Post by QPR Report on Aug 3, 2009 7:08:27 GMT
The Times
"....Queen’s Park Rangers
The QPR revolution hasn’t really worked yet, has it? Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore came in as if they were going to blow Chelsea out the water; instead they have been upstaged by Fulham. Word has it that Jim Magilton, hardly an unequivocal success in three years in charge of Ipswich Town, is likely to have to dance to his employers’ tune. His first three signings this summer have been Alejandro Faurlin, an Argentinian midfield player costing a distinctly un-Championship £3.5 million, Abel Taarabt, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Alessandro Pellicori, an Italian journeyman forward. Proof that rich owners does not necessarily mean rich pickings.
Prediction: 18
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article6736633.ece
Full Club-by-Club Preview
The Times August 3, 2009
Team-by-team guide to the Coca-Cola Championship
Sheffield United can recover from last May's play-off defeat to take the title and claim promotion to the Premier League
Barnsley
Have enjoyed a fine pre-season, going into Saturday’s home draw against Manchester City on the back of seven successive wins. Simon Davey’s team may have finished only two places above the relegation zone last season but, no longer hung over from the FA Cup run to the 2007-08 semi-finals, they are getting their act together. While new signings are thin on the ground, Iain Hume, who fractured his skull last November, is back in the running. Davey would like to bring in the experience and guile of Andy Gray, from Charlton Athletic, while Adam Hammill, who impressed on loan from Liverpool last season, is a feasible target.
Prediction: 16
Blackpool
The fixture Gods must have been smiling when they offered Ian Holloway, the new Blackpool manager, an opening-day return to Queens Park Rangers, the club he served so loyally as player and manager. Holloway’s reputation is on the line but he will not be daunted, notwithstanding the loss of Shaun Barker, one of Blackpool’s best players last season, to Derby County. “My squad is like the top of my head at the moment,” the folically challenged Holloway said. “There’s not much there.” Blackpool overachieved under Simon Grayson, before he left for Leeds United; it will be fun watching Holloway trying to follow suit.
Prediction: 21
Bristol City
Is Gary Johnson a victim of his own success? Following promotion with a fourth-placed finish tends to raise expectations unduly, so falling away to tenth, after ending up without a win in the final eight games of last season, leaves supporters feeling flat. There were reports that Johnson would succeed Tony Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion, but instead he has started restrengthening all over again, with Paul Hartley, the former Scotland midfield player, the most notable of his far-and-wide signings. Good enough to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they did nine days ago, but inconsistent enough to lose to Yeovil Town three days later, another top-half finish should be deemed success.
Prediction: 11
Cardiff City
Huge season for the club this, as they move into the new £48 million Cardiff City Stadium over the road from Ninian Park and Dave Jones sets about rebuilding a new team after last season’s play-off push fell away at the last. With Roger Johnson gone, Joe Ledley relieved of the captaincy, Paul Parry and Ross McCormack probably going, will the returning Michael Chopra be able to recapture previous glories and score the goals that could prove vital? Mark Hudson, picked off the bones of Charlton Athletic’s relegation, looks a sound replacement for Johnson while it will be interesting to see if Anthony Gerrard, Steven’s cousin, can make the step up after his move from Walsall.
Prediction: 4
Coventry City
Chris Coleman started to reignite Coventry last season, their run to the last eight of the FA Cup and a glamour tie at home to Chelsea bringing the spotlight to a stadium built for the Premier League but still in need of a team to match. But now that Scott Dann and Danny Fox, the club’s best young players, have been sold, and replacements are still to be found, optimism has drained. The news that James McPake, the defender, will miss the beginning of the campaign with an injured shoulder adds to the general gloom. Coleman is unhappy with his squad and moved to bring in Michael McIndoe, the winger, from Bristol City over the weekend.
