Post by dinokea on Jul 7, 2024 6:20:39 GMT 1
1895-96 Division Two Preview
Bury
The favourites to win the league are a side that have just been elected into the Division One, as Gigg Lane looks like it will be the next home of the Division Two title, having already collected up the Pub League title last season. Very good side that is an exciting prospect for the Division.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Obviously unhappy following their relegation Wolves have looked to improve their squad during the off-season to make sure that they will be fighting for promotion this season. As it stands, they looks like they should be in the mix for promotion, although with fierce competition behind them it is certainly not a guarantee.
Crewe Alexandra
One of three sides remaining from the inaugural Football Alliance, Crewe have had a variety of seasons, finishing all over the table. Recently though, they have become one of the better sides in the division, pushing away from the bottom group and increasing the gap from re-election. This year, Crewe could be a potential shout for the playoffs and in with a shot of reaching Division One for the first time in their history.
Newcastle United
The only side from the playoffs last year not to get promoted, Newcastle are expected to still be within the mix however it looks like the side will just not quite be good enough, particularly with the reduced number of spots from which teams will get to compete for promotion.
Everton
The final playoff loser and the second side coming down into the division, Everton look like they will be the final side in the promotion hunt this season. Despite this, they do not look quite as good and are likely not going to end up missing out by the end of the season.
Accrington
"Who needs attack?". This appears to be the new motto of Accrington as following their previous season, all their best attacking players have left. While the club has built up probably the best defensive line-up in the league a complete and utter lack of anybody with goal-scoring acumen means Accrington will likely end up struggling this season.
Burnley
A side that will surely be disappointed to have missed out on promotion this season Burnley fit squarely into the list of average mid-table teams this season that will be here come next season. Since being dropped from the Football League in 1889, this has been where Burnley have called home and it seems unlikely to change any time soon.
Grimsby Town
A bad collapse at the end of last season saw Grimsby Town turned from a title hopeful into a side that did not even make the play offs. A founding member of the Football Alliance and of Division Two, it does not look like a move into the top division is on the card this year, but neither is facing re-election.
Nottingham Forest
Having been invited back into the Football League last year, Nottingham Forest had a solid debut campaign, being the only side elected into the Division to avoid facing re-election in 1895. This year they look like they will once again be a solid midtable side who will be good enough to deserve a spot in the league, but not chasing for promotion.
Leicester Fosse
Following a good campaign in the Pub League, Leicester Fosse have been elected into the Football League where they will be trying to impress at Filbert Street. They look like a decent addition to the League, who should not be in the mix for re-election but also not good enough to get compete for promotion to Division One.
Loughborough
You might not a slight name change for Loughborough as their common name is shortened to just Loughborough. It does not really mean much and underneath it all is the same club who is expected to finish around the same position as they have been since first being elected into the division 2 years ago. There is a clear drop in quality from the teams above them on this list.
Fairfield
The last of the new débutantes, the side based out of Gransmoor Road will be looking to show why they are one of the better sides in Greater Manchester. The side have managed to draw in a few good players from the local area to help bolster their squad since their Lancashire League title winning season and look like they should be able to retain their position in Division Two.
Bolton Wanderers
For a side that competed in the first 6 Division One season and have recently moved into a new home ground at Burnden Park (leaving Pike's Lane), you would be forgiven Bolton would be one of the top sides in this division. Instead, they look barely good enough to survive in this division and will likely be competing to hold their position.
Notts County
Seemingly a constant favourite to face re-election, Notts County were a surprise side last season having spent most of the season competing for a potential promotion playoff. That never happened in the end as the side finished in 5th place. This season, it is expected they will fall massively into the bottom 3.
Sunderland AFC
Once expected to be the top side in English Football, Sunderland have instead just continuously seemed to decrease the quality in their squad between seasons and this season is no different as the side now look one of the worst in the division and could be at risk of being replaced come the end of the seasons.
Blackpool
A disappointing off season for Blackpool following their re-election, they appear to have not brought in any new players to help fill out the side. Reportedly this is due to the fact they had expected to lose their spot to Burton Wanderers, but with plenty of off season ahead of them this seems like an excuse for poor season preparation. While the side might be able to avoid the AGM, they will certainly face a tough battle to secure their position.
- DinoKea
