Blowing their own trumpets in fanfare for a bright new season

The big kick-off is two days away – or just one if your loyalties lay with Huddersfield Town – so it is possible to believe that this really is going to be the season when everything comes together.

Last season may have been a struggle but is already a fading memory and the slate has, in most cases, been wiped clean to leave a sense of optimism pervading. Of course, come 5pm on Saturday that may no longer be the case with there being nothing more certain to prick a bubble of hope than a poor showing on the opening day.

But for now at least we can all but dream ahead of a campaign that is already shaping up to be a fascinating affair for all 11 of our clubs.

More than half of those will be competing in the Championship, the most unpredictable of all four senior divisions.

All six White Rose clubs have recruited heavily during the summer so there are plenty of unknowns but, even so, there is genuine hope that the coming season will be a huge improvement on last term in the second tier.

From a Yorkshire perspective, League One involved three of our clubs battling it out for promotion last time. Sheffield United were the odd one out come the final kick of the campaign but both the Blades and Doncaster Rovers will be hoping this can be their season.

Ditto the basement division with Rotherham United very much the team to be shot at and Bradford City hoping for some long overdue success, while the excitement has been mounting all summer in York ahead of the Minstermen’s return to the League fold.

Here, supporters from our Football League clubs outline their hopes and fears...

Interviews: Richard Sutcliffe & Leon Wobschall.

BARNSLEY

Paul Gallagher, Pogmoor, Age: 38, Championship

Verdict: I’m looking forward to the new season as always, although I’m worried that we haven’t recruited enough quality players following on from what was a very poor second half of last season. I’d definitely like to see us recruit a centre-half and forward before the season kicks off. Hopefully, we will see one or two of our promising academy players establish themselves. Over the summer, we made one of the most interesting signings of recent times when Mido joined, with his injury against Doncaster a real blow. I’m hoping Keith Hill can help him find his best form when he’s fit.

Key man: Jacob Mellis. Hopefully he will take over the Butterfield role and make things happen from the middle of the park.

Potential boo-boy: Mido, if he doesn’t get fit and become the next Ricardo Vaz Te.

Advice to manager: Stop telling us what we already know with regards the size of the club and comparative budget. Learn from last season and don’t sell our key players in January!

Make or break point: If Mido gets fit and the team can create chances for him and Davies to put away, we may be safe from relegation. We haven’t seen a lot in the way of creativity in pre-season, though, which is a worry!

Changes off the field: To be competitive with most of the other clubs in this league, they need to find a billionaire who is willing to chuck megabucks... Realistically, I’d like to see some initiatives to get more bums on seats at Oakwell.

Team to beat and why: Can’t decide between dirty Leeds or that “massive” team from S6!

Promoted: Wolves, Bolton and Blackpool if they can make use of that parachute money effectively.

Relegated: Wednesday, Bristol City and Peterborough.

Predicted finish: 17th.

HUDDERSFIELD

Jamie White, Leeds, Age: 24, Championship

Verdict: We’ve finally made our return to the Championship and this season really has to be about consolidation. I think most people would be happy with a mid-table finish. Simon Grayson has taken steps to address the key problem areas of the team – midfield being the main culprit. I’d imagine Keith Southern, Oliver Norwood and Adam Clayton will be the first-choice players this season, depending on the system. Sean Scannell also adds some much needed pace to the squad, while Joel Lynch is a solid centre-back.

Key man: Jordan Rhodes – 40 goals last season and he has the potential to carry that form into the Championship

Potential boo-boy: Alan Lee. He can be a very frustrating player who spends more time on the deck than on his feet.

Advice to manager: Don’t be concerned by a slow start, as we have the quality in the squad to have a season of consolidation. It might just take a while to find the right system.

Make or break point: Our defence. Grayson is not famed for keeping things tight at the back and I still think we need one more addition at centre-back to make us more solid.

Changes off the field: None. The club is very well run by Dean Hoyle and his staff, who always go the extra mile to promote the image of the club via charity and community events.

Team to beat and why: Has to be Leeds for the local rivalry, but also Peterborough as pay-back for the 2011 play-off final defeat at Old Trafford.

Promoted: Wolves, Brighton, Leicester.

Relegated: Barnsley, Peterborough, Ipswich.

Predicted finish: 14th. A shaky start but things will start to pick up as Grayson finds his best team and gets them playing the right way.

HULL CITY

Gareth Richardson, Beverley, Age: 33, Championship

Verdict: Last season, most Tigers fans said that we were two or three signings short of having a quality squad. But, considering that new manager Steve Bruce has addressed most of the problem areas by bringing in two new strikers, a couple of goalkeepers and defenders, I still think we are a bit short. So, maybe we were really five or six players short of being a team capable of winning promotion in 2011-12 under Nick Barmby. I hope the new manager plays two strikers up front as one just didn’t work last season. I wasn’t Steve Bruce’s biggest fan when he was in charge at Sunderland in the Premier League, but he has made all the right noises since taking on the job at the KC Stadium and I hope we can finish as Yorkshire’s highest-placed team again this season.

