Christian Brown’s npower Championship 2011/12 Preview - Part Three

The Football Front’s Christian Brown in a three feature takes a look at the chances of the team’s in the npower Championship.

This is part three of the npower Championship preview – Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.

Millwall – 2010/11 finish: 9th

There is no denying, no debate and no argument that if it wasn’t for Steve Morison, Millwall wouldn’t have had the season they enjoyed. A goal total of 17 in all competitions ensured that their otherwise League 1 standard team (barring a few individuals, notably James Henry) didn’t have to work especially hard to finish like they did. If Morison didn’t get stupidly suspended, they arguably would have finished in the play offs. Morison has now joined Norwich, and even if Neil Mellor does sign for The Lions, his influence hasn’t been replaced. As a result, we will all see just how weak Millwall are, but it isn’t weak enough to get relegated...just. Position – 21st

Nottingham Forest – 2010/11 finish: 6th

After winning last season’s race for 6th place, Forest’s alarmingly unlucky subsequent defeat at the hands of eventual winners Swansea prompted a summer of change at The City Ground. Popular manager Billy Davies was sacked, with Steve McClaren being handed the reigns at the sleeping giants. But things haven’t started well, with Robbie Earnshaw and Julian Bennett both leaving the club on frees. However, Forest have brought in much needed experience in the middle with George Boateng and Jonathan Greening, whilst there was also a comeback for Forest hero Andy Reid, who signed a 2 year deal. Forest still look a little light on numbers, but they have a lot of quality and under McClaren they just might achieve what Davies didn’t – promotion. Position – 5th

Peterborough United – 2010/11 finish: 4th (promoted via League 1 play offs)

Peterborough fans should cherish every single second of that game against Huddersfield. It was that underserved win that got them promoted. There is absolutely no doubt they’re going back the way they came. Selling star striker Craig Mackail-Smith to Brighton will be the first of many bullets that end up in the feet of The Posh, but it will be the sale of George Boyd which will really kill them off. As things stand, an offer from an unnamed club (for now) has been received, but hasn’t been either accepted or rejected. As Boyd pulled all the strings in an otherwise League One standard team, losing him would be a disaster. Darren Ferguson would like to avoid tarnishing his Championship reputation further, but it’ll take a lot of favours from Daddy Ferguson to avoid that. Position – 24th

Portsmouth – 2010/11 finish: 16th

Most Pompey fans will be thanking their lucky stars that they still have a club to support after last season’s near extinction, but times are changing on the South Coast. Despite losing star striker Dave Nugent to Leicester, they have already found a replacement in Luke Varney, and replaced Michael Brown with David Norris. Having re-signed ex academy product Jason Pearce from Bournemouth, getting former loanee Greg Halford back permanently from Wolves, and with ex Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim willing to play again - Portsmouth won’t be shipping many goals, wherever they play. If Liam Lawrence can keep providing pin point service from the wings, this could be a strong season for the Blues. Position – 8th

Reading – 2010/11 finish: 5th

As with Nottingham Forest, Reading became unstuck and were just as unbelievably unlucky as the Reds were against Swansea. Losing 4-2 in the final was a hammer blow to the Royals, and it’s interesting to see where they go from it. Having already lost their best centre back Matt Mills to Leicester, speculation over the future of key striker Shane Long has been rising and rising – he was also the subject of a failed £5.5 million bid (potentially rising to 8) from West Ham. With Liverpool amongst over Premier League teams allegedly keeping tabs on him, it seems inevitable he will leave. This will be a distracting season for Reading, but a solid one all the same. Position – 9th

Southampton – 2010/11 finish: 2nd (promoted from League One)

Normally when a team comes up, they think of players they can get to ensure survival. They will then look to build on their success of staying up the following year, and possibly mount a charge the year after. Not Southampton. The first thing the Saints did when they got promoted was put bids in for Nicky Maynard and Jack Cork, securing the latter. These are hardly ‘survival’ targets. On top of an already impressive squad, Nigel Adkins has added to it significantly. Even though it is still a relatively young team in places (Lallana, Cork and Chamberlain) this group of players has it in them to cause damage in this league, and that’s what they will do. Position – 6th

