2003/4 Division 2 Preview - Part 3

By Albatross
August 6 2003

The Pools Online preview of Hartlepool United's first season in Division 2 for a decade reaches it's third section. This time it's Peterborough, Plymouth, Port Vale, QPR, Rushden and the Wendies that we have a look at.

Peterborough United

Last Season: 11th
Departures: Helgi Danielsson, Neale Fenn, Ian Hendon, Steve Laurie, Jason Lee, Gary McDonald
Arrivals: Andy Legg, Andre Boucard (Loan)
On the Pitch: Mid-table last season, Peterborough have released some of the players on the fringes of the squad and brought in the experienced Andy Legg from Cardiff. Another goalscorer wouldn't go amiss though.
Off the Pitch: A takeover, then the demise of the club's Youth Academy and the attitude of the board towards the Independant Supporters Association, mean that it's not a happy time at London Road.
The Boss Man: Barry Fry has always been a larger than life character, but he knows his football.
Watch out for: Veteran Andy Clarke - now 36 - managed 19 last season, with no-one else getting more than 5.
Prediction: Middle of the road again for Posh.

Plymouth Argyle

Last Season: 8th
Departures: Paul Bernard, Joseph Broad, Osvaldo Lopes, Stuart Malcolm, Keiran McAnespie, Craig Taylor
Arrivals: Tony Capaldi, Peter Gilbert (Loan)
On the Pitch: Plymouth surprised a lot of people last season with an unlikely playoff challenge; they have released a number of players, but kept the majority of that successful squad.
Off the Pitch: Nothing much to report - one or two people seem concerned about a supposed lack of signings, but that's about it.
The Boss Man: Paul Sturrock has made steady progress every season at Home Park; he'll be hoping to continue the club's upward movement.
Watch out for: Marino Keith was the leading scorer last season, but watch out too for Defender Paul Wotton - especially at Set Pieces - and David Friio.
Prediction: Automatic promotion may be beyond them, but there's no reason why they shouldn't make the playoffs.

Port Vale

Last Season: 17th
Departures: Paul Byrne, Matt Carragher, Phil Charnock, John Durnin, Rae Ingram, Sean McClare
Arrivals: Andreas Lipa, George Pilkington
On the Pitch: Not a great time last season for Vale, and they surprisingly released influential defender Matt Carragher. However, they have brought in an Austrian International in Lipa to replace him. The last three seasons have seen them drop from 11th to 14th to 17th - a further decline will leave the Valiants feeling very uncomfortable.
Off the Pitch: After being taken over by the Valiant2001 consortium, Vale have had a hard time convincing the Football League that their sums add up in terms of wages. As a result, they have been extremely limited on new signings - not good for a team that wasn't doing too well last time out.
The Boss Man: Brian Horton has presided over a gradual decline over the last few seasons, he may be experienced but can he turn them around?
Watch out for: No-one reached double figures last season; but keep an eye on Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Adrian Littlejohn. Ian Armstrong will also be hoping to get amongst the goals.
Prediction: Another season battling at the wrong end of the table - but they should stay up.

Queens Park Rangers

Last Season: 4th
Departures: Brett Angell, Oliver Burgess, Karl Connolly, Doudou, Lyndon Duncan, Brian Fitzgerald, Pat Gradely, Leroy Griffiths, Danny Murphy, Chris Plummer, Andy Thomson, Dave Wattley
Arrivals: Gareth Ainsworth, Martin Rowlands, Eric Sabin
On the Pitch: Beaten in the playoff final, QPR have reduced their squad by almost a third over the summer, and it's rumoured that a couple of other key players aren't happy and want away too.
Off the Pitch: Money remains an issue at QPR, with a potential investor withdrawing recently.
The Boss Man: Ian Holloway has a lot of backing from the fans, and he will expect his team to challenge once again.
Watch out for: The strike force of Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen scored plenty last season.
Prediction: Despite the numerous departures and problems, I can see Rangers challenging for a playoff place - but not automatic promotion.

Rushden and Diamonds

Last Season: 1st in Div3
Departures: Dean Holdsworth, Gary Setchell, Adam Sollitt
Arrivals: Rodney Jack
On the Pitch: Pools fans know all about Rushden; however, they've only brought in Rodney Jack to strengthen the squad, and that's unlikely to be enough to mount a serious challenge.
Off the Pitch: All quiet.
The Boss Man: Brian Talbot may have money behind him, but his signing of Holdsworth on Deadline Day showed he knows how to give his team a boost. Looks one of the most secure bosses in the division.
Watch out for: Jack is a useful player at this level when fit; and Diamonds fans will be hoping that Onandi Lowe, Paul Hall and Duane Darby adapt well to this division - all reached double figures last year.
Prediction: Mid-table consolidation for Max Griggs' team.

Sheffield Wednesday

Last Season: 22nd in Div1
Departures: David Burrows, Tony Crane, Michele Di Piedi, Simon Donnelly, Paul Evans, Ryan Green, Danny Maddix, Phil O'Donnell, Darryl Powell, Trond-Egil Soltvedt, Ashley Westwood
Arrivals: Graeme Lee, Robbie Mustoe, Paul Smith, Ola Tidman
On the Pitch: Relegation last season and a mass clearout were almost expected; but only promotion will be enough for the Wendies fans.
Off the Pitch: Money worries continue for Wednesday, with planning permission denied for a Supermarket on the site of their Training Ground. It's unlikely that transfer funds will be available.
The Boss Man: Chris Turner knows that the fans will demand nothing less than a swift return to Div1; if he doesn't manage it, he may wish he'd stayed at Pools after all...
Watch out for: Shefki Kuqi should find goals easier to score at this level; and of course Gordon Watson should score a few as well - provided he signs, and stays fit.
Prediction: No title, and they may well be involved in a tight contest to see if they take automatic promotion or end up in the playoffs.