Post by QPR Report on Dec 27, 2008 10:39:31 GMT
Besides the Bookies making us among the favourites for automatic promotion 
From The Observer in August 3 2008
The Verdict: The Championship
Championship fans reveal the players to watch, the likely boo-boys, who'll go up and who's set for the drop
BARNSLEY
Last season 18th
Promotion 40-1 Relegation 13-8
Manager Simon Davey
ONES TO WATCH Jon Macken, Anderson De Silva and Brian Howard should all do well for us.
BOO-BOYS Hopefully none of our lot, though striker Kayode Odejayi is at risk if he doesn't start putting the ball in the net. Otherwise, anyone who's connected in any way with Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United.
I was feeling pretty good about things until the pre-season friendlies. I wasn't thinking that we'd finish in the top six, but I did think we'd improved on last year. Now I'm not so sure. Simon Davey's done a decent job, but he's still learning his trade and occasionally his decisions baffle me. But Iain Hume should be a good signing when he gets fit, as should Darren Moore if he's still up to the pace of the Championship. And Mounir El Haimour has the makings of a good player.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Reading, Derby and, I hate to say it, Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Paul Gallagher BarnsleyFC.org.uk
BIRMINGHAM
Last season Relegated
Promotion 7-4 Relegation 50-1
Manager Alex McLeish
ONES TO WATCH Seb Larsson, if he stays. Kevin Philips, Cameron Jerome and Gary McSheffrey should all be good at this level too.
BOO-BOYS McSheffrey took a lot of stick last season so he'll need to prove himself. Apart from him, Damien Johnson (when he's fit again) and Martin Taylor from away fans, because of the Eduardo incident.
Although there was a lot of discontent when we were relegated, we seem to be shaping up well pre-season and it seems as though Alex McLeish is getting the team to play in a much more incisive way. Keeping us up would have been the icing on the cake, but I think that now he's had the chance to shape his own team over the summer we're going to see a better standard of football. All things considerd, I'm looking forward to next week.
WE'LL FINISH 2nd - we never win anything outright.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.
GOING DOWN Southampton, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Kym Smith Smallheathalliance.com
BLACKPOOL
Last season 19th
Promotion 40-1 Relegation 13-8
Manager Simon Grayson
ONES TO WATCH Adam Hamill, a young winger on loan from Liverpool, looks really promising. Also, striker Steve Kabba, on loan from Watford, could be a big player for us.
BOO-BOYS Probably Ben Burgess, maybe David Fox and,
for some strange reason, Keith Southern.
The second year in the Championship always seems to be the hardest and this season won't be an exception. We've had a big clear out and brought in six or seven new players, so they'll need time to gel. Given all that change, I'd imagine we'll struggle early doors, but I'm confident we'll finish higher than last season. Simon Grayson has done a wonderful job in such a short space of time: hopefully he'll be with us for a few more years.
WE'LL FINISH 15th.
GOING UP Derby, Birmingham and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Barnsley and Preston.
John Woodman Avftt.co.uk
BRISTOL CITY
Last season 4th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 9-1
Manager Gary Johnson
ONES TO WATCH New boy Nicky Maynard, brought in from Crewe over the summer, appears to be the natural and prolific goalscorer that fans enjoy watching. And on his day, Lee Trundle's skills are still worth seeing.
BOO-BOYS None of ours. If he's seen, though, Coventry's Michael Mifsud, who really messed us around.
Last season's heroics are now history and we start back on zero points - and I expect the top half of the league to be of a higher quality this season. Gavin Williams should provide an extra creative force in midfield, and if we give good service to our strikers and score more goals, then with our all round quality, team spirit and commitment we should enjoy ourselves again. We do need some extra defensive cover though.
WE'LL FINISH Not below mid-table.
GOING UP Sheffield United, Birmingham and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Plymouth and Blackpool.
Barry Hayes Observer reader
BURNLEY
Last season 13th
Promotion 12-1 Relegation 9-2
Manager Owen Coyle
ONES TO WATCH Much still depends on Robbie Blake, but I think Remco van der Schaaf and Chris Eagles, two of our new signings, could also prove to be very influential players for us.
BOO-BOYS Hopefully no one. We've managed to lose the ones who were too big for their boots.
I'm always optimistic in July - I just hope it lasts beyond the first couple of months. I do think we've got a good chance of progressing this season, and pushing towards the top six. The signings have all looked good during a hectic pre-season, so once they've settled in we could have a very capable squad. Owen Coyle's really starting to build the side he wants now. He's only been with us for eight months, so this is his first real season.
WE'LL FINISH Sixth. I'm confident.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Burnley.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Doncaster and Barnsley.
Tony Scholes Claretsmad.co.uk
CARDIFF
Last season 12th
Promotion 7-1 Relegation 9-1
Manager Dave Jones
ONES TO WATCH It's been a pretty uneventful summer, so it's hard to know what to expect this year. But hopefully Paul Parry, Joe Ledley and new striker Ross McCormack will do the business.
BOO-BOYS I expect Stephen McPhail will get a hard time again. And anyone who plays for Bristol City.
I'm feeling pretty ambivalent about our prospects - the lack of strike power is the main worry. We've kept the core of last year's side together which is reasonably promising, but there haven't been many signings to get excited about. McCormack does look like a bargain at £120,000 from Motherwell, and Comminges has started well and looks robust, but as for Kennedy and Dennehey: I guess they've been brought in to make up the numbers.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Wolves and QPR.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth.
