Division One runners and riders

BBC Sport Online runs the rule over the sides challenging for glory in Nationwide Division One when the season kicks off on 11 August.

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BARNSLEY
Nigel Spackman had time to assess his team at the end of last season and has made four solid signings over the summer. Kevin Donovan, who impressed last season for Grimsby, is expected to provide the ammunition - but with Neil Shipperley having left, who is going to pull the trigger for the Tykes?
Prediction: Mid-table at best
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BIRMINGHAM CITY
Having had money to spend in the close season, Trevor Francis knows the pressure is now on for him to finally deliver after going close for the last three seasons. Must go up or time is running out for Francis.
Prediction: Play-offs again
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BRADFORD CITY
Jim Jefferies has retained most of the squad that was relegated from the Premiership last season in the belief that they have gained the necessary experience to bounce straight back up. Will be certain to finish in the top six if they can rediscover the fighting spirit of 1999/2000.
Prediction: Title contenders
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BURNLEY
A good start should ensure at least a top 10 finish after last season's impressive return to the First Division but a string of injuries would see Ternent's relatively small squad pushed to the limit.
Prediction: Play-off contenders
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COVENTRY CITY
Julian Joachim and Phil Masinga have arrived, but John Hartson, Mustapha Hadji, John Aloisi and Craig Bellamy have all left. This leaves the Sky Blues needing to add some depth if they are to bounce straight back from relegation. Their vast experience of top-flight football should make Coventry play-off contenders at least.
Prediction: Nationwide stint should be short-lived
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CREWE
Injury to young striker Dean Ashton on the eve of the season is a huge blow to Crewe's hopes. Ashton and Rob Hulse forged an impressive partnership in the latter part of last season, and the sooner they are back together the better for the Railwaymen.
Prediction: Another tough season
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CRYSTAL PALACE
After failing to bring success to Sheffield United and Huddersfield, Steve Bruce will once again try to prove his management credentials in Division One. One of his biggest battles will be keeping hold of young striker Clinton Morrison, who has been attracting interest from bigger clubs. Should avoid a repeat of last season's relegation struggle.
Prediction: Season of consolidation
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Marlon King could be key for the Gills this season

GILLINGHAM
Many expected Gillingham to struggle in Division One last season, but, against the odds, Andy Hessenthaler made his side difficult to beat and in Marlon King appears to have found a real gem in attack. May find it more difficult this season as other teams become aware of their strengths.
Prediction: A tough season in prospect
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GRIMSBY
Lennie Lawrence once again pulled off his Houdini-style escape from relegation. But there have been a number of players leaving Blundell Park and so far only two coming in. It could be a long season for the Mariners with the relegation trapdoor looming once again.
Prediction: Relegation strugglers
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MANCHESTER CITY
With their huge, loyal support they will certainly not lack backing and with Keegan's motivational qualities and proven track record at winning promotion, City must be among the favourites for a quick return to the top flight. Much will be expected of Eyal Berkovic, while Danny Tiatto is sure to be a key man.
Prediction: May have to rely on the play-offs
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MILLWALL
After dominating Division Two for the majority of the season, Mark McGhee's priority must be to secure First Division football. However, with last season's top scorer Neil Harris undergoing treatment for cancer and not expected to return until at least October, goals may that little bit harder to come by.
Prediction: Should stay up
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NORWICH
An influx of new blood at Carrow Road should see an improvement on last season for Norwich. Mark Rivers (Crewe), Neil Emblen (Wolves), Clint Easton (Watford) and Paul Crichton (Burnley) will provide competition in an already capable squad.
Prediction: Mid-table
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST
With David Platt's sudden departure to manage the England Under-21s, new boss Paul Hart has been thrust into the limelight from his youth academy job. With Hart learning his trade and having to put his whole squad up for sale, Forest are unlikely to improve on last season.
Prediction: Unlikely to challenge

Prosinecki could be an inspired signing for Pompey

PORTSMOUTH
Only stayed up on the final day of last season, but now look to have too much quality to struggle again and could even challenge for the play-offs. The signing of Robert Prosinecki could prove inspired if he fancies the challenge.
Prediction: Top half
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PRESTON NORTH END
Preston took the First Division by storm and were only 90 minutes away from achieving their second successive promotion to make a dream return to the Premiership. Will no doubt face a backlash from so-called `bigger clubs' they upset last season, making David Moyes' decision to stay at Deepdale vital.
Prediction: Play-offs again would be a success
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ROTHERHAM
Ronnie Moore is considered to be one of the top managers in the Nationwide after helping Rotherham achieve back-to-back promotions. But the gulf between each division is growing all the time, and Rotherham may struggle to avoid relegation this term.
Prediction: Division Two is calling you
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SHEFFIELD UNITED
Neil Warnock's teams have always been well organised and hard to play against, but the Blades chief has introduced players who have the ability to turn a game - and they have a good chance of making the play-offs. Paul Peschisolido and Carl Asaba will prove a handful for any defence this season.
Prediction: Top half
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SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Peter Shreeves did remarkably well to guide Wednesday to safety last term, but the club's inactivity in the transfer market will not help their chances of finishing in the top half of the division. A mid-table position is the best the Owls can hope for this season.
Prediction: Mid-table
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STOCKPORT COUNTY
Although County spent a lot of last season in the bottom half of the table they pulled off several notable wins, including beating Fulham 2-0 on New Year's Day. But Division One survival was still in jeopardy during the run-in and another season of struggle could well be on the cards.
Prediction: Likely to struggle
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WALSALL
Graydon may be one of the most respected and sought-after managers in the game, but the chances of his team troubling the top six are slim. The Saddlers will be glad just to consolidate their First Division status, something they failed to do on their last appearance at this level.
Prediction: Will do well to stay up
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Vialli's Watford are one of the favourites for promotion

WATFORD
Having faded badly and missed out on even a play-off place last season, the minimum requirement for Gianluca Vialli is a top-seven finish. Ramon Vega's presence should help shore up a defence which had the fourth-worst home record in the division, while Stephen Glass and Stephen Hughes will bring more experience to the side. One of the favourites for automatic promotion.
Prediction: Could be back in the big time
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WEST BROMWICH ALBION
After a season where they exceeded all expectations, West Brom must now prove it was no flash in the pan. In Gary Megson they have a manager capable of getting the best from his players, but much will depend on Lee Hughes, whose future at the club is uncertain.
Prediction: Will do well to make the play-offs again
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WIMBLEDON
Late-season run almost pushed Wimbledon into the play-offs but they need a good start if they are to challenge for promotion. David Connolly, signed from Dutch side Feyenoord, has the task of filling the boots of Jason Euell, now at Charlton, who scored 20 goals last season.
Prediction: Should make the play-offs
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WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Wolves have tried and failed many times to reach the Premiership and were not even close to a play-off place last season. Dave Jones will aim to put that right in his first full season in charge. With £10m to spend on new players, they are a good bet to reach the play-offs this time around.
Prediction: A play-off place would be a result
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