By Albatross
August 5 2003

Part 2 of Pools Online's preview of Hartlepool United's opponents in 2003/4 looks at Chesterfield, Colchester, Grimsby, Luton, Notts County and Oldham.

Chesterfield

Last Season: 20th
Departures: Martyn Booty, Shayne Bradley, Marcus Ebdon, Rob Edwards, Jonathan Howard, Nathan Winder
Arrivals: Ian Evatt, Gus Uhlenbeek
On the Pitch: Close to relegation last season, the Crooked Spirites conceded too many goals (73) and finished with a goal difference of -30. Both signings so far are defenders, but a better performance is required at both ends of the field if they are to survive.
Off the Pitch: The burning issue at Chesterfield is whether they should stay at the rapidly decaying Saltergate or move to a new stadium at Wheeldon Mill; meantime, money is, as at many clubs, in short supply.
The Boss Man: Roy McFarland is experienced, but his judge of players has sometimes been suspect; when at Torquay, he claimed Eifion Williams wasn't a goalscorer before selling him to Pools. Eifion will no doubt be looking to prove him wrong - again.
Watch out for: Midfielder Chris Brandon reached double figures last season; keep an eye out too for Glynn Hurst. The veteran David Reeves looks set to leave, possibly for Brentford.
Prediction: With money too tight to mention at Saltergate, Chesterfield have to be strong candidates for relegation.

Colchester United

Last Season: 12th
Departures: Mvondo Atangana, Ben Cranfield, Joe Dunne, Chris Keeble, Leke Odunsi, Kevin Rapley, Mick Stockwell, Mark Warren
Arrivals: Wayne Andrews, Phil Hadland, Andy Myers, Craig Fagan (Loan)
On the Pitch: Almost dead in the middle of the division last season, Colchester have lost the services of Mick Stockwell, who has retired, but have added Wayne Andrews from troubled Oldham. Whether Phil Hadland still has a plan for beating Pools, as he claimed while at Darlo, remains to be seen.
Off the Pitch: Colchester are another club looking to make the move to a new stadium; there doesn't seem much else to report.
The Boss Man: Phil Parkinson is new to the management game, and will be hoping to make an impression this season after taking over in February.
Watch out for: Andrews scored 11 in 28 starts for Oldham and looks set to be a danger to defences; beyond that, it may be up to the untried loanee Craig Fagan and experienced Scott McGleish.
Prediction: Not at the bottom, not at the top; another season in mid-table for the U's.

Grimsby Town

Last Season: 24th in Div1
Departures: Steve Chettle, Terry Cooke, Danny Coyne, Steve Crousden, Tony Gallimore, Steve Livingstone, Jake Sagere, George Santos, Christopher Thompson
Arrivals: Iain Anderson, Marcel Cas, Tony Crane, Aidan Davison, Des Hamilton
On the Pitch: A disasterous season for Grimsby saw them finish eleven points from safety and with a goal difference of -37. A big improvement is needed and expected.
Off the Pitch: Groves is having to operate on a reduced budget; he's been told he can have a squad of 25 and no more.
The Boss Man: Paul Groves survived relegation, and knows he needs to see his side do a lot better this time out.
Watch out for: No-one even came close to double figures for Grimsby last season; the Mariners will be hoping for goals from late arrival Michael Boulding and midfielder Stuart Campbell.
Prediction: I think Grimsby will finish in the top half without seriously troubling the playoff contenders.

Luton Town

Last Season: 9th
Departures: Carl Emberson, Carl Griffiths, Peter Holmes, Duncan Jupp, Alan Kimble, Mark Ovendale, Aaron Skelton
Arrivals: None as yet (4/8/03)
On the Pitch: A creditable ninth place following their promotion the previous season should be seeing them challenging at the right end of the table; however....
Off the Pitch: Where do you start? Club sold to a mystery consortium, Kinnear and Harford sacked, the person in charge having previous at Bedford Rugby Club, a crippling wage bill, a transfer embargo, a ridiculous "Manager Idol" phone poll, players leaving, administration... although John Gurney may no longer at the club, there are still big problems off the pitch.
The Boss Man: Mike Newell needs no introduction, and this will make our games against them have more than a little spice.
Watch out for: Former Poolie Steve Howard showed his season as top scorer in Div3 was no flash in the plan with more than 20 last season; also keep an eye on Tony Thorpe, provided they aren't sold.
Prediction: It's hard to say what might happen; but unless someone comes in and injects funds into the club I can see them struggling against relegation.

Notts County

Last Season: 15th
Departures: Danny Allsop, Saul Deeney, Richard Holmes, Craig Ireland, Richard Liburd, Ian Richardson, Danny Stone
Arrivals: None as yet (4/8/03)
On the Pitch: Comfortably safe last season, but this season may depend on when they are allowed to sign players to build up the squad.
Off the Pitch: Administration, transfer embargo, a takeover... things are looking a little brighter, but they need to get the embargo lifted and soon. Players are lined up, including Clive Platt apparently, but as things stand they are likely to struggle early in the season at least.
The Boss Man: Billy Dearden did a great job at Mansfield, and now has Steve Parkin to assist him.
Watch out for: Mark Stallard hit 25 goals last season, and Paul Heffernan also reached double figures.
Prediction: I can see them finishing in a similar position to last season - but they need that embargo lifted and soon.

Oldham Athletic

Last Season: 5th
Departures: Wayne Andrews, Chris Armstrong, Tony Carss, Carlo Corazzin, Lee Duxbury, Shaun Garnett, Wayne Gill, Fitz Hall, Clint Hill, Josh Low, David Miskelly, Duncan Roberts, John Sheridan, Ben Smith
Arrivals: None as yet (4/8/03)
On the Pitch: Defeat in the playoffs, and a good season for Iain Dowie's team last time out; but the summer has seen that side broken up, and it's going to be a long, hard season at Boundary Park.
Off the Pitch: When Chris Moore pulled the plug financially, it was almost the end for Oldham. Clinging on by their fingernails, and a number of key players leaving, the fans will probably be happy just to have a team still there.
The Boss Man: Ian Dowie may be no oil painting, but he's proving to be an astute manager so far. Whether he can help the side recover after having the heart ripped out of it is another matter.
Watch out for: Clive Wijnhard may well be their leading forward, and Latics fans will be hoping that the 39 year old David Eyres can produce another vintage season.
Prediction: It's hard to see anything other than relegation - unless Dowie can get the Dunkirk spirit going in the dressing room, or someone throws a lot of money at them.