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Reading stormed the Championship last season and lost just two league matches all campaign.

Plymouth Argyle have held their own in their two seasons in the Championship following their promotion from League One in the 2003/04 season.

Peterborough United start the 2006/07 campaign with their third manager in little over 12 months.

Darlington are the early pace setters after beating Macclesfield Town 4-0.

The 2005/06 campaign was disastrous for Derby County and they finished just two places and eight points above the relegation zone.

A fitter player and, more importantly, a fitter team can play at a faster pace for a longer period of time. Fitness and player stamina is what sets apart professional and part-time teams, especially when they play in "all or nothing" matches such as the FA Cup where there is no middle ground for a draw.

At one stage last season it looked as though Chesterfield could cement a play off place but they faded away towards the latter part of the season and finished in their more recognisable place in the lower half of the table.

Blackpool were one of a number of clubs dragged into last season's League One relegation battle but they managed to finish three points and two places above the bottom four.

Hartlepool United crashed out of League One last season after two unsuccessful play-off bids, in which they lost 4-2 to Sheffield Wednesday in the 2004/05 final and 3-2 on aggregate against Bristol City in the 2003/04 semi final.

Since Wimbledon ceased to exist and MK Dons took over their mantle, the club has struggled in the Football League, suffering relegation twice in the past three seasons.