Fan's eye view: Division 2

We have enlisted supporters from each of the 18 first-class counties - plus Scotland - to give their views on the new campaign.

Whether you agree with the verdict on your county's chances or not, you can join the debate on our message boards.

With limited resources, staying up in the Championship would represent a notable achievement.

Much is expected of Shabbir Ahmed and Shoaib Malik - however, a fraction of Ian Harvey's inspiration would suffice.

The frustatingly enigmatic Craig Spearman will doubtless again test the patience, whilst bowling duties rest largely with the tireless Jon Lewis.

They will probably not be badly affected by England calls, but much may depend on the availability of their overseas players.

However, the unexpected departure of Mark Ealham has left the side looking potentially imbalanced.

Expect more of the same from Kent in 2004 - they will compete well, but fail to win a trophy.

The batting will take care of itself again with Law and Hooper to the fore.

But in the longer game, the lack of investment in a quality spinner will cost the team. Could the Cork money have been better invested?

A fit Hogg and a confident, stronger Mahmood should help. In the one-day games, my fear is that the team is too old and will be exposed in the field.

Owais Shah and Sven Koenig should be more fluent with the bat, and spinner James Dalrymple will show his class.

Lance Klusener should provide explosive batting during the Twenty20, and Nantie Hayward should give the bowling the 'extra' yard or so that it needs.

Melvyn Betts and Paul Hutchison look like shrewd signings, such that teams should be bowled out twice.

The departure of star batsman and captain Mike Hussey, paceman Andre Nel and Phil Jaques are major blows.

Martin Van Jaarsvelt replaces Hussey as the county's main batsman, while David Sales was appointed captain after Hussey and Tony Penberthy's departures.

Steffan Jones and Usman Afzaal represent major acquisitions, but they will need to be well supported if the club are to avoid relegation.

Yet even without Ian Ward and Alec Stewart, the Brown Hatters' 12 internationals ensure formidability - provided the in-fighting has ceased.

I expect a trophy, probably the Championship, as the boys are desperate to reclaim the number one mantle.

Exciting youngster Scott Newman should replace Ward seamlessly.

The all-round abilities of Adam Hollioake, Rikki Clarke and Azhar Mahmood could retain the Twenty20.

Along with retaining two fine overseas stars, the champions have drafted in a mix of experience and potential while keeping the core of the team intact.

The hype over the club's profits and wages hid the real story - that the county has been using its success to provide a better environment for players and fans alike.

Sussex have the will and determination to build on their success. The shelves are being dusted for more silverware.

Nick Knight's Bears can perform well - with Bell and Troughton batting well, this is a team to fear. Boosting the bowling are Heath Streak and Brad Hogg.

Warwickshire should be hoping to avoid relegation in the County Championship and push for the National League title.

With the finals of the Twenty20 taking place at Edgbaston, it would be fitting for a win for Warwickshire.

Graeme Hick, Ben Smith and Steve Rhodes are the wisdom and experience whilst exciting youngsters Kabir and Kadeer Ali will be players to look out for.

Our aim will be to get back to Division One of the National League, and to stay in Division One of the Championship.

Going one further in the C&G Trophy this year would be nice, though!