Barnsley
Manager – Mark Robins
Last Season – 18th
Key Player - Hugo Colace – Labelled as the ‘Frank Lampard’ of the Championship due to his goal-scoring exploits from midfield. The Argentinean flourished in the second half of last season under new manager Robins and netted eight times - his goals will be crucial in a side that lacks firepower from their strikers.
Verdict – There seems to be an optimistic buzz around Oakwell currently. The appointment of Mark Robins galvanised the side towards the back end of last season and many fans will be dreaming of a push for the play-offs. But the loss of top-scorer Daniel Bogdanovic to Sheffield United is a big blow and survival must be the key to their season, anything more will be deemed a success.
Prediction – 20th
Bristol City
Manager – Steve Coppell
Last Season – 10th
Key Player – David James – It’s saying something that England’s best performer in their final World Cup game in South Africa has ended up signing for a Championship club. In fairness to James, offers were available from top-flight clubs but he has decided on a move to the west-country because of guaranteed first-team football, which is brilliant news for everyone concerned with City. Over the course of the season James will probably win the Robins four or five games himself. He may be 40 years old, but he still has the presence and shot-stopping ability to grab plenty of headlines in the Championship.
Verdict – Success and Steve Coppell go hand-in-hand. The former England international worked miracles at Crystal Palace and Reading, guiding both to the top flight. And since he left Reading, following their last-day relegation, he has become the most sought after out-of-work manager. Coppell didn’t rush back into management and was waiting for the right opportunity, so the decision to take the reins at Ashton Gate emphasises the ambition of the club. Everything suggests an exciting season beckons for the Robins.
Prediction – 5th
Burnley
Manager – Brian Laws
Last Season - Relegated
Key Player – Chris Eagles - A player who rather divides opinion at Turfmoor. About as consistent as Ricky Hatton’s waistline, Eagles can be classed as a genius one week, then pub-footballer the next. A free-flowing winger who has pace to burn, his ability has been noted by Premier League clubs, and if Burnley can get to September with him still in their ranks, they will be a stronger side. Look out for Ross Wallace too, who they have snapped up from Preston.
Verdict – All the facts point towards Burnley having a rather fruitful season. The squad is largely the same one that gained promotion two seasons ago, they have the perfect mix of youth and experience, and Turf |Moor is renowned as a tough place for visiting teams to play. The only question mark that remains is whether Brian Laws can effectively manage a football club?. Many people have their doubts, including myself.
Prediction – 8th
Cardiff City
Manager – David Jones
Last Season – 4th
Key Player – Michael Chopra – “If this club doesn’t bring in new players, I’m off, I’ve had enough.” Not exactly music to Cardiff fans' ears from their star striker. Clearly he is very unsettled and apparently the mood within the Cardiff ranks is of the same tone. But it is vital that the Bluebirds keep hold of Chopra, who is without question the best finisher in the Championship.
Verdict – Usually the losing play-off finalists are heavily fancied to go one better the next season, but with the current financial issues surrounding Cardiff City, many fans are just hoping that the club can stabilise themselves following a summer of turmoil. The attacking quartet of Chris Burke, Jay Bothroyd, Peter Wittingham and Chopra should be enough to make sure they collect enough points to survive, but don’t expect another promotion push.
Prediction – 11th
Coventry City
Manager – Adrian Boothroyd
Last Season – 19th
Key Player – Kieren Westwood – One of the most highly-rated goalkeepers outside the Premier League, the fans' player of the season last year has already made the Irish squad and is seen as the next in line to replace Shay Given.
Verdict – It’s been very dull at the Ricoh since their decline from the Premier League, with mid-table finishes for the past four seasons. The board decided to axe Chris Coleman after a lack of progression last season, and Boothroyd has the hard task of taking the club forward on a limited budget. They could be a side that are dragged into a relegation scrap, but should just have enough to survive.
Prediction - 19th
Crystal Palace
Manager – George Burley
Last Season – 21st
Key Player – Darren Ambrose – With 20 goals from midfield last season the former Ipswich man has a lot to live up to this campaign. Despite his heroics, it seemed that he had one of those seasons where everything he hit found the back of the net and his previous record suggests that last year’s hot streak could have been a flash in the pan. A lot rests on the 26-year-old’s shoulders - if he doesn’t produce, Palace will struggle for goals.
Verdict – George Burley has been given the task of stabilising the club following the takeover of the club from Simon Jordan and it looks an incredibly tough one. Burley’s most recent record in management is surprisingly poor. Following an ill-fated time at Hearts there were unsuccessful spells at Southampton and the Scottish national side, and he will need to work a minor miracle to have a successful season with the standard of squad he has inherited. A season of struggle awaits for the Eagles.
Prediction – 23rd
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