It certainly has been a summer of sport, with the Euros and the Olympics taking place sport has dominated our TV screens, you couldn’t avoid it. If all that wasn’t enough, it’s back, the football season kicks off in less than a week. After a long pre season for football fans up and down the country, the wait is almost over. Yet another season of despair, agony, frustration and joy is upon us.
Yet again the Npower Championship promises to be as unpredictable as ever. Last season we saw Southampton pull off the incredible and secure back to back promotions, Reading emerge from the pack to finish top in some style and favourites West Ham to only gain promotion via the play offs. The Championship in recent seasons has dispelled the myth that those who come down should go straight back up again, this unpredictability factor is what makes the Championship so exciting. Therefore it cannot be guranteed that newly relegated, former Premier League stalwarts Bolton and Blackburn will be in contention for promotion this time around. There are 24 very strong teams in the division and any one of them are capable of causing an upset or suprising a few people.
Table Prediction
- Bolton Wanderers
- Leicester City
- Cardiff City
- Birmingham City
- Middlesbrough
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Leeds United
- Blackburn Rovers
- Hull City
- Burnley
- Derby County
- Sheffield Wednesday
- Huddersfield Town
- Nottingham Forest
- Blackpool
- Charlton Athletic
- Bristol City
- Watford
- Ipswich Town
- Peterborough United
- Crystal Palace
- Millwall
- Barnsley
BARNSLEY
Last Season- Championship 21st
The Tykes started well under Keith Hill last season, but they ended the season in dysmal form only managing 1 win the last 15 games. Such a disappointing run saw Barnsley ocuppy 21st position come the end of the season. Barnsley have managed to prove the doubters wrong for a number of seasons, often considered favourites for the drop, but they now enter there 7th consecutive season in the Championship. Keith Hill has made it very clear he is working within a tight budget and has added a few faces to bolster his side. Tomasz Cywka, Kelvin Etuhu and Jacob Melis have all joined the South Yorkshire side. Also Keith Hill completed a deal for Egyptian forward Mido, many Barnsley fans considered the striker a marquee signing, only for him to get injured during a pre season friendly, he’s estimated to be out for some time. Jacob Butterfield, Barnsley’s influential midfielder player, left the Tykes for Premier League Norwich this summer, leaving a big gap in Barnsley’s central midfield.
Key Player- Craig Davies
The striker was top goalscorer for Barnsley last season with 11 goals in the league. The former Chesterfield man goes into the campaign as Barnsley’s main target man and alot of weight will be on his shoulders to deliver the goods this season.
Prediction– Although the past has shown you cannot underestimate Barnsley, it’s hard not too consider the perennial strugglers favourites for the drop this time round.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Last season- Championship 4th
After relegation to the Championship in the 2010/11 campaign, Birmingham aimed to bounce straight back up under Chris Hughton. They were unable to achieve promotion, finishing 4th losing in the first leg of the Playoffs to Blackpool. In June Chris Hughton left Birmingham for Premier League Norwich, he has since been replaced by young manager Lee Clark. Clark has managed to keep the core of the squad together the likes of Marlon King, Chris Burke and exciting prospect Nathan Redmond remain at the club. Furthermore, Darren Ambrose, Peter Lovenkrands and Hayden Mullins are amongst the players who have been added to the squad. Defensively strong and with alot of creativity in the ranks, Birmingham will definitely be serious contenders this season.
Key Player- Chris Burke
The tricky winger chipped in with 14 goals last season, also making 19 assists. He deservedly was announced Player of the season, and his creativity will be key for Birmingham again this time around.
Prediction– Strength all over the pitch, with a hungry young manager, Birmingham will certainly be in the Promotion race.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Last season- Premier League 19th
2011/12 was not a season to remember for Blackburn. Ewood Park is not the happiest of places right now, with fans discontent at their Indian based owners and despair at underachieving manager Steve Kean. Kean has been subject to plenty of criticism and abuse from the Blackburn faithful following what was an awful season, furthermore a video of Kean slating former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce, has plunged the manager into more controversy. It looks like Kean will get another chance to turn around the sinking ship, he has already spent big this summer, bringing in experienced midfielder Danny Murphy and forward Leon Best from Newcastle. However, star man Junior Hoilett rejected a contract at Blackburn and has joined Queens Park Rangers on a four year deal.
