BOSTON (15th) bottom half

In: Daryl Sutch (Southend), Lee Beevers (Ipswich), Graham Potter (York), Steve Croudson (Grimsby).

Out: David Town, Nick Conroy, Peter Costello (Stevenage), James Gould (Stevenage).

The Lincolnshire club enjoyed a solid first season in Division Three and their four-point deduction did not prove costly.

With that experience behind them, Boston are unlikely to be in any relegation danger in 2003-04, though a play-off place is surely beyond the Pilgrims.

Boss Neil Thompson has not changed much around in the summer but the addition of talented wideman Graham Potter should be a good one.

BRISTOL ROVERS (20th) top half

In: Lee Hodges (Rochdale), Dave Savage (Oxford), Junior Agogo (Barnet), Christian Edwards (Nottingham Forest), Kevin Miller (Exeter).

Out: Scott Howie, Trevor Challis (Telford), Lewis Hogg, Mark McKeever, Bradley Allen, Guiliano Grazioli (Barnet).

It is hard to see a club of Rovers' size struggling at the wrong end of the table for yet another season, especially with Ray Graydon at the helm.

Graydon has made some useful summer signings which should ensure the Bristol club at least hit the top half of the table.

A challenge for the top seven could also be a possibility if Rovers can make a good start.

BURY (7th) mid-table

In: Lee Duxbury (Oldham), Joe O'Neill (Preston loan), Harpal Singh (Leeds loan), Greg Strong (Hull loan).

Out: Jamie Stuart (Southend), Michael Nelson (Hartlepool £70,000), Chris Billy (Carlisle), Nicky Hill, Steve Redmond, Edward Tarsus (Wakefield Emley), Colin Cramb (Shrewsbury), Ian Lawson, Jon Newby (Huddersfield), Craig Buckley (Hyde).

Bury must turn to youth this season and will do well to emulate their 2002-03 play-off position.

They have lost several experienced players but should have enough talent at their disposal to avoid a struggle at the bottom.

Manager Andy Preece is making full use of the loan system alongside the signing of veteran midfield man Lee Duxbury.

CAMBRIDGE UTD (12th) mid-table

In: Justin Walker (Exeter), Mark Venus (Ipswich), Stuart Bimson (Lincoln).

Out: Graham Rush, Daryl Bourgeois, Daniel Huggins, Tony Scully, Owen Paynter, David Theobald, Omer Riza

Though Cambridge proved an entertaining attacking force last season, they will need to have sorted out their defensive insecurities to improve on 12th position.

Boss John Taylor looks set to opt for a more defensive formation with wily campaigner Mark Venus spearheading the back-line.

But their chances will also rest on the goals of Dave Kitson who has lost potent strike partner Omer Riza and mid-table seems the likely result.

CARLISLE (22nd) bottom half

In: Chris Billy (Bury), Steve Livingstone (Grimsby), Paul Simpson (Rochdale).

Out: Marc Nixon, Adam Thwaites, Luke Weaver (Northampton), Jon McCarthy.

Roddy Collins' spirited team have become expert relegation dodgers over recent seasons and it would take a brave man to bet on them dropping to the Conference this time.

The Cumbrians have crucially added three experienced players who should ensure there will be no need for late heroics this time.

But Carlisle are still likely to be looking at a bottom-half finish unless they can achieve some consistency.

CHELTENHAM (21st Division Two) top half

In: Craig Dobson (Crystal Palace), Kayode Odejayi (Forest Green), Ben Cleverley (Bristol City), Graham Fyfe (Raith), Bertrand Cozic (Team Bath)

Out: Christian Brutschin, Neil Howarth (Telford), Steve Jones (Forest Green), Russell Milton (Bath), Lee Williams (Telford), Richard Kear, Tony Naylor, Julian Alsop (Oxford).

Cheltenham's brief stay in Division Two is unlikely to be repeated too quickly with financial constrictions setting in at Whaddon Road.

Though Bobby Gould's men should be in with a shout of the play-off places, the loss of Julian Alsop and Tony Naylor provides question marks over their goal threat.