Prediction: 19
Crystal Palace
Difficult team to predict but, under Neil Warnock, they will not be found wanting for enthusiasm or player trading. The play-off king has brought in shrewd signings up front, with the experience of Stern John, from Southampton, backed up by the potential of Freddie Sears, 19, a wonderful loan signing from West Ham United. Premier League clubs would have happily signed the England youth striker for a season. Warnock is also trying to bring in Claude Davis, the erratic defender who was on loan at Selhurst Park from Derby County last term. Warnock knows Davis’s strengths and weaknesses, having managed the Jamaican at Sheffield United.
Prediction: 14
Derby County
Been a quieter summer than some fans wanted but after a tumultuous couple of years for the club, that should be a boon. Nigel Clough has had his hands full streamlining a top-heavy squad, the legacy of too much change in too short a time, but he has relished having a close season to work with the players. Kris Commons is one of the most talented players in the division, one Newcastle United wanted to buy for £5 million, while Shaun Barker, the defender signed from Blackpool, has a sound reputation. Paul Green and Miles Addison could form a top-rate midfield pairing, while Rob Hulse, once he recovers from his groin surgery, is an excellent leader of the line at this level.
Prediction: 8
Doncaster Rovers
After a brilliant second half to their first season back in the second tier of English football for half a century, Doncaster remain a club on the up under Sean O’Driscoll’s astute management. Their unbeaten run in pre-season, despite not managing to make any new signings, bodes well for a season in which Doncaster will keep playing their attractive brand of football. After a rise from the Blue Square Premier, Rovers should aim for the top ten this term. Some interesting trialists — remember Quinton Fortune and John Oster? — while Billy Sharp, transfer-listed by Sheffield United, would be an excellent signing. Keeping hold of Brian Stock, the midfield player, would be a huge boost.
Prediction: 9
Ipswich Town
Anything could happen here, absolutely anything. Roy Keane could combust by the end of the month, fall out with Marcus Evans, his ambitious new chairman, or repeat the feat that he managed at Sunderland and earn promotion at the first time of asking. Signings have come in at a trickle rather than a torrent, although he has managed to acquire promising young players in Lee Martin, from Manchester United, and Shane O’Connor, from Liverpool. The players will know what Keane expects by now, after spending two days in army barracks with paratroopers, but fans should expect the unexpected. Should be entertaining.
Prediction: 7
Leicester City
Nigel Pearson has a reputation as an excellent coach and the fact that he has outlasted his four predecessors at the Walkers Stadium is testament to the manner in which he imposed his personality on Milan Mandaric’s club this past year. Last season’s promotion triumph was spearheaded by the goals of Matty Fryatt, who led the way with 32, and Steve Howard, who contributed 15, though the former has missed much of the pre-season campaign after a hernia operation. Matt Oakley, even at 32 this month, is an adept performer, and Pearson is looking for the additional fire power that Kevin Phillips or Leroy Lita could offer. Could be a surprise package.
Prediction: 6
Middlesbrough
Stability is the watchword that should set Middlesbrough apart from some more notorious clubs falling out of the big league. Gareth Southgate is just as good a manager as he was when guiding the team to successive mid-table Premier League finishes, or probably better, for the experience he has gained. For all the predictions of a mass exodus, only Stewart Downing of the more influential players has departed. Motivating the malcontents — or getting them off the wage bill sharpish — will be among Southgate’s biggest challenges, and planning for life after Tuncay Sanli, an excellent player bound to find a top-flight exit, here or abroad.
Prediction: 2
Newcastle United
They will be the biggest draw in the Championship but that also makes them the biggest scalp. Add to that they are the biggest mess, with the most to lose, and the immediate future looks rather less bright than their horrendous new away kit. So much for the good news. After the 6-1 hammering by Leyton Orient, the exit of Obafemi Martins is likely to trigger more departures, so whoever takes over as manager at St James’ Park — Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan or Mike Ashley — will have his work cut out to sort a team shape by teatime this Saturday. Unless the club are sold into sensible hands soon, they could even get relegated.
