By Albatross
August 3 2005

The next four of Hartlepool United's rivals to be previewed ahead of the 2005/6 season are Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Port Vale and Rotherham United. Who's in, who's out, and what's been going on over the close season?

Nottingham Forest Last Season: 23rd in Division 1 (Relegated)
In: Ian Breckin, Nicky Eaden, Gary Holt, Gino Padula, Rune Pederson, Nicky Southall
Out: James Biggins, Chris Doig, Jon-Olav Hjelde, Andy Impey, Eoin Jess, Matthieu Louis-Jean, John Lukic, Marlon King (Loan), Darryl Powell, Gregor Robertson, Barry Roche, Craig Westcarr
Shake it all about: Still coming to terms with relegation, many Forest fans are wondering if they'll climb back up at the first attempt. Optimism doesn't seem that high at present.
Manager: Gary Megson
Megson has a big task on his hands: Forest were atrocious for much of last sesaon and although he seems to have the defence fairly well sorted out now there are still doubts about the forward line - to the extent that the out-of-favour David Johnson is set for a recall. Likely to be hard to beat, but is it enough to make them challengers? I think it will be.
Predicted Finish: 3rd

Oldham Athletic Last Season: 19th
In: Luke Beckett (Loan), Richard Butcher, Chris Day, Paul Edwards, Terrell Forbes, Andy Liddell, Gareth Owen, Chris Porter, Rob Scott, Chris Swailes, Paul Warne, Richie Wellens
Out: Kevin Betsy, John Eyre, Dean Holden, Jermaine Johnson, Steve Mildenhall, Scott Vernon
Shake it all about: A revolving door must have been fitted given all the arrivals and departures over the Summer; meanwhile plans to charge Away fans more than Home haven't been popular with travelling supporters at other clubs. Apparently we'll get the best view and facilities in the ground - though whether that will include the band on duty at last year's League fixture remains to be seen.
Manager: Ronnie Moore
Moore has brought in some players he knows well and several others that should be able to perform well at this level. An injury to Luke Beckett hasn't helped his preparations, but better is expected by the fans. How big the improvement is may depend on how quickly the squad gels together but they should be looking at the right end of the table again after a couple of poor seasons.
Predicted Finish: 8th

Port Vale Last Season: 18th
In: Mickey Bell, Tony Dinning, Hector Sam, Danny Sonner
Out: Joe Anyon, Ian Armstrong, Ryan Brown, Simon Eldershaw, Christian Hanson, Dave Hibbert, Daniel Holmes, Tony Naylor, Andy Porter, Levi Reid, Simon Robinson, Tommy Widdrington
Shake it all about: The tribunal that will decide the fee for Dave Hibbert's move to Preston, lingering resentment against the Council, and continuing fund-raising efforts seem to have been the main occupations over the summer.
Manager: Martin Foyle
Last season was a disappointment after just missing out on the playoffs to us the year before; some improvement is expected from Vale Legend Martin Foyle. However while the players signed so far are experienced at this level they look to me to be solid rather than spectacular and won't turn Vale into a radically stronger outfit.
Predicted Finish: 18th

Rotherham United Last Season: 24th in Division 1 (Relegated)
In: Deon Burton, Colin Murdock, Jon Otsemobor, Lee Williamson, David Worrell
Out: Darren Garner, Martin McIntosh, Mike Pollitt, Michael Proctor, Rob Scott, Chris Swailes, Paul Warne
Shake it all about: Following disasterous relegation, the building of a new Main Stand and a saga about the departure (or otherwise) of Pukka Pies have attracted attention at Millmoor.
Manager: Mick Harford
Can Rotherham turn things round after last season's abject misery? Money remains tight at Millmoor, and Harford has his work cut out. A number of last season's under-performers need to stand up and be counted if the Millers are to avoid even more trouble; but with a number of departures, it looks set to be a very hard season.
Predicted Finish: 21st