By Sean Davies

An impressive first year in charge at Stradey Park has left Phil Davies as the clear favourite to become the next Wales coach.

SCARLETS PREDICTIONS Celtic League: 5th EDF Energy Cup: Winners Heineken Cup: Group stage Full season preview

Given the fickle rugby world we live in, that could see Davies in the national hot-seat before the end of the year... but that's wandering far from my mark, and the reality is that the former number eight is facing a tricky sophomore year at the Scarlets' helm.

If last season's Magners League campaign fizzled out disappointingly, the overriding memory of 2006/7 was of an almost-glorious Heineken Cup run.

Given a tough draw in the group stages, the Llanelli side stormed through to the knockout rounds with a 100% record over Ulster, London Irish and Toulouse, including a stunning 34-41 comeback win in the south of France.

606: DEBATE What do you think of my predictions? Sean_D

Reigning champions Munster were despatched 24-15 in the quarter-final, but in the semi-final at the Walkers Stadium the Welsh side never looked capable of handling the Leicester juggernaut and they were crushed 33-17.

A similar lack of power up front cost the Scarlets dear against Guinness Premiership sides Newcastle and Sale in the EDF Energy Cup, and there has been little transfer activity to address the deficiencies in the close season.

Key player: Regan King

James Hayter and Adam Eustace will provide some experienced English grunt, much will be expected of Scotland prop Bruce Douglas, and Wales will keep a close eye on the progress of tight-head Ben Broster after his move from Saracens.

But experienced performers Craig Dunlea, John Davies, Adam Jones and Barry Davies have all departed, and the Scarlets' squad - for all its talent behind - still appears somewhat lightweight up front.

TRANSFER STORIES Forward duo depart the Scarlets Scarlets swoop for hooker Hayter Scarlets' Afeaki joins Grenoble Dragons sign Scarlets lock Jones Scarlets sign Scots prop Douglas Full-back Davies quits Scarlets Dragons sign Gustafson Chiefs sign Dunlea from Scarlets Scarlets swoop for prop Broster Scarlets scrum-half joins Chiefs Scarlets secure Gloucester lock Scarlets sign Dragons back Brew Dragons sign full-back Thomas

A strong challenge in the league is to be expected, but lack of consistency and strength-in-depth could see the Scarlets fall short.

A horror Heineken Cup draw sees Davies' side up against Wasps, Munster and Clermont-Auvergne.

As they proved last year, it is a competition that the Scarlets love and that they are able to raise their standards to meet, but such quality opposition looks to be beyond their ability to master.

That could leave the EDF Energy Cup as a consolation prize for the Welsh region.

One to watch: Ben Broster

Stradey Park pool games against Leeds and Saracens look well winnable, and the away leg takes them to Bristol - who have previously shown a disdain for the tournament.

The Scarlets made the final of the inaugural Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2005/6, and their knockout pedigree could see them become the first team from west of the Severn to lift the trophy.

In: Nathan Brew (Dragons), Adam Eustace (Gloucester), Ben Broster (Saracens), Bruce Douglas (Border Reivers), James Hayter (Harlequins)

Out: Martyn Thomas (Dragons), Clive Stuart-Smith (Exeter Chiefs), John Davies (academy coaching role), Craig Dunlea (Exeter Chiefs), Hugh Gustafson (Dragons), Barry Davies (Brive), Adam Jones (Dragons), Inoke Afeaki (Grenoble), Jonathan Mills (London Welsh), Aled Gravelle (released)