Tranmere Rovers

Odds: 25/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 18 (League One), 2004/05 - 3 (League One), 2003/04 - 8 (League One), 2002/03 - 7 (League One), 2001/02 - 12 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup First Round vs Bradford City (a) - lost 2-1.
Carling Cup First Round vs Scunthorpe United (a) - lost 2-1.
Football League Trophy Northern Section Quarter Final vs Carlisle United - lost 11-10 on penalties with the score at 0-0 after extra time.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Chris Greenacre (striker) - 18 goals.

Players In
Kevin Ellison (Hull City - Undisclosed), Robbie Stockdale (Hull City - Free), Chris Shuker (Barnsley - Free), Chris McCready (Crewe Alexandra - Free), John Mullin (Rotherham United - Free), Paul McLaren (Rotherham United - Free), Gavin Ward (Preston North End - Free)

Players Out
Delroy Facey (Rotherham United - Free), Ian Sharps (Rotherham United - Free), Michael Jackson (Blackpool - Free), Sam Aiston (Northampton Town - Free), Paul Martin (Southport - Free).

Tranmere Rovers endured a dismal campaign last season following their play off failure in the 2004/05 season. Brian Little was unable to emulate the third place finish he achieved 12 months ago and Rovers finished the season a lowly and uncharacteristic eighteenth in the table.

Ronnie Moore is in charge for the new season and will aim to turn around the club's fortunes as he did at Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic last season. Jason McAteer will continue his role as player coach at Prenton Park after signing a new one year contract and will work alongside new boss Moore and his assistant John Breckin. McAteer took charge for Rovers' final match last season following Little's departure and has made over 50 appearances for the club since joining them two years ago.

Tranmere have signed Barnsley winger Chris Shuker after he left Oakwell under acrimonious circumstances. The Tykes withdrew a contract offer when Shuker failed to respond before a set deadline and has signed a two year deal at Rovers.

Moore has raided his old club Rotherham to snap up midfield duo John Mullin and Paul McLaren. Mullin opted to rejoin his former manager rather than accept a deal from League One rivals Blackpool. Hull City pair Kevin Ellison and Robbie Stockdale have also joined the club as has veteran Preston North End goalkeeper Gavin Ward.

Tranmere Rovers have managed to secure a work permit for Jamaican international defender Ian Goodison. An initial request for a permit was rejected but the successful appeal allowed him to take up the one year contract offered to him by Moore.

Verdict
Ronnie Moore has the golden touch in the lower divisions and will be pressing hard for a place in the play offs following a solid, solitary season in charge of Oldham Athletic.