World Cup Thoughts

We’re into the second round of group stage fixtures at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, so here are my thoughts on the opening round of games…

England

Roy Hodgson does not get the credit he deserves, and it really annoys me. He took over a boring, robotic, ageing team just before Euro 2012 and did the only thing he could – build from the back and make us hard to beat. Since then he’s replaced most of that team with energetic young players capable of playing a modern counter attacking style of football which is much better to watch than what we’d become accustomed to. The likes of Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Jordan Henderson have all been given chances and will be huge players for us going forward. The performance against Italy was far from poor and we managed more shots at their goal in the first 10 minutes than we did in 120 minutes in defeat to them at the Euro’s.

We’re far from solid at the back, and I do think Roy made a mistake not taking Ashley Cole who is still our best fullback and a proven performer on the big stage, but we can hurt teams going forward. When we break out from midfield with pace we can cause real damage, if we can convert the chances we’ll no doubt create we can score far more than we’ll concede against most teams at this tournament (outside of Germany and Holland which teams have played well so far?). I would drop Rooney and play Sturridge up top with Barkley behind him and Sterling and Welbeck providing pace on the wings, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think Rooney can play a major part in any success we have as he’s a valuable asset even from the bench.

Rooney, although providing an assist, struggled to impact the game from the left.

Who should we fear?

Based on first round performances, I’d say only ze Germans. They’re rock solid as always and can keep the ball very while having tremendous players when they move forward in Gotze, Muller, Kroos, Ozil and Schurrle. They’ll be confident coming out of their hammering of Portugal and should breeze past albeit stubborn opposition in USA and Ghana, so will have a full head of steam heading into the knockout stages. The score that really caught everyone off guard in the opening round of games Holland thrashing current champions Spain, but I don’t think they’re a team capable of winning this tournament. Had David Silva scored just before RVP did then the game could have finished with a similar scoreline in Spain’s favour.

Brazil and Argentina were the pre-tournament favourites but neither have really lit up the tournament as yet. Brazil look pretty poor compared to what we expected and have failed to blow away average teams like Croatia and Mexico, who despite performing quite well are still only average. They’re shakey at the back and lack a top quality striker as Fred looks well out of his depth. The Argentines struggled to a 2-1 win against another average team in Bosnia but in the 2^nd half at least showed glimpses of the quality they possess – Messi scored a tremendous individual goal and some of their one-touch play was at times brilliant to watch. For me the Argies will be there or thereabouts but if Brazil win their group and meet Spain in the last 16 I can see the hosts crashing out due to Spain’s superior class in possession.

Germany were impressive in their 2-0 demolition of Portugal, with Muller their star.

Dark horses

Before the tournament football hipsters around the world were perving over Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ proclaiming them the out and out dark horses of the tournament. First off, if everyone’s tipping you you’re not a dark horse. Secondly, they didn’t half struggle to beat Algeria and looked nowhere near the sum of their parts – Hazard barely got in the game while their midfield of De Bruyne, Dembele and Witsel struggled to create chances. I don’t see them making a serious dent once they get past the group stages, and they would have struggled to make the last 16 if not handed the easiest group.

My dark horses, or should I say the teams I really enjoyed watching, in the opening round of games, are Colombia and USA. Colombia made easy work of Greece and their pacey counter attacking style is great to watch. With James Rodriguez always a danger in the number 10 role and wing backs Zuniga and Cuadrado bombing forward knowing their 2 holding midfielders will cover for them, they possess the speed and quality to hurt any team on their day. The Americans might not be as quick or as technical, but Klinsmann has developed them into a solid outfit who did well to maintain a decent Ghana team in their 2-1 win. They’ll lose to ze Germans but if they can avoid defeat against Portugal they’ll face a very beatable ‘dark horse’ in Belgium.

A very quick Colombia team entertained during their 3-0 win against Greece.

Stars

The 2 ‘stars’ of the tournament are yet to really set it alight. Neymar scored 2 in Brazil’s opening game but one was a scuffed shot and the other was a penalty which the keeper should have saved. Other than that he’s struggled to really change games, which is his job in the set-up they’re using. Messi on the other hand has at least changed games, with his only real contribution against Bosnia being a great run and finish to effectively seal the win for Argentina. There’s still plenty of time for both to show what they’re really capable of on the biggest stage, but if they don’t show it sooner rather than later they might find themselves having to wait 4 years to do it.

Arjen Robben was outstanding for the Dutch as they dismantled Spain, making Pique and Ramos look like pub team defenders on a few different occasions – his form could well be the difference between Holland remaining ‘nearly men’ and a team capable of winning it. Thomas Muller has started his quest for a second consecutive golden boot brilliantly, bagging a hat-trick against an awful Portugal side. Mathieu Valbuena looked very good for France against a physical Honduras team, 35-year-old Andra Pirlo was again the architect behind Italy’s victory against England, and Arsenal striker Joel Campbell inspired Costa Rica to a shock 3-1 win against Uruguay by scoring one and creating another.

Robben was untouchable as Holland ran through Spain, scoring twice.

At times last season teams only had to turn up in order to beat us - the slightest bit of pressure would see us fold like a pack of cards. QPR turned up on Saturday and played well, yet a team put together at a cost of tens of millions could not beat us. They definitely finished the game the stronger of the two teams and could perhaps consider themselves unlucky not to win, but had we lost we could have said the same thing. That's two games against promotion hopefuls we've played, and twice we've been very competitive and not looked out our depth.

Looking at both teams on paper before the game, I think even the most positive of Town fans would have taken a point. Jonathan Hogg missing out through illness was a major blow for us while QPR could boast three full England internationals on their subs bench. Indeed it was those three players (Sean Wright-Phillips, Jermaine Jenas and Bobby Zamora) who came on towards the end of the game and helped create momentum for the hoops, albeit too little too late.

The most obvious obstacle which QPR could not overcome was Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies. He consistently receives criticism from a section of fans but even they couldn't find negatives in his performance on Saturday. He commanded his box well, punched clear a few times from corners, and made a string of excellent saves to keep out an array of attacking talent on display for the Hoops. His quick dash out to deny Wright-Phillips and an acrobatic save minutes later to deny the same player were particularly impressive.

The main aim from a defensive point of view on Saturday will have been to deny QPR's front two of Charlie Austin and Andy Johnson clear-cut opportunities. Austin ran through on goal in the first half only to miscue before hitting the bar with a close-range header in the second - other than those two moments their multi-million pound strikeforce had few opportunities. Joel Lynch looks to be back to the form which saw him gain rave reviews at the start of last season, while Peter Clarke and Anthony Gerrard must also be commended for solid performances.

