NICK LOUGHLIN
Sports Editor

NEWCASTLE UNITED
SURELY Mike Ashley will keep his promise to back boss Rafa Benitez to the hilt in the transfer market? If not, then expect some headlines from the Spaniard, who was never afraid to use his Liverpool press conferences to get his message across in his own way. The squad lacks quality and Benitez will need all his training ground nous and organisational skills to keep them out of trouble.

One to watch: Jonjo Shelvey
Prediction: 15th

MIDDLESBROUGH
SMASH the Championship? Steve Gibson is proving as good as his word. Gone is the dull football served up by Aitor Karanka and in comes the more open and willing Garry Monk. The shackles are off and games will be more entertaining. Recruitment has been big, bold and expensive and the parachute payments and big money has been spent......unlike at Sunderland and Newcastle.

One to watch: Jonny Howson
Prediction: 2nd

SUNDERLAND
A NEW manager who knows the Championship and new signings who know the Championship. It makes for a season of Championship middling. Years of stagnation and decline should surely bottom out now, but how long before there’s an upturn in fortunes? Simon Grayson has signed players he knows and will need to get the best out of them to have a chance of being involved in the mix.

One to watch: Aiden McGeady
Prediction: 12th

HARTLEPOOL UNITED
CONSIDERING all that has gone on at Victoria Park in the last six months, it’s amazing that there’s a real optimism around the place. Pools have to embrace this new division, treat it with respect, and enjoy their new adventure. Craig Harrison has recruited well, been backed by the new owners, and a good start could see them push for a Football League return.

One to watch: Jack Munns
Prediction: 3rd

DARLINGTON
TO get financial backing to help get back to the Football League quickly or not? It seems the manager’s ambitions have been laid aside at the request of supporters happy to keep a hand on control of the club. Signing players and enjoying a decent budget has never been a problem, but how Martin Gray would have liked more to spend. Expect a play-off place in a fiercely competitive division.

One to watch: Terry Galbraith
Prediction: 6th

SPENNYMOOR TOWN
THE club has made huge strides and kept moving up the league s alongside Darlington. Moors may not have the level of support as Quakers, and will find it tough to compe te against some former Football League clubs. But recruitment was good 12 months ago and those experienced players will be key this time around, while they have added to their squad positively this time too.

One to watch: David Foley
Prediction: 13th

  • Premier League: 1 Man City, 2 Chelsea, 3 Liverpool, 4 Man United
  • Relegated: Brighton, Watford, Huddersfield Town
  • FA Cup: Manchester United
  • League Cup: Chelsea
  • Star of the season: Mohamed Salah
  • Flop of the season: Tiemoue Bakayoko
  • Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku

CRAIG STODDART
Deputy Sports Editor

NEWCASTLE UNITED
AN uninspiring transfer window has dampened St
James’ enthusiasm, which is no bad thing if it prevents any hysterical predictions about achieving a Champions League place. Despite not signing the players he wanted and veiled threats about his future, Rafael Benitez remains as manager and his guidance should ensure the Magpies will avoid yet another relegation.

One to watch: Matt Ritchie
Prediction: 14th

MIDDLESBROUGH
THE £15m recruitment of Britt Assombalonga took most of the attention this summer, just one of several smart moves by Garry Monk, a manager Middlesbrough have done mightily well to attract. Given the money Steve Gibson has permitted him to spend, Monk is under immediate pressure to achieve promotion at the first attempt.

One to watch: Jonny Howson
Prediction: 4th

SUNDERLAND
THAT Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes turned down the job says it all for the task at hand for Simon Grayson. The financial situation was underlined by the Black Cats reduced to raiding Bury for James Vaughan in their search for a striker. Grayson has proven adept at creating effective teams, though he may have had second thoughts after Saturday’s shocking display.

One to watch: Aiden McGeady
Prediction: 11th

HARTLEPOOL UNITED
CRAIG HARRISON has been a much-needed breath of fresh air at Victoria Park, where a major overhaul was long overdue. The new manager has brought in plenty of new players, many of them North-East lads, who could quickly foster a sense of unity that will serve them well. Clubs relegated from League Two rarely achieve promotion at the first attempt, but Pools won’t be far off.

One to watch: Ryan Donaldson
Prediction: 8th

DARLINGTON
THE squad appears to be stronger than last year, with Josh Falkingham the only exit, and Martin Gray having made some decent signings, his best being convincing Phil Turnbull and Mark Beck to stay. Doubts remain about a defence that conceded more than most teams in the top half, yet, despite this weakness, Quakers finished fifth and there is every chance of a repeat performance.

One to watch: James Caton
Prediction: 3rd

SPENNYMOOR TOWN
MANAGER Jason Ainsley has described Moors’ elevation to the giddy heights of the National League North as a “fairytale”, and it’s one that shows no sign of stopping. Owner Brad Groves has given the go ahead to some notable summer signings – particularly David Foley and Ryan Hall – and there is no reason his club cannot aim for the play-offs.