Watford – 2010/11 finish: 14th

Much like Millwall being dependent on Steve Morison, Watford were highly dependent on the league’s top scorer Danny Graham. Also like Morision, Graham has departed the Hornets for pastures new. Unlike Millwall however, Watford have a team in place already which are good enough to stay up in this division. The acquisition of Scottish international and ex Burnley target man Chris Iwelumo will definitely aid the development of hot prospect Marvin Sordell, as well as adding a different dimension to the Hornets’ game. However, he won’t be anywhere near as prolific as Danny Graham and Watford will struggle...but they will have enough to keep their heads above water, for now at least. Position – 20th

West Ham United – 2010/11 finish: 20th (relegated from Premier League)

And so the best is saved till last. Much like Newcastle did in 2009, West Ham will definitely go back up at the first attempt. Magnificent signings such as Joey O’Brien, Matty Taylor and of course, Kevin Nolan, will ensure promotion is secured. Under the experienced manager Sam Allardyce, there doesn’t really seem to be any potential weakness in the team. Even if they do lose players like Cole and Parker, there is depth and quality to cover for it. Jordan Spence and James Tompkins will get their chance to shine, and although it is inevitable West Ham will lose games and drop points over the course of the season, it is even more inevitable they will win the league. Position – 1st

Here is my Championship league table prediction;

League table prediction

West Ham United

------------------

Leicester City

Cardiff City

Ipswich Town

Nottingham Forest

Southampton

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Birmingham City

Portsmouth

Reading

Hull City

Middlesbrough

Blackpool

Leeds United

Bristol City

Burnley

Crystal Palace

Doncaster Rovers

Brighton & Hove Albion

Derby County

Watford

Millwall

------------------

Coventry City

Barnsley

Peterborough United

And that brings the end of the preview! Although the final table will not be exactly as predicted, it is a rough and fair assessment of what is to come this season. Who knows, Peterborough may end up with Tom Cleverly and Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United and storm the league, whilst Leicester’s new signings don’t gel and they have a car crash season, resulting in the end of Sven’s tenure. Or go broke. Either way, it is sure to be yet another memorable, exciting and nail biting season for all involved in the npower Championship, and it’s not long now before all 24 are back into the groove of playing competitive football.

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

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Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part One

Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part Two

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

Christian Brown’s npower Championship 2011/12 Preview - Part Two

The Football Front’s Christian Brown in a three feature takes a look at the chances of the team’s in the npower Championship.

This is part two of the npower Championship preview – Part one can be found here.

Crystal Palace – 2010/11 finish: 20^th

Last season started with so much optimism for Palace; George Burley started the season in charge, Nathaniel Clyne was still there and even Edgar Davids signed at one point. But, it came so close to tears as Palace very nearly went down. Under the guidance of former player Dougie Freedman they won’t be going down this season. Key additions such as Glenn Murray and Jonathan Parr will improve the team. Whilst retaining crucial players like Julian Speroni will ensure relegation doesn’t’ happen. It’s clear the club do not have enough to challenge for promotion, following their financial crisis suffered and the relegation battle last year. But most Palace fans will happily settle for a mid-table place - which is exactly what they should achieve. Position – 16^th

Derby County – 2010/11 finish: 19^th

After the complete write off last season, this summer started with so much hope. New signings were ade, money was actually spent by Mr Clough. But then pre-season started. Draws against Morecambe and Macclesfield occurred, before embarrassingly losing to Matlock Town, and then 2-1 against Crewe with arguably The Rams’ best team out and being a goal up. Clough’s dilly dallying in the window has caused targets to move elsewhere or stay put, and when the owner is saying how “Derby will finish top 6”, you do fear for Clough’s job security. Average additions to an already average squad will not get Derby to the top 6, so after this season it will be goodbye and farewell to Mr Nigel Clough. Position – 19^th

Doncaster Rovers – 2010/11 finish: 21^st

In terms of injuries, no-one in arguably the whole of the Football League had it as bad as Doncaster Rovers. How they survived last season was an absolute miracle. Speculation over Sean O’Driscoll’s job was unfairly increasing, but as John Ryan said – “we will never have an injury crisis this bad ever again in the history of the club.” Keeping hold of players like Billy Sharp and James Coppinger have been crucial, whilst also acquiring the services of Tommy Spurr from rivals Sheffield Wednesday, will tighten things up at the back. In terms of league position, their team is in no state to challenge, but they will stay up rather comfortably. Position – 17^th

