League One fans are certainly in for a treat this season with a host of clubs looking to make that extra step into the Championship.

Naturally last season's relegated sides usually start as favourites to bounce back up. But going by last season where Nottingham Forest, Rotherham and Walsall all failed to make any real impact, League One is renowned for throwing up a few surprises.

Certainly no-one would have backed Southend and Colchester, who finished as champions and runners-up respectively last season, so there can be real optimism for some of the lesser known teams in the division to take inspiration from the Essex clubs' achievements.

Relegated Millwall have made wholesale changes, bringing in Nigel Spackman as manager and making no fewer than ten new signings.

With the likes of experienced duo Richard Shaw and Derek McInnes joining the London club along with striker Darren Byfield, there is real optimism the club can get back into the Championship.

Nottingham Forest flattered to deceive last season as they just missed out on a play off spot. Colin Calderwood is now in charge at the City Ground and if they can carry off from the end of last season they are sure to be challenging.

Another team who finished the season strongly, Bristol City, will be looking to go one step further this season.

Gary Johnson has made some shrewd signings, powerful striker Enoch Showumni from Luton and Liam Fontaine from Fulham, which will make them a stronger outfit this season.

And Crewe and Brighton, who also came down from the Championship, have a good track record at this level.

Last season's Play-Off final losers Swansea have managed to keep the nucleus of their squad together and with the likes of Lee Trundle and Leon Knight in their team, Kenny Jackett's are sure to be out to go one better this time around.

Brentford made the play-offs last season but have seen inspirational manager Martin Allen jump ship to MK Dons. Key player Jay Tabb has also moved to Coventry so there is a new regime under Leroy Rosenior at Griffin Park.

The League One newcomers, Carlisle, Northampton, Leyton Orient and Cheltenham will use the Southend example as a good excuse not to fear anyone in the league.

All have played at this level before although Carlisle have lost influential manager Paul Simpson to Preston which may have an affect on the team.

Peter Jackson's Huddersfield ran close last year in the play-offs and have added prolific goalscorer Luke Beckett to their ranks to boost their hopes.

There are also high expectations at Blackpool where a £5million takeover by a Latvian consortium means there will be money to spend for manager Simon Grayson.

And Doncaster have also been a team busy in the transfer market with Dave Penney looking to take them up to the second tier of English football for the first time ever.

While at the bottom end, the likes of Gillingham, Tranmere, Rotherham, Bournemouth and Scunthorpe will all be hoping for better campaigns.

But as last season showed, League One is certainly a difficult league to predict.