Much will depend on how their young summer signings mix in with experienced campaigners like ex-Harriers Mark Yates and injury-hit Richard Forsyth.

DARLINGTON (14th) relegation

In: Michael Price (Leicester), Glen Robson (Blyth).

Out: Richard Hodgson (Farnborough), Paul Campbell, Chris Porter (York), Simon Betts, Adam Reed, Mark Ford, Stuart Whitehead (Telford), Phil Hadland (Colchester).

While Darlington take their place in a brand new 27,500-seater stadium, their on-field prospects are hardly gleaming.

The club, who have suffered relegation to the Conference in the past, lost a host of players at the end of the season but have so far made just two new signings.

Unibond League goal-grabber Glen Robson and powerful front man Barry Conlon will have a job scoring enough to keep them safe.

DONCASTER (3rd Conference) relegation

In: Leo Fortune-West (Cardiff), John McGrath (Aston Villa), Michael McIndoe (Yeovil £50,000).

Out: Andy Watson, Keith Foy, Alan Morgan, Barry Miller, Warren Peyton (Leigh), Stuart Nelson (Hucknall), Gareth Owen (Connah's Quay).

Conference sides always seem to adapt well to life in Division Three but Doncaster are the first play-off winners to be promoted.

After hardly setting non-league alight, Rovers may have a tough job at the higher level though they do have the support of rich chairman John Ryan.

He will surely have to invest further to avoid a quick relegation though new target man Leo Fortune-West will aid their bid.

HUDDERSFIELD (22nd Division Two) promotion

In: Jon Newby (Bury), Rob Edwards (Chesterfield), Ian Gray (Rotherham), Ian Hughes (Blackpool), Martyn Booty (Chesterfield), Tyrone Thompson (Sheffield United loan), Tony Carss (Oldham), Efe Sodje (Crewe), Steve Yates (Sheff Utd).

Out: Kenny Irons, Thomas Heary, Ben Austin, Chris Brown, Eddie Youds, Gareth Evans, Simon Baldry, Jon Dyson, Kevin Sharp (Scunthorpe), Martin Smith (Northampton), Adie Moses (Crewe).

With Huddersfield successfully out of administration, some impressive new captures have been checking in at the big Yorkshire club.

The Terriers are sure to be among the promotion chasers despite last season's relegation with the likes of former Premiership forward Andy Booth and Nigeria's World Cup star Efe Sodje.

Though the title may just be out of reach, it will be a major surprise if they do not finish among the top seven.

HULL (13th) promotion

In: Danny Allsopp (Notts County), Alton Thelwell (Tottenham), Richard Hinds (Tranmere), Jason Price (Tranmere), Andy Dawson (Scunthorpe).

Out: Lawrie Dudfield (Northampton), Jamie Heard, Lee Philpott, Greg Strong (Bury loan).

Another season of under-achievement will certainly not be tolerated at Hull who are all geared up for a serious promotion push.

Big crowds in a fine stadium have helped Peter Taylor build a formidable-looking squad which has been strengthened further in the summer.

Their past experiences may come back to haunt them but Hull must finally be ready for a top-three place.

LEYTON ORIENT (18th) bottom half

In: David Hunt (Crystal Palace), Tom Newey (Leeds), Marcus Ebdon

(Chesterfield).

Out: Scott Canham (Woking), Andy Harris (Chester), John Martin, Carl Hutchings.

Orient fans will be desperate for some Division Three cheer after recent mediocre campaigns but the Londoners may have an even tougher season ahead.

Manager Paul Brush has not made wholesale changes but he should have enough quality available to stay above the dreaded bottom two.

Close-season signing Marcus Ebdon will have a key role to play in midfield if they are to make any impact.

LINCOLN (6th) top half

In: David Wattley (QPR), Rory May (Coventry), Ellis Remy (Hastings).

Out: Richard Logan, Adam Buckley, Chris Ward (Northwich), Adie Mike, Stuart Bimson (Cambridge), Paul Pettinger (Kettering).

Play-off finalists Lincoln were last season's surprise package with the help of a solid defence and tremendous team spirit.

Keith Alexander's battlers have lost one of their regulars, Stuart Bimson, and again had to gamble with inexperience in the transfer market.