Key Player- Danny Murphy
Although the 35 year old isn’t getting any younger, the former England international has spent the majority of his career in the Premier League, his experience and tenacity in midfield will be a huge asset for Blackburn in the Championship.
Prediction– Still doubts over Kean’s ability as a manager, but with alot of class in the squad Blackburn should be challenging for a top half position at the very least.
BLACKPOOL
Last season- Championship 5th
Following their relegation from the Premier League two seasons ago, many expected the Blackpool dream to soon fade away and they would be restored as an average Championship side. However, last season the Tangerines defied the odds yet again and made the play off final after another great season. Defeat to West Ham in the play off final caused heartache for Blackpool fans, but the encouragement being that Blackpool should not be underestimated. Holloway has installed an exciting style of play at Bloomfield Road, making them one of the most exciting footballing side in the League. It has not been the busiest of summers for Blackpool, 4 players have come in. Including midfielders Isaiah Osbourne from Hibernian and Portugese Tiago Gomez from Spanish side Hercules. Leaving the club are two Blackpool legends who will be remembered for there contributions to what has been a brilliant couple of seasons for Blackpool, Keith Southern leaves for Huddersfield and Brett Ormerod moves to Wrexham.
Key Player- Matt Phillips
The pacey winger returned from injury last season and showed what a fantastic talent he can be. His dribbling ability, pace and goal scoring threat single him out as a key part of Blackpool’s side, still only young the winger has a bright future ahead of him.
Prediction– The fairytale must be coming to an end soon, and with the financial muscle now in the Championship, the Tangerines may have to settle for a mid table finish. However, don’t be suprised if Holloway works his magic again.
BOLTON WANDERERS
Last Season- Premier League 18th
After 11 consecutive seasons in the top flight, 2011/12 would be the year Bolton fell back into the second tier of English football. On a positive note it seems as if Bolton stand in good sted going into the 2012/13 season. They have managed to keep the core of players from last season and have plenty of Premier League quality through their ranks. No major departures, except high earners Ivan Klasnic, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Nigel Reo-Coker, which helps the trotters reduce a rather expensive wage bill. Bolton have added to their squad, bringing in Irish International Keith Andrews and defender Matt Mills from Leicester City. Also Benik Afobe becomes the latest Arsenal youngster Owen Coyle brings in on loan. Perhaps most exciting for the Trotters is the return of Lee Chung Yong and Stuart Holden from injuries, two players who will for sure stand out in the Championship.
Key Player- Marvin Sordell
The January signing from Watford disappointed for Bolton in the second half of the season, limited appearances for the striker meant he hardly got his chance to shine. Spending the summer with Team GBs Olympic football team, the young forward will be hungry to prove himself, his pace and power mean he has all the ingriedients to be a dangerous striker.
Prediction– Bolton should be a safe bet for promotion back to the Premier Legaue, but it won’t be an easy ride and there will be bumps along the way.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Last Season- Championship 10th
The Seagulls started last season very strong and were in and amongst the promotion pack for the majority of the season. However, they faded away slightly towards the end, finishing in a solid 10th position. Brighton have certainly made their intent clear, an ambitious club with an ambitious chairman who has made it clear he wants Brighton fighting for promotion this season. This summer has seen Brighton bring in some big names, England international Wayne Bridge has joined from Manchester City, Bruno Saltar has come in from Spanish giants Valencia and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszcak has signed from Manchester United. Also Norwich midfielder Andrews Crofts has returned to the club.
Key Player- Vicente
Brighton pulled of a huge coup when they managed to attract the Spanish international from Valencia last season. His fitness and injury record is a worry for Brighton, only managing 19 appearances during 2011/12. However, his performances were breathtaking at times, and his creativity is bordering on world class. If he can stay fit, without a doubt Brighton have one of the best playmakers in the division.
Prediction- The ambition is there for all to see, a play off place is very likely. If they can find a goalscorer before the transfer window shuts, Brighton should be one of the favourites for promotion.
BRISTOL CITY
Last Season- Championship 20th
The Robins took a step back last season, and didn’t manage to push on as many expected them to. A dissappointing 20th place saw Bristol safe from danger but not matching their aspirations. Dereck McInnes will begin his first full season in charge of Bristol City and has been working on a tight budget during the summer. As he tries to get rid of alot of the deadwood, he has brought in experienced former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris. former Manchester United keeper Tom Heaton, pacey winger Paul Anderson from Nottingham Forest and young defender Greg Cunningham joining from Manchester City on a four year deal. The Robins still expect to bring in a couple more faces before the end of the transfer window.
