There has been a large amount of activity for the Vanarama National Division sides since TheColdEnd wrote PART ONE, PART TWO and PART THREE of the season preview. Leyton Orient have made some impressive signings rebuilding their squad and have been reduced from 16/1 to 12/1 for the title - maybe they could be play-off challengers after all. Here is Part Four -
Macclesfield Town
Title odds 25/1
The Silkmen were relegated from the football league in 2012 and have since finished in 11th, 15th, 6th, 10th and 9th. Club Legend John Askey (400+ appearances for the club) has been in charge since 2013 and got the club to the FA Trophy Final last season but has since lost a few players from his squad. Askey is assisted by former Newcastle United, Everton and Aston Villa player Steve Watson. They have recruited forward Tyrone Marsh from Dover Athletic who also spent sometime on loan at South Division Welling United last season. Former England u19 defender Josh Thompson has also joined - the 26 year old counts Celtic among his former clubs where he made 18 appearances from 2009 to 2012. Another defender in Keith Lowe who impressed in the North Division with Kidderminster Harriers has also signed up - the 31 year brings with him much experience having played for Cheltenham Town, York City and Port Vale previously.
COLD END PREDICTION - THE TITLE ODDS ARE ABOUT RIGHT - SHOULD FINISH IN MID-TABLE
Barrow
Title odds 25/1
After promotion in 2015 Barrow have finished in 11th and 7th positions. Boss Paul Cox has recruited a number of players. 22 year old goalkeeper Stuart Moore from Reading - he has been on loan with numerous clubs during his time in Berkshire including making 7 appearances for Luton Town last season. David Fitzpatrick, a 22 year old winger, comes in from AFC Wimbledon having played on loan at Torquay United last season. Midfielder Bedsente Gomis is another player moving North joining from Sutton United where he played in every round of The U's historic run to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round last season. Midfielder Asa Hall joins from Cheltenham Town but played on loan for York City last season - He is 30 years old and brings with him much football league experience. They still have Moussa Diarra in central defence who joined from 2016 Ryman Premier champion's Hampton and Richmond Borough - he played 46 games for the club last season.
COLD END PREDICTION - MISSED OUT ON THE PLAY OFFS BY EIGHT POINTS LAST SEASON WHICH WAS PROBABLY BECAUSE THEY DREW 15 OF THEIR 46 GAMES PLAYED. ONLY RELEGATED YORK CITY DREW MORE WITH 17 (EASTLEIGH, WHO FINISHED IN 14th ALSO DREW 15). I THINK THEY MAY WELL CHALLENGE FOR A PLAY-OFF PLACE.
Sutton United
Title Odds 25/1
Along with Lincoln City they made some real headlines in the Emirates FA Cup last season and finished a respectable 12th place in their first season back at non-league's top table since 1999/2000.
They have lost a few players from last season's squad including the above mentioned Bedsente Gomis and Roarie Deacon who impressed many in their cup run last season - He has joined Scottish Premiership side Dundee. A trio of players have joined from league rival's Dover Athletic - Defender Aswad Thomas, Striker Moses Emmanuel and Striker Ross Lafayette. Goalkeeper Seb Brown (from Hampton and Richmond) has also joined.
COLD END PREDICTION - WILL FINISH IN 10th - 16th POSITION. COULD THEY GO ON ANOTHER FA CUP RUN OR PERHAPS THE FA TROPHY WHICH THEY HAVE NEVER WON - THEY DID GET TO THE 1981 FINAL WHERE THEY LOST TO BISHOPS STORTFORD.
PART FIVE TO FOLLOW SOON
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