In similar fashion to the opening day defeat at Forest, we were the masters of our own downfall as a routine high ball into the box was allowed to bounce before Junior Hoilett poked in an opportunistic effort. There were a number of blue and white shirts in the box who could have reacted much quicker but nobody did and QPR were level only minutes after going behind. It's disappointing to gift goals the way we have in our opening two league games but it goes to show that switching off even for a second will be punished at this level.

The positives far outweighed the negative for me on Saturday though and one man I've consistently given stick was perhaps our best performer. Oscar Gobern was a man mountain in midfield at times, winning us the ball and playing it simple to one of the spare midfielders. He competed brilliantly against real quality in the middle of the park and showed me something I hadn't seen in him before. He was still lethargic in possession at times, gifting Hoilett a free run on goal towards the end of the game, but overall his performance definitely deserves highlighting.

Our other two midfielders, Oliver Norwood and Adam Clayton, were unfortunately not able to match Gobern's performance. Neither was awful but consistency couldn't be seen in their games. For every brilliant long range pass Norwood played he would play his next directly to a green shirt, but defensively he gave his best performance in a long time. Clayton drifted in and out of the game and once again struggled to show the killer creative spark needed to play in the more advanced midfield position.

Our last two outings have seen us play in a new 3-5-2 formation; with a back three supported by two wing-backs, a midfield three and two forwards. The back three pick themselves at the minute, as does Alex Smithies behind them. The midfield three will almost certainly be three of Hogg, Gobern, Clayton and Norwood, while Vaughan, Paterson and Stead will compete for the two places up front. The positions which are yet to be claimed are at wing back, where none of the occupants thus far have looked convincing.

If we play with a back four then the full backs are likely to be Hunt or Woods (right) and Dixon or Carroll (left). If wingers are in front of the full backs then they will be one of Hammill, Ward and Scannell. However, the wing-back position is open to any of the aforementioned, meaning seven players are effectively fighting it out for two shirts. Hammill, Ward and Scannell certainly offer the most going forward but all lack defensive awareness, while Woods, Dixon and Carroll offer less of a threat.

Jack Hunt on form would almost certainly be the pick at right wing-back for most Town fans, but he's a long way from his best and looks frankly uninterested currently. Similarly Ward needs to work much harder this season on his fitness, something Robins alluded to in his post-match presser on Saturday. Jake Carroll has potential and Robins is clearly a fan, but he's extremely hesitant going forward and at times halts our progress by needlessly turning back. If we persist with using wing-backs it will be very intriguing to see who comes out on top in the jostle for positions.

It will also be interesting to see if we stick with a 3-5-2 system in our next game away at Millwall. It's not really an attacking system as we look very solid playing it and retain possession very well, but a back four might be preferred by Robins away from home. With Jonathan Stead nearing a return he could replace Martin Patterson who been frustrating his first few games for Town. If we can the ball out wide quicker and get balls into the box, a front two of Vaughan and Stead would give any defence problems.

For now though, Town fans can be content with a very decent start to the season. We've competed very well against two fancied teams and now need to prove that we can beat the teams who will at the other end of the league come May. In order to improve on last season and avoid another tense end to the season we need to not only hold our own against the big boys but also take points from 'winnable' games such as the one at The Den on Saturday. All in all though, there's plenty to be optimistic about at the minute - even if it's cautious optimism!

Town welcome Queens Park Rangers to the John Smiths Stadium on Saturday for our opening home league game of the season. The gulf between the two clubs is immense with Rangers having upwards of 75 England appearances as well as more than 100 senior appearances for other national teams between their squad members. We on the other hand have Oliver Norwood, Paul Dixon, Martin Paterson and Joel Lynch, who between them have a mightily impressive 28 international appearances between them.

Both teams have to achieve their goals this season, for financial reasons as much as anything else. Town chairman Dean Hoyle has invested a decent amount of money in the club and wants our future to be sustainable, something that only be achieved by remaining in the Championship. QPR chairman Tony Fernandes however isn't that interested in sustainability and wants to buy success - with their wage bill failure to return to the Premier League's vast riches at the first time of asking would be a disaster.

The signing of James Vaughan this summer was met with celebrations in Huddersfield as we spent a reported £1m on our 'marquee' signing. That is a big fee for a club of our size. QPR on the other hand boast a squad full of 'marquee' players. Sean Wright-Phillips has cost clubs a total of £40m in his career and Andy Johnson close to £20m, while clubs have departed with at least £8m for the services of Stephane Mbia, Esteban Granero, Jermaine Jenas and Anton Ferdinand. Silly money for players of their abilities in all honesty.

QPR, assisted by parachute payments which help teams who overspend in the Premier League gain an unfair advantage over Championship teams who have to live within their means, have been active in the transfer market over the summer. Big names such as Loic Remy, Adel Taarabt, Christopher Samba., Djibril Cisse, Jose Bosingwa and Julio Cesar (soon) have departed, making way for new signings. Charlie Austin signed from Burnley for £5m after a proposed move to every other club in England fell through, while Danny Simpson, Richard Dunne and Gary O'Neil provide plenty of top level experience.

It's probably been made abundantly clear already that Rangers will be fancied by the bookies for pretty much every game they play this season, and they're also currently 5/1 favourites to win the league (Skybet). One would say that would put pressure on them, but with the experience throughout their squad that shouldn't be an issue. Quite simply, given the resources at their disposal, and the calibre of player in their squad, it would be a massive flop were they not to be promoted this season. Stranger things have happened though, Blackburn spent big last season and only narrowly avoided relegation.

Rovers went through four different managers last season, and it will be interesting to see whether QPR have any managerial changes this time round. The man currently in the hot-seat at Loftus Road is none other than tax dodging former favourite for the England job, Harry Redknapp. He was appointed to try and save them from the drop last season but despite spending big in January he had very little affect on the clubs survival bid. He has however managed in the Premier League with five different clubs and has over 1,000 games in management under his belt.

Town manager Mark Robins is new to football management in comparison with Redknapp. He has achieved success everywhere he's managed but his successes have been modest compared to winning the FA Cup or qualifying for the Champions League. Robins stated the stability and potential of Huddersfield Town is what tempted him away from Coventry and wants a long stay in West Yorkshire to help the club grow and in turn help build his reputation. A win against a side like QPR will no doubt be something he'd love to achieve and he'll be getting that message across to the players.