Matthew Gabb Cardiffcity.com
CHARLTON
Last season 11th
Promotion 4-1 Relegation 18-1
Manager Alan Pardew
ONES TO WATCH Andy Gray and Luke Varney up front could potentially be a very good partnership at this level. Apart from them, it will be interesting to see how Chris thingyson does.
BOO-BOYS Midfielders Jerome Thomas and Darren Ambrose could take some stick unless they pull their socks up and really get stuck in.
The squad may not have changed much and we're still badly lacking in central midfield, but the teams that came down don't look particularly good, so that gives us some hope. The vast majority of fans really want Alan Pardew to do well for us as he's a former player and a decent man. I'm just not sure about his tactical nous or ability to raise the confidence of the players, and it was these two factors which cost us dearly last year.
WE'LL FINISH 4th.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Wolves.
GOING DOWN Crystal Palace, Doncaster and Swansea.
Tom Furber NetAdthingys.com
COVENTRY
Last season 21st
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 11-2
Manager Chris Coleman
ONES TO WATCH New boys Aron Einar Gunnarsson and Robbie Simpson are interesting as they're such unknowns. And if Palace's Clinton Morrison signs for us, stand back and watch our Clint/Eastwood partnership blaze a scoring trail across the Championship.
BOO-BOYS I don't boo my own players.
For us this season is all about stabilisation and foundation building. I've learnt not to reach too high: we're still in business, we're still in the Championship and we're chipping away at the weaknesses in the club, so a season of building will do me. Anything else is a bonus. The signings have shown that Chris Coleman has recognised where the key weaknesses are, but we still need to develop the squad: strength in depth is a problem.
WE'LL FINISH 10th-12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Southampton and Blackpool and Doncaster.
Nigel Eccles GMKonline.com
CRYSTAL PALACE
Last season 5th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Neil Warnock
ONES TO WATCH New boy Nick Carle has been impressive in pre-season: he's definitely a name to look out for. And then there's the kids: Victor Moses, Sean Scannell and Lee Hills are the best of them, and they'll be looking to establish themselves this season.
BOO-BOYS Shefki Kuqi, if he stays. Either way, he's not likely to get a game...
After picking the team up by the scruff of the neck last season and getting us into the play-offs, Neil Warnock has made plenty of friends in SE25. This season is about seeing how the new mix of 'Warnock-type' signings and our impressive crop of kids fit together. It's a pretty positive outlook, which makes it even more disappointing to see Clinton Morrison and Ben Watson refusing to stay at Selhurst.
WE'LL FINISH 10th.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Reading.
GOING DOWN Swansea, Southampton and Doncaster.
Peter Guntrip Holmesdale.net
DERBY
Last season Relegated
Promotion 4-1 Relegation 14-1
Manager Paul Jewell
ONES TO WATCH Giles Barnes has genuine Premier League quality when he's fit - and it's also worth watching new boy Paul Green. If Doncaster fans are correct we've signed a gem.
BOO-BOYS Andy Todd and Eddie Lewis aren't fit to wear the shirt. And then there's Robbie Savage. He tries, but there's not much to justify his massive wages.
Am I optimistic? We'll, I'm fairly confident we won't go down this time... Most Derby fans expect us to be challenging for the top two, but with so many new faces that'll be a tall order. I'll be delighted with a play-off finish. Paul Jewell really needs to get off to a good start: if the performances carry on from last season I can see the fans turning against him. Ultimately, he'll be judged on his signings: they need to do a whole lot better than last season's imports.
WE'LL FINISH 6th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Wolves.
GOING DOWN Nottingham Forest, Doncaster and Swansea.
Steven Pyefinch Observer reader
DONCASTER
Last season Promoted
Promotion 22-1 Relegation 15-8
Manager Sean O'Driscoll
ONES TO WATCH I'm expecting us to be raided by top clubs in January, but while we've got them, James Coppinger and James O'Connor should impress. And it'll be interesting to see how veteran keeper Neil Sullivan will do.
BOO-BOYS Maybe Paul Heffernan unless he pulls his socks up and sorts out his attitude.
After what we've achieved over the past six years we've got to be optimistic. I can honestly see us pushing for a play-off place. No one thought we'd beat Leeds, but the lads stepped up and produced an excellent performance. And we've added to that squad well: Matthew Mills from Manchester City is an absolute steal at 300k, then there's young Tomi Ameobi, and now we have Jos 'The Hoff' van Nieuwstadt from Holland, too.
WE'LL FINISH Anything above 22nd is fine.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday.
Adam Rose Doncasterrovers-mad.co.uk
IPSWICH
Last season 8th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 14-1
Manager Jim Magilton
ONES TO WATCH Gareth McAuley should be a worthy successor to Jason De Vos and may find himself as captain too. Danny Haynes and Jon Walters should prove a handful, and midfielder Veliche Sumulikoski has been fantastic in pre-season. He may turn out to be key.
BOO-BOYS No one springs to mind, which is good.
Financial security and some new signings has brought a positive mood. We've also kept hold of our stars so at last we should see a team with strength throughout, and healthy competition for places. We've not made any really big money signings, but I don't mind that. Jim Magilton looks to have found quality without splashing too much cash. He's added much needed strength at the back, and it'll be great if Richard Wright can show his old form.