One to watch: Ryan Hall
Prediction: 7th

  • Premier League: 1 Man United, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man City, 4 Liverpool
  • Relegated: Brighton, Watford, Huddersfield Town
  • FA Cup: Manchester United
  • League Cup: Liverpool
  • Star of the season: Mohamed Salah
  • Flop of the season: Wayne Rooney
  • Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku

SCOTT WILSON
Chief Sports Writer

NEWCASTLE UNITED
RAFAEL BENITEZ expected more urgency in the transfer market this summer, and the fear is the Magpies have not added sufficient strength to avoid a relegation fight. Jacob Murphy should provide a threat from the flank, while central-midfield addition Mikel Merino boasts a decent pedigree. Defence is a worry though, and Newcastle desperately need Dwight Gayle to stay fit.

One to watch: Jonjo Shelvey
Prediction: 18th

MIDDLESBROUGH
GARRY MONK has spent more money than any other Championship manager, and while that is no guarantee of success, Boro start the season as favourites to claim the title. Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite would not look out of place in a PL line-up, while Jonny Howson is proven at Championship level. Even if senior players leave later this month, Boro should still be strong.

One to watch: Britt Assombalonga
Prediction: 1st

SUNDERLAND
IT has been a summer of upheaval, with Simon Grayson having to operate on a shoestring budget. Thirteen senior players have left since the end of last season, and their replacements are a mixed bag of youngsters and older players who have lost their way and have a point to prove. Aiden McGeady should provide some excitement, but the season could prove something of a slog.

One to watch: Josh Maja
Prediction: 11th

HARTLEPOOL UNITED
IT is always difficult to win promotion from the Conference at the first time of asking, but Hartlepool look to be making a decent fist of rebuilding. Craig Harrison was an astute appointment, and he has attracted a number of players who had offers from the EFL. Former Newcastle academy duo Ryan Donaldson and Conor Newton look especially exciting additions.

One to watch: Conor Newton
Prediction: 4th

DARLINGTON
AFTER the disappointment of ‘seat-gate’, Darlington will be targeting a play-off place as a bare minimum. The National League North seems to get stronger every season, and the likes of York City and Salford will ensure the bar is raised even higher. Nevertheless, Darlington should be competitive, with the arrival of striker James Caton providing proof of their ambition.

One to watch: Josh Gillies
Prediction: 4th

SPENNYMOOR TOWN
HOW high can Spennymoor go? The sky seems to be the limit under ambitious owner Brad Groves, but with last season’s promotion having taken them to the highest level they have ever inhabited, a season of stabilisation would be no bad thing. The signing of Curzon Ashton winger Ryan Hall catches the eye and, if nothing else, the derbies with Darlington will be cracking occasions.

One to watch: Rob Ramshaw
Prediction: 9th

  • Premier League: 1 Man City, 2 Chelsea, 3 Man United, 4 Tottenham
  • Relegated: Brighton, Newcastle United, Huddersfield Town
  • FA Cup: Manchester United
  • League Cup: Chelsea
  • Star of the season: Gabriel Jesus
  • Flop of the season: Javier Hernandez
  • Top scorer: Harry Kane

PAUL FRASER
Chief Football Writer

NEWCASTLE UNITED
THERE is no disputing that Rafael Benitez still wants further additions to his squad, so a lot could be determined by whether he gets his wish. As things stand, the Magpies will do well to finish mid-table. However, given Benitez’s pedigree, there is every chance Newcastle could finish higher if he gets more of what he wants in.

One to watch: Jacob Murphy
Prediction: 10th

MIDDLESBROUGH
THE bookmakers think that Garry Monk can lead Boro to promotion and it’s hard to disagree. Even the most hardened Sunderland fan would struggle to come up with an argument against them leading the charge to the Premier League this season. It could take time for Monk to get his style of play across, but the signings he has made bodes well.

One to watch: Britt Assombalonga
Prediction: 1st

SUNDERLAND
IN my opinion Simon Grayson was the right appointment at this time. The challenge he faces is a huge one because, despite the lack of transfer funds, he still needs to try to lead a promotion charge. Is he capable? All will be revealed over the course of the next nine months, although Grayson has the knowledge of the Championship to at least drive for a play-off place.

One to watch: Jason Steele
Prediction: 4th

HARTLEPOOL UNITED
DESPITE all of the fears about the club’s owners at the end of last season, they have recruited well and appointed an ambitious, young manager desperate to succeed in the North-East where he grew up. Craig Harrison has never managed at National League level, Pools have never played there either. They should do well though.

One to watch: Conor Newton
Prediction: 1st

DARLINGTON
MAKE no mistake, the National League North is a far more competitive division than it was last season so in that sense it will be hard for the Quakers to claim a promotion spot. However, despite fears of a fire sale after the breakdown of takeover talks, Martin Gray has kept his squad intact and he has every chance of leading them to promotion.

One to watch: David Ferguson
Prediction: 3rd

SPENNYMOOR TOWN
THIS might be the first time Jason Ainsley’s group have played at the higher level but they have invested in the squad and should be able to compete in the top half. The likes of Blyth and York will be battling towards the top with Darlington and Salford too, but Spennymoor will be pushing for a top-seven spot.

One to watch: David Foley
Prediction: 7th

  • Premier League: 1 Man City, 2 Chelsea, 3 Liverpool, 4 Arsenal
  • Relegated: Brighton, Watford, Huddersfield Town
  • FA Cup: Manchester United
  • League Cup: Liverpool
  • Star of the season: Alexandre Lacazette
  • Flop of the season: Danilo
  • Top scorer: Harry Kane