Key man: Nick Proschwitz. We’ve spent big on ‘Big Nick’ so the German striker needs to deliver the goals.

Potential boo-boy: Striker Aaron Mclean, though I just can’t see him playing too often this season.

Advice to manager: Score more goals. Managing to hit the net only 47 times in 46 Championship games last season cost us dear in the bid for promotion to the Premier League.

Make or break point: Robert Koren.

Changes off the field: It is difficult to say as we don’t really know too much about what goes on.

Team to beat and why: Leicester City. Their manager (ex-Tigers chief Nigel Pearson).

Promoted: Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and, I’m sad to say, probably Leicester City as their manager may be boring but he’s also good.

Relegated: Barnsley, Burnley and Middlesbrough.

Predicted finish: 10th.

LEEDS UTD

Paul Taylor, Leeds, Age: 52, Championship

Verdict: The apparent collapse of the takeover has been the worst possible start to the season and the relationship between fans and the club is at an all-time low. I can’t believe that the aura of doom and gloom and the downright hostility of our supporters won’t impact on the team. Neil Warnock will have to rely on bargain buys and astute loan signings. However, we have already recruited 11 new players and Warnock has identified our defence as the obvious weakness from last season. The squad appears to be more solid, but may be lacking the necessary flair.

Key man: Luciano Becchio. Currently the one proven striker who will start the season, so he carries a lot of responsibility.

Potential boo-boy: Ken Bates. Elland Road could be even more uncomfortable for him this season than last.

Advice to manager: Does Neil Warnock need my advice? I think not. The manager needs to be his own man but it seems he cannot rely on being adequately supported financially.

Make or break point: Following the collapse of the ‘takeover’, apathy pervades our club. Many fans just cannot bring themselves to support the Bates regime.

Changes off the field: One guess.

Team to beat and why: Barnsley – we owe them one. And Wednesday, for bragging rights. Oh, and Huddersfield.

Promoted: Blackpool, Wolves and Leicester.

Relegated: Barnsley, Peterborough and Millwall.

Predicted finish: Mid-table obscurity.

SHEFFIELD WED

Chris Shaw, Burghwallis, Age: 48, Championship

Verdict: The mood at Hillsborough is extremely buoyant at the moment following promotion. Dave Jones did a great job to take us up. I was shocked when Gary Megson was sacked but when I realised we were bringing in a proven manager, I felt much happier about things. Having said that, Gary deserves huge credit for our promotion. He earned something like 60 of our points and also signed Michail Antonio on loan. He proved to be a big factor in us finishing second. That’s why I was delighted when we made the transfer permanent this summer.

Key man: Nejc Pecnik looks like he could be pivotal, though we had better skip over his penalty at Oldham in the League Cup earlier this week.

Potential boo-boy: After promotion last season, no-one can surely consider booing anyone.

Advice to manager: Consolidate this season. Keeping a lid on Wednesday fans’ expectations can be tough at times, but mid-table would be fine by me.

Make or break point: Injuries to key players.

Changes off the field: Since Milan Mandaric came in, the club has been turned round and supporters are much happier with how things are done.

Team to beat and why: Leeds United, they are our nearest rivals this season.

Promoted: Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City and I also think Leeds have bought well.

Relegated?: Barnsley, Peterborough United and Crystal Palace.

Predicted finish: Top half of the table.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Graeme Bandeira, Middlesbrough, Age: 38, Championship

Verdict: Tony Mowbray has been a shrewd operator in pre-season and has been quick to cement in place a host of quality players. Already our squad looks stronger, with a good balance of youth and experience. I expect a sustained promotion push and believe we have the quality to attain the level of attractive football we saw a lot last season. I think we can become more ruthless, particularly at the Riverside. We’ll probably set up to counter-attack away. The tenacity in midfield through Nicky Bailey and Grant Leadbitter suggests we won’t be pushovers.

Key man: Nicky Bailey – an integral part of the Boro engine room. Give him the captaincy!

Potential boo-boy: The less tolerant would say Justin Hoyte.

Advice to manager: Get Neymar’s phone number and see if he fancies a kick-about on Redcar beach!

Make or break point: We need to improve our home form.

Changes off the field: Address match-day prices - simply extortionate in certain sections.

Team to beat and why: Leeds United, we owe them after last season’s Riverside humilation...

Promoted: Boro, Leeds, Charlton.

Relegated: Barnsley, Millwall, Bristol City.

Predicted finish: Champions.

DONCASTER

Stephen Waddington, Doncaster, Age: 39, League One

Verdict: The jury is out on Dean Saunders but it’s all change, with plenty of ins and short-term ‘experiment’ signings Diouf, Chimbonda and co all out. Even the stadium has become Rovers’ own. If Rovers can keep players fit and tighten the defence, they can reach the play-offs. If Saunders can spot a bargain centre-forward, then it will bode well. An experienced goalkeeper is a must, too!

