Time to dust off your club scarf, time to get thinking about that accumulator, time to get whisked away in a dream like state fueled by optimism. This could be the year. Everything seems set in stone, the manager is settled, the ink is barely dry on the contract of your new striker, no major player sales. You find yourself looking at your squad, believing it has capabilities to achieve so much. It's almost time to buckle up for the white water ride that is the Sky Bet Football League. As the most open and arguably entertaining league in world football starts, lets look at what we can expect from the 24 hopefuls this season.
Barnsley
Barnsley are always a tough side to beat at Oakwell. They now have a settled manager, who took over the Tykes last December, he signed a new deal in May which will run until the end of the season. The 39 year old impressed, managing to save the club from relegation on the final day of the season.
Flitcroft's additions look impressive, the permanent signing of Chris O'Grady from Sheffield Wednesday is a step in the right direction. The experienced front man will form a strike partnership with Jason Scotland, a man who always knows where the net is. It's not all experience they've signed, youngster John Cofie has also joined. The Ghanaian striker was released by Manchester United, and Flitcroft has given him a platform to perform on. Their stand out buy for me is Jean-Yves Mvoto, who has joined from Oldham Athletic. Mvoto is a dominating figure, with the attributes to exceed at Championship level. Dale Jennings from Bayern Munich, will add the wow factor, and I'm looking forward to seeing wht he can do.
I do however expect the Tykes to be in and around the bottom half of the league, although I don't think they'll go down. My prediction for them is a finish of 18th, certainly progression under Flitcroft.
KEY MAN:
Chris O'Grady - a real handful
Birmingham City
It was a tough start at St. Andrews for Lee Clark, but he turned it around to see the Blues finish in a healthy 12th position. It's been quite a low key summer for Birmingham, partly down to finances. Signings such as Matt Green from Mansfield, Olly Lee from Barnet, and Dan Burn on loan from Fulham, who was at Yeovil last season. They are risks, not having Championship experience, but they could turn out to be real gems. As ever for Birmingham, their strike force of Zigic and King needs to flourish, although both are now in their thirties, both on their day can be a handful. With ammunition supplied by players such as Chris Burke, Wade Elliott and returning loanee Shane Ferguson, they will certainly be given the service. I like Birmingham's side on paper this year, and I think progression will be apparent. Can they make the play-offs? Maybe, but then again, I think there at least six sides better than them in the league. Prediction for them is a 11th place finish.
KEY MAN:
Chris Burke - a classic right winger
Blackburn Rovers
The turmoil seems to be cooling down for now at Rovers, thankfully. Gary Bowyer is heading in to his first season in management, after taking up caretaker duties on numerous occasions last season. I think off the pitch there has been a more sensible and realistic view with regards to transfers. The Portuguese love affair Steve Kean implied has not been continued, and Rovers have signed some good players. Former youth team player Alan Judge is back, after he completed his free transfer from Notts County. Todd Kane, who impressed last season whilst on loan at Blackburn from Chelsea, has returned for another loan stint. On paper, they have undoubted quality. When you have for me, the best striker in the league in Jordan Rhodes (left) anything is possible. With all the turmoil, all the managers, all the bad publicity and the loss of form. Scottish international Rhodes still managed a fantastic return of 27 goals. His goals certainly kept Rovers up last season, and with him in the team, Bowyer will be hoping for a better season than last. As ever when speaking about Blackburn, you need to address the grey cloud that hovers over the club. The Venkys. With them at the helm anything can happen, and we're yet too see anything overly positive since they took over. Hopefully for the fans especially, lessons will have been learnt. Position prediction of 12th this season, would represent a building block for the season after.
