Blue Sq Premier League. Ante Post 2012-2013

[Punter]

Any BSP fans in?

I've got to get used to this league again being an Hereford Utd supporter. It's been a while and i remember how tough it was to get out of last time. The only standout stat i remember from last time is that teams who get relegated from League Two never bounce straight back up, it takes them a while, if they manage it at all.

But that's as much as i do know, so where do we start? Who's got cash? Who's been buying? Who are in financial trouble? etc. I'm not really sure yet or fully researched up but that will come in the coming weeks.

Outright winner odds from BetVictor
Sat 1 Jun 13:00Price

Luton Town 2/1
Mansfield Town 5/1
Grimsby Town 7/1
Wrexham 7/1
Forest Green Rovers 9/1
Cambridge United 14/1
Kidderminster Harriers 20/1
Lincoln City 25/1
Stockport County 25/1
Newport County 25/1
Hereford 25/1
Macclesfield 25/1
Alfreton Town 66/1
Gateshead 66/1
Southport 66/1
Woking 66/1
Braintree Town 100/1
125/1 Bar.

My initial thoughts are with the two market leaders, Luton and Mansfield but i think they could be better priced a couple of games in? I'll leave them for now but will probably come back for them.

For now i've just had a couple of small bets on Gateshead. They went full time two seasons ago, manager Ian Bogie is in his 5th season in charge and although they have lost last seasons top scorer they have been bringing in some new players that on paper look to be decent enough signings. They finished a respectable 8th last season.

Early days but just to get started..

Gateshead, Outright Winner, 2pts @ 66/1 and Promotion 3pts @ 33/1 BetVictor.

 

[ThunderCelt]

I used to like the Conference. I enjoyed Aldershot being in it much more than L2, even in the seasons we finished bottom half. Of course, I don't particularly want to have to enjoy it again!

I don't follow the BSP any more but I am on Luton as they seem to be splashing the cash. I missed the boat on the really good prices so I'm not sure there's any value in the 7/2 I got and they've shortened even more in the few days since then.

I'm considering a small punt on FGR promotion at 4/1 as apparently they've got wealthy backers too, but small stakes as it'll be for fun only 'cos I don't really know the league. And I've got a soft spot for them (nice ground although they've since moved; welcoming fans; easy journey from Swindon; easy parking; always beat us ).

It'll be good to have some BSP threads this season.

 

[Punter]

I'll try and stick with it TC, it's going to be a struggle though, especially if Hereford are shite again!

 

[ThunderCelt]

I've broken my own rule about not punting on top goalscorers until the last transfer window is out of the way to take 7/1 on Jon Shaw. He's got a fantastic strike rate in the Conference - something like 40% if my maths is correct (which it often ain't) and a mammoth 28 goals for a not-outstanding Gateshead side last season. Anyway, he's with Luton now and in a side that's heavily tipped to do well should be in with a shout. The main danger is that he does well and is sold so I'd take the chance that Luton have got the clout to keep him, and that bigger clubs will be put off by the fact that he's not set the League alight in his handul of attempts.

Half the usual stake I'd normally consider in an anrepost because of the risks involved in him getting injured or moving on.

 

[Punter]

Good shout TC, i fancy him to be top scorer too but like you say there's always a danger that somebody will come in for him. I think Luton will be able to keep hold of him though.

 

[ThunderCelt]

Not necessarily a good shout as I've read somewhere that he's likely to start on the bench.

At least that shows Luton must have some strength which gives some hope for my punt on them to win the league.