The phoney-war of the pre-season campaign is over and at 3pm on Saturday it all begins for real with points at stake. Who will be the winners and losers when the dust settles again in nine months time? Mark Johnson previews the season ahead.

Of course the fickle finger of fate is bound to throw up the odd surprise this season, and no preview would be complete without at least a passing reference to the financial crisis and general uncertainty unleashed by ITV Digital, but this prediction lark is never easy at the best of times.

Division Three will have extra spice added this season - well, at least the bottom of the table will - with an additional relegation place to be avoided. Nevertheless, after taking all factors into considering, throwing in a dash of wild guesswork and a soupçon research, at least someone here at www.cambridge-united.co.uk suspects the following:

Boston United

Last season's Conference champions start the campaign with a bit of a disadvantage - and it's not just the fact that manager Steve Evans has been suspended pending a further FA hearing, nor is it the £100,000 fine and four point deduction imposed after being found guilty of financial irregularities. The last six weeks of their season saw an alarming dip in form, which could have cost them that precious League place. Fortunately for the Pilgrims, Dagenham experienced a similar dip, so no harm was done.

Kicking-off with minus four points, the opening few games will set the tone for their season.

Prediction: A season of consolidation in the lower mid-table

Bournemouth

Abbeybet has the Cherries as third favourites to win the division at 11/1, but there may be a 'Bournemouth shouldn't be in this division' factor involved. Financial problems beset the south coast side even before ITV Digital cast their dark shadow over the land, so the campaign could be more about survival than success.

Prediction: Play-off material - if they get that far.

Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers would have been wiped off the Football League map, if that extra relegation place had been introduced just a year earlier.

However, a new manager (Ray Graydon, left) and a massive turn over of playing staff has given the Pirates ground for optimism this term.

Prediction: Reasonable bet for a play-off place at 9/4

Bury

Another Club more intent on survival than bouncing back to Division Two at the first attempt - which is probably just as well. No new faces and a stream of experience leaving, means it could be a struggle for the Shakers.

Prediction: Lower mid-table at best, but will be worried about that second relegation place.

Cambridge United

That's a very good question! Abbeybet says 22/1 to win the League, 5/1 for promotion 12/1 for relegation . and who would argue with the Club betting site? Results from the tricky-looking start to the season will set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Prediction: A flirtation with the play-off zone?

Carlisle United

How things can change in a short space of time. Just a month ago it was doom and gloom in this remote outpost of the League. Fans and the local media had fallen out with the Club's owners and were threatening boycotts, with three-figure crowds expected. Now the Knighton family has been bought out, all is sweetness and light and a crowd of 10,000 is expected for the opening home game.

Prediction: Probably won't set the world alight, but should avoid the relegation worries of the last few years.

Darlington

With a new stadium in the offing, Darlington is not short on ambition. Whether Tommy Taylor's squad has the potential to fulfil the chairman's hopes remains to be seen.

Prediction: mid-table disappointment for Taylor and his chairman.

Exeter City

The Grecians spent much of last season amongst a clutch of sides in the bottom half of the table. Nothing that has happen in the close season indicates than it will be any different this time around.

Prediction: Lower mid-table at best.

Hartlepool United

Surprise play-off contenders last season, Pools have added the experienced Tony Lormor to their squad in the summer. Free-scoring at home last time round, patchy away form denied them automatic promotion; they will need to improve to challenge again.

Prediction: Play-offs again.

Hull City

After years of chronic underachievement, this could finally be the Year of the Tiger. New manager Jan Molby has had money to spend, and he has done so liberally and intelligently. It's no coincidence that Abbeybet makes Hull City 4/1 favourites for the title and 4/5 for promotion, although much will depend on how quickly his new-look side settles down.

Prediction: Promotion at last.

Kidderminster Harriers

Kiddie has been one of the few examples of League new-boys failing to achieve a rapid promotion from Division Three. Denied a play-off spot last term by dreadful away form, Harriers also suffered with Jan Molby's defection to Hull.

Prediction: No joy again for Harriers.

Leyton Orient

Surprise strugglers last season, Paul Brush's men have been tipped for improvement this time round thanks to Barry Hearn's deep pockets. Hearn's patience will be sorely tested if the tipsters are proved wrong, although the signing of Lincoln's Lee Thorpe could be a key factor.

Prediction: Either third place or defeat in the play-offs.