Hull City – 2010/11 finish: 11^th

Hull City will be a very strange tiger this season. At one point last season they were in the hunt for the 6^th play off place, but Middlesbrough put an end to that with a 4-1 thumping at The KC Stadium. However, from all the signings they’ve currently brought in during the close season, only Jack Hobbs and Adriano Basso would seem players that could maybe piece together a play off charge. Paul McKenna and Dele Adebola are experienced yes, but a combined age of 69? No-one knows what to expect from this Hull team, which could well work in their favour. With a strong squad already in place though, this should be another productive season. Position – 10^th

Ipswich Town – 2010/11 finish: 13^th

After so much expectation last year, it was perhaps inevitable Ipswich were going to fail. This season there is more expectation, but with good reason. With Paul Jewell at the helm and with five quality additions brought into the club (Michael Chorpra, David Stockdale, Lee Bowyer, Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Nathan Ellington), this could well be the season Ipswich achieve the targets set by the club’s hierarchy and the impatient fans. The players already in the squad are hardly from the footballing scrapheap, so with the new men in place they’ll definitely be good enough to mount a charge, and that is exactly what they’ll do. Position – 4^th

Leeds United – 2010/11 finish: 7^th

What is going on at Leeds? First they lose both holding midfielders Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny on frees, then they force their goalkeeper out before bringing in a sub standard replacement in comparison to Schmeichel, and then to top it off, 2 of their best strikers get injured (Becchio and Somma)! With Premier League eyes keenly fixed on both Max Gradel and Robert Snodgrass, if Leeds aren’t careful, they could be back where they came from. Losing Schmeichel is a monumental blow, as he won the club so many points on his own last. New keeper, Longeran will not do the same. Position – 13^th

Leicester City – 2010/11 finish: 10^th

The Foxes aren’t high up on every other Championship club’s Christmas card list at this current moment in time. Last season, they got a load of Premier League loans in. This season they’ve bought a whole new team, spending ludicrous fees and paying out ridiculous wages in the process. For example; Matt Mills cost them £5.5 million, and Paul Konchesky is on 40k a week. Unfortunately for football purists, money does talk; and talks a lot in this league. Leicester will get promoted, especially so under Sven’s guidance – but they still don’t have the required strength to win the league outright. A lot of people will be hoping Leicester fall flat, but you can’t see it. Position – 2^nd

Middlesbrough – 2010/11 finish: 12^th

Last season, Middlesbrough were expected to walk the league. Kris Boyd signed, and he was expected to score 20+ and help steer Boro back to the top flight. None of this happened, and they even had a patch where they were looking over their shoulders constantly, as they were fighting against the relegation trapdoor. Tony Mowbray then came in, and a storming finale ensured they finished a respectable 12^th. They should have been allowed to build on this finish, but financial problems have meant that they have to sell, rather than buy. Mowbray will have to work wonders to get a top 6 finish, and that just won’t happen. Position – 11^th

Part One is available here

The final and third part will be available on Wednesday 3rd August

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

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Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part One

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

Matt Bruce’s npower League Two 2011/12 Review – Part One

Christian Brown’s npower Championship 2011/12 Preview - Part One

The Football Front’s Christian Brown in a three feature takes a look at the chances of the team’s in the npower Championship

It is well known that the npower Championship is arguably the most competitive league in the world. This as a result therefore leaves a predicament for everyone trying to predict what will happen, as you will undoubtedly be wrong. A team expected to blow the division apart will catastrophically fail, and a team that everyone assumes all the nails in the coffin have been planted will defy the odds and miraculously stay up, or even sometimes go up. This article will well and truly put my neck on the proverbial line so to speak, so let’s gingerly begin.

Club analysis

Barnsley – 2010/11 finish: 17^th

Towards the end of last season, Barnsley fans may have been forgiven for feeling optimistic for the season ahead. They had survived Adam Hammill leaving for Wolves, and Barnsley secured their best finish for 5 years. Then it all turned upside down, as Mark Robins left under acrimonious circumstances, with Keith Hill coming in. Hill has a huge job on his hands, as many of those players seemed hugely loyal to Robins, and bringing in unproven Rochdale players from League 1 will not improve on 17^th place. Keith Hill should have stayed at Spotland, as he’s going back the way he came. Position – 23^rd

Birmingham City – 2010/11 finish: 18^th (relegated from Premier League)