KEY MAN:
Jordan Rhodes (above) arguably the best striker in the league
Blackpool
Hanging on to Tom Ince, for now, is massive for Blackpool. Father and manager Paul, has a real job on at Bloomfield Road. The club seems to be struggling a bit to recapture the positive drive it had under Holloway when reaching the Premier League. Stability will help, last season, Pool lost managers Ian Holloway to Crystal Palace, Michael Appleton to Blackburn Rovers, and it seemed Billy Davies was set to take charge, until the romance of a Forest return was too good to turn down. Blackpool have had a bit of a face lift over the summer, recognisable faces from the Holloway era such as Baptiste, Evatt, Taylor-Fletcher and Crainey have moved on. Their replacements, Bobby Grant, Steven Davies, Michael Chopra and co. Represent a good crop of professionals, but do they have the desired ability? I am unsure. Hanging on to Ince and Phillips, is totally vital to their season. In both cases, I don't think the end of the saga is over. On manager Paul Ince, this is a big test for him. He's took over a couple of clubs following his sacking by Blackburn Rovers back in 2008, and is looking to rebuild a bit of a tarnished reputation. I do feel however, that Blackpool will struggle this year, and I feel a finish of 22nd is looming, which of course means relegation.
KEY MAN: Tom Ince - goalscorer and creator
Bolton Wanderers
After final day play-off dreams smashed, Bolton look to be a force this season. Manager Dougie Freedman has impressed at The Reebok Stadium, and in his first full season, he will be hoping for a top six finish. They still have some bright players on their books. Lee Chung-Yong who looked bright at Premier League level, is a real asset, as is Chris Eagles. They look solid in almost every position. The jury for me is still out on Hungarian goalkeeper, Adam Bogdan. Bogdan has looked shaky at times, and as Jussi Jaaskelainen showed for Bolton over the years, a reliable man between the posts is crucial for a good season. Wanderers will be hoping this is the season for American midfielder Stuart Holden to recapture the good form he showed during Bolton's last Premier League season. After suffering serious injury, he finally made a comeback last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. He will surely be a brilliant asset to the team if he can stay fit and kick on. Jermaine Beckford (pictured) is an interesting signing, Jermaine blows hot and cold, there's no questioning he's a very good Championship striker on his day, he just needs to find some consistency. As a package I believe Beckford is a great signing. I do fancy Bolton to continue where they left off and challenge at the top end of the league. A finish of 3rd is my prediction.
KEY MAN:
Zat Knight - underrated towering centre half
AFC Bournemouth
Newly promoted Bournemouth are flying high. After several seasons in League One and Two and suffering financial troubles. Returning young manager Eddie Howe has took them to The Championship. It's going to be tough for them, as they look to make the step up. They have made some solid signings to fit nicely with the quality they already had. Elliot Ward has joined on a free from Norwich City, and Ian Harte has also come in from Reading for free. Ward was superb on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, and Bournemouth have captured a good player there. Harte is still going strong at 35, Harte is a good signing. Experienced, a great defender, and of course a delight from a dead ball. It's great business by Howe, as he looks to build from the back. The rest of the squad is a mixed bag, I think they have some players who will excel at this level. Players such as Harry Arter, Matt Ritchie and Marc Pugh are good talents. However, looking at the rest of the squad, I believe they look weak. Unless Howe can work some more magic this transfer window, i do believe they will be relegated. My prediction is that they will finish 23rd.
KEY MAN:
Elliot Ward - experienced and a leader.
Brighton & Hove Albion
It's been a bit of a political and confusing summer so far for Albion. Gus Poyet was relieved of his duties, seemingly live on the BBC. The Uruguayan was covering a game from the Confederations Cup, when at half time, he was told about the news. Brighton later came out to say Poyet was already aware of the decision. A confusing case which had one solid outcome. Brighton had to appoint a new manager. In came Spaniard Oscar Garcia (left). A glittering playing career at FC Barcelona, Garcia is relatively new to management. He has worked under Johan Cryuff in the Catalonia national team, he guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to their first title in ten years during his spell in Israeli football. A new chapter is among this footballing educated coach. He has a pure football background, and he must find a way to get that to transfer to his new team. He will be looking to continue the football Brighton were known for under Poyet. The club has become known for it. The normal crop of players will form the nucleus for the team, with Matthew Upson and Kemy Agustien new to the side. I fancy Brighton to do well again, but I feel it may be a bit of a transition season and they will finish around 10th.
KEY MAN:
Liam Bridcutt - the perfect holding midfielder
Burnley
Burnley, like most clubs, are the kind of club that is almost making it's mind up what end of the table they will be competing in. And after all the working out, the season draws to a close, and they're in mid table. Comfortably stayed up, not really near the play offs. Saying that in the tight old league last season they were only seven points off sixth. I look at their team, and there are glimpses of quality. (I will come on to Charlie Austin shortly) Trippier (left), Wallace, Vokes are decent players, but I do not see much more. Now, Austin, you simply must find a replacement if he leaves. His record stands at 41 goals in 82 games for The Clarets, and his haul of 28 goals, 25 in the league last year was totally crucial to Burnley. After his Hull move fell through, rumors of a switch to numerous sides started to surface. As I write this now, he is strongly linked with Nottingham Forest and QPR. Without Austin I think Burnley could really struggle. A weak side with no goal source will see them finish around 18th. Although I like manager Sean Dyche.
KEY MAN:
Charlie Austin - goals, goals, goals.
Charlton Athletic
Last years surprise package, the Londoners finish an impressive ninth, just three points off a play off place. Lead by club legend Chris Powell, Charlton surprised many. Their form was odd, with a patchy home record, Charlton lost just six times on the road, accumulating 35 of their total of 65 points. There seems to be no real star players at The Valley. Ricardo Fuller, who was perhaps their talisman last season, has left the club for now, as his contract came to an end. This summer it has been quiet, as Cedric Evina looked to be certain to leave, Charlton managed to hold on to him, and the left back penned a new one year deal. As for new signings, Mark Gower, Jordan Cook and Richard Wood have arrived, in a typical quiet summer for Charlton. My worry for them this season is goals, where are the goals coming from? A strike force of just Yann Kermogant and Jordan Cook does not look too fruitful, and I hope Powell will make additions in that area. I think it's a big ask for them to repeat their season last year, as I personally believe it's a real strong division this season. With the sides that have come down from the Premier League, looking strong. I feel a finish of 14th is likely and that will still represent a good season.
KEY MAN:
Jonnie Jackson (above) - a goal scoring midfielder
Derby County
Steady progression, is how I would describe Derby County's recent seasons. After tumbling out of the Premier League, the last four seasons have been steady mid table. Derby, always seem to have patches of brilliant and awful form. Historically a fast starter, Derby always seem capable, but perhaps are hampered by their light squads. This season, I think Derby have a good strong chance of making the top six. They look good all around the park. Player of the Year, Richard Keogh, now an Ireland international will take care of the defence. Bright talent Will Hughes will be looking to step up his rapid development in midfield, and up front, Derby have key strength. Johnny Russell, a £750,000 buy from Dundee United has joined Jamie Ward, Chris Martin, Theo Robinson, Nathan Tyson, Connor Sammon and Mason Bennett to create a wealthy strike force. Their squad is still a little thin, but they have signed three other players in Lee Grant, John Eustace and Craig Forsyth to help with that issue. Derby as ever will rely on their home form. Last season they were beaten just four times at home. If they could improve their poor away form (they won just four games on the road last season) the play offs could be achievable. Purely down to their thin squad, I believe The Rams will finish 7th this season.
