THE 2010 MANCHESTER BIRDING TOURNAMENT 'RUNNERS AND RIDERS'

STEVE ATKINS (4th Tournament)- This old veteran of the Manchester Birding Tournament has always competed at the very top level and his 2009 entry saw him win the event thanks to a superb year long effort. Undoubtedly one of the hot favourites to succeed again this year.

DAVE BROOME (3rd Tournament)- Never but a flock of Mealy Redpolls away from the big points, his roaming nature could net him a big position this year, perhaps bettering his 2008 third position overall?

PAUL CLIFF (3rd Tournament)- Headed the leader board for a month or so in 2009, so knows what it takes and what it's like to be at the top. Can he reproduce that early form though and maintain it for the rest of the year?

STEVE COLLINS (4th Tournament)- Another Tournament connoisseur who has been the mainstay of the 'midrange'. Can he go one step better this year after spending much of last year rightfully adoring his new baby daughter? If you see a guy out birding with bins and camera in one hand and pram in the other, then the answer is resoundingly yes.

HENRY COOK (3rd Tournament)- Enthusiasm and sharp eyes will make sure Henry always picks up the points but his potential increased mobility around the county this year could well see him worry the front runners.

PAUL HAMMOND (4th Tournament)- Can he put aside enough time for birding this year? If he can and that means those oh so productive early morning visits to Audenshaw Reservoirs, then a good ranking looks on the cards.

GEOFF HARGREAVES (4th Tournament)- Ever vigilant, a repeat of some of his impressive county finds could serve him well but can he pull them out of the bag again?

PAUL HEATON (3rd Tournament)- An increased effort this year has been intimated at and if so, then he could do well. Enough to place high on the rankings board? Undoubtedly, but it's all in the effort.

SIMON HITCHEN (3rd Tournament)- Pulled some crackers out of the Hollingworth bag in 2009 and you can't fault his effort or commitment but there's undoubtedly more to come and that ranks him very highly. One to watch.

ANDY ISHERWOOD (4th Tournament)- Always there or there abouts jostling for the top positions in the Tournament but is overdue for a top three finish atleast and is well capable of it. Will 2010 be his year? He is committed to more effort and with it ranks with the other favourites.

SIMON JOHNSON (4th Tournament)- Always close to the points thanks to his keen eyes, perseverance and a site almost to himself. Showed his ability in last year's event, ranking third overall, but is he capable of squeezing more points out of his beloved Heaton Park? I should think so.

JIMMY MEADOWS (4th Tournament)- Ever present and potentially scoring points he is due a big year. Can those places we've never heard of bring home the bacon? Jimmy, it's over to you...

IAN McKERCHAR (3rd Tournament)- Took a year out to sit back and watch last year after my mammoth effort in 2008. Back in this year though after realising how much more fun it is to be part of it but don't expect a repeat of previous years, this year it's just casual. Honest!

MARK RIGBY (3rd Tournament)- Always scores well but could this year be his for the taking? Can Castleshaw produce? Can he incur more time birding in the county? Has he something up his sleeve? Perhaps, but either way time will tell.

STEVE SUTTILL (4th Tournament)- Wooden spoon winner last year (although a few others didn't manage to score any points so he wasn't really) and looks set to change that for this year. Has he sufficient determination and enthusiasm to avoid a second spoon, although I could get him a fork or something instead if not!

ROB THORPE (3rd Tournament)- A marvellous effort last year saw him push for the top spot all the way to the year end but ultimately have to be content with second position. Having proven his point scoring ability, his taste for that number one spot should drive him on through the year. One of the favourites.

TERRY THORPE (2nd Tournament)- Well beaten by Thorpe junior in 2009 surely big daddy is looking for revenge this year? Let battle commence!

SIMON WARFORD (3rd Tournament)- Following one or two set backs in 2009 plus a year spent nationwide twitching can Warfy once again dominate his beloved Elton and reap it's points worthy rewards? Anything like will see him do well.

TIM WILCOX (2nd Tournament)- Another county birder who suffered 'set-backs' in 2009 but now fully mobile complete with eagerness and enthusiasm which is all you need to do well really!

PAUL WILSON (3rd Tournament)- Really pulled the rabbit from the hat last year with some outstanding finds all from his beloved Elton Reservoir, which considering it was almost waterless for the latter half of the year could well mean he'll go one step better this year!

DAVID WINNARD (4th Tournament)- Since it's inception, he has always been there or thereabouts the top of the Tournament rankings board and I have no doubt he will continue in the same vain. Expect him to be near the top atleast yet again?

IAN WOOSEY (4th Tournament)- Has put the cat amongst the points pigeons on more than a couple of occasions in previous Tournaments and his increased Wigan borough coverage this year may serve him well yet again. No doubt frightening those pigeons along the way again!