Manager: Sam Allardyce

A well-respected manager who favours an attacking game, Allardyce looks to be in for a tough time after attempting to make the step up from the first division without spending significantly at all.

Wanderers tried to sign Pierre van Hooijdonk, Jordi Cruyff and a string of other players with experience of the top flight, but could persuade none to come and in the absence of a few recruits to add weight to his side, Allardyce needs the team to turn out to be this year's Ipswich and then some.

We should, at least, see plenty of Gareth Farrelly in midfield, who may get the opportunity to do himself justice second time around in the top flight.

In: Henrik Pedersen (Silkeborg (Den), £650,000); Djibril Diawara (Torino, season loan); Nicky Southall (Gillingham, free); Akinori Nishizawa (Cerezo Osaka, Jpn, season loan), Jeff Smith (Bishop Auckland, £15,000) Total £665,000

Out: Robbie Elliott (Newcastle Utd, free); Franck Passi (released); John O'Kane (Blackpool, free); Matty Glennon (Hull City, £50,000), Nicky Summerbee (released), John O'Kane (Blackpool, free); Tommy Wright (Ballymena United, free); Kieran O'Connor (released). Total £50,000. Net spend: £665,000.

Rep of Ireland players: Gareth Farrelly.

Last year: Div 1: third, FAC: 5th.

This year: 20th.

Official website: mmm.bwfc.co.uk

Betting: 1,000-1.