Prediction: 20
Nottingham Forest
Billy Davies has, during an aggressive summer in the transfer market, splashed out more than £5 million on some quality signings, not least in converting the loans of Chris Gunter (from Tottenham Hotspur) and Dexter Blackstock and Lee Camp (both Queens Park Rangers) into full transfers. Paul McKenna may be 31, but he was the heartbeat of the Preston side that Davies led into back-to-back play-offs and knows this division well. Matt Mills, the Doncaster Rovers central defender, would be an excellent signing if Forest can seal that deal. With Nathan Tyson and Robert Earnshaw in attack as well, Forest should not want for goals and could reach the play-offs.
Prediction: 5
Peterborough United
Can they maintain the momentum? After successive promotions, this season will provide a test of Darren Ferguson’s managerial capabilities. In Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith, he has a couple of potent goalscorers who have been cracking them in for fun in the lower half of the Football League for the past two years. Peterborough resisted bids for them — as with their young manager — from Championship sides and now they have their opportunity. Ferguson has been shopping in the lower echelons and will continue to rely on team spirit and organisation. Watch out for George Boyd, a stylish left winger, and Joe Lewis, an England Under-21 goalkeeper.
Prediction: 13
Plymouth Argyle
Endangered. After finishing one place above the relegation zone last season, Paul Sturrock, so responsible for their rise to this level in the first place, has to cope without Paul Gallagher, the skilful striker who contributed 13 goals last term while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. The manager has brought in Bradley Wright-Phillips, from Southampton, instead. Converting Carl Fletcher’s loan from Crystal Palace into a permanent move looks to be a good piece of business, but with reports of an Asian takeover diminishing and the likelihood of low crowds, Plymouth’s time at this level could be up. This season could represent a real test for Sturrock’s management ability.
Prediction: 24
Preston North End
Alan Irvine’s decision to reject West Bromwich Albion’s approach has been a big boost but how long can this club keep defying all expectations and overachieving? A couple of key players have moved on — Paul McKenna and Simon Whaley — while attempts to bring in Dietmar Hamann and Paul Parry have foundered so far. With Jon Parkin up front, there is a lack of zip about the team’s attacking combinations. Irvine is attempting to address this situation and is likely to sign Parry, the Cardiff City winger, today. On the plus side, Youl Mawene and Sean St Ledger offer one of the best defensive pairings in the division. Scoring goals could be their big problem, however.
Prediction: 15
Queen’s Park Rangers
The QPR revolution hasn’t really worked yet, has it? Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore came in as if they were going to blow Chelsea out the water; instead they have been upstaged by Fulham. Word has it that Jim Magilton, hardly an unequivocal success in three years in charge of Ipswich Town, is likely to have to dance to his employers’ tune. His first three signings this summer have been Alejandro Faurlin, an Argentinian midfield player costing a distinctly un-Championship £3.5 million, Abel Taarabt, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Alessandro Pellicori, an Italian journeyman forward. Proof that rich owners does not necessarily mean rich pickings.
Prediction: 18
Reading
The best footballing team in the Championship for the first half of last season, Reading’s collapse after Christmas signalled the end for Steve Coppell. Brendan Rodgers, having breezed through Watford, is not short on contacts and the new manager went to Chelsea, where he worked with José Mourinho, to make his first signing, Ryan Bertrand, the England youth international, on loan. With Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita, Dave Kitson and Graeme Murty gone, and questions over Stephen Hunt’s future, Rodgers highlights the need for quality above quantity: that’s a lot of faith in Tommy Smith, the Watford forward, and Danny Dervite, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, his prime targets.
