Coca-Cola League Two Factfile

HBOSTON UNITED: It remains to be seen whether new player-coach Gazza can inspire the Pilgrims to great things this season, but Steve Evans' has been mightily busy on the recruitment side during the summer and his team are a outside bet for the play-offs after storming up the table at the end of last term. Manager: Steve Evans. Last season: 11th. Players in -- Austin McCann (Hearts), Andy Kirk (Hearts), Martin Carruthers (Macclesfield), Aaron Kerr (Walsall), Jason Lee (Falkirk), Paul Gascoigne (free). Players out -- Matt Hocking (Stevenage), Graeme Jones (Bury). Odds: 18-1.

HBRISTOL ROVERS: New boss Ian Atkins will soon stamp his authority on the underachieving Gasheads and like all his teams, no doubt they will be hard to beat this season. The Shakers get an early chance to run the rule over them on Tuesday evening. Possible play-off contenders. Manager: Ian Atkins. Last Season: 15th. Players in -- Stuart Campbell (Grimsby), Jamie Forrester (Hull), Robbie Ryan (Millwall), Steve Elliott (Blackpool), Richard Walker (Oxford), Craig Hinton (Kidderminster), Craig Disley (Mansfield), Paul Trollope (Northampton). Players out -- Adam Barrett (Southend), Wayne Carlisle (Leyton O), Paul Tait (Rochdale). Odds: 14-1.

HCAMBRIDGE UNITED: Can't see new French boss Herve Renard (wasn't he in Twin Peaks?) and his Gallic flair inspiring the U's to break any pots this term. Nevertheless they've come a long way since the days of John Beck. A season of struggle awaits. Manager: Herve Renard. Last season: 13th. Players in -- Louis-George Mongin (GAP), Abdelhalim El Kholti (Yeovil), Jermaine Easter (Hartlepool), Igor Latte-Yedo (Cerielo), Ashley Nicholls (Darlington). Players out -- Fred Murray (Northampton), Terry Fleming (Grimsby), Mark Venus (Hibernian). Martin Brennan (Welling). Chris Clarke (York). Odds: 25-1.

HCHELTENHAM TOWN: John Ward is one of the best respected bosses in League Two and once again he'll be hard pressed keeping the cash-strapped Robins in the league. Mid-table at best for the Whaddon Road faithful. Manager: John Ward. Last season: 14th. Players in -- Steve Guinan (Hereford), Ashley Vincent (Wolves), Scott Brown (Bristol C), J.J. Melligan (Wolves), Gavin Caines (Walsall), Michael Taylor (Blackburn), Chris Murphy (Telford). Players out -- Mike Duff (Burnley), Ben Cleverley (Forest Green) Jamie Price (Birmingham). Odds: 25-1.

HCHESTER CITY: It's customary now for the Conference champions to at least push for promotion first time out and more often than not achieve it. Chester won't be any different. Mark Wright has been busy recruiting some decent players in the summer and their momentum will make them the team to beat this season. Promotion contenders. Manager: Mark Wright. Last season: Promoted from Conference. Players in -- Richard Hope (York), Michael Branch (Bradford), Chris MacKenzie (Telford), Stephen Vaughan (Liverpool), Cortez Belle (Merthyr Tydfil), Andy Watson (Farsley Celtic), Darren Edmonson (York), Sean Hessey (Blackpool). Players out -- Alex Smith (Wrexham) Scott Guyett (Yeovil). Odds: 9-1.

HDARLINGTON: Quakers fans will be just happy to see their team out on the pitch after last season's shenanigans involving owner George Reynolds. A lot will rely on David Hodgson's astute motivational skills but even that may not be enough. Possible relegation. Manager: David Hodgson. Last season: 18th. Players in -- Joe Kendrick (Munich 1860), Stephen Thomas (Wrexham), Sam Russell (Middlesbrough). Players out -- Gary Pearson (York), Ashley Nicholls (Cambridge). Odds: 40-1.