But if they continue to impose themselves at the back, then the Imps will have a comfortable mid-table position at least.

MACCLESFIELD (16th) mid-table

In: John Miles (Crewe), Colin Little (Crewe), Martin Carruthers (Scunthorpe), David Flitcroft (Rochdale).

Out: John Askey (retired), Lee Martin (retired), Paul Aldridge, Lee Hardy, David Eaton, Paul O'Neill, Ben Abbey (Gravesend), Kyle Lightbourne, Darren Tinson (Shrewsbury), Neil Robinson (Leigh loan).

The Silkmen ended last season with a flourish and they have shown ambition with their summer transfer dealings.

David Moss is not short of attacking options after snapping up Martin Carruthers, Colin Little and John Miles.

But Macclesfield may leak too many goals at the other end to break into the top half, though relegation should not be an issue.

MANSFIELD (23rd Division Two) play-offs

In: Tony Vaughan (Motherwell), David Artell (Rotherham), Luke Dimech (Shamrock Rovers).

Out: Matt Gadsby (Kidderminster), Keith Welch, Scott Sellars, Danny Bacon (Hucknall), Neil Moore (Nuneaton).

The goals flew in left, right and centre as Mansfield were booted out of Division Two after just one season.

But Keith Curle's Stags should be a useful force in their return to a lower level, despite a lack of summer transfer activity.

Defender Tony Vaughan could be an important signing and Mansfield will score enough goals to finish around the play-offs.

NORTHAMPTON (24th Division Two) promotion

In: Paul Reid (Rangers £100,000), Peter Clark (Stockport), Martin Reeves (Leicester), Marc Richards (Blackburn), Lawrie Dudfield (Hull), Tom Smith (Rotherham), Martin Smith (Huddersfield), Chris Willmott (Wimbledon), Oli Burgess (QPR), Luke Weaver (Carlisle), Ashley Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Low (Oldham £165,000)

Out: Gerard Lavin, Nathan Abbey, Chris Marsh, John Frain (Moor Green), Duncan Spedding, Daryl Burgess (Rochdale), Richard Hope, Paul McGregor, Marco Gabbiadini (Hartlepool).

Big-spending Northampton have the favourites tag but making so many changes can always have its risks.

The big test will be whether 12 new signings can gel as a team and they need only look at Hull as proof that money is not always the answer.

However, with the calibre of players brought in, a top-three position beckons to make up for last season's basement finish in Division Two.

OXFORD (8th) play-offs

In: Derek Townsley (Hibernian), Julian Alsop (Cheltenham), Mark Rawle (Southend), Paul McCarthy (Wycombe), Danny Brown (Barnet)

Out: Paul Powell, Ian McCaldon, Dave Savage (Bristol Rovers), Simon King (Barnet), Sam Ricketts (Telford), Jefferson Louis (Woking loan).

Oxford will be a powerful force in Division Three and a play-off place should be theirs after just missing out last season.

Ian Atkins has a strong attack at his disposal while boasting quality and experience in most of the other positions.

Though they have not won many admirers for their direct football, it is set to be effective for the city team in their bid to bounce back up the divisions.

ROCHDALE (19th) mid-table

In: Daryl Burgess (Northampton), Michael Simpkins (Cardiff), Sean McClare (Port Vale), Leo Bertos (Barnsley), Craig Strachan (Coventry), Robert Betts (Coventry).

Out: Richard Jobson (retired), John Baker, Neil Bennett, Gavin Melaugh,

Michael Oliver, Clive Platt, Lee Hodges (Bristol Rovers), David Flitcroft (Macclesfield), Paul Simpson (Carlisle).

New manager Alan Buckley has an interesting challenge on his hands as Rochdale were the major disappointments of 2002-03.

There have been a fair few going through the exit door at Spotland, including former boss Paul Simpson, and they are no longer fancied for the play-offs.

But talented youngsters like Lee McEvilly, Kevin Townson and Pat McCourt remain to keep them safe in the Division Three table.

SCUNTHORPE (5th) play-offs

In: Cliff Byrne (Sunderland), Kevin Sharp (Huddersfield).