Key Player- Albert Adomah
The explosive winger has attracted interst all summer, with Swansea rumoured to be tabling a 3 million pound bid for the Ghanaian. The wingers skill and pace could be key for Bristol City’s success this season, therefore Bristol will do everything they can to keep him at Ashton Gate.
Prediction– A transistion season for The Robins, consolidation will be the aim, expect them to have a bottom half finish.
BURNLEY
Last Season- 13th
It was very much a consolidation season for Burnley last time out, young manager Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge saw Burnley dip in and out of form as they struggled to find consistency. Howe has assembled a good young squad with alot of potential and has been busy during the summer. Jason Shackell has signed from Derby for a fee of 1 million pounds and the centre back has been made captain on arrival. Sam Vokes and Brian Stock have also been added to bolster Burnley’s squad. Also young winger George Porter and left back Joseph Mills have joined. On the downside homegrown striker Jay Rodriguez has left Turf Moor and joined Premier League newboys Southampton for a hefty fee of 7 million.
Key Player- Charlie Austin
The young striker finished as Burnley’s top goalscorer last season with 16 goals. With alot of potential, the dangerous forward will be expected to be amongst the goals this season and help fire Burnley into a succesful campaign.
Prediction– Burnley have a good young squad with plenty of potential, a top half finish should be the aim, but they will want to be pushing for a play off place.
CARDIFF CITY
Last Season- Championship 6th
Cardiff again fell at the last hurdle in 2011/12, will they ever get promotion? Still Malcky Mackay first season in charge was rather solid, a strong play off place, the young manager will have to be aiming to go that step further this time and finally guide Cardiff into the Premier League. It’s been a bizzare pre season for Cardiff, the club has been rebranded by new Malaysian owners, no longer the Bluebirds, Cardiff are now known as the Red Dragons and play in red instead of blue. Furthermore the ‘Red Dragons’ have been very busy in the transfer market. An estimated 6 million has been spent on goalkeeper Joe Lewis, central midfielder Jordan Mutch, South Korean Kim Bo-Kyung and Slovenian striker Etien Velikonja. Furthermore the fans favourite has returned, Craig Bellamy joins for a second stint at the club on a free transfer. Cardiff have gone all out in the transfer window, promotion is a must for Malky Mackay’s men.
Key Player- Craig Bellamy
The boyhood Cardiff fan is back. There is no doubting the ability of Bellamy, a top player who will be firmly in the limelight this season. He has to deliver for Cardiff and help them get into the Premier League.
Prediction– This has to be Cardiff’s time, heavy investment and a strong squad, no more bottling it, Cardiff have all the right ingriedients to get promotion.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Last Season- League One 1st
Charlton were crowned Champions of League One last season with a record 104 points. Chris Powell revamped the squad and many doubted whether all the new signings would gel, but the gamble paid off and the Addicks got promoted in some style. Following the successes of Southampton and Norwich in going back to back promotions, Charlton will be hoping too do the same. They have started in the same mould, keeping the squad together and maintaining that team spirit. Only three signings have come through the door, forward Jordan Cook and Salim Kerker on free transfers. Also defender Lawrie Wilson has joined from Stevenage. However, rumours have been flying around during pre season of troubles behind the scenes at Charlton which will not be encouraging for the club going into the new campaign.
Key Player- Michael Morrison
The centre half was a revelation last season at the back for Charlton, his strong defensive displays were key for Charlton last season in their promotion campaign.
Prediction– Don’t quite have enough quality to replicate the heroics of Southampton and Norwich but they will steer clear of danger. Need one or two more additions if they want to challenge in this league.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Last Season- Championship 17th
Dougie Freedman managed to keep his side away from the drop last season, finishing in a safe 17th position. This season Palace fans will be hoping for better. However, it has been a disappointing summer fot the Eagles. Key players such as Nathaniel Clyne, Darren Ambrose and Sean Scannell have all left the club along with a few others. Palace have only brought in 3 new faces, Aaron Wilbraham, Joel Ward and Aaron Martin on loan from Southampton. The Eagles can take pride in their fantastic academy and exciting prospects, providing they stay, Wilfred Zaha and Jonathan Williams will have the chance to become key players and shine this season.
