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
Birmingham
Blackburn
Blackpool
Bolton
Bournemouth
Brighton
Burnley
Charlton
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Key Player
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.
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:
