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Forest Green - Last season 10th, Bookies 9/1 4th= - The injection of cash from Dale "Abramo" Vince has seen a string of talented forwards arrive, but at the cost of losing veteran clubmen Trevor Horsley and Colin Peake. The quaint family feel of Forest Green has departed for a new-age vegetarian menu, robot lawnmower, and solar panelling. Vince has stamped the club with his image like a slightly greener North Korea but, as always, doubts remain how quickly the eco electricity millionaire will get bored if the team don't match his highly focused attitude.
Gateshead - Last season 8th, Bookies 66/1 13th= - If they had retained top scorer Jon Shaw in the summer, Gateshead would probably be looking at a nailed on play-off place. Replacement James Brown will have to shake off his injury problems of the past several seasons to come anywhere close to the 28 league goals scored by Shaw last term. Elsewhere, the Heed have strengthened admirably, bringing in experienced pair Chris Bush and Glenn Wilson in defence, and Adam Bartlett in goal. Unfortunately, they may well be that striker short of a decent challenge.
Grimsby - Last season 11th, Bookies 9/1 4th= - Joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have rebuilt and refocused their squad since inheriting a box of frogs that still hadn't got over the Football League relegation. Between Liam Hearn, Anthony Elding, and Andy Cook they have 60 goals from last season and they have good experience backing it up in midfield. Should be there or thereabouts in April.
Hereford - Last season L2 23rd (r), Bookies 25/1 8th - Having dodged the bullet 12 months before, the Bulls quickly accepted their fate in May. Once Richard O'Kelly made his decision to leave, no time was wasted in appointing Martin Foyle to get on with the rebuilding job. His knowledge of the Conference has allowed for a very successful financial juggling act to be done to build a passable squad. Doubts remain over the forward line, currently lacking depth and experience, but if they are the pieces to the puzzle Foyle was looking for then anything could happen with a squad that failed last season due to the management rather than the personnel.
Hyde - Last season 1st Conf North (p), Bookies 300/1 23rd= - With manager Gary Lowe quitting within weeks of promotion due to disputes over the budget for this season, this season was always expected to be hard for Hyde. Lowe complained the budget wasn't competitive, and the part-timers could very well end up being the whipping boys if that is true. Much of last season's squad remains under rookie boss Scott McNiven, while his one major signing so far is that of veteran striker Phil Jevons - largely a flop at Morecambe but a danger in the box none the less.
Kidderminster - Last season 6th, Bookies 20/1 7th - Steve Burr usually delves into the depths of non-league to do the large part of his summer shopping, but has had the fortune this summer to be able to poach from other Conference sides. Defenders Keith Briggs and Exodus Geoghaghon need no introduction to this level, while winger Ricky Shakes was acquired from Ebbsfleet. Young striker Anthony Malbon, a one time Port Vale trainee, netted 8 times in 17 games after arriving in January from the Evo-Stik league and has the expectation to go far this term.
Gateshead - Last season 8th, Bookies 66/1 13th= - If they had retained top scorer Jon Shaw in the summer, Gateshead would probably be looking at a nailed on play-off place. Replacement James Brown will have to shake off his injury problems of the past several seasons to come anywhere close to the 28 league goals scored by Shaw last term. Elsewhere, the Heed have strengthened admirably, bringing in experienced pair Chris Bush and Glenn Wilson in defence, and Adam Bartlett in goal. Unfortunately, they may well be that striker short of a decent challenge.
Grimsby - Last season 11th, Bookies 9/1 4th= - Joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have rebuilt and refocused their squad since inheriting a box of frogs that still hadn't got over the Football League relegation. Between Liam Hearn, Anthony Elding, and Andy Cook they have 60 goals from last season and they have good experience backing it up in midfield. Should be there or thereabouts in April.
Hereford - Last season L2 23rd (r), Bookies 25/1 8th - Having dodged the bullet 12 months before, the Bulls quickly accepted their fate in May. Once Richard O'Kelly made his decision to leave, no time was wasted in appointing Martin Foyle to get on with the rebuilding job. His knowledge of the Conference has allowed for a very successful financial juggling act to be done to build a passable squad. Doubts remain over the forward line, currently lacking depth and experience, but if they are the pieces to the puzzle Foyle was looking for then anything could happen with a squad that failed last season due to the management rather than the personnel.
Hyde - Last season 1st Conf North (p), Bookies 300/1 23rd= - With manager Gary Lowe quitting within weeks of promotion due to disputes over the budget for this season, this season was always expected to be hard for Hyde. Lowe complained the budget wasn't competitive, and the part-timers could very well end up being the whipping boys if that is true. Much of last season's squad remains under rookie boss Scott McNiven, while his one major signing so far is that of veteran striker Phil Jevons - largely a flop at Morecambe but a danger in the box none the less.
Kidderminster - Last season 6th, Bookies 20/1 7th - Steve Burr usually delves into the depths of non-league to do the large part of his summer shopping, but has had the fortune this summer to be able to poach from other Conference sides. Defenders Keith Briggs and Exodus Geoghaghon need no introduction to this level, while winger Ricky Shakes was acquired from Ebbsfleet. Young striker Anthony Malbon, a one time Port Vale trainee, netted 8 times in 17 games after arriving in January from the Evo-Stik league and has the expectation to go far this term.
