League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Part Four

Port Vale: Boardroom unrest is likely to harm fan morale, affect staff behind the scenes and hinder Vale's chances of progression this term as Mickey Adams returns as manager. Restricted to just two Summer signings because of issues with the board and having lost one half of the Richards strike partnership with forward Justin joining Burton, the shaky finances, discontent amongst the fans and an unsettled atmosphere at Vale Park will undermine any promotion aspirations.

Key Player: Marc Richards
Robin's Nest Prediction: 14th

Rotherham United: A busy Summer for Rotherham has seen former Brentford boss Andy Scott installed as manager and the arrivals of Lewis Grabban, Danny Schofield and Gareth Evans to add to an already strong playing staff. Much of the Millers' success this season will depend on the form of goalscoring sensation Adam Le Fondre who, incredibly, remains at the club despite another Summer of speculation. However, despite the appointment of Scott and, in turn, his shrewd transfer activity thus far, Rotherham can realistically hope for a play-off place although expect them to, as in recent seasons, fall short once more.

Key Player: Adam Le Fondre
Robin's Nest Prediction: 8th

Shrewsbury Town: Having both the quality and experience required to beat any other team in the division, the Shrews should be amongst the promotion contenders come the end of the season. Having added to a defence that was already one of the most resilient in the division with the signings of Carl Regan, Reuben Hazell and Joe Jacobson, manager Graham Turner has signed up Marvin Morgan for goals and the industrious Matt Richards for midfield creativity as Town look to learn their lessons from last season.

Key Player: Ian Sharps
Robin's Nest Prediction: 4th

Southend United: A 13th place finish last season that must be seen as achievement considering recent events looks likely to be improved upon by Southend this year. The impressive signings of Neil Harris, Jemal Johnson and Liam Dickinson will only bolster a squad that possesses such talent as Kane Ferdinand, Anthony Grant and Ryan Hall as manager Paul Sturrock will look for his side to be in the running for a play-off place. Only the loss of influential skipper Craig Easton will harm United's chances of this but optimism surrounding Roots Hall remains in tact.
Key Player: Ryan Hall
Robin's Nest Prediction: 9th

Swindon Town: The Di Canio show is in full swing at the County Ground as the Italian takes his first steps in football management. Di Canio has overseen a Summer of transfer activity that has witnessed fourteen players depart for pastures new and twelve new faces arrive from various divisions, nations and walks of life. Key for Town will be getting an almost entirely new and admittedly embryonic team to gel, improving a previously lethargic squad's fitness levels and keeping supporters and Di Canio himself grounded. Get these right and the Robins will definitely be amongst the the promotion contenders come the end of the season.
Key Player: Matt Ritchie
Robin's Nest Prediction: 5th

Torquay United: The division's surprise package last year, reaching the play-off final and only losing out by the narrowest of margins, Torquay fans can expect to be brought back down to earth with a bump this season. A mid-table finish is a realistic hope in what will be a transitional season following the departures of manager Paul Buckle and key players from 2010/11 in Chris Zebroski, Scott Bevan and Guy Branston.

Key Player: Eunan O'kane
Robin's Nest Prediction: 17th