WE'LL FINISH In the top six.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Doncaster and Norwich.
Julian Watkins Tractorboys.com
NORWICH
Last season 17th
Promotion 7-1 Relegation 7-1
Manager Glenn Roeder
ONES TO WATCH Ryan Bertrand, a left-back on loan from Chelsea: he's an outstanding young talent and destined for a future at the highest level.
BOO-BOYS The board - having been unable to reach a takeover agreement with billionaire Peter Cullum, the crowd's attitude will certainly be hostile if we start poorly.
I don't remember ever starting a season more concerned after plumbing lower and lower depths last season. With the squad upheaval, I'd settle for mid-table obscurity this time around. The change in what was a severely failing squad has been astonishing - Roeder has assembled an almost completely new team, and more faces seem to appear on a daily basis. But much will depend on his ability to winkle a striker or two out of his mates in the Prem.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Charlton and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Southampton, Blackpool and Barnsley.
Rob Emery Observer reader
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Last season Promoted
Promotion 9-1 Relegation 5-1
Manager Colin Calderwood
ONES TO WATCH Rob Earnshaw is a proven scorer at this level and his goal return should dictate where we finish. And Kelvin Wilson won't have any trouble adapting his stylish defensive displays to the Championship.
BOO-BOYS Arron Davies has something to prove after last season was ruined by injury.
It's great to be back. Assuming our key players remain fit, we've an outside chance of the play-offs, but our objective should be to establish ourselves in mid-table at Christmas and then build from a solid foundation. Despite reservations over some of his tactical decisions, Calderwood starts the season with a clean slate after promotion. The players he's brought in will greatly increase our attacking options.
WE'LL FINISH 8th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Reading.
GOING DOWN Burnley, Barnsley and Blackpool.
Simon Hough U-reds.com
PLYMOUTH
Last season 10th
Promotion 12-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Paul Sturrock
ONES TO WATCH Jermaine Easter can score the goals to ensure we avoid a relegation dogfight, especially if Rory Fallon can lend a hand.
BOO-BOYS Steven MacLean has done little to justify his club-record £500,000 acquisition, especially in the wake of the club's key players leaving Home Park.
By the time key player sales, rivals' parachute payments and flushed kitties at previously unfancied clubs are taken into consideration, any faint hope of improving upon last season's 10th-place are immediately extinguished. Which is pretty depressing, to tell the truth. It's not been easy for Sturrock, but he has the full support from the majority of fans, who rightly still hold him in high esteem for kickstarting the club's success since 2001.
WE'LL FINISH 19th.
GOING UP Derby, Sheffield Utd and Palace (beating Reading at Wembley).
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Southampton and Blackpool.
Charlotte Holloway Observer reader
PRESTON
Last season 15th
Promotion 14-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Alan Irvine
ONES TO WATCH Neil Mellor has been on fire in the friendlies so hopefully he can keep that form up once the real action begins.
BOO-BOYS Alan Irvine's principles seem to be based around a good work ethic and team spirit, so if everyone gives 100 per cent the fans shouldn't be too critical.
We won't get dragged into another relegation scrap, but I'm not sure we've got the quality for a promotion challenge. Irvine's definitely got us going in the right direction and the new stand looks good, so there's more optimism around Deepdale than this time last year. We've made two decent signings, Barry Nicholson and Ross Wallace, but we could still really do with a pacy striker and cover for central defence.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP QPR, Birmingham and Reading.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Blackpool and Blackpool.
James Black Wtjotp.co.uk
QPR
Last season 14th
Promotion 7-4 Relegation 33-1
Manager Iain Dowie
ONES TO WATCH It's too early to say. Some of our good players from last season, like Akos Buzsaky, have stayed and should push on. Matthew Connolly and Peter Ramage have strengthened the defence. Samuel Di Carmine and the other new youngsters might be bargains or flops. BOO-BOYS I'm too old for that kind of thing.
I'm not terribly optimistic. There's been a lot of hullaballoo, high expectations, and the bookies even made us favourites, though God knows why. Despite some progress in the squad, we're still some way from challenging for the play-offs. Iain Dowie doesn't have a bad managerial record, but I was surprised when he was appointed. However, we're moving slowly in the right direction and we'll do better than last season.
WE'LL FINISH 8th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Derby and Reading.
GOING DOWN Nottingham Forest, Doncaster and Barnsley.
Ray Schomberg Observer reader
READING
Last season Relegated
Promotion 11-4 Relegation 40-1
Manager Steve Coppell
ONES TO WATCH Marek Matejovsky played for the Czech Republic in Euro 2008 and is a very good central midfield player - should do very well at this level. He showed signs of his class with a fantastic goal at Anfield last season.
BOO-BOYS Alan Pardew probably, although we've moved on since he left us.
This is such a tight league: last time we were here we did really well, but I don't think anyone believes the same thing will happen again. It'll be a long hard slog, but hopefully we will be competitive. We've brought one player in, Noel Hunt, brother of Stephen, and I'm sure he'll prove to be a good signing. Coppell is a very popular manager and most Reading fans are happy that he's decided to stay for another season.
WE'LL FINISH Top six, I hope.
GOING UP Any three from Birmingham, QPR, Palace, Wolves, Derby and Reading.
GOING DOWN I'm not sure: it's too tight to call.