The fact that they have such high profile personalities within their camp means that Rangers will be the team everyone wants to beat this season. Redknapp is one of the most disliked managers in the country, and in Joey Barton QPR definitely have the most disliked player in the country. No doubt both will take plenty of stick from the stands this weekend and the Town players will be relishing the opportunity of getting one over on them. Playing against the biggest and the best is what being a professional footballer is all about, and the Town players have a chance this weekend to show we belong in the Championship with them.

We haven't had much of a chance to test ourselves at all against QPR in recent seasons as we haven't been in the same league since 2003. Rangers did the double over us in that campaign, comfortably defeating us 3-0 in both games on their way to a 4th placed finish and subsequent Playoff Final defeat against Cardiff. Those 3-0 losses were a good measuring stick for our season as we were relegated to Division Three - although we've bounced back better than fellow relegated clubs Mansfield, Cheltenham and Northampton since then.

The name that stands out in that Town team from the previous meeting between the two teams is Jonathan Stead. It was the following season when he would really make his mark, scoring 16 goals in Division Three before moving to Blackburn for a fee of more than £1m. He's had spells at Sunderland, Sheffield United and Bristol City since but this summer moved back to his hometown club. Although not 100% fit he looked sharp in the Carling Cup victory against Bradford and should play a big part for us as the season goes on, even if he isn't fit enough to start this weekend.

One player who is fit and raring to go this weekend is James Vaughan. He finished as top goalscorer on loan from Norwich last season and also won our Player of the Year award, but is now officially a Town player having signed permanently in the summer. He opened his account for the season with two goals against Bradford in midweek and will always start when fit. Whether he starts alongside another striker in a 3-5-2 system like we played midweek, or by himself in Robins preferred 4-2-3-1 system, is open for debate. I think the latter is more likely as we were very solid at Forest, even if we lacked creativity.

Adam Hammill showed on Tuesday night that he can provide that creativity and I expect him to start on Saturday in a more attacking version of Robins favourite system. Sean Scannell should keep his place on the left while Adam Clayton showed midweek that he's much more adept to the number ten role that Martin Paterson who has failed to impress in his brief time in West Yorkshire to date. I'd stick with Jonathan Hogg and Ollie Norwood in midfield - Gobern for me is too similar to Hogg while Norwood can move us forward from the back and play a quick passing game more effectively.

Looking at those teams, it's obvious QPR are huge favourites for this game, but from a Town fans perspective I certainly think we have a chance. If we can get Hammill and Scannell into the game and attack down the flanks we definitely have the ability to cause them problems, and with Vaughan up front we have someone who can benefit from balls into the box. Unfortunately I don't think that will be enough and my prediction for this weekend's match is a 2-0 win for Rangers to continue their steady start to the season.

Season preview

Myself (@Terrier1987cas), @HTFCOnline and @72OffWins have got together to form a 'brain trust' of sorts and produce a Championship 2013/14 preview. Below we offer an insight to all 24 teams in the league this season, and we all attempt to predict the league from positions one to 24. Have a look through and use the comments section to let us know what you think!



Barnsley

Last time out

If last season had started on 1st January then Barnsley would have finished 6th, sneaking into the final playoff spot. They lost only five and won nine of their final 21 league games, averaging 1.62 points per game, the same as Championship winners and now Premier League club Cardiff City. The reason they only survived on the final day of the season - by the skin of their teeth - was that their form up until January saw them sitting bottom of the table, four points from safety. The fact they did so well in the latter half of the season but still found themselves embroiled in a bitter struggle shows just how competitive the Championship was last season.

What’s new?

In: Dale Jennings, Chris O'Grady, Christian Dibble, Wade Joyce, Lewin Nyatanga, John Cofie, Jean-Yves Mvoto
Out: Matt Done, Rob Edwards, Stephen Foster, John Rooney, Marlon Harewood, Lukas Lidakiveous, Toni Silva

Barnsley have managed to hold on to all their key players and have added very wisely. Chris O'Grady was a huge influence for them last season and has made his loan move from Sheffield Wednesday permanent. He and Chris Dagnall are probably the hardest working strikeforce in the league and will offer endless running in a very competitive team. Nyatanga is another good signing who will form a good partnership at the back alongside the ever impressive Martin Cranie, while Dale Jennings is something of a wildcard as nobody really knows if he's fulfilled his potential while in Germany.

Key Player

Jacob Mellis - The former Chelsea youngster was a bit hot and cold last season but showed glimpses of his undoubted quality. If he can push on this season then Barnsley could be forced to sell another top midfielder they've nurtured, following the departures of Jacob Butterfield and Danny Drinkwater in previous seasons.

Prediction

A very impressive comfortable mid-table finish for the Tykes.

Birmingham

Last time out

Birmingham finished last season only seven points off the playoffs, despite never actually troubling the top half of the table. They started the season poorly and many thought they were in serious trouble, but Lee Clark's team improved and put a consistent run together which saw them finish well clear of the drop zone.

What’s new?

In: Tom Adeyami, Neal Erdley, Lee Novak, Darren Randolph, Andrew Shinnie, Matt Green, Kyle Bartley, Dan Burn, Scott Allan, Shane Ferguson
Out: Curtis Davies, Nathan Redmond

Birmingham have lost probably their best two players during the summer in Redmond and Davies. However, Clark has looked to replace them with plenty of hard working players who will give 100% to the cause. Expect Birmingham to be much tougher to beat next season without being spectacular, as a Town fan their signing of Lee Novak sums them up - hard working but not very good.

Key Player

Chris Burke - Burke was pretty much unplayable at the Galpharm last season. With Redmond gone the blues will depend on the Scottish winger much more this season.

Prediction

Solid but unspectacular - lower mid-table.

Blackburn

Last time out

Despite being safe come the last game of the season Blackburn were very much in the relegation scrap. If it weren't for the goals of Jordan Rhodes then Rovers would have almost certainly gone down. They finished with Gary Bowyer in charge who was their fourth manager of the campaign following the dismissals of Steve Kean, Henning Berg and Michael Appleton.

What’s new?

In: Chris Taylor, Alan Judge, Simon Eastwood, Devarn Green, DJ Campbell, Matthew Kilgallon, Alex Marrow, Tommy Spurr
Out: Danny Murphy, Nuno Gomes, Martin Olsson

Martin Olsson's departure is the only real one of any note, as despite being big names Danny Murphy and Nuno Gomes would not have been part of Bowyer's plans this season. If they manage to keep Rhodes amid interest from plenty of teams then they have the hot favourite for the golden boot award again. Alongside Campbell and Leon Best Rhodes is one of a number of top strikers Rovers have on their books. Alan Judge is a good signing who I think will do well at this level and the likes of Kilgallon and Spurr will make them harder to beat.