Lincoln City

Another Club in deep financial trouble, manager Keith Alexander will have his work cut out to keep the Imps out of relegation trouble, while off-field worries will revolve about keeping the Club out of the hands of the administrators. Abbeybet makes Lincoln 15/8 joint favourites for the drop.

Prediction: Sincil Bank will look very impressive in the Conference.

Macclesfield Town

Despite low gates and meagre resources, the Silkmen finished in a comfortable mid-table slot last term. There is nothing to suggest that this time round will be any different.

Prediction: Mid-table again.

Oxford United

The Kassam Stadium had an inauspicious first season, with Ian Atkins' Oxford finishing in 21st place.

The talismanic Joey Beauchamp left in the summer, but the key move could be the recruitment of striker Lee Steele from Brighton. Steele has always scored goals in Division Three and should lead Oxford to the calmer waters of mid-table this time around.

Prediction: Happy with mid-table.

Rochdale

Only a late stutter stopped Dale throwing off that perennial 'Division Three Side' tag last season, but new boss Paul Simpson might have his work cut out maintaining last term's excitement. Simpson will need to arrest that late-season slide quickly if he's to make anything of the coming campaign.

Prediction: Just missing out on the play-offs.

Rushden & Diamonds

Diamonds lost to Cheltenham in last season's play-off finals, with their first campaign in the League based on good home form. Second favourites with Abbeybet at 13/2 for the title, a good start will set them off on a journey to fulfil their potential.

Prediction: Promotion.

Scunthorpe United

Goal difference denied the Iron a play-off place last season, and Brian Laws' men could go close again this term. Scunthorpe is far from the only club with no money to spend strengthening the side, and that could be the deciding factor again this time around.

Prediction: Another finish just the wrong side of that dotted line.

Shrewsbury Town

The Shrews were another side who just missed out on post season action last time round, and their home form will have given the Gay Meadow faithful encouragement for this term. They will be dependent again on the goals of Luke Rogers and much will rest on whether the fiery front man can resolve his disciplinary problems.

Prediction: May just scrape into the play-offs.

Southend United

12th last season, Rob Newman has released many more than he's signed this summer. Whether this has brought about the right balance between quality and quantity in his squad is the big question to be answered.

Prediction: The right side of mid-table again.

Swansea City

Financial problems have beset the Swans for the last few years, but there has been plenty of action on the player-movement front with the Vetch almost having to install revolving doors to cope with the numbers coming and going. A safe, but unspectacular 20th last season, they might be at risk of the drop this time.

Prediction: Probably just enough to stay up.

Torquay United

With Roy McFarland leaving over a matter of principle in the summer, Torquay look set for a third consecutive relegation dogfight. Roy finally steered them to the calmer waters of 19th place last time out, but Leroy Rosenior may not be so fortunate.

Prediction: So long and farewell to the Gulls.

Wrexham

Denis Smith is a wily old fox, and his managerial skills could be the key factor in taking Wrexham back to Division Two. The goals of Lee Trundle will be key and could be enough to guide the Red Dragons to a play-off spot.

Prediction: Play-off contenders.

York City

Under new ownership, the Minstermen will enjoy the benefit of Tom Cowan's experience this season after signing him in the summer. Whether Cowan enjoys York's mid-table finish remains to be seen.

Prediction: Mid-table mediocrity.

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Previous Main Features:
12Jul02  - Harwood: There's Good And Bad News
14May02- Summer At The Abbey Stadium
02May02- Family Day A Huge Success
21Apr02 - Fans Groups Call For Direct Action
06Apr02 - League Chairman Thanks Fans For Support
30Mar02 - ITV Digital - Crowd Statistics & Viewing Figures
24Mar02 - LDV Vans Trophy Final Photo Feature
17Mar02 - Follow The U's To Cardiff!
10Mar02 - Away Day Blues
03Mar02 - The Best Of The Best?
24Feb02 - The Future of Football?
17Feb02 - U's Fans On Sky TV's Soccer AM
10Feb02 - U's Fans Feature On ITV Digital Quiz
02Feb02 - A Week In The Life of PR Manager Graham Eales
20Jan02  - U's Players Get Darth Vader Treatment
13Jan02  - Kit Carson Explains His 'Head of Talent Development' Role
05Jan02  - Dale Brooks Enjoying New Role
04Dec01 - U's Players Try Out Premiership Physio Machine
10Nov01 - U's Launch New Away Kit

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