Michelle Law Observer reader
SHEFFIELD UTD
Last season 9th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Kevin Blackwell
ONES TO WATCH Danny Webber has emerged from pre-season looking very good indeed and Beattie and Henderson should be sufficiently threatening up front. Keep an eye on youngster Kyle Naughton, too.
BOO-BOYS Opponents only: anything in blue and white stripes - or hoops for that matter. Reading's relegation was satisfying.
I'm feeling optimistic, which is quite an admission for a Blades fan. We seem to have a strong squad, a good manager who's well matched to the club and the supporters, and our late form last season was great. I can't tell you how uncomfortable all this optimism makes me feel. We've also made some good signings, but probably still need a wide man. But it's already obvious we'll be much more physically strong this season.
WE'LL FINISH Third.
GOING UP Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Coventry.
GOING DOWN Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool and Watford.
Richard Batho Thebladesonline.com
SHEFFIELD WED
Last season 16th
Promotion 14-1 Relegation 7-2
Manager Brian Laws
ONES TO WATCH Fan favourite Akpo Sodje is back from a long injury and raring to go: he'll be like having a new signing and could form a fabulous partnership with the evergreen Deon Burton.
BOO-BOYS Should Franny Jeffers ever get back on the pitch, it's a toss up between him and Leon Clarke as to who the crowd will turn on first.
No matter what happened last season, no matter what happens pre-season, I'm always optimistic. It's what we've waited for: the season is here and I can't wait. Bring it on. Just to whet the appetite we've seen the usual flurry of inactivity in the transfer market: just two signings. If Brian Laws has had his hands tied for the past couple of seasons, he's now bound hand and foot and blindfolded to boot. But, crucially, he has the fan's backing.
WE'LL FINISH Let's be optimistic - 11th.
GOING UP Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Reading.
GOING DOWN Watford, Southampton and Plymouth.
Steve Morris OwlsAlive.com
SOUTHAMPTON
Last season 20th
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 7-2
Manager Jan Poortvliet
ONES TO WATCH If we manage to keep him, and he adapts to the new system, then Grzegorz Rasiak will be key to converting our chances. And we're also expecting much from defender Andrew Davies after his impressive start at the club.
BOO-BOYS Thankfully, all of them have gone in the clear out. We stayed up on the last day of the season and we've now had a massive clear-out due to our financial problems: it's going to be a tough, transitional season. We have a mix of youngsters and free transfers, so it's about how quickly they can gel. We've spent money on one player: French kid Morgan Schneiderlin. But it's the miraculous recovery of Michael Svensson after years of injury that has really lifted us.
WE'LL FINISH Mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Blackpool and Swansea.
Chris Colby Southampton-mad.co.uk
SWANSEA
Last season Promoted
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Roberto Martinez
ONES TO WATCH New Spanish striker Gorka Pintado (nicknamed El Torro) joins from Granada with a massive fan following and a reputation to match.
BOO-BOYS Dutch keeper Dorus de Vries has a tendency to become emotional and lose focus when he concedes, which often leads to further goals. He needs to hold himself together.
Swansea stormed League One last season in spectacular fashion, but we haven't reached this level for a quarter of a century. Roberto Martinez achieved legend status last season with his phenomenal record and has once again used his knowledge of the European market to sign some exciting players. When he fulfils his promise to lead the Swans to the Premier League he'll be elevated to demigod status.
WE'LL FINISH Mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Reading.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Cardiff and Barnsley.
Steven Howlett SwansOnline.net
WATFORD
Last season 6th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 6-1
Manager Aidy Boothroyd
ONES TO WATCH We badly need one of our young rough diamonds up front to buff up well - Priskin, Hoskins, Ashikodi and Robinson have spent time bubbling under, and at least one of them needs to deliver. BOO-BOYS Priskin is the likeliest target on the pitch if things go badly, but those running the club, not entirely fairly, will take some abuse too.
Last season ended with one win in 16. Since then, the impending loss of parachute payments has meant senior players leaving without being replaced. The only signing so far, Jon Harley, looks a sensible capture, but it'd be fair to say expectations aren't high. The stock of manager Boothroyd is, perversely, likely to benefit from the enforced loss of players, but his trumpeted revamp of our much maligned style of play needs to pay off if he's to recapture hearts and minds.
WE'LL FINISH Lower mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Wolves.=
GOING DOWNBlackpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Matt Rowson Bhappy.org.uk
WOLVES
Last season 7th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Mick McCarthy
ONES TO WATCH Who knows how it's going to go this season - but we definitely have talent in the squad. A lot of our hopes rest on the likes of Michael Kightly and, up front, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and new boy Sam Vokes.
BOO-BOYS If anyone, probably Stephen Ward, but in my opinion he's unfairly targeted.
As usual there's plenty of expectation and optimism at Molineux, but in truth I've no idea where we're going to finish this season. Mick McCarthy has a clear vision and has made some excellent signings to get us past the Eastwood debacle: David Jones and Vokes are young, hungry and talented, and Richard Stearman is probably the most important arrival - we desperately needed some younger legs at the back. But with us, you just never know.
WE'LL FINISH 4th.
GOING UP Reading, Ipswich and Birmingham.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Southampton and Blackpool.
Tom Sperrink Thewolvessite.co.uk
www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/aug/03/championship
From The Observer in August 3 2008
The Verdict: The Championship
Championship fans reveal the players to watch, the likely boo-boys, who'll go up and who's set for the drop
BARNSLEY
Last season 18th
Promotion 40-1 Relegation 13-8
Manager Simon Davey
ONES TO WATCH Jon Macken, Anderson De Silva and Brian Howard should all do well for us.
