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Features

Big guns target promotion

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 06/08/2009

League One welcomes Norwich City, Charlton Athletic and Southampton this season after their relegation from the Championship.

With Leeds United still in the division after two failed play-off attempts in the last two seasons, there are some mouth-watering contests for many clubs to look forward to.

Many expect Norwich, on the back of many summer signings, notably the big-money captures of Grant Holt from Shrewsbury Town and Simon Whaley from Preston, to last the pace and they will be supported by their forever faithful following.

Charlton still have class throughout their squad and the recent acquisition of former Scotland centre-back Christian Dailly will add some steel to their backline.

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Southampton, on the other hand, have to contend with a ten-point deduction for financial irregularities last season but they should be good enough to work their way up the table.

MK Dons and Millwall will still threaten as they did last season before failing in the play-offs.

Leeds United, who have kept hold of Jermaine Beckford but recently sold Fabian Delph to Aston Villa, will have no excuses if they don't win promotion at the third time of asking since their relegation from the Championship.

Huddesrfield Town have offered manager Lee Clark plenty of flexibility in the transfer market and he will be under pressure to improve on last season's mediocre finish.

The teams that were promoted from League Two, Brentford, Wycombe, Exeter City and Gillingham, may well struggle with the gulf in class, while Leyton Orient, Hartlepool and Yeovil, strugglers last time out, will be looking to start afresh this term.

Carlisle United, dramatic final-day survivors last season, have lost many first-team players in the summer and could be heading for the trapdoor.

Colchester United have shown some ambition by spending during the summer and local rivals Southend will also be looking to make a marked improvement.

Stockport County appear to be most peoples' favourites for the drop after losing many first-team regulars as well as their Messiah-like manager Jim Gannon, and could well struggle with their young squad.

Oldham Athletic, Bristol Rovers and Walsall should be looking to compete around mid-table. Brighton, who have raided Stockport for James Tunnicliffe and Gary Dicker, could be the outsiders for grabbing a play-off place.

Newcomers Exeter City face online favourites for the title, Leeds United, at Elland Road on the opening day of the season while Norwich City face Colchester.

Southampton have a tasty opener at home to Millwall and Charlton challenge fellow League One newcomers Wycombe.

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