Prediction: 10
Sc*n*horpe United
Two promotions in three years have guaranteed Nigel Adkins the freedom of North Lincolnshire but he will have his work cut out to avoid the relegation that came between. If the manager can persuade Arsène Wenger to lease him Henri Lansbury for another loan spell after the Arsenal and England Under-19 midfield player helped the club into the play-offs last season, Sc*n*horpe will have a better chance. Adkins will be sweating on the fitness of David Mirfin, the defender, who took a knock to the ankle in pre-season and is struggling to make the opening day. Up front, Billy Sharp, transfer-listed by Sheffield United, could be targeted for a return.
Prediction: 22
Sheffield United
Kevin Blackwell has picked himself up from the desolation of a Wembley play-off final defeat, after which he considered resigning, to start reshaping a side on the back of the £8 million windfall from Tottenham Hotspur for Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker. Walker will stay at Bramall Lane on loan this season, when Blackwell will be looking for big things from Ched Evans, collateral damage from the Manchester City revolution, and Jonathan Fortune, signed from Charlton Athletic. This trio have the ability to stand out at this level. United played some great stuff last season and if they can get off to a good start, have the capabilities to win this division.
Prediction: 1
Sheffield Wesnesday
Tradition and fanbase can still count for something. At Hillsborough, Brian Laws, the manager, is quietly getting on with building a team ready to compete for a play-off place and a club ready for serious investment. Heartening news that Marcus Tudgay has opted to remain with Wednesday rather than join Burnley in the Premier League, and his partnership with Francis Jeffers, the former Everton and Arsenal forward, is potentially dangerous. The permanent acquisition of Darren Potter, the midfield player who was on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, will enable Wednesday to keep playing a passing game.
Prediction: 12
Swansea City
Two significant characters to replace at the Liberty Stadium: Paulo Sousa has his work cut out to follow Roberto Martínez in the dugout, and, on the field, Jason Scotland, the striker whose 24-goal haul last season earned him a £2 million move to join Martínez at Wigan Athletic. Rather late in pre-season, the former Queens Park Rangers manager is trying to trim up to ten players from his squad while bringing in a proven Championship striker, such as Pablo Counago, from Ipswich Town, or Southampton’s Grzegorz Rasiak. Swansea played some of the best football in the Championship last season; following that will be arduous.
Prediction: 17
Watford
A club seemingly intent on downsizing, Malky Mackay is trying to cut down his wage bill and his squad size with the season less than a week away. Mackay was a popular choice to replace Brendan Rodgers when the former manager decamped to Reading, but the Scot may find the job too big for him. Introducing academy starlets is laudable but offering them their chance in such numbers, while Tommy Smith, last season’s leading scorer, negotiates his move away, suggests Watford will struggle this season. Rodgers did not hang around for long at Vicarage Road — seven months — and money troubles lurk. Time to call for Graham Taylor?
Prediction: 23
West Bromwich Albion
With the talent at his disposal, Roberto Di Matteo should be able to mount another promotion campaign. West Bromwich Albion have signalled their ambitions by steadfastly turning down increasing bids for Jonathan Greening, the captain, who, along with Chris Brunt, Borja Valero, James Morrison — once he regains fitness — and the excellent Robert Koren, should form the best footballing midfield in the division. Di Matteo needs everyone to match Jonas Olsson’s desire to defend, and to motivate players such as Luke Moore, while Simon Cox, his only signing to date, who arrived from Swindon Town last month, is new to this level.
Prediction: 3
* * *
Impact player: Adam Johnson
Might just turn out to be a better left winger than Stewart Downing and the England Under-21 star will be given his head now. Johnson has pace, great close control, dribbling skills and more variation in his game, though he needs to improve his crossing and know when to release the ball. Freed up in the lower level of the Coca-Cola Championship, Johnson can be a star turn this season.
Manager on the move: Sean O’Driscoll
Everyone predicted Doncaster Rovers, fresh up from League One, not that long up from non-League, would go down last season, as they sat in the relegation zone in mid-season, unable to buy a goal; everyone, that is, except this man, who kept encouraging his team to pass the ball as well as any team in the Championship until results turned. After what he achieved in six years at Bournemouth, O’Driscoll is a much under-rated manager.