HGRIMSBY TOWN: Don't expect the relegated Mariners to rocket back to League One at the first time of asking. They may be joint fourth favourites for the title according to the bookies but there's little to inspire confidence in Russell Slade's wheeling and dealing. Mid-table, play-offs at best. Manager: Russell Slade. Last season: Relegated from Division Two. Players in -- Simon Ramsden (Sunderland), Justin Whittle (Hull), Thomas Pinault (Colchester), Rob Jones (Stockport), Ronnie Bull (Brentford), Michael Reddy (Sunderland), Anthony Williams (Hartlepool). Players out -- Stuart Campbell (Bristol R), Phil Jevons (Yeovil), Paul Groves (York), Iain Anderson (Dundee), Aidan Davison (Colchester). Odds: 12-1.

HKIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS: Great Dane Jan Molby worked wonders when he was at Aggborough in his first spell there, getting the Harriers into the league then up a division. He'll do well to keep the squad of 2004 out of trouble this time around. A struggle lies ahead. Manager: Jan Molby. Last season: 16th. Players in -- Simon Russell (Hull), Frederic Advice-Desrulsseaux (Lille), Mickey Mellon (Tranmere), Jamie Gleeson (Southampton), Youssou Diop (GAP), Reuben Hazell (Torquay). Players out -- Dean Bennett (Wrexham), Craig Hinton (Bristol R), Adam Murray (Mansfield), Stuart Brock (Telford), Sean Parrish (Telford). Odds: 40-1.

HLEYTON ORIENT: Martin Ling is one of the favourites to be the first managerial casualty in League Two and his prospects don't appear too clever. Always on a budget despite being owned by megabucks promoter Barry Hearn, it looks like being a long hard winter for the Eastenders. Manager: Martin Ling. Last season: 19th. Players in -- Alan White (Colchester), Lee Steele (Oxford), Wayne Carlisle (Bristol R), Michael Simpson (Wycombe). Players out -- Chris Tate (Mansfield). Odds: 25-1.

HLINCOLN CITY: Can popular manager Keith Alexander keep working miracles at Sincil Bank? With a budget less than the Shakers - and that's saying something - he's managed to get the Imps in the play-offs for the last two seasons. Their fighting spirit should ensure they are there or thereabouts again this time. Manager: Keith Alexander. Last season: 7th. Players in -- Dean West (Burnley), Peter Folkes (Bradford), Nathan Peat (Hull, loan), Simon Rayner (Port Talbot), Michael Blackwood (Telford). Players out -- Mark Bailey (Macclesfield), Rory May (Tamworth), Ben Sedgemore (Barnet), Richard Liburd (Eastwood), Scott Willis (Halifax). Odds: 14-1.

HMACCLESFIELD TOWN: Brian Horton should have been given the freedom of the town after leading the Silkmen on a league status-saving run of wins late last season. He should keep them further away from the drop zone this time without troubling the trophy engravers. Mid table. Manager: Brian Horton. Last season: 20th. Players in -- Alan Fettis (Hull), Neil Morgan (N Forest), Mark Bailey (Lincoln), Michael Briscoe (Coventry), Players out -- Martin Carruthers (Boston), Jason Van Blerk, David Miskelly, Chris Priest (released). Odds: 50-1.

HMANSFIELD TOWN: It remains to be seen just how much their play-off final misery at the hands of Huddersfield last season leaves the Stags with a hangover. But Keith Curle's lads should be a decent bet to be in the shake-up once again next May. Possible play-offs. Manager: Keith Curle. Last season: 5th. Players in -- Scott McNiven (Oxford), Chris Tate (Leyton O), Alex Neil (Barnsley), Derek Asamoah (Northampton), Adam Murray (Kidderminster), Adam Murray (Kidderminster). Players out -- Tony Vaughan (Barnsley), Liam Lawrence (Sunderland), Bobby Hassell (Barnsley), Andy White (Crewe), Junior Mendes (Huddersfield), Craig Disley (Mansfield), Jamie Clarke (Rochdale). Odds: 12-1.

