The second tier is a tough place to be and many managers will be looking enviously at the those in the Premiership. So which clubs have it in them for a promotion challenge....?

1st  BEDFORD - Are pretty much a banker for promotion, although there are a couple of other clubs who could well lay claim to the top spot. The squad is very big and will garner them some extra CP's through the year and they still have a massive 3.5K in the bank to purchase another striker and a replacement sweeper. If they can do that then the future looks rosy for them.

2nd  HYDE - They have a decent well balanced squad plus a little bit of cash still to buy themselves another striker. App sweeper Suzuki is perhaps the only liability that might derail their promotion bid.

3rd  HARROGATE - Not sure how they managed to get themselves relegated last season as they are an excellent team. Another team on the look out for a sweeper, but with no cash to buy one. Can a player swap deal be arranged to sort this glaring problem out.

4th  ILKESTON -  It would not surprise me at all if Ilkeston lay claim to a prmotion spot. They have a really good squad and 2.3K to spend on some upgrades to boost the T11.

5th  HALIFAX -  With the best T11 at 11.55 they should have a good shout of a second promotion on the trot, but bringing through apprentice keeper Flinders to replace the ageing Gray is probably enough to scupper their chances. Richardson will need another storming season at the heart of the defence until Wes Flinders finds his feet. A weak midfield is another concern.

6th  AFC FYLDE  - Another team that could be in the mix, especially as they have some cash to play around with to strengthen the midfield and maybe get another striker.

7th  AFC RUSHDEN -  Are cleaarly strong enough to avoid relegation and have a strong squad, but sadly lack the cash to strengthen it further and another couple of good acquisitions are probably needed for them to be other than mid table.

8th  FC UNITED of MANCHESTER -  Relegation on the bounce could be on the cards for another Manchester club. The T11 at 10.64 is weak and they don't have much of a cutting edge up front. Defensively they are sound and might stave off relegation with a good run of home results. The other worrying thing is that three of last years apps have failed to make the grade and that's a worry.

9th  WORKSOP -  Promotion may have been a step too far last season. They might have been better off with another season in the basement. The squad lack depth and rely way to heavily on lone striker Rodrigo in attack. They don't have much cash to buy their way out of trouble with a T11 of only 10.18. Also a problem is that only two of last years apps have made the grade and striker Price is not one of them.

10th  TONBRIDGE -  Look in awful shape. Being in the top flight certainly did them no favours last season and with a dismal T11 of 9.91 they can be certain of a double relegation bounce. Last years apprentices all look woeful. The squad does have numbers and some cash to spend but not nearly enogh to rectify the problems.