Key Player- Jonathan Parr
The left back was very impressive last season for Palace, making 45 appearances and picking up the clubs player of the year award. The Eagles will be hoping that the Norweigan will continue his form going into the 2012/13 season.
Predicition– Unless they bring some more quality in, Palace may be in for another relegation scrap. Losing the likes of Ambrose and Clyne will prove to be big blows for the London club.
DERBY COUNTY
Last Season- Championship 12th
2011/12 was another mid table finish for the Rams. It seems to be a recurring theme in recent years, an inconsistent season where Derby show flashes of brilliance then flashes of rubbish. Pre season has been a mixed one for the Rams, losing key players Jason Shackell and Paul Green to Championship rivals Burnley and Leeds. However, Nigel Clough seems to have spent well in the transfer market, bringing in Coventy defender Richard Keogh for a reported fee of 1.3 million, a very adequate replacement for former captian Shackell. Also, Paul Coutts joins from Preston, young winger Michael Jacobs joins from Northampton and right back James O’Connor joins from League One club Doncater Rovers. Furthermore, exciting talents Will Hughes and Mason Bennett could break into the Derby first team this season.
Key Player- Craig Bryson
The Scottish international was crowned Derby’s player of the year for 2011/12. The box to box midfielder has a great engine and work ethic, he will be the heart of Derby’s midfield this season.
Prediction– Still a young squad, and not yet ready for a promotion challenge. May get a top half finish, depending on whether they can bring in a goalscorer which they so desperately lack.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Last Season- League One 4th
A nail biting penalty shootout victory against Sheffield United in the Play Off final saw the Terriers promoted to the Championship after eight consecutive seasons in the third tier. Led by Simon Grayson Huddersfield have been impressive in the transfer market during pre season. Exciting young players Adam Clayton, Oliver Norwood and Sean Scannell have all bolstered the Terriers squad. In addition defenders Joel Lynch and Anthony Gerrard have signed from Nottingham Forest and Cardiff respectively. The big talking point all summer has been whether Huddersfield can keep hold of top goalscorer Jordan Rhodes, the forward scored 4o goals in total last season and Simon Grayson will be desperate to keep hold of his main man.
Key Player- Alex Smithies
The young keeper was the hero of the dramatic play off final penalty shootout. Highly rated, the shot stopper seems to have rediscovered his form and promise. He will prove to be important for Huddersfield between the sticks.
Prediction– Some really promising signings have boosted Huddersfield’s chances for this season, should be safe from the drop but not ready to be in the promotion hunt. Mid table beckons, which will be a huge achievement after a lengthy stay out of the second tier.
HULL CITY
Last season- 8th
A positive finish last season was overshadowed by what has been a turbulent pre season for Hull City fans. The sacking of fans favourite Nicky Barmby left a sour taste in the mouthes of many Hull City fans. However, the appointment of the experienced Steve Bruce seems to have softened the blow. The Tigers have recruited well pre season. 2.5 million was spent on German striker Nick Proschwitz, quick winger Sone Aluko has joined from Rangers, experienced midfielder Abdoulaye Faye signed on a free transfer and the managers son Alex Bruce also joins on a free. Moreover the Tigers have managed to retain the majority of their key players, which leaves them in a strong position going into the season.
Key Player- Robert Koren
The attacking midfielder’s future is in limbo with reported interest from Premier League outfit Reading and Championship rivals Leicester City. The Slovenian international’s creativity and goals is invaluable to Hull and manager Bruce has already stated he wants to keep hold of one of his ‘best players’.
Prediction– The experience of Bruce will be a huge asset for Hull, promotion may be too much of an ask but another strong top half finish looks likely.
IPSWICH TOWN
Last Season- Championship 15th
15th place was considered as an underachievement for what seemed a strong squad. Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg admitted 15th was not where he expected the club to be at the start of the campaign. The pressure will be on Paul Jewell to deliver a better performance this season. Fan favourites Grant Leadbitter and Lee Bowyer left the club in the summer, much to the disappointment of the Ipswich faithful. So far Jewell has brought in centre half Luke Chambers from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Scott Loach from Watford. Ipswich will have to add a few more quality players in before the season starts if they want an improvement on last time.
Key Player- Aaron Cresswell
The young fullback impressed last season after a string of quality performances. He has attracted interest all summer from a number of premier league clubs, the Tractor boys will be keen to keep hold of the attacking fullback.
