2010-2011 Free League Two Preview

Tue, Aug 3, 2010

By Neil Hubbard

OUTRIGHT

Over the last couple of seasons money has talked in League 2. 2008 saw Mk Dons and Peterborough dominate whilst twelve months ago Notts County were the talk of the town. Although the season finished with a new look County set-up the fact remains that the seeds were sown when the cash was splashed.

2010-11 may just be different though. At first glance there doesn’t seem to be one side that stands head and shoulders above the opposition with the financial clout to build further. As a result, 24 sides head into the season with the favourites, Bradford City, general 10/1 shots. Peter Taylor is no stranger to successful promotion campaigns, he has achieved five promotions since becoming a manager, and his side seemed to really respond to him when he took over the reins early in 2010. Tom Doherty has been brought in over the summer, a signing that gives strength and leadership to the midfield, and it’s not hard to see why they head ante-post lists. However, they’re no stranger to failing to live up to lofty expectations, they were 10/1 3rd favourites last year, and with the league looking so open there is surely better value to be had by looking elsewhere. Relegated sides Gillingham and WYCOMBE are prominent in the betting and the boys from Adams Park could be the ones to trust. Manager Gary Waddock joined after leaving his post at Aldershot and although he couldn’t stop the fall back into the basement division there was plenty of hope to be gleaned from his time in charge in the higher league. Although initially taking time to make his point, the Chairboys finished with just five defeats in their last 17 games which isn’t too bad for a side that ultimately finished the campaign in 22nd place. Scott Rendell has been bought from Peterborough and having scored 13 goals whilst on loan at Torquay last year hopes will be high that his goals can fire them to an immediate return to League 1, his partnership with fellow new boy Ben Strevens could be key. They have experience in the squad with central defender Chris Westwood who is well versed in promotion from this league and hopes should be high for a decent season for the boys from Buckinghamshire.

Port Vale, Chesterfield, Northampton and Rotherham should all be thereabouts once again but it could be worth taking a punt on Conference play-off winners OXFORD. After finally regaining their league status Chris Wilder’s men will be keen to build on last season’s successes. The goals of striker James Constable will once again be key and he should be full of confidence, but it was defensively where Oxford really stood out last year. They conceded a miserly ten home goals all season and 31 overall. It will be difficult to reap that feat but somewhere close should see Oxford in the promotion picture.

Bettrends Advice:

Wycombe – 12/1 (bwin), 11/1 (general)

Oxford – 16/1 (general)

HANDICAP

The handicap betting on League 2 is always a happy hunting ground on account that normally a big priced team will finish in or around the playoffs. This looks no different as both TORQUAY and BURTON ALBION fit the bill. The Gulls have been steadily backed for League 2 title glory since the markets opened (40s into general 20/1 shots) and it’s easy to see why based upon their storming finish to last season. An eight match unbeaten run included a remarkable seven clean sheets and six wins. It is perhaps wise to not get too carried away by that but at the same time a play-off push looks possible and that should ensure a decent handicap performance. Paul Peschisolido’s side were the definition of mid-table last year – their league position never varying further than 7th to 15th. However, they scored a remarkable 71 goals last season – only Notts County (Champions), Rochdale (3rd) and Morecambe (4th) managed more and if they can tighten things up at the back (they shipped 70 last year) then they too look capable of outperforming their title odds. However, like with Torquay, a strong handicap show is maybe the best way of catching them.

Bettrends Advice:

Torquay +13pts – 18/1 (Ladbrokes)

Burton Albion +19pts – 18/1 (Ladbrokes)

RELEGATION

The bookmakers don’t seem to be giving too much away looking at the relegation market with the typical candidates (Accrington Stanley and Macclesfield) leading the way. However, Victor Chandler look to have taken a chance by quoting CHELTENHAM at 7/1. Mark Yates’ side survived dropping out the league by just 4pts last term and had a goal difference that was only better than Lincoln (20th), and the two relegated sides. Top scorer Justin Richards has left to join Port Vale and that spells trouble for a side that managed just 10 wins throughout the whole of the last campaign.

Bettrends Advice:

Cheltenham to be relegated – 7/1 (Victor Chandler)

TOP SCORER

Adam Le Fondre is solid at the head of the market for top scorer and it’s hard to argue with that. He looks certain to get in amongst the goals once again, providing Rotherham can keep hold of him as they suffered the blow of losing Rueben Reid just before the start of last season. However, at a bigger price he could be given a run for his money by the potentially exciting TADGH PURCELL. Northampton were quick to sign him up once Darlington had been relegated and they could have found themselves a little gem. Having joined the Quakers in January 2010 Purcell netted an impressive 9 goals in 22 appearances for the rock bottom side, a figure made more impressive when you consider the team only scored 33 all season. With Adebayo Akinfenwa having left the Cobblers the stage is set for Purcell to grab the limelight..

Bettrends Advice:

Tadgh Purcell top scorer – 25/1 (Coral), 20/1 (general)