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Nottingham Forest

Odds: 5/1

Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 7 (League One), 2004/05 - 23 (Championship, Relegated), 2003/04 - 14 (Championship), 2002/03 - 6 (Championship), 2001/02 - 16 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Second Round vs Chester City (a) - lost 3-0. Carling Cup First Round vs Macclesfield Town (h) - lost 3-2. Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Woking (a) - lost 3-2.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Nathan Tyson (striker) and Iain Breckin (defender) - 10 goals each.

Players In Paul Smith (Southampton - Free).

Players Out Gareth Taylor (Released), Eugen Bopp (Released), Paul Evans (Released), Eugene Dadi (Released), Paul Gerrard (Released).

Nottingham Forest were the firm bookmaker's favourites to win League One last season following their relegation from the Championship which gave them the dubious honour of becoming the first European winners to play outside it's country's top two divisions. However, under manager Gary Megson they underachieved and it wasn't until the 17 February, when duo Frank Barlow and Ian McParland took over, that Forest started to play how they should have all season.

Barlow and McParland won their first game in charge with a 2-0 away victory at Port Vale, their first away win since August 27th. Their second game was a 7-1 thrashing of Swindon Town. The unbeaten run extended to 10 matches, with six straight wins - last achieved in the 1960's. This was the first time the club had won more than twice on the spin since 2004 and first time they have won more than four in a row for 11 years.

The 13 match spell in charge saw Forest take 28 points out of a possible 39 and the club missed out on the play offs on the final day of the season. Forest have a new man in charge for the 2006/07 season, former Northampton Town manager Colin Calderwood, and expectations are higher at the City Ground than last season. Although both McParland and Barlow were promised their positions at the club would be safe under a new boss, Barlow left for Hull City in June to take up the role of caretaker manager.

Calderwood made Southampton goalkeeper Paul Smith his first signing and the highly rated 26 year old will provide current number one Rune Pedersen with competition for the position following Paul Gerrard's release.

Verdict The bookmaker's have again made Forest the favourites for promotion but this time justifiably so. If new manager Colin Calderwood can get the players to display the same winning attitude shown during the brief tenure of Frank Barlow and Ian McParland, Forest will give you a good run for your money at 5/1.

About the Author

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.