Prediction– Jewell not the most inspiring of managers and i sense another season of dissappointment, will have to work hard to not get dragged into a relegation battle.
Leeds United
Last Season- Championship 14th
Not the finish Leeds fans wanted last season, many were optimistic of a higher finish. Neil Warnock took over in February and has changed the look of the squad. A number of new players have signed including David Norris, Jason Pearce, Jamie Ashdown and Luke Varney from struggling Portsmouth. Furthermore, Paul Green has joined from Derby, right back Lee Peltier from Leicester City, Paddy Kenny from Queens Park Rangers, Adam Drury on a free transfer from Norwich and Jamaican midfielder Rodolph Austin from Norweigan club Brann. Msot controversially perhaps being the signing of infamous striker El Hadj Diouf, who Warnock himself once called a ‘sewer rat’. The biggest blow for Leeds was the departure of key player Robert Snodgrass to Norwich for 3 million pounds, his influence cannot be underestimated for Leeds over recent seasons, and he will be a huge loss to the Yorkshire club.
Key Player- Luciano Becchio
The Argentine striker had a disappointing campaign last season, despite bagging 11 goals, his season was hampered by injuries. However, the physical forward is a key player for Leeds and will come back stronger than ever this season recapturing his prior form.
Prediction– Warnock knows this league very well and knows what it takes to get out of it. Leeds are definitely an outside bet for a play off spot.
LEICESTER CITY
Last season- Championship 9th
Leicester spent big last season and ultimately it ended in failure. Thailand owners spent over 12 million to get Leicester back into the Premier League but the plan backfired and the Foxes finished in an underachieving 9th place. Nigel Pearson has already started a defensive overhaul, getting rid of the expensive flops from last season. Lee Peltier has joined Leeds, Sol Bamba to Turkish club Trabzonspor and the 5.5 million flop Matt Mills to Bolton. Pearson has gone for younger, perhaps more assured options at the back, Ritchie De Laet joins from Manchester United and Zak Whitbread from Norwich. Furthermore, highly rated midfielder Matty James joins aswell from Manchester United and 1 million pound striker Jamie Vardy has signed from Fleetwood Town following an amazing goal tally in the Blue Square Premier last season. Young french winger Anthony Knockaert joins the Foxes from French Ligue 2 side Guingamp, beating strong interest from Newcastle for the winger.
Key Player- David Nugent
The one cap England international recaptured his past form for Leicester last season, becoming their top goalscorer with 16 goals. Leicester will be relying on his goals again this season as they push for promotion.
Prediction– With wealthy owners and a tidy looking squad, Leicester have got to be favourites for automatic promotion.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Last Season- 7th
Narrowly missing out on a Play Off spot last season, the Boro will be eager to go one better in 2012/13. Tony Mowbray has brought in a number of players in his mission to take Middlesborough back to the top flight after a number of years in the second tier. Grant Leadbitter joined following his release from Ipswich, George Friend signed from Doncaster and tricky winger Mustapha Carayol winged in from Bristol Rovers. In addition Stuart Parnaby, Emmanuel Ledesma and Justin Hoyte all joined on free transfers. Perhaps the most intriguing signing being that of former England and Real Madrid centre half Johnathan Woodgate. Provided he can stay fit, Boro could have pulled off quite a coup. On the other hand homegrown talents Tony McMahon, Jonathan Grounds and Jonathan Franks all left the club. Midfielder Barry Robson has also departed for American club Vancouver Whitecaps.
Key Player- Marvin Emnes
The dreadlocked dutch forward has been at the club since 2008, but made his mark at the Riverside last season as top goalscorer. The skill and pace of the striker will be important for the Boro in 2012/13.
Prediction– Mowbray is a very good manager and has spent well during pre season. Mixed with the emerging young players coming through, Middlesborough have a well balanced side and should be pushing for promotion.
Millwall
Last Season- Championship 16th
Millwall produced another solid season in the Championship last season. A healthy finish for the Lions after a late surge staved away the threat of relegation. The Lions find it difficult to compete with the financial muscle found in the Championship these days, but they continue to go about their business quietly and shrewdly. They have bolstered one of their weakest areas last season, the defence. Highly rated fullback Scott Malone joins from Bourenmouth in part of a swap deal for forward Josh McQuoid. Also towering defender Karleigh Osborne joined from Brentford. Midfielder Chris Taylor also joined on a free transfer from Oldham Atheletic. Meanwhile, quick winger Hameur Bouazza left to join Cypriot side Omania Nicosia.
