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Last Updated: Monday, 2 August, 2004, 16:43 GMT 17:43 UK
Ones to watch - League Two

By Chris Bevan

The League's bottom tier is traditionally its most open division, and it is again difficult to predict who will be among the frontrunners this year.

An intriguing mixture of old pros and up-and-coming stars will be on display over the next few months, trying to recapture old glories or forge their reputations.

BBC Sport spotlights six players who could have a telling impact over the coming season.

MICHAEL BRANCH (Chester)

Michael Branch

At 25, Michael Branch's career should really have taken off by now.

That it hasn't is a mystery to anyone who has seen the frontman at any of the seven clubs he has spent time at.

Full of running, and lightning quick to boot, the former England Under-21 striker is overdue a good season - and Chester may just reap the dividends.

Branch, bought from cash-strapped Bradford by ambitious City, will be too sharp for most League Two defences, and the goals should roll in.

PAUL GASCOIGNE (Boston)

Paul Gascoigne

It is fair to say that few expected the final hurrah of Paul Gascoigne's chequered playing career would see him turning out for Boston.

But at 37, and after two seasons out of the English game, Gazza is back.

Whether he will be up to the rigours of League Two - or how long this comeback will last - remains to be seen.

But Gascoigne's mere presence will inspire his less able team-mates and even at his advanced age he remains capable of sublime moments of skill.

RHYS DAY (Mansfield)

Rhys Day

A commanding defender, Rhys Day's leadership skills came to the fore in Mansfield's run to the play-off final last season.

The Welsh Under-21 international, who turns 22 at the end of August, rejected a summer offer from Hartlepool to stay on at Field Mill.

A slight lack of pace may hamper his progress in the higher divisions.

But at this level the former Manchester City trainee is solid as a rock, and will be the foundation for The Stags' bid to win promotion come May.

LEE BRADBURY (Oxford)

Lee Bradbury

Strikers who once cost £3m usually only end up in the basement division at the tail-end of their careers but at 29 Lee Bradbury is arguably at his peak.

Since that ill-fated move from Portsmouth to Manchester City in 1997, Bradbury has led a nomadic career.

His old Pompey boss Graham Rix signed him for Oxford from Walsall in June.

And if he sparks with new striker partner Tommy Mooney, a confident Bradbury should show he is too good for this level of football.

JAY SMITH (Southend)

Jay Smith

Jay Smith is due a break - but the diminutive Southend midfielder would probably be happier to avoid one.

The 22-year-old sat out the second half of last season after suffering a fractured ankle in February.

The ex-Aston Villa trainee has had more than his fair share of injuries since joining the Shrimpers in 2002, but when fit, his quality shines through.

Happy with the ball at his feet, and with an eye for goal too, he should be Southend's driving force this season.

LEE TRUNDLE (Swansea)

Lee Trundle

After scoring 22 goals for Swansea last season, Lee Trundle is unlikely to take any defences by surprise over the coming months.

Stopping him from adding to his tally will be another matter entirely though.

His poaching powers are proven at this level, but again it appears injuries will be his biggest obstacle.

Trundle was sidelined for large chunks of last term and Swansea's hopes of featuring at the top of the table rest heavily on his fitness.




ALSO IN THIS SECTION Rochdale v Morecambe
Bournemouth v Torquay
Chesterfield v Rotherham
Dag & Red v Cheltenham

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