Key Player

Jordan Rhodes - Who else? His goals alone should ensure they stay up again.

Prediction

A stable campaign would be great for them. Mid-table.

Blackpool

Last time out

They started the season as one of the favourites for promotion, and started like they were good value for money. They were top of the table before Town went to Bloomfield Road in September and won on live TV. In the end they never really threatened the top end of the table and finished closer to the relegation zone than the playoffs.

What’s new?

In: Gary MacKenzie, Bobby Grant, Michael Chopra, Steve Davies
Out: Alex Baptiste, Ashley Eathsam, Kevin Phillips, Tiago Gomes, Steve Eardley, Stephen Crainey

The key thing for Paul Ince is that he's managed to hold on to his son. Tom is a top player in the Championship and along with Matt Phillipps Blackpool have plenty of width to their team.However, they lack an out and out goalscorer and can be prone to defensive mishaps. Michael Chopra could be the goalscorer they need if he can play to his potential and put off-field problems behind him, but their defensive problems won't have been aided much by their summer dealings.

Key Player

Tom Ince - One of the best players in the Championship, Blackpool have done well to hang on to him.

Prediction

A struggle, and I doubt Paul Ince will still be their manager come May.

Bolton

Last time out

Bolton finished last season level with sixth place Leicester but missed out on the playoffs on goal difference. They enjoyed a brilliant end to the season as Dougie Freedman started to see positive results, and many expect them to carry that form into this campaign.

What’s new?

In: Alex Baptiste, Robert Hall, Marc Tierney, Hayden White, Conor Wilkinson, Jermaine Beckford, Gray Fraser, Erik Bukran, Andre Moritz
Out: Marco Alonso, Kevin Davies, Gregg Wylde, Sam Ricketts

Very good dealings in the transfer market by Freedman this summer, with the key signing for me being that of forward Jermaine Beckford from Leicester. They lacked a real goalscorer last season and as Town fans saw that's exactly what Beckford is. His goals, along with the momentum they have following their great end to last season, should really propel them on to last season as they look to return to the Premier League.

Key Player

Chris Eagles - Always contributes plenty of goals and assists, he'll be the perfect supply chain for Beckford.

Prediction

Promotion.

Bournemouth

Last time out

Bournemouth were promoted in second place last season from League One. They were struggling at the wrong end of the table until Eddie Howe made his triumphant return to Dean Court and performed a fantastic turnaround in the clubs fortunes.

What’s new?

In: Elliott Ward, Ian Harte, Mohamed Coulibaly, Andrew Surman
Out: Charlie Sheringham, Steve Fletcher, Frank Demouge

The signings Bournemouth have made are stellar, but they haven't made as many as people would have expected. Plenty of people thought they would make some really big name signings but they haven't quite materialised. That means the cherries still really have a League One squad but with a few good additions, so the short odds bookies have them at represent terrible value for money.

Key Player

Matt Ritchie - The former Swindon midfielder has Championship quality.

Prediction

A struggle, but they should be okay.

Brighton

Last time out

Brighton had another solid season last year under Gus Poyet before his very public sacking once the season had finished. Their playoff campaign ended up being a complete farce but they will look to bounce back this season. They were definitely one of the best teams to watch last campaign and I expect good football again this season.

What’s new?

In: Matthew Upson, Adam Chicksen, Kemy Agustien
Out: Gary Dicker, Marcos Painter, Vicente, Stephen Dobbie, Ryan Harley, Torbjorn Agdestein

Former Barcelona midfielder Oscar Garcia is the new manager of the seagulls so don't expect their good football to disappear. They haven't lost any of their key players and have signed good experience at the back in Matthew Upson, so they should be just as strong this season. Unfortunately for Brighton there are some brilliant teams in the Championship this term and they won't push for automatic promotion again but could very well be in and around the top six again.

Key Player

Liam Bridcutt - For me one of the best midfielders outside the Premier League.

Prediction

Playoffs again.

Burnley

Last time out

Burnley finished mid-table last season after a poor end to the season, but never really looked in that much danger. They depended very much on the goals of Charlie Austin and when his goals dried up they had a very alarming slump.

What’s new?

In: Tom Heaton, Joseph Mills, Alex Cisak, Scott Arfield
Out: Lee Grant, Charlie Austin

The major news at Turf Moor this summer has centered around striker Charlie Austin. A fee was agreed with Hull City before he failed a medical but he's this week completed a move to QPR. Without his goals Burnely will struggle greatly as the other strikers on their books failed to make any real impact last season. Scott Arfield has potential in my opinion and was treated unfairly at Town, but he isn't really a signing that will improve them enough to challenge.

Key Player

Kieran Tripper - In my opinion the best right-back in the Championship.

Prediction

They'll struggle, but should survive.

Charlton

Last time out

The Addicks enjoyed a fruitful season back in The Championship, and surprised many pundits and outsiders, by pushing for a play-off place at the end of last season. Charlton finished the 12/13 season with an impressive 1 defeat in their final 10 games, which should set them up with some momentum going into the new season.

What’s new?

Well not a lot really… Continuity could be the key at The Valley. However, some of the old guard have been moved on to pastures new; Matt Taylor, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Scott Wagstaff and Ricardo Fuller have all left the club (with Fuller returning on trial), with Coventry’s Richard Wood and the creative Mark Gower the only notable incomings. Ex Huddersfield loanee, Simon Church is on trial, but it would be surprising if he was to make an impact down at The Valley. The main success for Charlton in the market will be keeping hold of talented wingmen Callum Harriott and Bradley Pritchard, who were key components of their impressive end of season run.

Manager ability

Chris Powell has had an excellent start to his managerial career. Questions were asked initially, as the former Athletic left back struggled with his new role, and he saw The Addicks fall out of the League 1 play offs. Having rebuilt the side, Powell has seen his team go from a 13th place finish in League 1 to a 9th place Championship finish in 2 years. With a limited budget, he has done a brilliant job.

Key Player

Yann Kermorgant; The big Frenchman is currently Charlton’s only available striker. Adding competition to him and keeping him firing will be a huge factor in how Charlton will do this season. Dead ball expert Johnnie Jackson will also be a key and influential figure.