Key Player- Andy Keogh
The Irish international joined Millwall in January for a fee of 500,00. He netted 10 goals in 18 appearances which helped Millwall stay clear of relegation towards the end of the 2011/12 campaign.
Prediction– Kenny Jackett is working on a tight budget and has had to scrape the barrell on a number of signings during pre season. Millwall showed slight signs of decline last season and will be one of the favourites to go down.
Nottingham Forest
Last Season-Championship 20th
Forest will be looking to improve on what was a huge dissappointment last season. It has been an eventful summer for the East Midlands club, following the takeover by Kuwaiti billionaires the Al-Hasawi family. The new owners immediately sacked Steve Cotteril and appointed Sean O’Driscoll, who perhaps wasn’t the fans first choice. Forest have bolsterd their defence with the signings of fullbacks Dan Harding and Greg Halford. Also centre half Danny Collins has signed from Stoke. Adiene Guedioura, who impressed on loan at the club last season, signed permanently from Wolves. Meanwhile top perfomers from last season Garath McCleary and Chris Gunter have both left the club for Premier League Reading.
Key Player- Adiene Guedioura
Forest fans were delighted when they captured the midfield player in July. He went down as a fans favourite for his “all action displays”. Former Forest manager Steve Cotteril called him the “heat and soul” of the Forest midfield.
Prediction– Sean O’Driscoll is the right man for the job, but his plan for success will take time and Forest fans should not expect to be aiming for promotion this season. Patience is the key, although the new owners may not want to wait around.
Peterborough United
Last Season- Championship 18th
The Posh mananged to achieve their aim of staying in the division following their return to the second tier last campaign. Peterborough and Darren Ferguson have again turned to young unproven lower league talents during pre season, which has proved a successful policy in recent seasons for the club. Midfielder Michael Bostwick has signed from Stevenage, Troy Barnett makes his move to London Road permanent from Crawley Town following his loan spell at the club last season and winger Danny Swanson joins from Scottish club Dundee United. Furthermore, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing signs from Wolves, goalkeeper Bobby Olenjik from Torquay and young striker Jonson Clarke-Harris joins from Coventry City. As far as outgoings are concerned, highly rated keeper Joe Lewis joined Cardiff City. Key players George Boyd, Grant McCann and Paul Taylor were all strangely put on the transfer list, however so far no club has made an offer for any of the trio.
Key Player- Michael Bostwick
The box to box midfielder was Ferguson’s top transfer target this summer and the Posh manager was delighted when he joined. Bostwick comes to the Championship with a good lower league pedigree and should be confident of making the step up.
Prediction– One of the smallest clubs in stature in the divison, Peterborough are too reliant on Darren Ferguson’s ability to bring in cheap young lower league talents. Unable to compete financially with the other clubs in the division, Peterborough will be amongst the relegation candidates.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Last Season- League One 2nd
Owls fans haven’t had much to cheer about in recent years, but last season the doom and gloom which surrounded Hillsborough was very much lifted. With financial stability and snatching promotion away from bitter rivals Sheffield United last season, things are looking up for the Sheffield club. It’s been a busy summer for Dave Jones, former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland joined on a free transfer, Anthony Gardner signed from Crystal Palace and young fullbacks Joe Mattock and Kieran Lee both joined on free transfers. Slovenian international Necj Pecnik and Portugese U’21 Diogo Amado both joined the Owls from the Portugese first divison. Furthermore, Chris Maguire joined from Derby, highly rated Scottish midfielder Rhys McCabe from Rangers and winger Michail Antonio joined from Reading for an estimated fee of 800k. Meanwhile, last seasons captain Rob Jones has left the club for Doncaster Rovers and veteran striker Ryan Lowe has joined MK Dons.
Key Player- Michail Antonio
The Owls finally got their man after a long tiresome pursuit over the summer months. The explosive winger was key in helping Wednesday gain promotion last season, his pace and power makes the wideman a very troublesome opponent to come up against.
Prediction– Dave Jones is a very experienced manager at this level and chairman Milan Mandaric has stated he’s not in the Championship to wait around. Perhaps not quite ready for a promotion challenge, a season of consolidation awaits.