KEY MAN:
Richard Keogh - a no nonsense character
Doncaster Rovers
Last season's League One Champions, Doncaster were promoted back to The Championship after just a one year absence. As the champagne was barely finished, manager Brian Flynn announced that after seeing Doncaster promoted, he would be resigning from the post, to become director of football. The manager now is Paul Dickov. The much travelled former striker linked up with Rovers with the aim of maintaining their Championship status. Their policy has totally changed since the days of El-Hadji Diouf, Habib Beye etc. It's a more low key approach. Dean Furman has been a really good capture in my opinion, the South African was made Dickov's captain at Oldham, and the former Rangers man impressed despite their poor league season. A free signing and at just 25 years of age. Furman is a really impressive signing. I like their potential midfield. Kyle Bennett, Furman, David Cotterill, unknown quality Marc de Val, Doncaster stalwart James Coppinger. Their midfield options are a delight. I do worry about their defensive options. Whether they are good enough to compete in the second tier is the question, and missing out on Jean-Yves Mvoto to Barnsley may cost them dearly. I think they will struggle but they'll be safe, a finish of around 20th.
KEY MAN:
David Cotterill - most assists in League One last season.
Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield promised much, but ultimately, had to go to final day to secure their Championship status. A side now managed by Mark Robins, who do have good players. Going forward they have a wealth of players with the ability to score. James Vaughan is a good player for this level, as are Jon Stead and Martin Paterson. Adam Hammill and Danny Ward (left) are excellent wide men, who can create for others, and score alone. They are a good attacking side. At the back, I do have worries. They conceded a whopping 47 goals in 12 away games last season, and with the 26 they conceded at home, 73 goals were shipped last season. Alex Smithies, who was injured for a while, should help maintain that figure but he can't do it alone. I look at their pool, and I see no defensive additions. Although they have plenty of bodies last seasons statistics do not make for good reading. I think they are under threat of relegation. Keeping Vaughan fit is a tough task, but if they can look after him, with a bit of luck they might score their way to safety. Prediction is a 19th placed finish.
KEY MAN:
James Vaughan - a mobile goal scorer.
Ipswich Town
The Tractor boys have had a stuttering few years under the guidance of Roy Keane and Paul Jewell. I imagine there was much relief when Mick McCarthy walked in to Portman Road. The experienced manager took Ipswich from bottom of the league to their finishing position of 14th. McCarthy heads in to his first full season with Town seemingly under no pressure to be in the promotion mix. The expectation is simply progression, and you can be sure McCarthy will ensure that. It's been relatively quiet transfer wise, the stand out addition is probably former Forest striker David McGoldrick. He has joined Town on a Bosman after costing Forest £1m back in 2009. Still at just 25 years of age, McGoldrick proved his credentials last season netting 17 goals for Coventry by January, then being League One's top scorer. He then joined Town on loan, and finishing with four goals in 14 appearances. Before the season ended, McCarthy announced a two year deal had been agreed. The tenacious Jay Tabb also went from loanee to permanent transfer this summer, and he was joined by Paul Anderson (above), Cole Skuse, Daryl Murphy and Ryan Tunnicliffe (loan) on joining Ipswich. I look at Ipswich, and I see a good manager with a squad that is work in progress. I expect Ipswich to finish around 16th.
KEY MAN:
David McGoldrick - striker has good attributes, with a point to prove
Leeds United
It's been a strange summer for Leeds. With GFH Capital announced as the clubs new owners towards the back end of last season, fans were perhaps a little more expectant of serious movement in the summer transfer window. With relatively new manager Brian McDermott anticipating his first full season in charge, it seems not all is rosy at Elland Road. McDermott has publicly spoke of frustrations with the chase for targets. They have completed some business however, Matt Smith, Oldham's FA Cup hero, added a new dimension to the attack line. Sought after central midfielder Luke Murphy from Crewe looks to be their biggest coup. The in demand former Railwayman decided to join Leeds, after rejecting both Wolves and Blackburn to become their new number six, in a reported £1m deal. Noel Hunt followed McDermott by making the move from Reading to Leeds as he joined on a free. A slightly bemusing decision was also made by letting striker Steve Morison join former club Millwall on loan. Morison has only joined Leeds in Janaury, as part of the deal that took Luciano Becchio to Norwich City. After just 16 games he was farmed out to The New Den. Will Leeds regret that? They seem confident in their strikers. I can see Leeds struggling this season, with a blurred summer in terms of club politics, and an unfished squad, I could see Leeds finishing as low as 17th this season.
