Stick it on the Stags
One of the biggest mistakes punters can make when looking at who to put their money on as the season approaches, is the amount of money spent on Transfer Fees. There have been many great articles and blogs written on these subjects (one such worth a read is on www.21stclub.com which is well worth a read around just how badly chairman tend to spend their money), so we won't go into the details any more than to state that, statistically, you are far more likely to taste success based on the wage bill a club commits to, than the amount spent on the transfer fees.
That was certainly the case last season in League Two, where most informed opinion suggests that the four sides who topped the division come May were the four sides with the biggest wage bills.
The other thing you want to think about if you ever find yourself in a boardroom at that level is getting the right man at the helm. An experienced campaigner at the level who knows who are the players who are going to make a difference and can be depended on. And get him in early enough that he can plot his campign with plenty of time.
So step forward Mansfield, who most would agree almost certainly have the biggest wage bill this season, and whom have a seasoned veteran at the helm in the shape of Steve Evans. He is controversial of course, having served suspensions from the touchline, as well as more serious suspensions from the game, but he has also achieved promotions with Crawley, Bostonv (2), and Rotherham (2) and knows these leagues like the back of his hand.
He got all his transfer dealing done early, and without spending a penny (you really dont need to at this level anymore) has assembled a fine squad, with significant depth. That's an important factor given how long the season is these days - 46 games plus commitments to the FA Cup, League Cup and Football League Trophy.
The likes of Paul Anderson, Lee Angol, Paul Digby and Jimmy Spencer all looks shrewd for this level, and have crucially played a full pre-season together. It's been a great pre-season for Manfield as well, so they should hit the ground running - wins over Alfreton, Matlock, Gainsborough, a draw against Middlesbrough, and a narrow defeat at Sheffield Wednesday have all given the squad a huge boost.
6/1 with SportingBet looks far to big to ignore.