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"I
SPY!!" - ODDS ON SPORT -
is the latest
addition to the Furlong To Go portfolio. We have been considering doing
this for a while, and we hope to be able to offer you opportunities to
place wagers on most sports, though initially we will be concentrating
on football. We hope you find this latest feature of some use
PREVIEW OF THE 2002/2003 FOOTBALL SEASON
A preview of the season by The Spy
Friday 9th August
Division 1
Looks to lack a quality team although Ipswich maybe closest to falling into that category. The bookies are generally not giving too much away (the Tote's 5-1 is best) but they are generally shorter elsewhere. They could
emphasize the gulf between the Premiership and this section which has been so apparent in the past. But overall, bearing in mind their European distractions as well they look worth taking on. I suggest because there seems to be several teams of roughly the same ability as them (Coventry, Wolves, Leicester, Derby, Norwich and Millwall) that a lowering of the winning teams points total could occur. So, on that basis, a bet on the handicap betting seems to be the best way forward. I strongly recommend Norwich (+16 points with Hills) and also Gillingham (+34 points with Hills) can give us a good run for our money. Backing these two at 17-1 the field looks the value to me as opposed to taking the much shorter prices on offer for the leading protagonists. Gillingham, who seem to have got no mention at all in the pre-season reviews that I have seen were definitely going the right way last season and put in some fine displays at the back-end. While quite tempted by the 80-1 EW (Hills) in the outright betting that does look a little optimistic based on their overall resources including in terms of squad strength. The handicap looks the safest option therefore and I prefer them to Norwich.
Bet recommendation
Hills - Norwich and Gillingham @17-1 with 16 and 34 point handicap head starts.
Division 2
Seems to contain a long list of sides who it would require a crystal ball to predict them winning. I do not propose to look beyond the obvious here therefore. Cardiff must be challengers but at shorter than 3-1 I'm not having any of that. Wigan (8-1 Super Soccer) get the nod on the strength of value supported by their financial backing and strong squad. While many with the collapse of Digital are having to tighten their belts this does not appear to be the problem here. With a fine balance of solid defence and attacking options they look my idea of Champions here. It really is hard to get worked up about many of the others, but Crewe who we had faith in last year play plenty of good football and have some quality youngsters at their disposal. They might go well but like Plymouth another side who I have some time for after their easy Championship win last term may be only backable on an each way basis despite their likely continued improvement.
Bet recommendation
Super Soccer - Wigan @ 8-1
Division 3
For me Rushden (8-1 Blue Square) look to be the most progressive outfit in this section and they get the nod. A bit similar to my comments on Div 2, many here are just in it to make up the numbers. Further progression now that Rushden have acclimatised to Div 3 life can see this free scoring side go one step further than the play-offs this time around. Hartlepool are a danger as are Hull but while the former must be considered closely the value with Hull at 4-1 is hard to trace. Wrexham who also score for fun and came down last season might be able to make an impact at this level and for me they are the main dangers to Brian Talbot's men.
Bet recommendation
Blue Square - Rushden @8-1
Conference
After missing out in a travesty of circumstances with Dagenham last season I'm tempted to give them the vote again. However, we also mentioned last season that Farnborough and Morecambe were likely to have a good season and they did not let us down. These two along with Yeovil appear to be the leading players this time (Halifax who came down are very poor) and at likely odds small interest in these two at 25-1 and 18-1 respectively looks the best option. Farnborough in particular surprised many last season in their first season in the Conference and it was understandable that they
didn't turn out to be quite good enough at the end of the day. With money at their disposal they could mount a serious challenge this time around. Morecombe who started badly finished with such a flourish despite an horrendous fixture pile up last back end. With a better start they can also give us a value run for our money against the likely winners in Yeovil.
Bet recommendation
Blue Square 18-1 Morecombe
Coral 25-1 Farnborough.
Finally, I fail to see any value in the Premiership odds for the Championship or relegation battle. With the bets outlined above, we don't need to get involved here.
The Spy.
I SPY ... Odds on Sport
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