KEY MAN:
Ross McCormack - proven Championship talent
Leicester City
After being knocked out the play offs in one of the most dramatic semi finals ever witnessed, the wounded Foxes are looking to go one better this season. The wealthy Midlands club are loaded with talent. They had both skipper Wes Morgan and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for the 2012/2013 season. Both of the mentioned players attracting serious summer interest from Nottingham Forest and Hull City respectively. Nigel Pearson is entering his fifth season in charge (following two spells) and will be looking at the play offs yet again. The same names will be out in force. Nugent, Knockaert, Chris Wood etc. They are all proven Championship players, and with their experience and quality you will expect them to be flirting with the top six. The summer has been very slow, with just Zoumana Bagayoko joining on a free from Tranmere Rovers. He is however expected to offer back up and competition to Paul Konchesky. Have the Foxes got enough? I'm not sure, I think they may just miss out and finish 8th this season.
KEY MAN:
Chris Wood - Potential to finish as divisions top scorer
Middlesbrough
Boro had a disappointing season last year, after looking like they could mount a challenge for the top six at the very least, an alarming run of form after the New Year meant they finished the season in a lowly 16th position. As the new season approaches the one time Premier League regular, Boro, will be looking to see through the job of finishing in that top six. There is quality at Middlesbrough for sure. Faris Haroun, Grant Leadbitter, George Friend, Muzza Carayol and Jonathan Woodgate all had solid seasons. They have added some experience in the middle of the park and will reunite a one time Sunderland central midfield pairing of Leadbitter and Dean Whitehead. The 31 year old joins on a free after being released by Stoke City. Tony Mowbray, the Middlesbrough legend, has also moved to sign unknown quantity Jozsef Varga on loan from Hungarian side Debrecen. The midfielder, who has 21 caps for his native Hungary, will also compete for a central spot. After a disappointing season last year I expect Boro to learn from it, but I believe they will finish 13th this season.
KEY MAN:
Jonathan Woodgate - One time Real Madrid man has invaluable experience
Millwall
This years dark horses. Millwall have had a face lift over the summer. Long term manager Kenny Jacket resigned, after revealing he wanting a new challenge at relegated Wolves. In came former West Ham player Steve Lomas from St. Johnstone. Several new faces have joined the club, and some are very eye catching indeed. The list of signings in full is; Jermaine Easter, Lee Martin, Scott McDonald, Steven Bywater, Nicky Bailey, Richard Chaplow, Steve Morison (loan) Tom Bender and, as I write this, there are reports Nicky Shorey will also join. Some impressive names. Firstly, all of the names excluding Morison are free transfers, and that is credit to Lomas and Millwall, as they continue to spend within their needs, and also put together a good side. Chaplow, Morison and Martin jump out at me as good signings. I especially like Martin, the former Manchester United lad has clearly got talent, and impressed at times during his 100 appearances at Ipswich Town. Him and James Henry will be a real handful for full backs this season. If they can get off to a good start, Lomas may be on to something very special, I predict a finish of 8th, and that will be a great season.
KEY MAN:
Liam Trotter - Talisman has Premier League class
Nottingham Forest
It's never dull on Trentside. After the takeover by the Al-Hasawi family last season, the sacking of three managers, and the influx of players. It was familiar City Ground hero Billy Davies who almost took Forest to the play offs. A win on the final day and the right results for Forest would have seen them in. As the players went away for the summer, Billy and chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi have been busy accumulating a list of players that has sent shock waves though the Championship. An impressive squad has been assembled, and it is in my opinion the strongest in the league. Additions have been made across the board, a balance of free transfers, expensive signings and loans have helped Forest forma a squad that went unbeaten in pre season. As well as the new players, the current crop and Matt Derbyshire in particular, has fought tooth and nail to be involved, notching an impressive four goals over the summer. Has Forest's spending finish? Not if you believe what you read, a £1m+ deal for former player Kelvin Wilson is apparently being finalised, and Burnley hit man Charlie Austin is apparently weighing up The Reds against QPR. Can they do it? The pressure will be on from the off. Forest have been involved in two of the last four play off campaigns, and I believe they could go one this better this season and finish in 2nd place.
