Editors Tips 1

Last updated : 21 May 2008 By Gary Moss
The new league season is still some way away but already I can't wait.

The Premiership campaign should be as entertaining as usual while Notts' very own home ground of League Two is threatening to be the very best in quite some time, at both ends of the ladder.

Part of the hype of any new season is the sheer previewing, although it's pure hype.

NCM get the swing of this hype in their very own way bringing you the editors tips.

League Two Champions: The pure beauty of League Two football has to be the always openess of every season's title race.
Stimson's Gillingham

It is not a four-horse race as we see in the Premiership, it is not even a five horse race, eight sides may even fancy their chances of lifting the championship trophy next term.

I am going to punt for Gillingham to take top spot this time around though, under the stewardship of Mark Stimson.

The cheif appointed for the Gills back in November has a vast knowledge of the non-league scene from his days as Grays Athletic and Stevenage Borough manager, taking both clubs to FA Trophy crowns.

He may have helped the Kent-based outfit to relegation from League One last season but this boss will be in his element in League Two, free to use his greatest knowledge and pluck Conference talent into the Football League. I think his methods will work a treat.

Relegated sides: Relegation is such a tough call to make in the summer months but for me, it is Accrington Stanley and Chester City who will fall out of the Football League next season.
Chester's Davies


Both teams will struggle to attract new players over the summer and plummet out of the big-time.

Stanley may not be much of a surprise but the Blues' relegation prediction could shock a few. After a second season of slumping down the table after Christmas, I think Simon Davies' men will be unable to beat the drop without a strong start. With the quality in the league next year, I don't think they will master a bright start again. Their luck will run out.

Surprise team: This is a selection open to interpretaion. A team can only surprise if people think they won't do well in the first place.

I've said before I fancy Bradford City and Chesterfield to do very well next season, but so do probably a lot of people.

A side I think haven't been given a mention yet and will be successful though, is Brentford.

Scott's Brentford
Andy Scott has made a real impact at Griffin Park already and despite a lacklustre finish to the season, showed real promise after taking the reigns from Terry Butcher earlier in the season.

I expect the Bees to notch a play-off place and maybe even bid for an automatic route.

So, they are my 'surprise team' if you don't agree with me.

First manager to be sacked: Who would have thought Jose Mourinho would have been sacked first in the Premiership last season, I guess very few apart from maybe close friends of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Similarly, I am sure John Schofield was not at the front of many people's minds this term, when he was dispensed from Lincoln City in October.

This really is an open poll to all 24 managers, but my tip is Grimsby Town's Alan Buckley.
Alan Buckley


A trip to Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy saved him this season and I suspect he will not be so lucky next season.

There have been two seasons of consecutive under-achieving at Blundell Park now, and there are enough Mariners who don't rate him. A few bad results and I think he will be back under pressure. The board may cave in this time.

Player to watch: Another tough category as there are so many quality players likely to be lining up in League Two yet again.

Close to home, I expect great things from Myles Weston at Notts next season, while a fit Imps winger Lennell John-Lewis is also a very dangerous proposition.

Then there's Kallum Higginbotham of Rochdale who proved one to watch this season, but should prgress further.

I think wingers will be a key area this campaign and above are some of the finest.

Elsewhere, summer signings I am sure will provide plenty more.

Sam Vokes
Top goalscorer:
Bournemouth's Sam Vokes could score a hat full of goals for the Cherries if he stays this summer.

I went for experience with Kevin Gallen last season, so this time I'm opting for youth and hunger.

He is a real talent for Kevin Bond, I think he will pay him back with goals, although Jack Lester wouldn't be a bad shout.

Premiership football: I am backing the standard pre-season shout of Liverpool coming closer to the Premier League, or whatever that means every season.

No, seriously, I can see Liverpool being more involved in the fight for the Champiosnhip crown.

They are a class act, and Fernando Torres is scary with so much quality.

Surely, Rafa Benitez has learned his lesson to play his big players every week. If he does this, I can see the Reds coming second. And, that hasn't happened for a very long time.
Alan Curbishley


What else? I can see Portsmouth finishing in the bottom half next season. I do not expect them to struggle as they did despereately two seasons ago now, but they are a banker for the top half now in most people's eyes. I think they might have a set-back.

The obvious prediction is to punt for someone to break the top four dominance... I would love too but I know I'd be lying. The top four will be the same old four, and who am I to whine, they are four great teams.

And finally, Alan Curbishley will be sacked from West Ham just for the laughs of everyone else.

European football: Real Madrid will win the Champions League against an English side in the final. The Galacticos are due the trophy.