"....Queen’s Park Rangers
The QPR revolution hasn’t really worked yet, has it? Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore came in as if they were going to blow Chelsea out the water; instead they have been upstaged by Fulham. Word has it that Jim Magilton, hardly an unequivocal success in three years in charge of Ipswich Town, is likely to have to dance to his employers’ tune. His first three signings this summer have been Alejandro Faurlin, an Argentinian midfield player costing a distinctly un-Championship £3.5 million, Abel Taarabt, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Alessandro Pellicori, an Italian journeyman forward. Proof that rich owners does not necessarily mean rich pickings.
Prediction: 18
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article6736633.ece
Full Club-by-Club Preview
The Times August 3, 2009
Team-by-team guide to the Coca-Cola Championship
Sheffield United can recover from last May's play-off defeat to take the title and claim promotion to the Premier League
Barnsley
Have enjoyed a fine pre-season, going into Saturday’s home draw against Manchester City on the back of seven successive wins. Simon Davey’s team may have finished only two places above the relegation zone last season but, no longer hung over from the FA Cup run to the 2007-08 semi-finals, they are getting their act together. While new signings are thin on the ground, Iain Hume, who fractured his skull last November, is back in the running. Davey would like to bring in the experience and guile of Andy Gray, from Charlton Athletic, while Adam Hammill, who impressed on loan from Liverpool last season, is a feasible target.
Prediction: 16
Blackpool
The fixture Gods must have been smiling when they offered Ian Holloway, the new Blackpool manager, an opening-day return to Queens Park Rangers, the club he served so loyally as player and manager. Holloway’s reputation is on the line but he will not be daunted, notwithstanding the loss of Shaun Barker, one of Blackpool’s best players last season, to Derby County. “My squad is like the top of my head at the moment,” the folically challenged Holloway said. “There’s not much there.” Blackpool overachieved under Simon Grayson, before he left for Leeds United; it will be fun watching Holloway trying to follow suit.
Prediction: 21
Bristol City
Is Gary Johnson a victim of his own success? Following promotion with a fourth-placed finish tends to raise expectations unduly, so falling away to tenth, after ending up without a win in the final eight games of last season, leaves supporters feeling flat. There were reports that Johnson would succeed Tony Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion, but instead he has started restrengthening all over again, with Paul Hartley, the former Scotland midfield player, the most notable of his far-and-wide signings. Good enough to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they did nine days ago, but inconsistent enough to lose to Yeovil Town three days later, another top-half finish should be deemed success.
Prediction: 11
Cardiff City
Huge season for the club this, as they move into the new £48 million Cardiff City Stadium over the road from Ninian Park and Dave Jones sets about rebuilding a new team after last season’s play-off push fell away at the last. With Roger Johnson gone, Joe Ledley relieved of the captaincy, Paul Parry and Ross McCormack probably going, will the returning Michael Chopra be able to recapture previous glories and score the goals that could prove vital? Mark Hudson, picked off the bones of Charlton Athletic’s relegation, looks a sound replacement for Johnson while it will be interesting to see if Anthony Gerrard, Steven’s cousin, can make the step up after his move from Walsall.
Prediction: 4
Coventry City
Chris Coleman started to reignite Coventry last season, their run to the last eight of the FA Cup and a glamour tie at home to Chelsea bringing the spotlight to a stadium built for the Premier League but still in need of a team to match. But now that Scott Dann and Danny Fox, the club’s best young players, have been sold, and replacements are still to be found, optimism has drained. The news that James McPake, the defender, will miss the beginning of the campaign with an injured shoulder adds to the general gloom. Coleman is unhappy with his squad and moved to bring in Michael McIndoe, the winger, from Bristol City over the weekend.
