ACCRINGTON STANLEY
Nickname: Stanley/Reds
Ground: Interlink Express Stadium
Capacity: 5,057
Last season: 10th
Manager: John Coleman
In:
Paul Carvill (Preston), Ian Craney (Altrincham), Steve Jagielka (Sheff Utd), Stuart Howson (Chesterfield), Lee McEvilly (Rochdale), Stuart Bimson (Cambridge), Jody Banim (Shrewsbury, loan).
Out:
Jon Kennedy, Jamie Speare, Gordon Armstrong, Dean Calcutt, Jerome Fitzgerald (Southport), Andy Gouck, Kieran Killackey.
BBC Sport verdict:
A summer switch to full-time status should make Accrington even more competitive in their second season in the Conference.
Manager John Coleman has brought in players with League experience and if he can improve his side's disciplinary record, a play-off challenge could beckon.
Key man:
Paul Mullin
ALDERSHOT
Nickname: The Shots
Ground: The Recreation Ground
Capacity: 7,500
Last season: 5th (lost in play-off final)
Manager: Terry Brown
In:
Steve Watson (Stevenage), Nick Crittenden (Yeovil), Hugh McAuley (Forest Green).
Out:
Jason Chewins, John Nutter, Lee Charles, Dean Hooper,
Dominic Sterling (Canvey Island), Nick Roddis (Crawley), Brett Cooper, Stuart Tanfield, Phil Warner (Eastleigh).
BBC Sport verdict:
The Shots have also gone full-time which has led to a number of departures from the Recreation Ground.
However, Terry Brown has kept his bright young stars, which means goals should again flow. Reaching the play-off final is a hard act to follow though.
Key man:
Roscoe D'Sane
BARNET
Nickname: The Bees
Ground: Underhill
Capacity: 5,500
Last season: 4th (lost in play-off semi-finals)
Manager: Paul Fairclough
In:
Richard Graham (Kettering), Ricky Bailey (Sutton), Dwane Lee (Exeter)
Out:
Matt Redmile, Mark Cumberbatch, Solomon Henry, Mark Rooney (Farnborough), Tony Taggart, Mark Williams, Des Hamilton, Jamie Smith.
BBC Sport verdict:
England non-league boss Paul Fairclough starts his first full season at Underhill and has trimmed his squad over the summer.
Fairclough knows what it takes to succeed at this level but will have to use all his nous to repeat a play-off place, unless he is keeping some powder dry in the transfer stakes.
Key man:
Guiliano Grazioli
BURTON ALBION
Nickname: The Brewers
Ground: Eton Park
Capacity: 4,500
Last season: 14th
Player-manager: Nigel Clough
In:
Mark Robins (Sheff Wed), Michael Simpkins (Rochdale), Laurie Wilson (Sheff Wed), Martin Taylor (Telford), Chris Hall (Lincoln), Lee Ayres (Tamworth, undisclosed)
Out:
Matt Duke (Hull City, £60,000), Steve Chettle (Ilkeston), Andy Sinton, Jon Howard, Sam McMahon, Barry Williams, Lee Colkin.
BBC Sport verdict:
Having established themselves in the Conference, Nigel Clough will be looking for his side to take the next step this season.
Will have a younger line-up but it will take goals from veteran Mark Robins for the Brewers to get into the top-half of the table.
Key man:
Mark Robins
CANVEY ISLAND
Nickname: The Gulls
Ground: Park Lane
Capacity: 4,308
Last season: Ryman Premier champions (promoted)
Manager: Jeff King
In:
Matt Joseph (Leyton Orient), Jon Keeling (Hornchurch), Tony Quinton (Sutton), Dominic Sterling (Aldershot), Ben Sedgemore (Lincoln)
Out:
Micky Bennett, Paul Gibbs.
BBC Sport verdict:
Manager Jeff King has kept together squad that romped to promotion last season and the Essex club could make a big impact in their first Conference campaign.