BOO-BOYS Hopefully none of our lot, though striker Kayode Odejayi is at risk if he doesn't start putting the ball in the net. Otherwise, anyone who's connected in any way with Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United.
I was feeling pretty good about things until the pre-season friendlies. I wasn't thinking that we'd finish in the top six, but I did think we'd improved on last year. Now I'm not so sure. Simon Davey's done a decent job, but he's still learning his trade and occasionally his decisions baffle me. But Iain Hume should be a good signing when he gets fit, as should Darren Moore if he's still up to the pace of the Championship. And Mounir El Haimour has the makings of a good player.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Reading, Derby and, I hate to say it, Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Paul Gallagher BarnsleyFC.org.uk
BIRMINGHAM
Last season Relegated
Promotion 7-4 Relegation 50-1
Manager Alex McLeish
ONES TO WATCH Seb Larsson, if he stays. Kevin Philips, Cameron Jerome and Gary McSheffrey should all be good at this level too.
BOO-BOYS McSheffrey took a lot of stick last season so he'll need to prove himself. Apart from him, Damien Johnson (when he's fit again) and Martin Taylor from away fans, because of the Eduardo incident.
Although there was a lot of discontent when we were relegated, we seem to be shaping up well pre-season and it seems as though Alex McLeish is getting the team to play in a much more incisive way. Keeping us up would have been the icing on the cake, but I think that now he's had the chance to shape his own team over the summer we're going to see a better standard of football. All things considerd, I'm looking forward to next week.
WE'LL FINISH 2nd - we never win anything outright.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.
GOING DOWN Southampton, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Kym Smith Smallheathalliance.com
BLACKPOOL
Last season 19th
Promotion 40-1 Relegation 13-8
Manager Simon Grayson
ONES TO WATCH Adam Hamill, a young winger on loan from Liverpool, looks really promising. Also, striker Steve Kabba, on loan from Watford, could be a big player for us.
BOO-BOYS Probably Ben Burgess, maybe David Fox and,
for some strange reason, Keith Southern.
The second year in the Championship always seems to be the hardest and this season won't be an exception. We've had a big clear out and brought in six or seven new players, so they'll need time to gel. Given all that change, I'd imagine we'll struggle early doors, but I'm confident we'll finish higher than last season. Simon Grayson has done a wonderful job in such a short space of time: hopefully he'll be with us for a few more years.
WE'LL FINISH 15th.
GOING UP Derby, Birmingham and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Barnsley and Preston.
John Woodman Avftt.co.uk
BRISTOL CITY
Last season 4th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 9-1
Manager Gary Johnson
ONES TO WATCH New boy Nicky Maynard, brought in from Crewe over the summer, appears to be the natural and prolific goalscorer that fans enjoy watching. And on his day, Lee Trundle's skills are still worth seeing.
BOO-BOYS None of ours. If he's seen, though, Coventry's Michael Mifsud, who really messed us around.
Last season's heroics are now history and we start back on zero points - and I expect the top half of the league to be of a higher quality this season. Gavin Williams should provide an extra creative force in midfield, and if we give good service to our strikers and score more goals, then with our all round quality, team spirit and commitment we should enjoy ourselves again. We do need some extra defensive cover though.
WE'LL FINISH Not below mid-table.
GOING UP Sheffield United, Birmingham and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Plymouth and Blackpool.
Barry Hayes Observer reader
BURNLEY
Last season 13th
Promotion 12-1 Relegation 9-2
Manager Owen Coyle
ONES TO WATCH Much still depends on Robbie Blake, but I think Remco van der Schaaf and Chris Eagles, two of our new signings, could also prove to be very influential players for us.
BOO-BOYS Hopefully no one. We've managed to lose the ones who were too big for their boots.
I'm always optimistic in July - I just hope it lasts beyond the first couple of months. I do think we've got a good chance of progressing this season, and pushing towards the top six. The signings have all looked good during a hectic pre-season, so once they've settled in we could have a very capable squad. Owen Coyle's really starting to build the side he wants now. He's only been with us for eight months, so this is his first real season.
WE'LL FINISH Sixth. I'm confident.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Burnley.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Doncaster and Barnsley.
Tony Scholes Claretsmad.co.uk
CARDIFF
Last season 12th
Promotion 7-1 Relegation 9-1
Manager Dave Jones
ONES TO WATCH It's been a pretty uneventful summer, so it's hard to know what to expect this year. But hopefully Paul Parry, Joe Ledley and new striker Ross McCormack will do the business.
BOO-BOYS I expect Stephen McPhail will get a hard time again. And anyone who plays for Bristol City.
I'm feeling pretty ambivalent about our prospects - the lack of strike power is the main worry. We've kept the core of last year's side together which is reasonably promising, but there haven't been many signings to get excited about. McCormack does look like a bargain at £120,000 from Motherwell, and Comminges has started well and looks robust, but as for Kennedy and Dennehey: I guess they've been brought in to make up the numbers.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Wolves and QPR.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth.
Matthew Gabb Cardiffcity.com
CHARLTON
Last season 11th
Promotion 4-1 Relegation 18-1
Manager Alan Pardew
ONES TO WATCH Andy Gray and Luke Varney up front could potentially be a very good partnership at this level. Apart from them, it will be interesting to see how Chris thingyson does.
