League 2 Players to watch 2012/13

The League 2 season has just kicked off and it is full of more talented players than ever before. There are many big names playing in this league now, including the likes of Damien Johnson who only a few seasons ago was plying his trade in the Premier League. However despite the big name players, there are always younger and lesser known players that make a huge impact on the league. Here are just a few of the players that I think will be stars of the 2012/13 League 2 season.

Marlon Pack

Club: Cheltenham Town

Position: Midfielder

Age: 21

I am almost 100% certain that Marlon Pack will be one of the star players this season. He was named in the team of the year and finished in the top three for player of the season last year so it is surely going to be a big season for the former Portsouth player.

You could argue that Marlon Pack is the complete midfield player. He can get forward and help the forwards and contributed seven goals last term. Creativity is one of his key attributes as he can pick a pass that not many other league 2 players can spot and this is how he helped Cheltenham to the playoffs with eight assists last season. Defensively he is also very strong and is not frightened to put his foot in when needed. It surely wont be long until teams from higher divisions come calling at rumours have gone around that championship clubs were after him this summer.

Matt Blair

Club: York

Position: Forward/Midfielder

Age:22

Blair was the scorer of important goals for the Minstermen last season as he bagged in the play-off semi-final, play-off final and the FA Trophy win. The versatile forward netted 20 goals in all competitions and looks more than capable of making the step up to league football from the Blue Square Premier. York snapped up Blair from Kidderminster at the start of last season and he was a major driving force in getting his side promoted via the play-off final at Wembley. He can play all across the front line and was right at home in York's three-pronged attack last term. Blair often pops up in the right place at the right time and has displayed all the instincts of a natural goal poacher. His movement and ball control is sure to catch the eye in League Two and City might be hard pressed to keep their prized asset if he continues where he left off.

Ryan Hall

Club: Southend

Position: Winger

Age: 24

Hall has hit the headlines for his off-the-field actions in recent years, but the highly-rated winger knuckled down last season and ended the campaign as Southend's top scorer with 14 goals. Hall's creative ability caught the eye last term as he managed a staggering 19 assists - more than any other player in England.

Signed from Bromley in July 2010, Hall is equally at home on the left or right wing and has pace and ability in equal measure and has been attracting the interest of Peterborough United. The former Crystal Palace man added consistency to his game last season and there are high hopes his link-up play with Freddy Eastwood and his early balls into the box will be a key factor as the Shrimpers plot for promotion.

Nakhi Wells

Club: Bradford

Position: Striker

Age: 22

Wells grabbed his chance at Valley Parade last December after an injury to fellow striker Ross Hannah. The frontman, who was seen as 'one for the future' when he signed in the summer of 2011 via the Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy (RIASA) coaching project, certainly made the most of his chance and asserted himself as one of Phil Parkinson's star performers. He bagged 10 league goals from 18 starts last term and the Bermudian looks like a striker with the potential to play at least a couple of leagues above his current level. Unsurprisingly, he was offered increased terms on his Valley Parade contract for the coming season as the Bradford hierarchy quickly realised he was worth considerably more than the £250-a-week he was reportedly picking up.

Wells has lightning speed, terrific movement, remarkable bravery and the ability to score every type of goal. This has been demonstrated in pre-season - scoring in four of the club's five friendly games. His shooting from distance is also one of his key attributes, as Rochdale found out last season when Wells rattled home a 30-yarder in Bradford's FA Cup win at Valley Parade.