Park Lane will be a tough place to go, as several League clubs have found out in the FA Cup in recent times, and there is no shortage of experience in the Canvey ranks.
Key man:
Junior McDougald
CARLISLE UNITED
Nickname: The Cumbrians/Blues
Ground: Brunton Park
Capacity: 16,651
Last season: 23rd in Division Three (relegated)
Manager: Paul Simpson
In:
Carlos Roca (Oldham), Karl Hawley (Walsall).
Out:
Michael Jack, Darren Kelly (Barrow), Paul Raven (Barrow), Mark Summerbell, Mark Boyd, Peter Duffield, Richie Foran, Michael Reed, Matthew Doherty (Hearts).
BBC Sport verdict:
Arguably the biggest club to have played in the Conference, the Cumbrians are a hot tip to bounce straight back to the Football League.
Paul Simpson's side are likely to make Brunton Park a fortress and should be among the frontrunners if their players adjust to Conference life.
Key man:
Brendan McGill
CRAWLEY TOWN
Nickname: The Red Devils
Ground: Broadfield Stadium
Capacity: 4,996
Last season: Dr Martens League champions (promoted)
Manager: Francis Vine
In:
Phil Smith (Margate), Charlie Mapes (Wycombe), Ian Simpemba (Wycombe), Neil Jenkins (Southend), Nick Roddis (Aldershot), Danny Davidson (Stafford).
Out:
Joff Vansittart (Sutton), Nigel Brake, Ian Payne, Justin Gregory (Stevenage), Ellis Hooper (Carshalton), Marc Pullan, Karl Ready (Farnborough).
BBC Sport verdict:
Another side to taste Conference football for the first time thanks to their Dr Martens League title success.
Manager Francis Vines has strengthened though with players from Conference and League level. Consolidation would be a decent effort first time out.
Key man: Nick Roddis
DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Nickname: The Daggers
Ground: Victoria Road
Capacity: 6,000
Last season: 13th
Manager: John Still
In:
John Taylor (Cambridge), Anwar Uddin (Bristol Rovers), Jake Leberl (Margate), Shane Blackett (Arlesey), Craig Mackail-Smith (Arlesey), Tony Boot (Slough), Lee Flynn (Stevenage), Glen Southan (Bishop's Stortford), Warren Barton (MK Dons).
Out:
Danny Shipp (Hornchurch), Steve Vaughan (Hornchurch), Paul Bruce, Glen Knight (East Thurrock United), Chris Piper (Fisher Athletic), Leon Braithwaite, Alan Kimble, Jimmy Jackson (Gravesend), Tarkan Mustafa.
BBC Sport verdict:
All change at the Daggers as manager John Still has stepped up his rebuilding in the wake of Gary Hill's departure.
Still has dipped into non-league for a number of his new faces, but also gone to the other end of the age scale for veteran striker John Taylor. Regaining past glories may have to wait a bit longer.
Key man:
Glen Southam.
EXETER CITY
Nickname: The Grecians
Ground: St James Park
Capacity: 9,036
Last season: 6th
Manager: Eamonn Dolan
In:
Jake Edwards (Yeovil)
Out:
James Coppinger (Doncaster), Dwayne Lee (Barnet), Lewis Reed, Martin Thomas.
BBC Sport verdict:
Free from most of their off-field problems, football may again be the focus at St James Park.
However, transfer restrictions have continued to limit boss Eamonn Dolan which may make a play-off challenge again the realistic target.
Key man:
Jake Edwards
FARNBOROUGH TOWN
Nickname: Boro
Ground: Cherrywood Road
Capacity: 4,900
Last season: 20th
Manager: Dean Austin
In:
Gary Holloway (Stevenage), Mar Rooney (Barnet), Craig Holloway (Arsenal), Ben Townsend (Woking), James Deacons (Wimbledon).