Prediction

Up to the time of writing this, Charlton really haven’t strengthened the squad at all. Despite having a good academy, Charlton will be hard pushed to recreate last season’s strong showing, with what looks like a relatively thin squad in terms of attacking talent. If lengthy injuries befall key players such as Kermorgant, Pritchard and Jackson, then The Addicks may be pushed towards the trap door. As it is, with players such as Jackson, Pritchard and Kermorgant and a talented manager in Powell, Charlton should have enough for a lower to mid table finish.

Derby

Last time out

Last season represented further steady progress for The Rams under the guidance of ‘The Young Man’, Nigel Clough.  A 10th place finish, the highest the club has achieved since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2008. A sparkling home record, supplemented with a wonderful break-through season for midfielder Will Hughes gave the supporters a little cheer, although 13 league defeats away from home gave the travelling hoards little cheer.

What’s new?

Derby’s early push in the transfer market seemed to indicate that extra investment had arrived at Pride Park. Highly rated Dundee Utd frontman Johnny Russell, and Chris Martin were early arrivals, as was Burnley keeper Lee Grant. Craig Forsyth and John Eustace, should bring also bring add solidarity, as Derby’s squad shaped up nicely. But recently, star full back John Brayford has been sold to Cardiff.  Despite serial loanee Adam Smith joining on… Yes, loan, boss Clough, has said that he is happy with the shape of his squad going into the new season, although there may be room to bring in an extra defender on loan. The shining light for Derby this season could be in the shape of academy duo Will Hughes and Mason Bennett, both are expected to push on for club and country.

Manager ability

Clough is making a name for himself in a very different way to what his father did. Brash, arrogant and able to turn things around frantically and quickly, Brian quite rightly made a real name for himself in world football. Nigel though, is unassuming and respectful, and one for long term stability and gradual progress. An excellent 11 years at Burton showed real year by year progress, and Clough is doing similar things at Derby. If the trend follows on this year, then Derby could be looking at another top 10 finish, with an outside shot at the playoffs.

Key Player

Johnny Russell; Derby have genuine quality through the middle of the park, but have lacked a genuine goal scorer for a number of years. If Russell clicks, then he could fire Derby towards the top 6.

Prediction

Prior to selling Brayford, I think Derby fans could have been optimistic for a top 6 challenge. As it is, I’m not quite sure that the financial fire power is there for a tilt at the play-offs. Clough’s methods should once again help The Rams progress, but it might not be as quickly as some fans would like.

Doncaster

Last time out

I don’t think there’s ever been a season finale quite like the one Doncaster had last year. For anyone who isn’t familiar, the final game of the League 1 season saw 2nd place Doncaster travel to 3rd place Brentford in a winner takes all Battle Royale. Marcello Trotta was inches away from sealing a Brentford promotion, but his penalty cannoned back off the bar, and Doncaster went down the other end, and sealed their own place within this year’s championship. 

What’s new?

Talks have been on-going all summer about a possible 20m investment from Ireland, but these reports have yet to be finalised, and it appears may drag on for a short while yet. Brian Flynn despite doing a fantastic job in helping Rovers back in to The Championship, was moved back upstairs, and Paul Dickov was employed as the new man in charge.  Rovers have not yet flexed any financial muscle, although the signings of Dean Furman and Harry Forrester could be clever bits of business. Bongani Khumalo and Richie Wellens look set to sign, and wingman Mark Duffy joins after a good season at Scunthorpe, whilst Marc De Val Fernandez should add a little bit of mystery.

Manager ability

Despite a poor end to his first job in management at Oldham, Dickov remains highly thought of in footballing circles. The Scotsman can be lauded for some of his work in the transfer market and accredited with finding one or two gems on a tight budget, and will be looking to do the same again at a higher level. Dickov will be looking to implement a 4231 formation, which is something he struggled to do at Oldham due to quality of personnel.

Key Player

James Coppinger is somewhat of a Doncaster legend, and much will once again be expected of the diminutive 32 year old. A creative lynchpin, Coppinger will look to pull the strings for a Doncaster side who may see a shift from the more direct football under Saunders and Flynn, to a more pleasing approach under Dickov.

Prediction

If the consortium materialises, and Doncaster get funds available, then they may surprise one or two people this forthcoming season. If the money fails to appear, then I could see Dickov struggling to impose his ideals on Rovers.

Huddersfield

Last time out

Well that was a close one! With 9 minutes of The Championship season remaining, Huddersfield were staring down a relegation gun, having amassed what would have been a record 57 points for a relegated side. As it was, player of the season James Vaughan was to karate kick his 14th corner flag, and Town were safe. Simon Grayson’s side started the season off on fire, and after 7 games were sat in the automatic promotion slots. Things went off the rails alarmingly though, and Grayson lost his grip, and his job, as The Terriers were free falling back to a division that they’d spent the last 8 season’s trying to escape from. Methodical Mark Robins came in, shored up a side who were haemorrhaging goals, and added a counter-attacking threat that saw The Terriers form on the road massively improve, and ultimately, do enough to survive.

What’s new?

A summer of hysteria and twitter badgering over the will he sign, won’t he sign saga of James Vaughan was ended on the 3rd of July, when the talismanic front-man signed a 3 year contract. The signing was a significant show of intent from chairman Dean Hoyle, who has backed his manager heavily in the transfer market once again. Town though, will miss the goal threat of Jermaine Beckford, but fellow forward Martin Paterson has signed from Burnley, young prospect Daniel Carr arrived from Dulwich Hamlet and a hero of the League 2 playoff season, Jon Stead returned to add experience to the front line, and today, trialist Cristian Lopez Santamaria has signed a 1 year deal, to give Town plenty of options up top. Lollypop specialist Adam Hammill, has signed for an undisclosed fee from Wolves, energetic Jonathan Hogg has swapped last year’s playoff runners up Watford for the Terriers, and Jake Carroll has signed from St Patricks FC to add competition to the well-stocked left back berth. All players will now be training at the ever improving Canalside complex, which should prove to be of a huge benefit to The Terriers over the coming months and years.

Manager ability

Mark Robins is building up quite an impressive cv. Following good work at Rotherham, Barnsley and Coventry, the Lancastrian can quite rightly point to his turnaround of The Terriers as another impressive achievement. Now looking to stamp his mark, Robins has slowly moved Town away from the rigid hoof and hope outfit that they were under Grayson, and started the transformation into a footballing outfit. 

