BURY boss Andy Preece believes Saturday's opening day opponents Oxford United will be one of the frontrunners in an intriguing Third Division promotion race writes PHIL THORP.

The Shakers chief sees Ian Atkins' side as a good yardstick for his own team as they try to bounce back into Division Two at the first attempt.

"Oxford have brought in eight players over the summer and it looks like they will be going for it," he said.

"It will be a tough opener for us but will give us a good guage of what to expect this season.

"Ray Graydon at Bristol Rovers has changed things around a lot and they will have a decent chance and of the clubs that went down Bournemouth will be a good side.

"They are a good footballing team who have been together a long time.

"Hartlepool and Scunthorpe did well last year and I can see them challenging again while Rochdale, too, have bought a few players and spent some money.

"But of them all I reckon Hull will be the team to beat.

"They have a massive squad and previous manager Brian Little brought a lot of players in.

"Now Jan Molby has added to that. They have great strength in depth and I'd be very surprised of they aren't up there."