Out:
Karl Ready, Alex Christou, Matthew Beall, Ken Charlery, Barrington Belgrave (Lewes), Howard Forinton, Dean Green, Adie Hayes, Dominic Reece, Mark Peters, Ali Chaaban, Doudou.
BBC Sport verdict:
The revolving door policy has continued at Cherrywood Road with ex-Spurs defender Dean Austin now the man in charge.
A myriad of changes at playing level could make it a baptism of fire, although new ownership suggests a degree of financial stability.
Key man:
Nick Burton
FOREST GREEN ROVERS
Nickname: Rovers
Ground: The Lawn
Capacity: 5,141
Last season: 18th
Manager: Tim Harris
In:
Jon Holloway (Worcester City), Simon Bryant (Bristol Rovers), Ben Cleverley (Cheltenham), Tom Gould (Chippenham), Mark Beesley (Hereford), Matt Gadsby (Kidderminster), Darren Davies (Dover), Danny Greaves (Bristol Rovers), Charlie Griffin (Chippenham), Mark Danks (Hednesford), Marvin Brown (Bristol City).
Out:
Andy Rammell, Gareth Stoker (Leigh RMI), Martin Foster (Halifax Town), Kevin Langan, John Cant, Alex Meechan (Leigh RMI), Hugh McAuley (Aldershot), Chris Giannangelo, Tom Jordan, Matt Aubrey (Gloucester City, loan), Adie Adams (Bashley, loan), Mark Shaw (Tamworth).
BBC Sport verdict:
Part-time status will always be a handicap but boss Tim Harris did a good job at the end of last season.
Some big earners have gone off the wage-bill this summer while Harris has also managed a couple of shrewd signings in a bid to keep his side away from relegation danger.
Key man:
Mark Beesley
GRAVESEND AND NORTHFLEET
Nickname: Fleet
Ground: Stonebridge Road
Capacity: 3,300
Last season: 17th
Manager: Andy Ford
In:
Ben Surey (Crystal Palace), Manny Omoyinmi (Oxford Utd), Jimmy Jackson (Dag & Red), Graham Porter (Margate), Jay Saunders (Margate), Lee Protheroe (Canvey Island).
Out:
Matt Lee (Welling), Pat Gradley, Eddie McClements (Dartford), Ben Abbey, Rob Haworth, Robert Owen, Steve Perkins, Francis Duku.
BBC Sport verdict:
Manager Andy Ford will have his work cut out to better last season's impressive 11th-placed finish.
However, he has strengthened his squad with players well versed in Conference football in a bid to complete Fleet's progress and has brought back striker Manny Omoyinmi.
Key man:
Manny Omoyinmi
HALIFAX TOWN
Nickname: Shaymen
Ground: The Shay
Capacity: 6,561
Last season: 19th
Manager: Chris Wilder
In:
Ryan Sugden (Morecambe), Dean Howell (Morecambe), Ian Dunbavin (Shrewsbury), Matt Doughty (Rochdale), Martin Foster (Forest Green), Scott Willis (Lincoln C),
Out:
Colin Little, Mark Cartwright, James Dudgeon, Andy Farrell, Danny Hudson, Val Owen, Craig Parry, David Carney, Ben Thornley.
BBC Sport verdict:
After under-achieving last season, Halifax will be determined to get nearer the play-off action.
Boss Chris Wilder has gone for quality rather than quantity in his squad and with some decent signings the Shay may finally enjoy an upward curve.
Key man:
Ryan Sugden
HEREFORD UNITED
Nickname: The Bulls
Ground: Edgar Street
Capacity: 8,843
Last season: 2nd (lost in play-off semi-finals)
Manager: Graham Turner
In:
Tamika Mkandawire (West Brom), Adam Stansfield (Yeovil), Craig Stanley (Telford), Jonathan Gould (Preston, loan) Lee Mills, Mark Robinson
Out:
Matt Baker (Wrexham), Ben Smith (Shrewsbury), Steve Guinan (Cheltenham), Mark Beesley, Rob Betts, Bertrand Cozic (Northampton), Dean Craven, Jordan King, Michael Rose (Yeovil), Richard Teesdale, Andy Wells.