Prediction: 19
Crystal Palace
Difficult team to predict but, under Neil Warnock, they will not be found wanting for enthusiasm or player trading. The play-off king has brought in shrewd signings up front, with the experience of Stern John, from Southampton, backed up by the potential of Freddie Sears, 19, a wonderful loan signing from West Ham United. Premier League clubs would have happily signed the England youth striker for a season. Warnock is also trying to bring in Claude Davis, the erratic defender who was on loan at Selhurst Park from Derby County last term. Warnock knows Davis’s strengths and weaknesses, having managed the Jamaican at Sheffield United.
Prediction: 14
Derby County
Been a quieter summer than some fans wanted but after a tumultuous couple of years for the club, that should be a boon. Nigel Clough has had his hands full streamlining a top-heavy squad, the legacy of too much change in too short a time, but he has relished having a close season to work with the players. Kris Commons is one of the most talented players in the division, one Newcastle United wanted to buy for £5 million, while Shaun Barker, the defender signed from Blackpool, has a sound reputation. Paul Green and Miles Addison could form a top-rate midfield pairing, while Rob Hulse, once he recovers from his groin surgery, is an excellent leader of the line at this level.
Prediction: 8
Doncaster Rovers
After a brilliant second half to their first season back in the second tier of English football for half a century, Doncaster remain a club on the up under Sean O’Driscoll’s astute management. Their unbeaten run in pre-season, despite not managing to make any new signings, bodes well for a season in which Doncaster will keep playing their attractive brand of football. After a rise from the Blue Square Premier, Rovers should aim for the top ten this term. Some interesting trialists — remember Quinton Fortune and John Oster? — while Billy Sharp, transfer-listed by Sheffield United, would be an excellent signing. Keeping hold of Brian Stock, the midfield player, would be a huge boost.
Prediction: 9
Ipswich Town
Anything could happen here, absolutely anything. Roy Keane could combust by the end of the month, fall out with Marcus Evans, his ambitious new chairman, or repeat the feat that he managed at Sunderland and earn promotion at the first time of asking. Signings have come in at a trickle rather than a torrent, although he has managed to acquire promising young players in Lee Martin, from Manchester United, and Shane O’Connor, from Liverpool. The players will know what Keane expects by now, after spending two days in army barracks with paratroopers, but fans should expect the unexpected. Should be entertaining.
Prediction: 7
Leicester City
Nigel Pearson has a reputation as an excellent coach and the fact that he has outlasted his four predecessors at the Walkers Stadium is testament to the manner in which he imposed his personality on Milan Mandaric’s club this past year. Last season’s promotion triumph was spearheaded by the goals of Matty Fryatt, who led the way with 32, and Steve Howard, who contributed 15, though the former has missed much of the pre-season campaign after a hernia operation. Matt Oakley, even at 32 this month, is an adept performer, and Pearson is looking for the additional fire power that Kevin Phillips or Leroy Lita could offer. Could be a surprise package.
Prediction: 6
Middlesbrough
Stability is the watchword that should set Middlesbrough apart from some more notorious clubs falling out of the big league. Gareth Southgate is just as good a manager as he was when guiding the team to successive mid-table Premier League finishes, or probably better, for the experience he has gained. For all the predictions of a mass exodus, only Stewart Downing of the more influential players has departed. Motivating the malcontents — or getting them off the wage bill sharpish — will be among Southgate’s biggest challenges, and planning for life after Tuncay Sanli, an excellent player bound to find a top-flight exit, here or abroad.
Prediction: 2
Newcastle United
They will be the biggest draw in the Championship but that also makes them the biggest scalp. Add to that they are the biggest mess, with the most to lose, and the immediate future looks rather less bright than their horrendous new away kit. So much for the good news. After the 6-1 hammering by Leyton Orient, the exit of Obafemi Martins is likely to trigger more departures, so whoever takes over as manager at St James’ Park — Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan or Mike Ashley — will have his work cut out to sort a team shape by teatime this Saturday. Unless the club are sold into sensible hands soon, they could even get relegated.
