Opposition Preview: Part 2

Darlington - 14/1 - Behind the scenes ructions between the manager and board threatened to blunt their preparations, but with all that behind them David Hodgson appears to have assembled a reasonable squad. Swiss striker Gaetano Giallanza, who scored five in ten starts for Norwich a few years back, and French midfielder Kalusivikako Ngoma appear to be expensive signings for a Darlo side that expects much of the coming season.
Grimsby - 14/1 - The play-off defeat in May cost them a manager and several players, but new boss Graham Rodger is confident and has assembled a strong squad. New faces include 41 year old Peter Beagrie, who hopes to clock up his 800th senior appearance this season.
Hartlepool - 14/1 - Relegated last season, the Monkey Hangers will be looking to come back at the first attempt. Striker Adam Boyd and winger Tom Butler are both about to be sold, and replacements may be late in arriving. With that pair, 11 players will have departed since May but it still leaves a hefty 27 man squad that will need instant success.
Lincoln - 25/1 - The departure of Keith Alexander, and a couple of players, to Peterboro, as well as losing several others has seen Lincoln - three times play-off losers - considered to be also-rans this time round. Both strikers that featured in the last play-off match, Simon Yeo and Marvin Robinson, have departed as well as influential midfielder Jamie McCombe and defender Gareth McAuley.
Macclesfield - 50/1 - Quite possible operating the smallest budget in the league, and lucky to still be going after being found guilty on misappropriating Football Foundation funds, Macclesfield are likely to have another hard slog ahead of them this time. New strikers Marvin Robinson, with 11 clubs in 8 years, and Colin Heath, once the next big thing at Old Trafford, both have points to prove.

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