BBC Sport verdict:
The Bulls suffered promotion heartache last season and may struggle to shake off the hangover after losing several key players.
However, manager Graham Turner is the most experienced manager in the league and is likely to coax another play-off campaign out of his well-supported side.
Key man:
David Brown
LEIGH RMI
Nickname: The Railwaymen
Ground: Hilton Park
Capacity: 8,000
Last season: 21st
Manager: Phil Starbuck
In:
Gareth Stoker (Forest Green), Craig Mitchell (Mansfield), Carl Adams (Hucknall Town), Chris Lane (Chester), Barry Miller (Hucknall Town), Craig Gaunt (Hucknall Town), Alex Meechan (Forest Green), Martin Moran (Bolton).
Out:
David McNiven (Queen of the South), Steve Gunby, Martyn Lancaster, Wayne Maden, Steve Redmond, Carl Rezai, Paul Shepherd, Damien Whitehead.
BBC Sport verdict:
Reprieved from relegation by the misfortune of others last season, the Railwaymen could face another scrap to stay up after losing the goals of David McNiven.
Phil Starbuck has the enthusiasm to succeed in his first full season in charge but faces the age-old problem of attracting quality players.
Key man:
Barry Miller
MORECAMBE
Nickname: The Shrimpers
Ground: Christie Park
Capacity: 6,400
Last season: 7th
Manager: Jim Harvey
In:
Michael Howard (Swansea), Sean O'Connor (Queen of the South), Carl Ruffer (Chester City), Adam Sollitt (Scarborough), James Kelly (Scarborough), Michael Twiss (Chester),
Out:
Ryan Sugden (Halifax), Dean Howell (Halifax), Craig Mawson, Stewart Drummond (Chester), Shaun Garnett, Dave McKearney, Jamie Murphy.
BBC Sport verdict:
The Shrimpers dipped last season but expect them to bounce back strongly under the long-serving Jim Harvey.
Harvey has gone for proven Conference performers in his new faces and could finally deliver League football to Christie Park.
Key man:
Danny Carlton
NORTHWICH VICTORIA
Nickname: The Vics
Ground: Wincham Park (shared with Witton Albion)
Capacity: 6,000
Last season: 22nd
Manager: Steve Burr
In:
Mark Quayle (Scarborough), Paul O'Neill (Gretna, loan), Phil Hadland, Roy Hunter (Hucknall Town), Jon McCarthy (Hucknall Town) Peter Handyside (Barnsley), Paul Brayson (Cheltenham>
Out:
Chris Ward, Lee Woodyatt, Peter Wright (Altrincham), Phil Brazier (Vauxhall Motors), Colin Potts (Altrincham).
BBC Sport verdict:
Stayed up only thanks to Telford's demise and new boss Steve Burr faces a massive task to reverse fortunes.
If he can kick the losing habit and get goals out of Mark Quayle, the move into a new home in November could provide the boost to get the Vics back on track.
Key man:
Mark Quayle
SCARBOROUGH
Nickname: The Seasiders
Ground: McCain Stadium
Capacity: 5,900
Last season: 15th
Manager: Nick Henry
In:
Tony Hackworth (Notts County). Nick Heinemann (Bradford PA), Colin Cryan (Sheff Utd), Paul Foot (North Ferriby Utd), Robert Gill (Doncaster), Neil Redfearn (Rochdale), Tyrone Thompson (Huddersfield), Kevin Nicholson
Out:
Chris Bachelor, Andy Brownrigg, Stephen Capper, Mark Quayle, Karl Rose, Adam Sollitt (Morecambe), James Kelly (Morecambe), Clint Marcelle, Iain Davidson, Wayne Gill, Bertrand Ketchanke, Michael Price, Tom Raw, Jamie Sherlock, Tristram Whitman (Tamworth), Jacques Williams.