Key Player

James Vaughan - The fitness of Vaughan is absolutely key for Huddersfield. Not only was he the top scorer last season, but was also essential in leading from the front with a series of lung-busting displays. Vaughan not only lifts the players, but also the crowd with his fire and work rate.

Prediction

Dean Hoyle has again provided excellent backing, and the signings of Hogg and Vaughan could be the difference between mid-table and another relegation scrap. So long as the side adapt to Robins’ new style, Town should improve on last season’s showing.

Ipswich

Last time out

In 12/13, Ipswich looked doomed from early to mid-season. Cast adrift at the foot of the league, the Tractor Boys hierarchy moved to sack boss Paul Jewell after 13 games. His replacement, a masterstroke. Blunt Yorkshireman, Mick McCarthy moved down to Suffolk, and immediately made Ipswich a very tough side to crack. A series of water-tight defensive performances through February, March and April, saw The Blues concede more than 1 goal twice in 15 games. It wasn’t surprising when defender Tommy Smith was named player of the year, but Ipswich had transformed from a mess under Jewell, to a structured, rigid unit in only a few months since his departure.

What’s new?

Mick McCarthy has been busy shaping his squad over the summer and has brought in 11 players. Notable incomings include ex loanee David McGoldrick, Christophe Berra, Jay Tabb and Paul Anderson. The loss though of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas may yet be a disappointing one, blessed with a lot of technical ability, skill and presence, ‘J-ET’, never really hit it off at Portman Road, and his potential may have to be realised over in Bristol as he was used in the part ex for Paul Anderson with Bristol City. There have been quiet murmurings for years about the debt level at Ipswich, but the majority of fans seem unperturbed with Financial Fair Play, just around the corner.

Manager ability

As far as Championship managers go (and I don’t mean the game), you don’t get many better ones than old Mick.  His record includes; 3 losing playoff campaigns at Millwall, Sunderland and Wolves and 2 Championship titles at Sunderland and Wolves. The former Eire manager is renowned for his organised, rigid and difficult to beat approach.

Key Player

Aaron Cresswell - a shining light at the back, the former Tranmere fullback has become an important member of the Ipswich backline. Defensively sound, whilst able to provide ammunition from deep for the forwards, which will have scouts flocking at Portman Road once again.

Prediction

McCarthy will look to build on solid foundations at the back, but you have to question whether Ipswich have enough firepower to blast their way into the top 6.

Leeds

Last time out

In-fighting, apathy, financial strife, key players sold, disappointment – all symptoms of a typical Leeds Utd season. Season 12/13 didn’t promise anything different… With new owners GFH taking several months to complete their purchase of Leeds Utd, rumours were abound that maybe a rich Sheikh wasn’t involved after all… Multi-million pound signings were not forthcoming as originally hoped, and Neil Warnock soldiered on with a team of over 30 year old freebies and misfits, mixed with academy graduates. The football was dire, ticket prices high, and the fans stayed away from Elland Road, as the team were sucked towards the relegation places when Warnock departed near the end of the season. The very likeable Brian McDermott replaced Warnock, and steered Leeds away from any trouble before the season had finished.

What’s new?

Financially not much… Leeds remain quite thrifty, but they have spent over 1m on the excellent Luke Murphy, who should prove to be a hit at Elland Road this season. Noel Hunt and Matt Smith have also arrived to pep up the forward line, whilst several players have left the club, including Steve Morison on loan to Millwall. Perhaps the biggest change is the communication at boardroom level; for years, fans were left in the dark as Ken Bates failed to engage supporter groups and GFH are now putting those wrongs, right. After several years of being locked in a dark broom cupboard in a corner of Elland Road, the marketing team have emerged and Leeds branding has become more visible around the local area, and ticket prices seem to be heading back down towards an affordable level. Whilst GFH are appeasing supporters, no decision more popular than the sacking of the maligned Ken Bates! The old crone seems intent on dragging Leeds through the mud with court cases which could again financially impact the boys from Beeston.

Manager ability

With only one previous job so far to his name, it might be difficult to give a real appraisal of Brian McDermott. On the face of it, McDermott is a very decent and respectful manager, whom did an excellent job with Reading. After a playoff campaign and promotion to the Premier League, it seemed ridiculous to me that McDermott was sacked just after winning manager of the month… But Reading’s loss could be Leeds Utd’s gain – a good technical coach, McDermott should be able to motivate and improve the younger players at Leeds, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another academy lad in Chris Dawson, steel the limelight this season.

Key Player

Ross McCormack – McCormack looks to be the most creative outlet at Elland Road. Often inconsistent, the Scotsman has proved on a number of occasions he has the talent to unlock any Championship defence.

Prediction

Without any financial clout and a trimmed squad, it’s difficult to see Leeds being any different this time around. On paper, the side looks to lack a genuine wide player, and probably isn’t as strong at the back as the manager would like. Much could hinge on the fitness and consistency of Ross McCormack.

Leicester

Last time out

Last second, heart wrenching, penalty playoff failure was to be the familiar tale of woe for Leicester City. Not in a shoot-out this time, but with a spot kick to seal Leicester’s progress to the Play Off final, Anthony Knockaert’s weak effort was repelled, and Watford scored within seconds, to end The Foxes season. The defeat was hard to swallow for Leicester fans, who were one of the most fancied sides for promotion after their Thai owners had backed the manager heavily in the transfer market.

What’s new?
Financial fair play seems to have hit The Foxes hard, as the club hierarchy have instructed boss Nigel Pearson to vastly reduce the wage bill. Expensive misfit Jermaine Beckford has finally left, and others such as Neil Danns and Sean St Ledger are being advertised in order to attract a buyer. Left sided Tranmere player Zoumano Bakayogo has come in on a free, but other possible incomings appear to have been halted until the wage bill is reduced.

Manager ability

Nigel Pearson’s popularity dipped somewhat at The King Power stadium last season, previously a hero from the title winning 08/09 management team, it seemed like he may be relieved of his duties. Pearson though has survived, and will be looking to juggle both trimming the squad, and maintaining a competitive playoff push.

Key Player

Chris Wood – The big Kiwi kept Millwall up almost single handed last season and secured a 1.25m move to Leicester in January. Despite a good start, Wood only scored twice in his last 15 games. If he can recapture the kind of form that saw him score 9 in 5 from Christmas to the New Year, then Wood, and Leicester will be heading towards the top 6.

Prediction

I might be wrong, but I don’t sense a feel good factor or good vibes from Leicester at the moment. Murmurs about whether Pearson should be replaced, and a board intent on cost cutting might see The Foxes miss out on the playoffs this season.

