Ladbrokes (www.ladbrokes.com) offer Southend at 16/1 to become the inaugural winners of Coca-Cola League Two, which makes them twelfth favourites for the title. Like many of their fellow betting companies, Ladbrokes consider Northampton Town to be the favourites at 9/2, with newly-promoted Chester City close behind at 9/1. Surprisingly, relegated Grimsby Town weigh in third at tens.
William Hill (www.willhill.com) also favour the Cobblers, with the Sixfields Stadium outfit 5/4 to win promotion with the bookmakers. Once again, Chester are second at 13/8 with Yeovil Town 7/4 third favourites. Blues are rated as 9/1 to get a top three placing or qualify for League One through the end-of-season play-offs.
Totesport (www.totesport.com) offer arguably the best odds for United supporters, with the Seasiders rated at 33/1 to be champions of Division Two. With a similar run to that the Roots Hall side enjoyed in the second half of 2003/4, Southend could be Greece-like dark horses to pull that off. Northampton (9/2), Chester (6/1) and Yeovil (8/1), are again the favourites to emerge victorious.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com