HNORTHAMPTON TOWN: The bookies favourites for the title should get it right this time after losing in the play-off semis to Mansfield last year. Home form often let them down last season and that will need to be improved. Play-offs at least. Manager: Colin Calderwood. Last season: Players in -- Scott McGleish (Colchester), Tommy Jaszczun (Blackpool), David Rowson (Partick Thistle), Fred Murray (Cambridge). Players out -- Paul Reid (Barnsley), Derek Asamoah (Mansfield), Chris Hargreaves (Brentford), Paul Trollope (Bristol R). Odds: 9-2 favourites.

HNOTTS COUNTY: Could be serious play-off contenders after dropping out of Division Two last year. New boss Gary Mills won't have a lot to spend but the acquisition of former Bolton defender Mike Whitlow could be an inspired move. Manager: Gary Mills. Last season: Relegated from Division Two. Players in -- Mike Whitlow (Sheffield Utd), Matthew Gill (Peterborough), Julien Baudet (Rotherham), Gavin Gordon (Cardiff), Glyn Hurst (Chesterfield), Chris Palmer (Derby). Players out -- Ian Baraclough (Scunthorpe), Nick Fenton (Doncaster), Paul Heffernan (Bristol C), Stuart Garden (Ross County). Odds: 12-1.

HOXFORD UNITED: After the uncertainty of the Ian Atkins era there should be plenty for the U's fans to look forward to under former Arsenal ace Graham Rix. It will be a new look side at the Kassam Stadium and don't be surprised if they go all the way. Manager: Graham Rix. Last season: 9th. Players in -- Robert Wolleaston (Bradford), Barry Quinn (Coventry), David Woozley (Torquay), Chri Tardif (Portsmouth), David Mackay (Dundee), Leo Roget (Rushden), Tommy Mooney (Swindon), Lee Bradbury (Walsall). Players out -- Andy Crosby (Scunthorpe), Matt Bound (Weymouth), Dean Whitehead (Sunderland), Richard Walker (Bristol R), Scott McNiven (Mansfield). Odds: 14-1.

HROCHDALE: It looks like another season of woe for local rivals Dale. Steve Parkin made a decent fist of the job last time he was in charge. He could find it tougher this time with the squad at his disposal. Bookies favourites for the drop, not surprisingly! Manager: Steve Parkin. Last season: 21st. Players in -- Alan Goodall (Bangor City), Ashley Probets (Arsenal), Chris Armstrong (Leeds), Neil Brisco (Port Vale), Paul Tait (Bristol R), Jamie Clarke (Mansfield). Players out -- Neil Redfearn (Scarborough), Lee McEvilly (Accrington), Matt Doughty (Halifax), Shaun Smith (York), Michael Simpkins (Burton), Rory Patterson (Radcliffe Boro). Odds: 66-1.

HRUSHDEN & DIAMONDS: Gareth Seddon's decision to opt for the country lanes of Northamptonshire instead of Lancashire's soccer heartland may prove to be a faux pas. Straight back down after one season out of the basement division the Diamonds won't find life too easy on their return. Mid table. Manager: Ernie Tippett. Last season: Relegated from Division Two. Players in -- Peter Hawkins (MK Dons), Sean Connelly (Tranmere), Graham Allen (Tranmere), Alex Hay (Tranmere), Gareth Seddon (Bury). Players out -- Andy Edwards (Southend), Leo Roget (Oxford), Rodney Jack (Oldham). Odds: 25-1.

HSCUNTHORPE UNITED: It was a surprise to see the Iron struggle for most of last season and there's nothing to indicate this term will be any different. Expect another bottom half finish for the Glanford Park men despite Brian Laws' best efforts. Manager: Brian Laws. Last season: 22nd. Players in -- Andy Crosby (Oxford), Ian Baraclough (Notts Co), Paul Musselwhite (Hull). Players out -- Ian Kilford (Barrow), Paul Groves (York), Alex Calvo-Garcia (retired). Odds: 50-1.