Prediction: 20
Nottingham Forest
Billy Davies has, during an aggressive summer in the transfer market, splashed out more than £5 million on some quality signings, not least in converting the loans of Chris Gunter (from Tottenham Hotspur) and Dexter Blackstock and Lee Camp (both Queens Park Rangers) into full transfers. Paul McKenna may be 31, but he was the heartbeat of the Preston side that Davies led into back-to-back play-offs and knows this division well. Matt Mills, the Doncaster Rovers central defender, would be an excellent signing if Forest can seal that deal. With Nathan Tyson and Robert Earnshaw in attack as well, Forest should not want for goals and could reach the play-offs.
Prediction: 5
Peterborough United
Can they maintain the momentum? After successive promotions, this season will provide a test of Darren Ferguson’s managerial capabilities. In Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith, he has a couple of potent goalscorers who have been cracking them in for fun in the lower half of the Football League for the past two years. Peterborough resisted bids for them — as with their young manager — from Championship sides and now they have their opportunity. Ferguson has been shopping in the lower echelons and will continue to rely on team spirit and organisation. Watch out for George Boyd, a stylish left winger, and Joe Lewis, an England Under-21 goalkeeper.
Prediction: 13
Plymouth Argyle
Endangered. After finishing one place above the relegation zone last season, Paul Sturrock, so responsible for their rise to this level in the first place, has to cope without Paul Gallagher, the skilful striker who contributed 13 goals last term while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. The manager has brought in Bradley Wright-Phillips, from Southampton, instead. Converting Carl Fletcher’s loan from Crystal Palace into a permanent move looks to be a good piece of business, but with reports of an Asian takeover diminishing and the likelihood of low crowds, Plymouth’s time at this level could be up. This season could represent a real test for Sturrock’s management ability.
Prediction: 24
Preston North End
Alan Irvine’s decision to reject West Bromwich Albion’s approach has been a big boost but how long can this club keep defying all expectations and overachieving? A couple of key players have moved on — Paul McKenna and Simon Whaley — while attempts to bring in Dietmar Hamann and Paul Parry have foundered so far. With Jon Parkin up front, there is a lack of zip about the team’s attacking combinations. Irvine is attempting to address this situation and is likely to sign Parry, the Cardiff City winger, today. On the plus side, Youl Mawene and Sean St Ledger offer one of the best defensive pairings in the division. Scoring goals could be their big problem, however.
Prediction: 15
Queen’s Park Rangers
The QPR revolution hasn’t really worked yet, has it? Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore came in as if they were going to blow Chelsea out the water; instead they have been upstaged by Fulham. Word has it that Jim Magilton, hardly an unequivocal success in three years in charge of Ipswich Town, is likely to have to dance to his employers’ tune. His first three signings this summer have been Alejandro Faurlin, an Argentinian midfield player costing a distinctly un-Championship £3.5 million, Abel Taarabt, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and Alessandro Pellicori, an Italian journeyman forward. Proof that rich owners does not necessarily mean rich pickings.
Prediction: 18
Reading
The best footballing team in the Championship for the first half of last season, Reading’s collapse after Christmas signalled the end for Steve Coppell. Brendan Rodgers, having breezed through Watford, is not short on contacts and the new manager went to Chelsea, where he worked with José Mourinho, to make his first signing, Ryan Bertrand, the England youth international, on loan. With Kevin Doyle, Leroy Lita, Dave Kitson and Graeme Murty gone, and questions over Stephen Hunt’s future, Rodgers highlights the need for quality above quantity: that’s a lot of faith in Tommy Smith, the Watford forward, and Danny Dervite, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, his prime targets.
Prediction: 10
Sc*n*horpe United
Two promotions in three years have guaranteed Nigel Adkins the freedom of North Lincolnshire but he will have his work cut out to avoid the relegation that came between. If the manager can persuade Arsène Wenger to lease him Henri Lansbury for another loan spell after the Arsenal and England Under-19 midfield player helped the club into the play-offs last season, Sc*n*horpe will have a better chance. Adkins will be sweating on the fitness of David Mirfin, the defender, who took a knock to the ankle in pre-season and is struggling to make the opening day. Up front, Billy Sharp, transfer-listed by Sheffield United, could be targeted for a return.
