In the last two season league one has lost 6 very good teams via promotion in Norwich, Leeds, Millwall, Brighton, Southampton and Peterborough, leaving the league at its weakest in a few years, despite the powerhouses of both Sheffield clubs in the third tier of English football. All this means that unlike last year when only a selected few had a shot at promotion this year numerous teams can consider themselves to have a chance of promotion.
After narrowly missing out twice in successive seasons, I feel Huddersfield are the favourites for promotion. Under Lee Clark they have a good young manager and the club are growing under his teniourship. Only one defeat in 2011, the play-off final, suggests that if the Terriers can put play-off heart-ache behind them then they are more then equiped for promotion.
Huddersfield- 1st
After having five different managers at some stage last season I expect Sheffield United to bounce straight back up under Danny Wilson. The former Swindon manager is very expierenced at this level, and I feel he has the required knowledge and ability to guide United straight back up. Keeping ahold of their young players who got their youth team to the cup final will be key.
Sheffield United- 2nd
Paul Dickovs side started the season fantastic last year, and despite falling away towards the end of the season I expect his Oldham side to run the top two close. The signing of Jean Yves Mvoto is a strong one with reported interest from a couple of Championship sides in the Frenchman. Dickov's Oldham played with attacking flair last year however lacked a real cutting threat, so a goalscorer is a needed addition.
Oldham- 3rd
Phil Brown nearly did the impossible and keep Preston up after they slumped so poorly under previous manager Darren Ferguson, however they just failed in their bid to maintain their Championship status. However Brown has brought a very good professional in Ian Ashbee and with Neil Mellor returning to the club after his loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday, the team should score goals. And despite the loss of key defender Sean St.Ledger, I expect Preston to make a play-off spot.
Preston- 4th.
Bournemouth perfomed admirably in their assault at a back to back promotions, narrowly missing out in the play-off semi-finals, however this years side most equipt for consecutive promotions is Chesterfield. Mark Randall will bring some class to their midfield, and with the foward duo of Jack Lester and Craig Davies, the team will score goals.
Chesterfield- 5th.
Uwe Rosler's appointment as manager of Brentford sparked summer additions to the club. Clayton Donaldson brings a real quality, with Jonathan Douglas's know how in the middle of the park a vital addition. And with Rosler set to use his expierence in the game to bring in more faces, if the club can gel quickly then a play-off spot should be theres.
Brentford- 6th.
7th- Leyton Orient
8th- Sheffield Wednesday
9th- Charlton
10th- MK Dons
11th- Scunthorpe United
12th- Colchester United
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