BBC Sport verdict:
Scarborough hope to turn the tide with a new management team of Nicky Henry and Neil Redfearn.
Stability off the pitch, some useful signings and a confidence-boosting pre-season may mean an overdue sustained play-off challenge.
Key man:
Colin Cryan
STEVENAGE BOROUGH
Nickname: Boro
Ground: Broadhall Way
Capacity: 6,546
Last season: 8th
Manager: Graham Westley
In:
Justin Gregory (Crawley), Matt Hocking (Boston), Dannie Bulman (Wycombe), Ritchie Hanlon (Rushden), Jon Nurse (Sutton), Craig McAllister (Basingstoke), Rob Quinn (Bristol Rovers), Andy Woodman (Oxford Utd), Brian Quailey (Tamworth), Mark Rogers (Wycombe).
Out:
Gary Holloway (Stevenage), Mark Westhead (Hornchurch), Ross Weatherstone, Mark Smith, Steve Watson (Aldershot), Nathan Bunce (Havant and Waterloovillle), Danny Carroll (Carshalton), Dean Cracknell, May E'beyer (Oxford Utd), Jamie Cook, Justin Richards, Simon Wormull, Lee Flynn (Dagenham), Dean Brennan (Grays Athletic, loan).
BBC Sport verdict:
Big things will again be expected of Stevenage and manager Graham Westley will know a play-off place is required.
Westley has packed his squad with League experience and Stevenage could at last live up to their billing and challenge for promotion.
Key man:
Anthony Elding
TAMWORTH
Nickname: The Lambs
Ground: The Lamb
Capacity: 3,410
Last season: 17th
Manager: Mark Cooper
In:
Aaron Brown, Matt Redmile (Barnet), Rory May (Lincoln City), Kyle Storer (Bedworth Utd), David Bampton (Swindon), Chad Sheppard (Birmingham), Neil Ross (Macclesfield, loan), Tristram Whitman (Scarborough), Scott Stamps (Kidderminster), Mark Shaw (Forest Green).
Out:
Richard Follett (Moor Green), Paul Barnes, Brett Darby, Dave Robinson, Mark Noon, Rob Warner (Worcester), Brian Quailey (Stevenage), Lee Ayres (Burton, undisclosed).
BBC Sport verdict:
Mark Cooper couldn't have taken on a tougher job than this for his first in management.
The ex-Birmingham midfielder will have to lead on and off the pitch with limited resources, and it will be a major achievement to keep the Lambs up.
Key man:
Mark Cooper
WOKING
Nickname: The Cards
Ground: Kingfield
Capacity: 6,000
Last season: 9th
Manager: Glenn Cockerill
In:
Shwan Jalal (Tottenham), Justin Richards (Stevenage), Stephen Evans (Brentford).
Out:
Chris Davies, Ryan Northmore, Ashley Bayes (Hornchurch), Phil Parsons, Ben Townsend (Farnborough), Izedin Harousha.
BBC Sport verdict:
Glenn Cockerill engineered an impressive revival last season and will be hoping for further progress with the core of the same squad.
Making that final step into the play-off places will be tough but is possible if the Cards can take their home form away more often.
Key man:
Justin Richards
YORK CITY
Nickname: The Minstermen
Ground: Bootham Crescent
Capacity: 9,459
Last season: 24th Division Three (relegated)
Manager: Chris Brass
In:
Shaun Smith (Rochdale), Andy Bishop (Walsall), Chris Clarke (Cambridge Utd), Gary Pearson (Darlington), Paul Robinson (Hartlepool), Paul Groves (Scunthorpe), Kevin Donovan (Rochdale), Steve Davis (Burnley).
Out:
Richard Hope (Chester).
BBC Sport verdict:
Unchartered territory for relegated York. Chris Brass's men must quickly snap out of the losing habit.
If they do that, their experienced signings suggest an instant return to the League may be a possibility via the play-offs.
Key man:
Paul Robinson
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