BOO-BOYS Midfielders Jerome Thomas and Darren Ambrose could take some stick unless they pull their socks up and really get stuck in.
The squad may not have changed much and we're still badly lacking in central midfield, but the teams that came down don't look particularly good, so that gives us some hope. The vast majority of fans really want Alan Pardew to do well for us as he's a former player and a decent man. I'm just not sure about his tactical nous or ability to raise the confidence of the players, and it was these two factors which cost us dearly last year.
WE'LL FINISH 4th.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Wolves.
GOING DOWN Crystal Palace, Doncaster and Swansea.
Tom Furber NetAdthingys.com
COVENTRY
Last season 21st
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 11-2
Manager Chris Coleman
ONES TO WATCH New boys Aron Einar Gunnarsson and Robbie Simpson are interesting as they're such unknowns. And if Palace's Clinton Morrison signs for us, stand back and watch our Clint/Eastwood partnership blaze a scoring trail across the Championship.
BOO-BOYS I don't boo my own players.
For us this season is all about stabilisation and foundation building. I've learnt not to reach too high: we're still in business, we're still in the Championship and we're chipping away at the weaknesses in the club, so a season of building will do me. Anything else is a bonus. The signings have shown that Chris Coleman has recognised where the key weaknesses are, but we still need to develop the squad: strength in depth is a problem.
WE'LL FINISH 10th-12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Southampton and Blackpool and Doncaster.
Nigel Eccles GMKonline.com
CRYSTAL PALACE
Last season 5th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Neil Warnock
ONES TO WATCH New boy Nick Carle has been impressive in pre-season: he's definitely a name to look out for. And then there's the kids: Victor Moses, Sean Scannell and Lee Hills are the best of them, and they'll be looking to establish themselves this season.
BOO-BOYS Shefki Kuqi, if he stays. Either way, he's not likely to get a game...
After picking the team up by the scruff of the neck last season and getting us into the play-offs, Neil Warnock has made plenty of friends in SE25. This season is about seeing how the new mix of 'Warnock-type' signings and our impressive crop of kids fit together. It's a pretty positive outlook, which makes it even more disappointing to see Clinton Morrison and Ben Watson refusing to stay at Selhurst.
WE'LL FINISH 10th.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Reading.
GOING DOWN Swansea, Southampton and Doncaster.
Peter Guntrip Holmesdale.net
DERBY
Last season Relegated
Promotion 4-1 Relegation 14-1
Manager Paul Jewell
ONES TO WATCH Giles Barnes has genuine Premier League quality when he's fit - and it's also worth watching new boy Paul Green. If Doncaster fans are correct we've signed a gem.
BOO-BOYS Andy Todd and Eddie Lewis aren't fit to wear the shirt. And then there's Robbie Savage. He tries, but there's not much to justify his massive wages.
Am I optimistic? We'll, I'm fairly confident we won't go down this time... Most Derby fans expect us to be challenging for the top two, but with so many new faces that'll be a tall order. I'll be delighted with a play-off finish. Paul Jewell really needs to get off to a good start: if the performances carry on from last season I can see the fans turning against him. Ultimately, he'll be judged on his signings: they need to do a whole lot better than last season's imports.
WE'LL FINISH 6th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Wolves.
GOING DOWN Nottingham Forest, Doncaster and Swansea.
Steven Pyefinch Observer reader
DONCASTER
Last season Promoted
Promotion 22-1 Relegation 15-8
Manager Sean O'Driscoll
ONES TO WATCH I'm expecting us to be raided by top clubs in January, but while we've got them, James Coppinger and James O'Connor should impress. And it'll be interesting to see how veteran keeper Neil Sullivan will do.
BOO-BOYS Maybe Paul Heffernan unless he pulls his socks up and sorts out his attitude.
After what we've achieved over the past six years we've got to be optimistic. I can honestly see us pushing for a play-off place. No one thought we'd beat Leeds, but the lads stepped up and produced an excellent performance. And we've added to that squad well: Matthew Mills from Manchester City is an absolute steal at 300k, then there's young Tomi Ameobi, and now we have Jos 'The Hoff' van Nieuwstadt from Holland, too.
WE'LL FINISH Anything above 22nd is fine.
GOING UP Reading, Birmingham and Crystal Palace.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday.
Adam Rose Doncasterrovers-mad.co.uk
IPSWICH
Last season 8th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 14-1
Manager Jim Magilton
ONES TO WATCH Gareth McAuley should be a worthy successor to Jason De Vos and may find himself as captain too. Danny Haynes and Jon Walters should prove a handful, and midfielder Veliche Sumulikoski has been fantastic in pre-season. He may turn out to be key.
BOO-BOYS No one springs to mind, which is good.
Financial security and some new signings has brought a positive mood. We've also kept hold of our stars so at last we should see a team with strength throughout, and healthy competition for places. We've not made any really big money signings, but I don't mind that. Jim Magilton looks to have found quality without splashing too much cash. He's added much needed strength at the back, and it'll be great if Richard Wright can show his old form.
WE'LL FINISH In the top six.
GOING UP Birmingham, Reading and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Doncaster and Norwich.
Julian Watkins Tractorboys.com
NORWICH
Last season 17th
Promotion 7-1 Relegation 7-1
Manager Glenn Roeder
ONES TO WATCH Ryan Bertrand, a left-back on loan from Chelsea: he's an outstanding young talent and destined for a future at the highest level.