You have to feel for Birmingham. Conceding a 96^th minute goal against Spurs and Blackburn’s inability to defend cost them a place in the Premier League, despite Birmingham winning the Carling Cup. After that kick in the private area, Alex McLeish left to take over hated rivals Aston Villa, and to rub salt in the wounds further, it now seems that as owner Carson Yeung’s assets have been frozen. The club may have to sell star players to avoid administration. Despite this however, Birmingham have a lot of strength in depth, such as teen sensation Jordon Mutch, and while this may not be the instant return they hoped for under new boss Chris Houghton, they’ll push it right to the wire. Position – 7^th

Blackpool – 2010/11 finish: 19^th (relegated from Premier League)

And so, rather ironically, the fairy tale dream of Premier League survival for Blackpool ended at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ that is Old Trafford. In some ways, this is a blessing. The inevitable exit of Charlie Adam would have meant that they’d have perhaps broken Derby’s dismal record of 11 points if they’d stayed up, as Adam ran the show for Blackpool. The problem Ian Holloway has to address now is how to replace him in a league below. The fact is you can’t replace a player of that much quality, although the experienced head of new arrival Barry Ferguson will help...but still won’t be enough for the Seasiders to bounce back at first attempt. Position – 12^th

Brighton & Hove Albion – 2010/11 finish: 1^st (promoted as champions from League One)

So Brighton return to the Championship after a 5 year absence, but what can we expect from them? Can they do a Norwich’ and finish second? Or in typical Brighton style, end up requiring a miracle to stay up on the final day? The way their pre season started, it seemed the latter would be occurring, as top scorer Glenn Murray and top assist leader Elliot Bennett departed the club, joining Crystal Palace and Norwich respectively. These players have been replaced however, notably Murray with Mackail-Smith from Peterborough. If he can get a partnership with fellow new recruit Will Hoskins and if Buckley can do half as good a job as Bennett did last year, then Brighton will do neither of the scenarios – but will stay up comfortably. Position – 18^th

Bristol City – 2010/11 finish: 15^th

Bristol City. The team who were supposed to set the league alight last season. Well they didn’t. There are numerous factors for this, the notable ones being that as good a goalkeeper David James is, he’s not a defence on his own. While upfront, Nicky Maynard got injured. However, this season they have Maynard back now, the question is whether he’ll be playing with the same commitment as to when he first joined. Maynard may have perhaps had his head turned by the intensifying interest shown in him by bigger clubs. To make things more unsettling, Maynard has one year left to run on his contract. This only increases speculation; speculation that will affect him, and therefore the team. Position – 14^th

Burnley – 2010/11 finish: 8^th

Owen Coyle may have been hated before by the Burnley fans for leaving the club on the lurch. While Burnley got relegated and failed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, the degree of hate will have increased now. Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears, 2 crucial cogs in Burnley’s ‘machine’, have joined Coyle’s Bolton. Eddie Howe will now have his work cut out, as his best winger and best full back have gone – with little time to find a suitable replacement for both. It looks like it’s going to be a long season ahead for Clarets fans. Position – 15^th

Cardiff City – 2010/11 finish: 4^th

Last season’s failure in the play offs meant that Cardiff had ‘bottled it’ for the third time in three years. It was a failure which cost Dave Jones his job. Initially the doom and gloom stayed around the club for a while, with key players such as Jay Bothroyd leaving. But now, Malky Mackay has taken over, and replaced the departing players with arguably better players. The additions of Don Cowie and Kenny Miller signify ambition, but it’s the return of Bluebirds hero Robbie Earnshaw that has reinstalled the faith. There is still a very strong possibility a certain talisman named Craig Bellamy may return to the club...a strong season ahead. Position – 3^rd

Coventry City – 2010/11 finish: 18^th

One my main memories of Coventry City is when they got relegated from the Premier League. One fan had a banner reading “We’ll be back”. They still haven’t returned, and they definitely won’t return this year – or the one after. The Sky Blues have been involved in the most disastrous summer imaginable, with three quarters of their spine (Westwood, Crainie, Gunnarsson and King) all leaving, with only Crainie remaining at the club. City fans know all too well the importance Westwood and King in particular, and their departures will have hurt the club a lot. Andy Thorn will have no chance unfortunately, but it’s not his fault. Position – 22^nd

Part Two will be available on Tuesday 2^nd August

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

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