Can the Football League’s new boys keep pushing on?

Rarely have the bottom division’s promoted teams started a season with so much expectation. The rapid ascent of AFC Wimbledon on the English football ladder and big spending of fellow league debutants Crawley Town means last year’s elite Conference National outfits will be under close scrutiny.

The financial strength of the Sussex club might mean they start the season as favourites in the football betting. Their recovery from the brink of bankruptcy and fairytale FA Cup run last season means boss Steve Evans will be able to add to Sergio Torres and Matt Tubbs, players undoubtedly capable of thriving in league football. Crawley’s potential is greater than any of their rivals.

AFC Wimbledon have come further in a shorter period of time and many football fans would like to see their progress continue in the manner of the original Crazy Gang in the 1980s. Successive promotions might be beyond them but a play-off place is a realistic target for a club that is filled with passion.

Some of the bigger names in League Two will expect play-off places. Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town propped up League One last year and have the players to bounce straight back, although financial uncertainty at Argyle might mean they have to contend with a couple of years of consolidation.

Of the teams to narrowly miss out on promotion last year, Shrewsbury Town appear best placed for another attempt at promotion. The return of the experienced Graham Turner as manager promises much, although the lack of a goalscorer with a killer instinct might prove a problem.

Barnet survived by the skin of their teeth last season and will struggle to retain league status in what should be a stronger division this year – the two promoted clubs are looking up rather than down. Morecambe and Cheltenham Town also look vulnerable, the latter threatening to go into freefall after dropping out of League One three years ago.

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