Prediction: 22
Sheffield United
Kevin Blackwell has picked himself up from the desolation of a Wembley play-off final defeat, after which he considered resigning, to start reshaping a side on the back of the £8 million windfall from Tottenham Hotspur for Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker. Walker will stay at Bramall Lane on loan this season, when Blackwell will be looking for big things from Ched Evans, collateral damage from the Manchester City revolution, and Jonathan Fortune, signed from Charlton Athletic. This trio have the ability to stand out at this level. United played some great stuff last season and if they can get off to a good start, have the capabilities to win this division.
Prediction: 1
Sheffield Wesnesday
Tradition and fanbase can still count for something. At Hillsborough, Brian Laws, the manager, is quietly getting on with building a team ready to compete for a play-off place and a club ready for serious investment. Heartening news that Marcus Tudgay has opted to remain with Wednesday rather than join Burnley in the Premier League, and his partnership with Francis Jeffers, the former Everton and Arsenal forward, is potentially dangerous. The permanent acquisition of Darren Potter, the midfield player who was on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, will enable Wednesday to keep playing a passing game.
Prediction: 12
Swansea City
Two significant characters to replace at the Liberty Stadium: Paulo Sousa has his work cut out to follow Roberto Martínez in the dugout, and, on the field, Jason Scotland, the striker whose 24-goal haul last season earned him a £2 million move to join Martínez at Wigan Athletic. Rather late in pre-season, the former Queens Park Rangers manager is trying to trim up to ten players from his squad while bringing in a proven Championship striker, such as Pablo Counago, from Ipswich Town, or Southampton’s Grzegorz Rasiak. Swansea played some of the best football in the Championship last season; following that will be arduous.
Prediction: 17
Watford
A club seemingly intent on downsizing, Malky Mackay is trying to cut down his wage bill and his squad size with the season less than a week away. Mackay was a popular choice to replace Brendan Rodgers when the former manager decamped to Reading, but the Scot may find the job too big for him. Introducing academy starlets is laudable but offering them their chance in such numbers, while Tommy Smith, last season’s leading scorer, negotiates his move away, suggests Watford will struggle this season. Rodgers did not hang around for long at Vicarage Road — seven months — and money troubles lurk. Time to call for Graham Taylor?
Prediction: 23
West Bromwich Albion
With the talent at his disposal, Roberto Di Matteo should be able to mount another promotion campaign. West Bromwich Albion have signalled their ambitions by steadfastly turning down increasing bids for Jonathan Greening, the captain, who, along with Chris Brunt, Borja Valero, James Morrison — once he regains fitness — and the excellent Robert Koren, should form the best footballing midfield in the division. Di Matteo needs everyone to match Jonas Olsson’s desire to defend, and to motivate players such as Luke Moore, while Simon Cox, his only signing to date, who arrived from Swindon Town last month, is new to this level.
Prediction: 3
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Impact player: Adam Johnson
Might just turn out to be a better left winger than Stewart Downing and the England Under-21 star will be given his head now. Johnson has pace, great close control, dribbling skills and more variation in his game, though he needs to improve his crossing and know when to release the ball. Freed up in the lower level of the Coca-Cola Championship, Johnson can be a star turn this season.
Manager on the move: Sean O’Driscoll
Everyone predicted Doncaster Rovers, fresh up from League One, not that long up from non-League, would go down last season, as they sat in the relegation zone in mid-season, unable to buy a goal; everyone, that is, except this man, who kept encouraging his team to pass the ball as well as any team in the Championship until results turned. After what he achieved in six years at Bournemouth, O’Driscoll is a much under-rated manager.