BOO-BOYS The board - having been unable to reach a takeover agreement with billionaire Peter Cullum, the crowd's attitude will certainly be hostile if we start poorly.
I don't remember ever starting a season more concerned after plumbing lower and lower depths last season. With the squad upheaval, I'd settle for mid-table obscurity this time around. The change in what was a severely failing squad has been astonishing - Roeder has assembled an almost completely new team, and more faces seem to appear on a daily basis. But much will depend on his ability to winkle a striker or two out of his mates in the Prem.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Charlton and Sheffield United.
GOING DOWN Southampton, Blackpool and Barnsley.
Rob Emery Observer reader
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Last season Promoted
Promotion 9-1 Relegation 5-1
Manager Colin Calderwood
ONES TO WATCH Rob Earnshaw is a proven scorer at this level and his goal return should dictate where we finish. And Kelvin Wilson won't have any trouble adapting his stylish defensive displays to the Championship.
BOO-BOYS Arron Davies has something to prove after last season was ruined by injury.
It's great to be back. Assuming our key players remain fit, we've an outside chance of the play-offs, but our objective should be to establish ourselves in mid-table at Christmas and then build from a solid foundation. Despite reservations over some of his tactical decisions, Calderwood starts the season with a clean slate after promotion. The players he's brought in will greatly increase our attacking options.
WE'LL FINISH 8th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Reading.
GOING DOWN Burnley, Barnsley and Blackpool.
Simon Hough U-reds.com
PLYMOUTH
Last season 10th
Promotion 12-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Paul Sturrock
ONES TO WATCH Jermaine Easter can score the goals to ensure we avoid a relegation dogfight, especially if Rory Fallon can lend a hand.
BOO-BOYS Steven MacLean has done little to justify his club-record £500,000 acquisition, especially in the wake of the club's key players leaving Home Park.
By the time key player sales, rivals' parachute payments and flushed kitties at previously unfancied clubs are taken into consideration, any faint hope of improving upon last season's 10th-place are immediately extinguished. Which is pretty depressing, to tell the truth. It's not been easy for Sturrock, but he has the full support from the majority of fans, who rightly still hold him in high esteem for kickstarting the club's success since 2001.
WE'LL FINISH 19th.
GOING UP Derby, Sheffield Utd and Palace (beating Reading at Wembley).
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Southampton and Blackpool.
Charlotte Holloway Observer reader
PRESTON
Last season 15th
Promotion 14-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Alan Irvine
ONES TO WATCH Neil Mellor has been on fire in the friendlies so hopefully he can keep that form up once the real action begins.
BOO-BOYS Alan Irvine's principles seem to be based around a good work ethic and team spirit, so if everyone gives 100 per cent the fans shouldn't be too critical.
We won't get dragged into another relegation scrap, but I'm not sure we've got the quality for a promotion challenge. Irvine's definitely got us going in the right direction and the new stand looks good, so there's more optimism around Deepdale than this time last year. We've made two decent signings, Barry Nicholson and Ross Wallace, but we could still really do with a pacy striker and cover for central defence.
WE'LL FINISH 12th.
GOING UP QPR, Birmingham and Reading.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Blackpool and Blackpool.
James Black Wtjotp.co.uk
QPR
Last season 14th
Promotion 7-4 Relegation 33-1
Manager Iain Dowie
ONES TO WATCH It's too early to say. Some of our good players from last season, like Akos Buzsaky, have stayed and should push on. Matthew Connolly and Peter Ramage have strengthened the defence. Samuel Di Carmine and the other new youngsters might be bargains or flops. BOO-BOYS I'm too old for that kind of thing.
I'm not terribly optimistic. There's been a lot of hullaballoo, high expectations, and the bookies even made us favourites, though God knows why. Despite some progress in the squad, we're still some way from challenging for the play-offs. Iain Dowie doesn't have a bad managerial record, but I was surprised when he was appointed. However, we're moving slowly in the right direction and we'll do better than last season.
WE'LL FINISH 8th.
GOING UP Birmingham, Derby and Reading.
GOING DOWN Nottingham Forest, Doncaster and Barnsley.
Ray Schomberg Observer reader
READING
Last season Relegated
Promotion 11-4 Relegation 40-1
Manager Steve Coppell
ONES TO WATCH Marek Matejovsky played for the Czech Republic in Euro 2008 and is a very good central midfield player - should do very well at this level. He showed signs of his class with a fantastic goal at Anfield last season.
BOO-BOYS Alan Pardew probably, although we've moved on since he left us.
This is such a tight league: last time we were here we did really well, but I don't think anyone believes the same thing will happen again. It'll be a long hard slog, but hopefully we will be competitive. We've brought one player in, Noel Hunt, brother of Stephen, and I'm sure he'll prove to be a good signing. Coppell is a very popular manager and most Reading fans are happy that he's decided to stay for another season.
WE'LL FINISH Top six, I hope.
GOING UP Any three from Birmingham, QPR, Palace, Wolves, Derby and Reading.
GOING DOWN I'm not sure: it's too tight to call.
Michelle Law Observer reader
SHEFFIELD UTD
Last season 9th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Kevin Blackwell
ONES TO WATCH Danny Webber has emerged from pre-season looking very good indeed and Beattie and Henderson should be sufficiently threatening up front. Keep an eye on youngster Kyle Naughton, too.