HSHREWSBURY TOWN: Back in the league at the first time of asking the Shrews ought to hold their own on their return. Possible play-off contenders if they get a head of steam up and leading scorer Luke Rodgers is firing on all cylinders. Manager: Jimmy Quinn. Last season: Promoted from Conference. Players in -- Stuart Whitehead (Telford), John Grant (Telford), Ben Smith (Hereford). Players out -- Greg Rioch (Northwich), Ian Dunbavin (Halifax), Glenn Tolley (Telford). Odds: 25-1.

HSOUTHEND UNITED: They have the longest pier in England at Southend and Shrimpers fans could be queueing up to throw themselves off come next May. The loss of Leon's Constantine and Cort will be felt quite a bit at Roots Hall and Steve Tillson could be hard-pressed to keep his side out of the Conference. Manager: Steve Tillson. Last season: 17th. Players in -- Spencer Prior (Cardiff), Andy Edwards (Rushden), Bart Griemink (Swindon), Nicky Nicolau (Arsenal), Lewis Hunt (Derby), Adam Barrett (Bristol R). Players out -- Leon Cort (Hull). Odds: 25-1.

HSWANSEA CITY: So much was expected of Brian Flynn's 'fancy dan's' last season and they set off like a house on fire (ask the Shakers who lost 4-2 at the Vetch on the opening day last season). But the diminutive Welshman has gone and former Watford stalwart Kenny Jackett is moulding a team better suited to the rough and tumble of League Two. Play-off possibles. Manager: Kenny Jackett. Last season: 10th Players in -- Kevin Austin (Bristol Rovers), Adrian Forbes (Luton), Sam Ricketts (Telford), Gary Fisken (Watford), Garry Monk (Barnsley). Players out -- Roger Freestone (Newport), Layton Maxwell, Richard Jones, Karl Connolly, Michael Howard (all released). Odds: 20-1.

HWYCOMBE WANDERERS: If last season was something of a culture shock for Wycombe boss Tony Adams he might be in for another one this season. The former England and Arsenal star has been busy during the summer but another season of toil awaits for the Chairboys. Bottom half. Manager: Tony Adams. Last season: Relegated from Division Two. Players in -- Stuart Nethercott (Millwall), Gus Uhienbeek (Chesterfield), Joe Burnell (Bristol C), Mike Williamson (Southampton, loan), Shahed Ahmed (MK Dons), Gary Silk (Portsmouth, loan), Clint Easton (Norwich). Players out -- Mark Rogers (Stevenage, Michael Simpson (L Orient), Danny Bulman (Stevenage), Iam Simpemba (Crawley), Chris Vinnicombe (Tiverton). Odds: 14-1.

HYEOVIL TOWN: The Glovers come to Gigg Lane tomorrow buoyed by the news that they are highly-fancied to go all the way in League Two this time around. With a first season in the league behind them they know what's required and on their day are a quality side to match anybody. Should be in the promotion frame after missing out on play-offs on last day of the season. Manager: Gary Johnson. Last season: Players in -- Keize Ilbe (Staines), Barosz Tarachulski (Polonia Warsaw), Nicolas Mirza (Paris SG), Yemi Obubade (Eastbourne), Michael Rose (Hereford), Phil Jevons (Grimsby), Adrian Caceres (Perth Glory), Scott Guyett (Chester). Players out -- Abdelhalim El Kholti (Cambridge), Dani Rodrigues (Bournemouth). Odds: 10-1.

HBURY: Graham Barrow's first pre-season in charge of the club has been a tough one for the players, who will be well equipped for a tough, and hopefully long and successful campaign. With a strong spine reinstated to the side it's unlikely last season's flirtation with the relegation zone will be repeated and, who knows, with a good solid start a play-off place may not be beyond the Shakers. With a small squad luck with injuries is vital and the time has never been better for an emergence of a 20-goal striker... Step forward Chris Porter?

Manager: Graham Barrow. Last season: 12th. Players in -- Dwayne Mattis (Huddersfield), Dave Challinor (Stockport), Brian Barry-Murphy (Sheffield W), Graeme Jones (Boston), Jon Newby (Huddersfield). Players out -- Gareth Seddon (Rushden), Paul O'Shaughnessy, Lee Connell and Lewis Solly (released). Odds: 33-1.