WATFORD
Lat Season- Championship 11th
Sean Dyche took Watford to their highest finish in years last season, a strong 11th position. However, his hardwork was certainly not rewarded during pre season following the takeover of the club by the Italain Pozzo family who also own Italian club Udinese and Spanish club Granada. Dyche was sacked immediately after the takeover was complete, and owner Giampolo Pozzo announced non other than Gianfranco Zola as the new manager. Watford have benefited from the Pozzo family’s football connections in regards to new players. They’ve brought in 7 players in on season long loans, Almen Abdi, Steve Leo Beleck and Matej Vydra from Udinese and Ikechi Anya and Daniel Pudil from Granada. Also Spanish keeper Manuel Almunia has signed from Arsenal and centre back Fitz Hall joins from Queens Park Rangers. Scott Loach and Adrain Marriappa have left the club for Ipswich and Reading respectively. Furthemore top goalscorer last season Troy Deeney has been jailed for 10 months.
Key Player- John Eustace
The club captain featured on 42 occasions for Watford last season and was influential in the centre of midfield. The veterans experience and leadership qualities will be vital to the Hornets this season.
Prediction– The Pozzo family aren’t here for the ride, they want success. However, Zola is still rather inexperienced manager and it looks like he’ll be managing a side assembled mainly by his predecessors. It may take time for Watford Zola to impose his style on the club, therefore I expect a transitional season with a bottom half finish.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Last Season- Premier League 20th
After three seasons in the top flight, Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League table with a disappointing 25 points. Norweigan Stale Solbakken became the permanent replacement to Mick McCarthy in the summer and was announced as the clubs new manager. So far Wolves have kept the core of their relegation squad only adding three new players. Young Icelandic Midfielder Bjorn Sigurdarson joins for a fee of 2.5 million from Lillestrom. Stiriker Frank Nouble joins on a free transfer and 6 ft 3 midfielder Tongo Doumbia joins on a season long loan from French club Rennes. Winger Michael Kightly has left the club for Premier League Stoke City, forward Sam Vokes has joined Championship rivals Burnley and midfielder Adiene Guedioura has signed for Nottingham Forest. Top players like Matt Jarvis and Steve Fletcher are attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs and it woul be no suprise if they were to leave Wolves before the transfer window shuts.
Key Player- Kevin Doyle
With the likely departures of Jarvis and Fletcher, Wolves fans will be looking at Irish international Doyle to come up with the goods this season. The forward has already stated his desire to help Wolves get back to the top flight, his threat upfront will be a danger to many Championship defences.
Prediction– The manager has been backed financially and they have so far been able to keep hold of their top performers, Wolves should definitely be in the promotion race.
North Stand Views 
Excellent piece of work. A really enjoyable read!
Thankyou!
Good report although more research is required. Cardiff are still the Bluebirds! Not once have the club said that we have given ourselves a new nickname. Plus if you look carefully they have kept a Bluebird on the badge.
Sorry about that, could have sworn they changed their nickname, thanks for letting me know!
Hi there, excellent article which has helped me alot, im in this competition that a friends runs, just wondered what your knowledge is like on other leagues? Can you email me
Re Blackpool – “the fairytale must be coming to an end soon”…. and the financial muscle? Have you ever heard of parachute payments? We’re one of the most cash-rich clubs in the Championship. As for the fairytale……Matt Gilks in goals, plays for Scotland, Baptiste is defence, one of most sought after players outside Premier League, Tom Ince, Matt Philips, Gary Taylor Fletcher, Dicko up front, Martinez in the midfield with Barry Ferguson…. we played West Ham off the park 3 months ago and should have gone to the Premier League. Yet you think the same players will finish 16th this season? Having a good team with good pacey players is not a fairytale mate, its a reality – and the reality is we’ll be too good for most championship sides this season, just as we were last time.
Nice assestment theowlblogger, from a Wolves fan
I’m happy to come back down to the championship, after losing what seemed like every week in the premier league last season. As for our chances, many fans expect us to get automatic promotion, but looking at how strong some of the teams are in this league this season, I would be happy to take a play off place and try our luck in that lottery. It’s a shame to lose Michael Kightly, and probably Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis too, they will be hard players to replace, but we certainly have the money to do it, if we need to. Also big things are expected from our CB Roger Johnson after a dissapointing last season, Icelantic striker Bjorn Sigurdson and our new dynamic midfielder, Tongo Doumbia.
Good luck to every other team, looks like the strongest championship season yet.