BOO-BOYS Opponents only: anything in blue and white stripes - or hoops for that matter. Reading's relegation was satisfying.
I'm feeling optimistic, which is quite an admission for a Blades fan. We seem to have a strong squad, a good manager who's well matched to the club and the supporters, and our late form last season was great. I can't tell you how uncomfortable all this optimism makes me feel. We've also made some good signings, but probably still need a wide man. But it's already obvious we'll be much more physically strong this season.
WE'LL FINISH Third.
GOING UP Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Coventry.
GOING DOWN Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool and Watford.
Richard Batho Thebladesonline.com
SHEFFIELD WED
Last season 16th
Promotion 14-1 Relegation 7-2
Manager Brian Laws
ONES TO WATCH Fan favourite Akpo Sodje is back from a long injury and raring to go: he'll be like having a new signing and could form a fabulous partnership with the evergreen Deon Burton.
BOO-BOYS Should Franny Jeffers ever get back on the pitch, it's a toss up between him and Leon Clarke as to who the crowd will turn on first.
No matter what happened last season, no matter what happens pre-season, I'm always optimistic. It's what we've waited for: the season is here and I can't wait. Bring it on. Just to whet the appetite we've seen the usual flurry of inactivity in the transfer market: just two signings. If Brian Laws has had his hands tied for the past couple of seasons, he's now bound hand and foot and blindfolded to boot. But, crucially, he has the fan's backing.
WE'LL FINISH Let's be optimistic - 11th.
GOING UP Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Reading.
GOING DOWN Watford, Southampton and Plymouth.
Steve Morris OwlsAlive.com
SOUTHAMPTON
Last season 20th
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 7-2
Manager Jan Poortvliet
ONES TO WATCH If we manage to keep him, and he adapts to the new system, then Grzegorz Rasiak will be key to converting our chances. And we're also expecting much from defender Andrew Davies after his impressive start at the club.
BOO-BOYS Thankfully, all of them have gone in the clear out. We stayed up on the last day of the season and we've now had a massive clear-out due to our financial problems: it's going to be a tough, transitional season. We have a mix of youngsters and free transfers, so it's about how quickly they can gel. We've spent money on one player: French kid Morgan Schneiderlin. But it's the miraculous recovery of Michael Svensson after years of injury that has really lifted us.
WE'LL FINISH Mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Ipswich.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Blackpool and Swansea.
Chris Colby Southampton-mad.co.uk
SWANSEA
Last season Promoted
Promotion 11-1 Relegation 4-1
Manager Roberto Martinez
ONES TO WATCH New Spanish striker Gorka Pintado (nicknamed El Torro) joins from Granada with a massive fan following and a reputation to match.
BOO-BOYS Dutch keeper Dorus de Vries has a tendency to become emotional and lose focus when he concedes, which often leads to further goals. He needs to hold himself together.
Swansea stormed League One last season in spectacular fashion, but we haven't reached this level for a quarter of a century. Roberto Martinez achieved legend status last season with his phenomenal record and has once again used his knowledge of the European market to sign some exciting players. When he fulfils his promise to lead the Swans to the Premier League he'll be elevated to demigod status.
WE'LL FINISH Mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Reading.
GOING DOWN Blackpool, Cardiff and Barnsley.
Steven Howlett SwansOnline.net
WATFORD
Last season 6th
Promotion 11-2 Relegation 6-1
Manager Aidy Boothroyd
ONES TO WATCH We badly need one of our young rough diamonds up front to buff up well - Priskin, Hoskins, Ashikodi and Robinson have spent time bubbling under, and at least one of them needs to deliver. BOO-BOYS Priskin is the likeliest target on the pitch if things go badly, but those running the club, not entirely fairly, will take some abuse too.
Last season ended with one win in 16. Since then, the impending loss of parachute payments has meant senior players leaving without being replaced. The only signing so far, Jon Harley, looks a sensible capture, but it'd be fair to say expectations aren't high. The stock of manager Boothroyd is, perversely, likely to benefit from the enforced loss of players, but his trumpeted revamp of our much maligned style of play needs to pay off if he's to recapture hearts and minds.
WE'LL FINISH Lower mid-table.
GOING UP Birmingham, QPR and Wolves.=
GOING DOWNBlackpool, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Matt Rowson Bhappy.org.uk
WOLVES
Last season 7th
Promotion 7-2 Relegation 25-1
Manager Mick McCarthy
ONES TO WATCH Who knows how it's going to go this season - but we definitely have talent in the squad. A lot of our hopes rest on the likes of Michael Kightly and, up front, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake and new boy Sam Vokes.
BOO-BOYS If anyone, probably Stephen Ward, but in my opinion he's unfairly targeted.
As usual there's plenty of expectation and optimism at Molineux, but in truth I've no idea where we're going to finish this season. Mick McCarthy has a clear vision and has made some excellent signings to get us past the Eastwood debacle: David Jones and Vokes are young, hungry and talented, and Richard Stearman is probably the most important arrival - we desperately needed some younger legs at the back. But with us, you just never know.
WE'LL FINISH 4th.
GOING UP Reading, Ipswich and Birmingham.
GOING DOWN Doncaster, Southampton and Blackpool.
Tom Sperrink Thewolvessite.co.uk
www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/aug/03/championship