Capacity): The County Ground

2011/2012 Final League Position: 1^st in League Two (Promoted)

Manager: Paolo Di Canio

Notable Transfers In: Jay McEveley (Barnsley), James Collins (Shrewsbury), Troy Archibald-Henville (Exeter)

Notable Transfers Out: Alan Connell (Bradford), Mattio Lanzano (Gavorrano), Jordan Pavett (Unattached)

Key Player: Paul Benson

Preview: Under the helm of charismatic manager Paolo Di Canio, Swindon will be looking for back to back promotions this season.

Strong financial backing and keeping all their key players from the promotion campaign are two of Swindon's best assets. The Robins have already added key skill areas with the addition of players like Jay McEveley, so a run at the playoffs is a real possibility.

Predicted Finish: Playoff Contenders

Tranmere Rovers

Nickname: Rovers

Year Founded: 1884

Stadium (Capacity):  Prenton Park (16,567)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 12th

Manager: Ronnie Moore

Notable Transfers In: James Wallace (Everton), Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro(Rochdale), Paul Black (Oldham)

Notable Transfers Out: Lucas Akins (Stevenage), John Welsh (Burton)

Key Player: Ian Goodison

Preview: Tranmere surprised many pundits last season as the club finished up much closer to promotion than relegation. With the same core team in place, Tranmere should be on for another solid season this time around.

Loan offerings from the two large Merseyside clubs could help with higher ambitions as well. Tranmere may well be dark horse for the playoffs this year. 

Predicted Finish: Playoff Contenders

Walsall

Nickname: The Sadlers

Year Founded: 1888

Stadium (Capacity): Banks Stadium (11,300)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 19th

Manager: Dean Smith

Notable Transfers In: Dean Holden (Rochdale), Febian Brandy (Panetolikos), Ashley Hemmings (Wolves)

Notable Transfers Out: Mat Sadler (Crawley), Ryan Jarvis (Torquay), Emanuel Smith (Notts County)

Key Player: Febian Brandy

Preview: A certain amount of déjà vu comes with this statement, but here goes: I’s going to be another tough year for Walsall.

Joking aside, Walsall's continual battles against relegation is one of the longest stories in League One.

The Sadlers lost some key defensive players in the off season, which may hamper their attempts to stay up. Still, some promising youngsters appear to be stepping forward to compensate.

The key to their survival chances may come from former Manchester United trainee Febian Brandy, who joins Walsall via some time in Greece. If he lives up to his potential, then Walsall will end the season comfortably mid-table. 

Predicted Finish: Survival

Yeovil Town

Nickname: The Glovers

Year Founded: 1895

Stadium (Capacity): Huish Park (9,665)

2011/2012 Final League Position: 17th

Manager: Gary Johnson

Notable Transfers In: Jamie McCallister (Bristol City), James Hayter (Doncaster Rovers), Reuben Reid (Oldham)

Notable Transfers Out: Andy Williams (Swindon), Bondz N’Gala (Stevenage), Kieran Agard (Rotherham)

Key Player: James Hayter

Preview: Despite Yeovil losing their two best players from last season, the perennial relegation candidates aren’t actually favourites to go down for once.

This is partly down to the number of small clubs that have made their way through the divisions, and partly down to some good business made by Yeovil this summer.

James Hayter and Reuben Reid have the potential to combine into a deadly strike partnership, while a defensive minded group of midfielders should help Yeovil stay strong at the back.

Predicted Finish: Survival