Division Three runners and riders

BBC Sport Online runs the rule over the Division Three hopefuls ahead of the new Nationwide League season which begins on 11 August.

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BRISTOL ROVERS
The return of Gerry Francis has lifted spirits at Rovers following the disappointment of relegation last term. Francis has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes and will be hoping familiar faces ensure the good start which could be crucial to Rovers' chances.
Prediction: Play-offs

CARLISLE UNITED
Another season of struggle beckons, especially following the departure of manager Ian Atkins and star striker Scott Dobie. Perennial relegation candidates and no reason why that should change.
Prediction: No escape this time

CHELTENHAM TOWN
Steve Cotterill has made some shrewd signings, including Steve Jones from Swansea and goalkeeper Carl Muggleton from Stoke and that could help them take the extra step towards the play-offs.
Prediction: Play-offs

DARLINGTON

Neil Maddison is a key signing for Darlington

The Quakers made an impressive signing in the shape of former Middlesbrough and Southampton midfielder Neil Maddison, but that may not be enough to get them higher than mid-table. Manager Gary Bennett would settle for that though, after last year's disappointing 20th place.
Prediction: Mid-table

EXETER
If Noel Blake's side start this season the way they finished the last, they could push for a play-off place. Experienced striker Sean McCarthy and midfielder Martin Barlow should ensure a mid-table finish at worst.
Prediction: Mid-table

HALIFAX
Manager Paul Bracewell is looking to resurrect his own managerial career as well as the Shaymen's fortunes. The two go hand-in-hand and several new signings should ensure that relegation is never a threat.
Prediction: Mid-table

HARTLEPOOL
Having made the play-offs and not gone up for the past two seasons, Hartlepool are hoping to make it third time lucky. Boss Chris Turner has made four new signings and a top-seven finish beckons again.
Prediction: Play-offs

HULL CITY
Boss Brian Little has made no fewer than 13 signings this summer and released seven as he rings the changes at Boothferry Park. Having reached the play-offs despite on-field problems last year, Hull should gain automatic promotion this time.
Prediction: Champions

KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS
Consolidated well last season and should be comfortable again, but the addition of three new faces may not be enough to catapault them to a play-off place. Sam Shilton may hold the key to tipping the balance.
Prediction: Top half

LEYTON ORIENT
With last season's top scorer Carl Griffiths having joined rivals Luton, Orient will have to hope that youngster Jabo Ibehre fulfils the potential he showed after breraking into the side last term. Ahmet Brkovic has also left and the O's may struggle to secure a third successive play-off place.
Prediction: Mid-table

LINCOLN CITY
Former Grimsby boss Alan Buckley has raided his old club for three new signings this summer, including Kingsley Black. His experience should help ensure that the Imps do not flirt with trouble again this season, though a top-half finish is probably the best Buckley can hope for.
Prediction: Mid-table

LUTON TOWN
Joe Kinnear's arrival came too late to fight off relegation last term, but his experience and some shrewd signings could soon see them bounce straight back. Adrian Forbes and Carl Griffiths are the pick of the new boys and an automatic promotion spot beckons.
Prediction: Promotion

MACCLESFIELD TOWN
Silkmen boss Gil Prescott has signed two and lost six and last season's mid-table finish would probably do fine again this year. But a bad start could see Town struggling to avoid being sucked into a relegation scrap.
Prediction: Bottom half

MANSFIELD TOWN

Chris Greenacre is Mansfield's main man

Mansfield have lost playmaker Darrell Clarke to Hartlepool, but added two youngsters from Premiership sides in Chelsea's Stuart Reddington and Blackburn starlet Michael Bingham. If Chris Greenacre can reproduce his goalscoring form of last season, Town could improve on last season's position.
Prediction: Mid-table

OXFORD UNITED
The first team in the Nationwide League to be relegated last season, but there is a much more positive feel now with a new stadium, new manager, new players and new hope. Should make the play-offs at least but Mark Wright can go one better in his first season in charge.
Prediction: Runners-up

PLYMOUTH
If Paul Sturrock's side can reproduce their fine home form on the road then Plymouth will be in with a shout of the play-offs. The former Dundee United and St Johnstone boss used his Scottish connections to bring in highly-rated Graham Coughlan during the summer and that could prove crucial.
Prediction: Play-off push

ROCHDALE
Rochdale were desperately unlucky not to be involved in the play-offs after a superb season last year. Steve Parkin has built a useful squad at Spotland. With the pitch problems that hampered their run-in sorted, a top seven place is a realistic target.
Prediction: Play-off push

RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

Brian Talbot leads Rushden into the League

Warren Patmore and Tony Pennock have arrived from Yeovil to boost last season's Conference champions. Anything above a mid-table finish would be counted a success but in Brian Talbot they have a manager capable of taking them a little further.
Prediction: Play-off push

SCUNTHORPE
Brian Laws' injury-hit squad just missed out on a play-off spot last season. With Nigel Pepper on his way to recovery from a broken leg, and the addition of Carl Bradshaw and the experienced Peter Beagrie, Laws' side may just take the extra step.
Prediction: Play-offs

SHREWSBURY TOWN
Having finished below mid-table last season, Kevin Ratcliffe's side may struggle to improve much on that. Some new faces but the same old story.
Prediction: Bottom half

SOUTHEND UNITED
The Shrimpers have made steady progress under Dave Webb and some shrewd transfer activity could see them take a giant step forward this term. Could challenge for the play-offs if they make the right start.
Prediction: Top half

SWANSEA CITY
Relegated from Division Two then sold for a pound, Swansea's plight worsened when a number of players deserted the ship. Still have a strong squad and could challenge if they quickly shake off their depression.
Prediction: Top half

TORQUAY
New manager Roy McFarland admits he has got a lot of work to do to turn Torquay's fortunes around after the Gulls secured survival on the final day of last season. A small step forward would signal giant progress.
Prediction: Bottom half

YORK CITY
Terry Dolan's men staged a remarkable recovery to lift themselves from the foot of the division last season. But Dolan has not been very active during the summer and although he will have a couple of players coming back from long-term injuries, a mid-table position is probably the best the Minstermen can hope for.
Prediction: Bottom half