Tranmere manager Brian Little reckons League One will be extremely tight but expects Nottingham Forest to leave their mark on the division. Little's team lost to Hartlepool in the play-offs last season and are expected to figure once more in a division Forest are clear favourites to win.
"I think it will be very competitive this season," Little told BBC Sport.
"With Nottingham Forest coming in, they will be everybody's favourites simply because they are Forest."
Gary Megson's team were relegated from the Championship last season and are the most illustrious team in League One.
"Forest will be aware of that and will also be wary of the fact that they might not necessarily walk away with the league," added Little. "But they have a great chance for sure."
Little was appointed as Rovers manager in October 2003 and is confident that after last season's narrow failure his team will give a good account of themselves once more.
But he believes that trying to predict who finishes where is simply not possible.
"I don't think anybody is quite up to speed with what will go on in the division this season," added Little. "I think it will be more competitive than people realise.
"I heard a snippet on the radio the other day saying that Port Vale are one of the favourites for relegation.
"Well believe me, if Vale are one of the favourites for the drop it will be one hell of a hard season because they are a pretty useful team."
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Little is not on his own in expecting a tight season, with several other managers also expecting teams to take points off each other.
But the 51-year-old Little reckons that there are several teams besides Forest worth looking out for.
"The likes of Doncaster, who have spent a bit of money, are still progressing and they will be competitive," he said.
"Huddersfield finished the season in great form so there are teams who I think will ensure the League is very tough this season.
"Look at Danny Wilson down at Milton Keynes - he will make sure they are competitive this season.
"For all that, I wouldn't disagree with Forest being favourites but I think it will be very tough."
Little is adamant that with such a hard, bruising season ahead it is crucial to make a good start if ambitions of promotion are to be realised.
Rovers begin their campaign away to Swansea, who have moved to their new 20,000-seater stadium at Morfa.
"The teams that get off to a good start are always psychologically in good form," said Little. "It is the same in any division - if you struggle to start it is always difficult to play catch up.
"I would liked to have been at home on the opening day of the season - I always wish for that.
"Swansea away is a tough game, they have just been promoted and have a new ground.
"They did well last season and will hope to do so again."
MMIX
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