KEY MAN:
Chris Cohen - New captain is perhaps the best midfielder in the division
Queens Park Rangers
Harry Redknapp has arguably the hardest job of all the managers this season. After giving it the financial welly last season, QPR succumbed to relegation, and their high earning stars are now faced with getting off the wage bill, or fighting it out to challenge for promotion in England's second tier. A few of the big names have gone, Christopher Samba quickly ended up back at Anzi, and Park is expected to sign for PSV Eindhoven on loan. Redknapp has often spoke about having the right characters in the squad. Swapping his bad apples for tried and trusted grizzly pro's like Karl Henry and Richard Dunne. The type of characters that can set an example, and give their all for the hoops of the Rangers. I personally think QPR's squad will look totally different when it comes to the transfer deadline on 31st August. With more ins and outs almost guaranteed it's hard to predict where they'll finish. Missing out on Gary Hooper will have hurt Redknapp, he just simply couldn't compete with the lure of Premier League football. As mentioned, he will be hoping to win the Charlie Austin race to compensate that. As I said, this is the hardest of the predictions and I think with the fact Redknapp is at the helm (and he's a diamond on deadline day) I will predict a finish of 4th.
KEY MAN:
Clint Hill - Captain, and old school inspiration
Reading
With Nigel Adkins at the helm, promotion is certainly a possibility for the Berkshire club. The former Scunthorpe United physio took Southampton through from League One to the Premier League, and will be looking to reach the promised land again with Reading. They have kept together the same squad for a few years now, the nucleus is still there from their last Championship promotion in 2011/2012 and that's vital. Names such as Mikele Leigertwood, Adam Federici, Jem Karacan etc. They all have Championship experience and will be dying to again taste the sweet nectar of Barclays Premier League football. On paper they have perhaps the most settled squad, and that will for me work wonders. They have got in a few additions too. Wayne Bridge, who was in last seasons PFA Team of the Year whilst at Brighton, has joined on a free after his release from Manchester City. 12 cap United States international Danny Williams has also joined after completing his move from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Perhaps the most interesting and exciting signing is that of former Real Madrid man Roysten Drenthe. In 2007 he completed a
€14m move from Feyenoord to Los Blancos. The explosive left winger has joined on a free, and if he's fit he will be a tremendous asset. I believe Reading have been planning for this season since January last season, their signings indicate this, and they will be rewarded by finishing around 6th.
KEY MAN:
Adam Le Fondre - Natural goalscorer
Sheffield Wednesday
The Hillsbrough club escaped relegation last season, and will be looking to kick on in the 2013/2014 campaign, as they remain the dominant team in Sheffield. In Dave Jones Wednesday certainly have an experienced manager, after looking doomed last season, Jones turned it around to eventually finish 18th. Four points clear of the drop zone. The squad is largely similar to that of last season, and that worries me. Loan stars such as Stuart Holden and Leroy Lita certainly played a big part in keeping Wednesday up last season, and without them, it could have been a very sticky ending. Wednesday have recruited to try and build up the squad, Jacques Maghoma, a member of the League Two PFA Team of the Year joined after he notched an impressive 18 goals in 50 games for Burton Albion. Six foot six beast Atdhe Nuhiu has also jetted in from Rapid Wienna, the 24 year old striker has signed a three year deal and will be hoping to make a splash in English football. I think Wednesday's squad is weak this season, and whilst they will certainly be down there, they made just escape. A passionate home crowd should drag them over the line. A predicted finish of 21st.
