Doncaster Rovers

Odds: 20/1

Last Five Seasons

2005/06 - 8 (League One), 2004/05 - 10 (League One), 2003/04 - 1 (League Two, Promoted), 2002/03 - 3 (Conference, Promoted), 2001/02 - 4 (Conference).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup Third Round vs Port Vale (a) - lost 2-1.

Carling Cup Quarter Final vs Arsenal (h) - lost 4-3 on pens with the score 2-2 AET.

Football League Trophy Northern Section Second Round vs Cambridge United (a) - lost 3-2.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Paul Heffernan (striker) and Michael McIndoe (midfield) - 13 goals each.

Players In

James O'Connor (AFC Bournemouth - £130,000), Kevin Horlock (Ipswich Town - Free), Bruce Dyer (Sheffield United - Free), Jonathan Forte (Sheffield United - Loan)

Players Out

Ricky Ravenhill (Chester City - £50,000), Michael McIndoe (Barnsley - Undisclosed), Neil Roberts (Wrexham - Free), Mark Albrighton (Boston United - Free), Dave Mulligan (Scunthorpe United - Free), Jermaine McSporran (Chester City - Free), Simon Marples (Chester City - Free), Leo Fortune-West (Rushden & Diamonds - Free), Phil McGuire (Dunfermline Athletic - Free).

Doncaster Rovers have established themselves as a strong top 10 side in League One and could progress another level this season, a sentiment echoed by manager Dave Penney. Former Cardiff City player Penney has been in charge at Belle Vue for four years and has seen them promoted from the Conference to League One in successive seasons.

The club have bought well this summer and shipped out many fringe players to free up funds. Striker Bruce Dyer has arrived from Sheffield United on a free transfer after appearing for the Blades as well as Stoke City and Millwall last season. He has made over 300 appearances in the Football League and scored over 100 goals in his career so far.

Penney has added further experience to his squad with the signing of Ipswich Town midfielder Kevin Horlock. The Northern Ireland international, with 32 caps to his name, signed a two year contract after spending time on loan at Bell Vue last term.

Defender James O'Connor arrived from Bournemouth for £130,000 and signed a three year deal with the club. O'Connor joined Bournemouth in 2005 following a loan spell from Aston Villa and made 49 appearances for the club, scoring one goal.

As well as a slew of fringe players exiting the club, last season’s joint top goal scorer Michael McIndoe joined newly promoted Barnsley on a free transfer. Keen to test himself at a higher level, McIndoe also turned out six times for Derby County on loan towards the end of last season.

Verdict

Doncaster are a club progressing upwards and they could improve on last season’s eighth placed finish was a place in the play offs.

David Walker runs Bet365 free bet and football betting systems websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.