Key man: James Coppinger, in his ninth season at the club, if he stays, he has the mercurial ability to be the match-winner.

Potential boo-boy: Gary Woods. Championship was too much for him, I fear League One will be, too.

Advice to manager: Bring in a new goalkeeper, this position cost the old manager his job!

Make or break point: Securing a striker capable of converting chances.

Changes off the field: A Rovers’ stadium ‘make-over’ is looked forward to by the fans.

Team to beat and why: Scunthorpe, not as much a must-win as Rotherham, but always nice to put one over the Iron.

Promoted: Sheffield United, Bournemouth and Swindon.

Relegated: Yeovil, Walsall, Shrewsbury and Portsmouth.

Predicted finish: 8th.

SHEFFIELD UTD

Jim Blackburn, Millhouses, Age: 52, League One

Verdict: I do not know what to expect. The division looks weaker than last time and we have much the same team that managed to claim 90 points, so I have to be optimistic. On the other hand, we have lost a 34-goal centre-forward and a Premier League right-back. A lot will depend on how the youngsters perform and who departs as our cost-cutting bites. We are the biggest club in the division, but that counts for little if the manager has no money.

Key man: Kevin Macdonald. Injury-prone but too good a midfielder for this level.

Potential boo-boy: Chris Porter will suffer if compared with the Ched Evans of last season.

Advice to manager: Keep playing passing football and the majority of fans will stay onside.

Make or break point: How we do up front.

Changes off the field: So many mistakes have been made in past at boardroom level, but Kevin McCabe must back his manager.

Team to beat and why: I don’t want to sound arrogant but now that our main rivals aren’t around, every game is just three points.

Promoted: MK Dons, Bournemouth and... the Blades.

Relegated: Portsmouth, Walsall, Shrewsbury.

Predicted finish: 2nd.

BRADFORD CITY

Mike Harrison, City Gent Editor, Age: 50, League Two

Verdict: For many fans there is quiet optimism that a proper tilt at promotion can be achieved. Apart from the unfortunate loss of David Syers through a Bosman free transfer, Phil Parkinson has managed to offload the right players and retain the best ones. The manager has made some potentially good signings and, if they can prove their worth, it should be a good season for our long-suffering supporters.

Key man: Andrew Davies. A stunning signing for a League Two club like City but can he lead us to promotion?

Potential boo-boy: Will Atkinson. Has potential but must show more following an indifferent loan spell last season.

Advice to manager: Keep calm and carry on.

Make or break point: Not fullfilling the expectation that City can obtain promotion this season.

Changes off the field: Whoever designed the away shirt needs to have a word with themselves.

Team to beat and why: Rotherham – due to Steve Evans being in charge.

Promoted: Southend, Gillingham, Bristol Rovers. One from City, Cheltenham, Fleetwood and Chesterfield.

Relegated: Barnet, Burton.

Predicted finish: 4th.

ROTHERHAM UTD

Lee Rowbotham, Kimberworth, Age: 47, League Two

Verdict: I can safely say that on behalf of all Rotherham fans, this season will be one to remember purely down to the fact that we will be back in Rotherham at the New York Stadium. We believe that this could be our season with some really strong signings made by manager Steve Evans. The team looks more physical, which is what we’ve lacked in recent seasons, and with our home advantage back, we think the club has enough to win promotion.

Key man: Kari Arnason, classy midfielder at heart of things.

Potential boo-boy: Because of the feel-good factor, I will say there will be none.

Advice to manager: As difficult as it is, Steve Evans should sign a proven scorer.

Make or break point: Consistency levels of Sharps, Mullins, Arnason, Noble and Pringle – make stadium a fortress.

Changes off the field: Things have never been so good for a long, long time!

Team to beat and why: Chesterfield, our closest rivals who beat us 5-0 in front of TV cameras.

Promoted: Millers, Bradford, Fleetwood, Chesterfield.

Relegated: Accrington and Dagenham & Redbridge.

Predicted finish: 3rd – but would be nice to finish top.

YORK CITY

Andrew Briggs, York, Age: 49, League Two

Verdict: Last season was beyond most supporters’ expectations so this is one for consolidation. Gary Mills always talks up the team’s chances but I think we are two or three players short overall. A play-off position is a possibility but we need to keep key players fit. Left-back could be a problem following James Meredith’s move to Bradford and we are short of numbers up front, which means much rests on Jason Walker.

Key man: Jon Smith and Paddy McLaughlin are important players, but the form of Jason Walker is the key to the way we play.

Potential boo boy: I don’t like to hear booing of our players, but following Meredith at left-back is going to be a tough job.

Advice to manager: More of the same please.

Make or break point: Our home form needs to improve. Getting Scott Kerr back fit.

Changes off the field: Push for the new ground to have a capacity of 8,000, not 6,000.

Team to beat and why: Rotherham – it would be nice to wipe the smile off the faces of their manager and his assistant.

Promoted: Rotherham, Fleetwood, Southend and, possibly, Bradford.

Relegated: Barnet, Dagenham.

Predicted finish: Mid-table.