Championship Preview – Millen looks to regroup at City
A change of tactics at Bristol City this week, a surprising one at that, with Steve Coppell resigning, may well change the fortunes at the west-country club. The summer optimism at Ashton Gate was far from justified with terrible pre-season friendlies performances and an embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Millwall on the opening day.
Throw in a Carling Cup defeat at the hands of crisis club Southend and something seemed to be wrong with the philosophies Coppell brought to the club.
The announcement of Keith Millen as his replacement looks a good move by the club, he acted as caretaker manager at the end of last season, winning five games and losing only once. Even though they travel to the Keepmoat to face a Doncaster side, who have won both their games this season and deserve respect, the visitors should have good shot of getting a result. However, they have been dealt a blow with the news that last season’s top scorer Nicky Maynard has been ruled out with four months with a knee problem.
Current league leaders QPR travel to Sheffield United and this weekend's fixture sees Neil Warnock return to Bramall Lane along with Paddy Kenny, the former Blades keeper, who signed for Rangers in the summer. Warnock says he is not worried about the welcome he will receive but hopes that Kenny is given a good reception.
“Paddy should get a great reception,” Warnock told the BBC.
“He was there for around nine years, and I'll be disappointed if he gets some stick as I don't think he deserves it but I know how fickle some fans can be. I feel ever so proud when I look at the stadium and see how we built it up in my time there, over 24,000 and all the corners filled in, it still feels like my club."
Portsmouth registered their first win of the new season at Stevenage on Monday in the Carling Cup with a performance that suggested that the season may not be filled with as much doom as people expect. Reading travel to Fratton Park on Saturday, with the home faithful praying that their club can find eleven players to take to the field. Tommy Smith looks to be moving on to Rangers later today which will leave Portsmouth with only 13 players available for selection, so once again the younger players such as Nadir Ciftci and Matt Richie will have to play a major part.
Full fixture list;
Barnsley v Crystal Palace, 15:00
Derby v Cardiff, 15:00
Doncaster v Bristol City, 15:00
Ipswich v Burnley, 15:00
Leicester v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Millwall v Hull, 15:00
Portsmouth v Reading, 15:00
Scunthorpe v Norwich, 15:00
Sheff Utd v QPR, 15:00
Swansea v Preston, 15:00
Watford v Coventry, 15:00
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