Middlesbrough

Last time out

An abysmal away run of 11 defeats in the last 12 games, saw Middlesbrough sink like a stone. Chasing automatic promotion up until February, Middlesbrough’s spectacular implosion saw them drop down to 16th place on the last day.  For Boro, having been tipped to reach the playoffs, that final position was a large disappointment amongst all on Teesside.

What’s new?

31 year old former Sunderland player Dean Whitehead has joined from Stoke, while Hungarian Jozsef Varga has also joined from Debreceni, both should strengthen a midfield that will be missing the released duo of Nicky Bailey and Julio Arca, but still contains the popular Grant Leadbitter. Boss Tony Mowbray doesn’t look like making too many more moves in the transfer market, so Boro may once again rely on an excellent youth academy which continues to churn out top class footballers.

Manager ability

50 year old ex Boro centre back Tony Mowbray is about to enter his 4th season up on Teesside. Many Boro fans feel that he has been hamstrung by previous manager Gordon Strachan, who spent lavishly on a number of SPL misfits who failed to make their mark at The Riverside Stadium. Prior to his current job, Mowbray was manager of the season in his first role up in Scotland at Hibernian, before taking West Brom to the Premier League in his next role. After enduring a nightmare at Celtic, Mowbray landed back in his home town of Middlesbrough and has remained a popular figure up on Teesside.

Key Player

Marvin Emnes – Personal problems affected the Dutch striker last season, but after apparently putting them behind him, the pacey front man has hit form in pre-season. Boro fans will be hoping that he’s back to his best, as they will be desperate for him to score up to 20 goals this season. The fitness of experienced Jonathan Woodgate will also be important, but Boro look well stocked at the back to cover for the centre back.

Prediction

Having not really set the transfer market alight, there could still be negative momentum from the players that finished the last campaign so poorly. However, pre-season seems to have gone reasonably well for Boro and several bright academy prospects in Adam Reach, Luke Williams, Curtis Main and Bryn Morris could really push on this term and guide Boro to a mid-table finish.

Millwall

After fighting off relegation once again, Kenny Jackett decided enough was enough and in May of

this year handed in his resignation to the Millwall hierarchy. In pursuit of a ‘new challenge’, the Lions

were left manager-less for a month or so.

In June, they appointed Steve Lomas, an inexperienced manager yes, but off the back of an

impressive campaign with St Johnstone this seemed a bold and astute move. Time will tell.

This summer:

A now established Championship side, Millwall are renowned for being run on a shoestring budget.

This summer though, Lomas has freshened up his side with a wealth of experience to give the Lions

every chance of securing safety once again – this always beings their primary objective.

Ex-Middlesbrough duo Nicky Bailey and Scott McDonald will offer serious graft befitting of both

Millwall as a football club and their new boss as a former player.

Stephen Bywater, Jermaine Easter and Steve Morison also hop on board to up the squad’s average

age considerably. I’d expect the latter to bag 15+ goals – proven at this level, again a workhorse.

Departure wise, Millwall have lost just one key man – Chris Taylor. The lively wingman left for

Blackburn Rovers early in the transfer window on a free transfer. This would be the only real blow

mind. On the whole, this has been an impressive first transfer window as far as Steve Lomas is

concerned. Fans should be quietly optimistic as the season draws ever nearer.

Prediction

Middle of the road

Nottingham Forest

After coming so close last season, Billy Davies’ will look to mastermind The Reds return to the top

flight with his first full season in charge.

A major blip at the business end of the campaign, combined with the crazy competitive nature of last

season’s Championship saw Davies’ side miss out on the Playoffs by the finest of margins.

This summer:

For me, the most successful window of any Championship side. Understandably, it helps when the

owner is throwing money at it (approximately £4M spent on fees this summer). Still, Billy Davies has

bought well and Forest’s squad continues to grow/strengthen.

Ins: Jamie Mackie, Djamel Abdoun, Jack Hobbs, Jamie Paterson, Dorus de Vries, Eric Lichaj and

Gonzalo Jara.

In Jara (on loan at Forest for a spell last season) and Lichaj, Davies has added two versatile fullbacks

who have experience in the league which they strive to play in next summer.

Jamie Paterson, an ever present in Walsall’s overachieving League One side last season has terrific

experience for a 21 year old. In his three years at the Saddlers, Paterson amassed 94 appearances,

scoring 15 times whilst assisting in several more. After fighting off several other clubs to his

signature, Forest fans can look forward to seeing more of this talented creator in years to come.

Djamel Abdoun represents a significant coup as far as Forest are concerned. The former Olympiakos

winger moves for £1.9M and brings with him a wealth of experience in the Greek top flight (twice

a title winner) and Champions League. The skilful Algerian is sure to be a fans favourite among the

Forest faithful this season.

After three years at Queens Park Rangers, Jamie Mackie moved north to join Forest for a fee of

around £1M. With the seemingly imminent sale of Loic Remy, this move took some QPR fans by

surprise - many thinking Mackie would thrive back in England’s second tier. Forest won’t mind. With

Mackie on board they’ve further strengthened their squad with a tireless, versatile option. 

Outs: Rather like Millwall, Forest lost just the one key man over the course of the summer. Set piece

specialist and all round ‘luxury’ man Lewis McGugan departed The City Ground for a fresh challenge

with Zola’s Watford where he’ll look to fashion his annual goal of the season competition alone.

Prediction

Pushing for promotion

QPR

This summer:

After attempting to buy their way to safety last season, Rangers find themselves needing to cut their

cloth this summer for different financial reasons.

Outs (selected): Park Ji Sung, Jamie Mackie, Jose Bosingwa, Tal Ben Haim, Christopher Samba, DJ Campbell, Djibril Cisse, Rob Hulse, Jay Bothroyd.

As well as those listed above, many more are expected to leave before the window closes. The likes of

Joey Barton, Stephane Mbia and Julio Cesar should all leave in the coming weeks.

Ins: Karl Henry, Richard Dunne, Danny Simpson.

Rather like Forest, experience has been the order of the day in terms of Redknapp’s acquisitions this

summer. All three have played regularly in the Premier League and should have no trouble adapting

to life in the second tier, for a promotion chasing side. None of the new boys are what you would

call signature signings, indeed it’s been a pretty unspectacular window thus far. Creativity and goals

though, will come from elsewhere in what is a very strong outfit.