KEY MAN:
Miguel Llera - on his day he's an asset at both ends
Watford
Last seasons defeated play off finalists will be looking to go one better this season. A complete unknown last season, Watford have lost the element of surprise, but they are still a good footballing side with a good positive manager in Zola. I fully expect to still see the 3-5-2 formation we saw last season. But just who will fill those 11 jerseys? With Watford it can be unclear to know who they kept hold of, after their loop hole rule bending of loaning in so many players last season. Ian Holloway will be happy to hear the rule has changed. There are a host of new players they've bought in to learn about but as last seasons relatively familiar faces go, a few have returned. Ekstrand, Battocchio, Pudil, Anya, Abdi and Cassetti are back. One name you'll notice is missing is the Championship Player of the Year Matej Vydra, as he is apparently seeking a Premier League challenge, after returning to Udinese following his loan spell. As new names go, to date there are eight other new faces to the club. Again, another hard club to judge, but I still think looking at who I know in their squad, they have enough to finish in the top six. Prediction is a finish of fifth.
KEY MAN:
Troy Deeney - from bad boy to leading the line for the Hornets
Wigan Athletic
The FA Cup holders, Wigan Athletic. An English representative in this seasons UEFA Europa League. It seems to surreal that they will be playing in the Championship this season. After Roberto Martinez left for the Everton hot seat, Dave Whelan went for Owen Coyle. In the hope the Scotsman can guide the Latics back to the Premier League. It will be no easy task as Birmingham City found after they competed in Europe, and the Championship back in 2011/2012. To their credit, Birmingham narrowly missed out on the group stage, as well as getting to the play off semi finals. So it can be done. Coyle has inherited a very good squad, one that was capable of tearing the best sides in the country apart on it's day. Yes they have lost players like Alcaraz and Kone, but the nucleus is still there. I think wingers are vital at Championship level, and I think Wigan have the best in Callum McManaman, The man of the match in the FA Cup final, the young winger will be the biggest danger Championship full backs will face. With the wonderful talent of Shaun Maloney supporting him, Wigan will create chances. It will be new signing Grant Holt's job to stick those away, the former Norwich man has swapped yellow for blue this summer, and has a great goal record across all the leagues. I think Wigan have the best eleven in the league and will take some stopping even with their European adventure. Wigan are my champions this season, a prediction of course of 1st.
KEY MAN:
Callum McManaman - frightening pace and fabulous end product
Yeovil Town
What a story, Yeovil Town, one promotion from the Premier League. It's crazy to think a club of this size can climb so high but all the credit in the world to them. They're here on merit and deserve to be respected. Yeovil of course will be largely unknown to the Championship audience, however they do have some good players. I'm a big fan of Paddy Madden, he scored a wonder goal in the play off final, and Yeovil will rely on their number 17 for goals. Ed Upson looks a real ball playing central midfielder, with the ability to dictate. Kevin Dawson also impressed me, the Irish wingers appetite for the game is a pleasure, and his understanding with Madden is brilliant. Yeovil have also added to this current crop, with a cluster of signings including Alan Tate on loan from Swansea City. Joining him is also Joel Grant, the winger who was signed from Wycombe Wanderers will add pace and flair to the Glovers. Other signings include Liam Davis, Billy Clifford (loan), Danny Seaborne, Michael Ngoo (loan) and Nana Ofori-Twumasi. As much as the facilities at Huish Park will be a bit of a culture shock to come clubs (meaning a tough away day) it has to be said Yeovil are favorites to be relegated. But then again, they were expected to struggle last year, they seem to thrive on that sort of media tag. Prediction of 24th.
KEY MAN:
Paddy Madden - last seasons top scorer in League One
So there you have it, the Sky Bet Championship teams. Here's hoping it's just as good, if not better, than last season.
