Part Two of The Robin's Nest's League Two Season Preview 2011/12 offers up an in-depth look at six of this year's sides and ultimately a prediction based on their Summer acivity, be it transfers, boardroom changes or managerial appointments, early Pre-Season form, performances last season and strength of squad.
Burton Albion: A build-up of postponed matches and the resultant fixture congestion, either due to the bad weather of the Winter or an excellent FA Cup run, nearly cost Burton dearly last season, who struggled largely due to inconsistency. Having already lost Shaun Harrad to Northampton Town last season, the sale of 'keeper Adam Legzdins to Derby County and Russ Penn's move to Cheltenham Town indicates a continuous struggle to retain the services of key players, whilst a quiet Summer thus far in terms of players arriving at the Pirelli Stadium will lower the club's expectations for the new season. Key Player: Jacques Maghoma
Cheltenham Town: In for a struggle of a season after last season's top scorer Wes Thomas joined newly-promoted Crawley Town. The opening half of the season could prove absolutely vital for Cheltenham who, under Mark Yates last term, largely paid the price for inconsistency. A tough couple of opening fixtures see the Robins travel to Gillingham and entertain recently-relegated Swindon in games that Cheltenham must embrace rather than fear, though the signing of Marlon Pack is likely to be one of few highlights for Town this season who seem destined for another relegation battle. Robin's Nest Prediction: 21st
Crawley Town: Runaway winners of the Blue Square Premier last season and already setting the pace in terms of transfer activity close season. The Red Devils, aided by a healthy bank balance, have already signed strikers Wes Thomas and John Akinde and midfield prospect Hope Akpan as manager Steve Evans continues to build an ambitious side, clearly targetting back-to-back promotions. Crawley will maintain the momentum gained from last year's promotion and aim to use it as an advantage as they prepare for life as a Football League club.Robin's Nest Prediction: 1st
Crewe Alexandra: The loss of 28-goal striker Clayton Donaldson is likely to hinder Crewe's chances of improving on last season's 10th place finish. Instead, the Railwaymen will rely on Shaun Miller for goals - a homegrown talent and scorer of seventeen last time out. Crewe have a tendency of being one of the most unpredictable teams in England, their style of football which never seems to change under Dario Gradi means with Crewe expect the unexpected. A lack of new signings and indeed the loss of Donaldson indicates another midtable finish for Gradi's side.Robin's Nest Prediction: 13th
Dagenham & Redbridge: Relegated on the final day last season, perenial underdogs Dagenham and Redbridge once more find themselves unfancied by bookmakers, gamblers and pundits alike. The Daggers lack firepower and in Danny Green have lost a player capable of fourteen goals and thirteen assists in 2010/11. Club legend and dressing room personality Tony Roberts has also retired whilst influential French midfield Romain Vincelot has joined Brighton and Hove Albion so expect a midtable finish with potential for a play-off push. Robin's Nest Prediction: 12th
Gillingham: Unlucky not to make the play-offs last season, Gillingham's Summer signings are those of a side on the up. The captures of Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale from Peterborough United, the signings of Non-League goalscorers Danny Kedwell and Adam Birchall and the deals done for the transfers of Andy Frampton and Lewis Montrose indicate that the Gills are going all out for promotion this season. Anything less than a play-off place this year will be deemed as a failure for the Kent club but with the solid signings made and under manager Andy Hessenthaler's stewardship, fans have reason to be optimistic.Robin's Nest Prediction: 3rd
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