Out: James Cotterill, Neil Collins, Robert Taylor (retired), Andy Dawson (Hull), Martin Carruthers (Macclesfield).

Brian Laws keeps Scunthorpe near the top as constant play-off challengers and that is unlikely to change this season.

The loss of Martin Carruthers will be countered by the emergence of Paul Hayes in attack alongside the experience of Steve Torpey.

With the defence looking strong as well, Scunthorpe may still not have quite enough to go for automatic promotion.

SOUTHEND (17th) mid-table

In: Jamie Stuart (Bury), Mark Warren (Colchester), Drewe Broughton (Kidderminster), Carl Emberson (Luton), Mark Gower (Barnet £25,000), Jimmy Corbett (Blackburn), Duncan Jupp (Luton), Jamie Fullarton (Brentford), Che

Wilson, Ryan Robinson (Blackburn), Michael Husbands (Aston Villa), Leke Odunsi (Colchester).

Out: Gavin Strachan, Brett Darby (Tamworth), Darryl Flahavan, Phil Whelan, Barrington Belgrave (Farnborough), Mark Salter, Damon Searle, Danny Gay, Daniel Lunan, Stuart Thurgood, Daryl Sutch (Boston), Mark Rawle (Oxford), Mark Beard (Kingstonian), Stephen Broad (Kingstonian).

A summer of massive change at Roots Hall leaves Southend's prospects for the season ahead rather cloudy.

New manager Steve Wignall's additions have been mostly free transfers, including Harriers' Drewe Broughton.

If the host of signings do not mix, it could be a tricky season ahead but Wignall has the experience to keep Southend out of trouble.

SWANSEA (21st) play-offs

In: Bradley Maylett (Burnley), Leon Britton (West Ham), Leon Hylton (Aston Villa), Lee Trundle (Wrexham), Brian Murphy (Man City).

Out: Terry Evans (Newport), Neil Sharp, Matt Murphy, Gareth Phillips, Steve Watkin, John Williams, Jamie Wood, Andrew Mumford.

After a turbulent season ended with a successful fight to avoid relegation, boss Brian Flynn must be looking at better times ahead.

The Welshmen have trimmed their squad, securing midfield maestros Leon Britton and Roberto Martinez in the process.

With impressive summer capture Lee Trundle joining James Thomas up front, the play-offs are a realistic possibility for the Swans.

TORQUAY (9th) bottom half

In: Craig Taylor (Plymouth)

Out: Paul Holmes.

A stagnant summer for Leroy Rosenior has seen little change at cash-strapped Torquay who did brilliantly to finish on the verge of the play-offs last season.

The Gulls will be fearing an injury crisis and need to have luck on their side if they are to finish in a hefty position.

With the lack of new additions and a growing reliance on youth, Torquay could be looking at a return to the lower reaches of Division Three.

YEOVIL (1st Conference) top half

In: Jamie Gosling (Bath), Hugo Rodrigues (Pederas Rubras)

Out: Howard Forinton (Stevenage), Kim Grant, Jimmy Aggrey, Carl Alford (Gainsborough), Michael McIndoe (Doncaster £50,000).

Yeovil steamed through the Conference and it is difficult to see them struggling in Division Three.

Good attendances will drive them forward but manager Gary Johnson could be in need of a little more experience to add to a young talented side.

Despite this, Yeovil should still be in play-off contention though it may be a little too much at the first time of asking.

YORK (10th) bottom half

In: Liam George (St Patricks), Darren Dunning (Blackburn), Aaron Wilford (Whitby), Mitch Ward (Barnsley), Chris Porter (Darlington), Steve Downes (Grimsby), Mark Ovendale (Barry).

Out: James Okoli, Jon Collinson (Spennymoor), Gary Hobson (Spennymoor), Tom Cowan, Craig Wilding, Graham Potter (Boston).

Like Torquay, York were another side to do much better than expected in 2002-03 amid threats of being closed down.

But the close season has seen boss Terry Dolan leave with player Chris Brass taking his place for a big first managerial challenge.

Brass has added the experienced Mitch Ward and promising Darren Dunning among others but it is hard to look beyond a bottom-half finish.