Prediction

Pushing for promotion

Reading

Nigel Adkins couldn’t prevent Reading from slipping out of the Premier League, but will hope to send

them straight back up in his first full season with the Royals.

This summer:

Impressively, Adkins has largely kept the nucleus of his squad together over the summer. With the

players clearly buying into the managers’ philosophy and ideas, Reading have a fighting chance of

bouncing back at the first time of asking.

Ins: Daniel Williams, Wayne Bridge and Royston Drenthe.

Williams, a USA international with experience most recently in Germany’s ever improving Bundesliga

will offer stability in front of the back four. Signed from Hoffenheim, Daniel could prove an astute

signing for Adkins, though he comes at a weighty price of £1.7M.

Wayne Bridge fills the void left by Ian Harte who departed for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth. Another

who’s ‘too good’ for this level. Impressed at Brighton under Gus Poyet last time out.

Royston Drenthe, formerly of Everton comes as somewhat of a coup as far as Reading are concerned.

Signed early in the window, the Dutchman with a hammer left foot should feature in front of Wayne

Bridge on the left flank. A strong unit.

Outs: Ian Harte, Joseph Mills, Daniel Carrico, Nicky Shorey, Simon Church, Noel Hunt, Jay Tabb.

Prediction

Pushing for promotion

Sheffield Wednesday

This summer:

Dave Jones has had what you would call an unspectacular summer in terms of transfer activity.

Having done just enough to survive last season, it’ll be a similar squad that aims for the same this

time around. New deals were tied up for regulars Lewis Buxton and Jermaine Johnson – arguably the

strongest business conducted at Hillsborough in the last couple of months.

Ins: Jacques Maghoma, Rafael Floro, Jeremy Helan and Atdhe Nuhiu.

Continental purchases, yes – good enough quality? It’s difficult to know.

Maghoma, although a solid performer for Burton Albion, must step up two divisions and adjust

accordingly.

Jeremy Helan impressed on loan from Manchester City last season. The young French winger’s most

memorable moment came at the John Smith’s Stadium where he received three yellow cards yet

remained on the pitch after a gaffe by referee Mick Russell. The pacey and direct wingman will look

to further enhance his reputation in Yorkshire again this season.

Atdhe Nuhiu, an Austrian striker signed from Rapid Vienna on a free transfer looked set for Crystal

Palace just days before signing for Jones’ Wednesday. Ian Holloway had the frontman on trial at

Selhurst Park only to see him make the move instead, to Hillsborough. At this stage though, he

remains a relatively unknown quantity.

Outs: Nicky Weaver, Chris Lines, Nejc Pecnik, Stephen Bywater, Chris O’Grady.

Prediction

Should do just enough

Watford

This summer:

After coming so close last season, losing out to Crystal Palace in Wembley’s showpiece event, Zola’s

Watford must kick on again if they’re to make the same impression on everyone as they did so

brilliantly last time out.

With the ‘help’ of the Pozzo family, Zola has brought in a whole host of players, many of whom

featured on loan at Vicarage Road last season from either Udinese or Granada (both owned by the

Pozzo’s).

Ins (selected): Iriney, Lars Ekstrand, Reece Brown, Ikechi Anya, Marco Cassetti, Daniel Pudi, Diego Fabbrini, Davide Faraoni, Javi Acuna, Cristian Battocchio, Almen Abdi, Gabriele Angella and Lewis McGugan.

I told you Pozzo had used his chequebook (or not). Other than Reece Brown (Manchester United)

and Lewis McGugan (Nottingham Forest), Zola’s additions all come in from Udinese or Granada on

permanent deals.

Almen Abdi, Ikechi Anya, Marco Cassetti and Daniel Pudil all played key roles last season as Watford

played in a distinctive 352 formation matched only by Hull City (promoted). You would expect Zola to

adopt the same formation this season with many of the Italians so accustomed to it, playing in Serie

A. I would expect Abdi to play a pivotal role in what will surely be another impressive campaign for

the Hornets.

Outs: Jonathan Hogg, Carl Dickinson, John Eustace, Lee Hodson, Craig Forsyth, Fitz Hall, Chris Iwelumo, Mark Yeates, Stephen McGinn, Britt Assombalonga.

Interesting fact: Just two of Sean Dyche’s squad of a couple of years ago remain (Nyron Nosworthy

and Troy Deeney).

Prediction

Pushing for promotion

WIGAN

This summer:

After a longer than (many) expected stay in English football’s top flight, little old Wigan return to the

Championship after eight years of overachieving. The Roberto Martinez era came to an end with the

Spaniard landing the job at Everton – now it’s the turn of Owen Coyle to mastermind a return to the

top flight, for the Latics.

Ins: Juan Carlos Garcia, Grant Holt, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Scott Carson, James Perch, Thomas Rogne, Chris McCann and Stephen Crainey.

Largely unspectacular yes, but this summer was more about keeping what you had if you’re Wigan

Athletic. At the time of writing, they’ve done damn good job – chances are a couple (McManaman

and Maloney) will move on. In any case, all of the above are more than capable at this level and will

add balance and depth to what is a new beginning under Owen Coyle.

Outs: Ronnie Stam, Antonin Alcaraz, Arouna Kone, Franco di Santo, David Jones, Maynor Figueroa, Albert Crusat, Romain Golobart.

Of course Wigan will be hit by the loss of such talent, but it was inevitable given contracts, wages

and financial fair play implications. With £6M being brought in for Arouna Kone and the wage bill

lightened extensively, Wigan should be financially stable for years to come under the Chairmanship

of Dave Whelan.

Prediction

Should sneak a Playoff spot

YEOVIL TOWN

This summer:

There’s not much point dressing it up – this season will be a titanic struggle for a side that under Gary

Johnson have done brilliantly to even have a place in this season’s Championship.

Ins: Liam Davies, Alan Tate, Danny Seaborne, Billy Clifford, Michael Ngoo, Joel Grant and Sam Hoskins.

Outs: Gavin Williams, Richard Hines, Dominic Blizzard, Reuben Reid and Ben Gordon.

In Paddy Madden, Yeovil have a genuine out and out goalscorer, you would assume that for Yeovil to

have any chance of staying in this ever competitive division, the Irishman (who’s come a long way in

a short period of time), must continue to score regularly for the Glovers.

With the additions of Alan Tate (Premiership experience with Swansea) and Billy Clifford, once

fancied youngster at Chelsea now with plenty football league experience, you just never know.

Prediction

A titantic struggle, bottom.

Final predictions: