Bookies snub for Town hope

That represents a major thumbs down on the chances of Gary Peters' side - despite the fact they came within a whisker of winning promotion last season, only losing in a Wembley play-off final to Bristol Rovers.

"Shrewsbury were a big liability for us last season and we would have had to pay out a lot had they been promoted," said Bet 365 spokesman Steve Freeth.

"But we don't see that being the case this time around. Shrewsbury did really well last season but Gary Peters has got a big job on his hands to lift his team after they came so close.

"David Hibbert is an excellent signing for them and I personally think he will do well. But we still think it will be difficult for them to be competing at the top."

Town are 9-2 to win promotion, but won't carry the burden of expectation after finding themselves well down the pecking order in the eyes of the bookmakers.

Peterborough, with Darren Ferguson as managed backed by big spending chairman Darragh MacAnthony, are the overwhelming favourites at 100-30, with Bradford and Darlington priced at 10-1.

MK Dons - beaten by Shrewsbury in the play-off semi-finals - are 11-1 while Chesterfield are 14-1 chances.

Wycombe, Stockport and two of the relegated clubs - Stockport and Rotherham are 16-1 shots - while Shrewsbury are joined on 20-1 by Chesterfield and Notts County.

"Darlington have been nibbled at and have come in from 16s but Peterborough are all the rage," added Freeth.

"We could price them up at 6-4 and people would still be backing them - not because they know too much about them but because they are reading they have a few bob to spend."

By James Garrison