Times pre-season predictions- from Times Online

Expect joy in the West Country but pain in the Midlands

AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE

Bristol City have been in the top flight before and their support base indicates that they are worthy of a higher status. Sadly the team has let them down badly recently but this could be their season. The arrival of Michael Bridges from Sunderland could be both influential and inspirational and the player himself deserves some luck after an injury-dogged career. Yeovil Town have not been busy in the transfer market but a solid back four and commendable team spirit that has carried them through two promotions may well surprise a few more people.

WEMBLEY WAYFARERS

Nottingham Forest fans will be dreaming of Wigan Athletic and an eventual place in the Premiership whereas in reality the former European Cup champions will awake to Walsall, Swindon Town and Scnuthorpe United before August is out. Gary Megson’s squad may lack the experience at this level to earn automatic promotion. The penny dropped too late for Barnsley last season but they should push for a top-six place, along with Tranmere Rovers, Brentford, Bradford City and Huddersfield.

MIDDLE CLASSES

If anyone epitomised honest, worthy and dependable (for the most part anyway) defending, it was Colin Hendry, the former Scotland centre half. None of which actually wins many trophies but at least Blackpool will be one away trip to the seaside that players can anticipate eagerly with Hendry at the helm. Similarly, but without the glamour attraction of gormless Geordies decorating the Golden Mile with freshly delivered pavement pizzas during the winter, teams can rely on return visits to Scnuthorpe, Swindon and Swansea for another year at least. And Colchester, unfortunately, and Doncaster. At least you can fly to and from the latter destination now, which will expedite your visit.

BEST BUY

Chris Greenacre is making his way back, in terms of league level, to his roots at Mansfield Town, from where he emerged as a decent, robust predator. Failed at Manchester City and Stoke City, he could do the trick on the Wirral with Tranmere Rovers under Brian Little.

DROP ZONE

Allowing Paul Merson to take charge of a football team is a little like, er, allowing Merson to run his own pub at night with a job behind the counter at his local turf accountant in the afternoons. It is a recipe for disaster and, wonderful player though he was in his pomp with Arsenal, Walsall supporters should be fearing the worst. Port Vale could be an unexpected departure and if Danny Wilson is tempted to leave Milton Keynes — and let’s face it, it doesn’t take a lot to do that — the Dons will be heading to where they belong. Chesterfield or Rotherham United will not be far away either in the relegation shake-up, and Bournemouth could well experience a dramatic decline.

RISKY BUSINESS

Anyone deluded enough to think that Danny Sonner, talented Northern Ireland ball player that he is, will produce in one good game in 25 when the summer has departed needs serious counselling. Martin Foyle, the Port Vale manager, should consult the Burslem telephone directory soon.