Barnsley
Last season: Widely tipped as relegation candidates by many at the start of the season, Keith Hill's first season managing the Tykes got off to a solid start with some impressive results to boot. They did the double over rivals Leeds and also got three points at the likes of Reading and Leicester. However, things nose dived in the second half of the season after the January transfer window, selling striker Ricardo Vas Te to West Ham and seeing loan star Danny Drinkwater sign for Leicester. A season ending injury to key midfielder Jacob Butterfield in December also proved costly. They only won two of their last 18 games, finishing the season 21st. Their bad form could continue into next season, with captain Butterfield joining Norwich.
Transfers: In: Lee Collins (£50,000 from Port Vale), Kelvin Etuhu (Free from Manchester City), Jacob Mellis (Free from Chelsea), Mido (Free from Zamalek), Ben Alnwick (Free from Tottenham Hotspur), Toni Silva Free from Liverpool), Tomasz Cywka (Free from Reading).
Out: David Cotterill (Free to Doncaster Rovers), Jacob Butterfield (Free to Norwich City), James McEveley (Free to Swindon Town), Andy Gray (Free to Leeds United), Nathan Doyle (Free to Barnsley), David Preece, Alastair Taylor (Both released)
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| Mido has played for 10 clubs in seven different countries. |
Prediction: Too much pressure lies on Mido's shoulders, and after selling Butterfield, Barnsley could struggle this season. 24th.
Birmingham City
Last season: Off the field, the Blues were in disarray for much of the season as owner Carson Yeung was arrested for money laundering and his assets were frozen. But manager Chris Hughton did wonders with no budget and a young squad as they were unlucky not to qualify from the group stages of the Europa League and managed to finish fourth in the Championship. After a 62 game season they lost to Blackpool in the semi-final, but more worryingly they lost Houghton this summer as he joined Premier League side Norwich. Ex Huddersfield manager Lee Clark has come in and his first task will be to keep hold of last seasons key players Marlon King, Nathan Redmond and Curtis Davies.
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| Butland: Has a bright future, but is it with Birmingham? |
Key Player: Jack Butland. He hasn't played a competitve game for Birmingham, but big things are expected of the 19 year-old goalkeeper. Having had two successful loan spells at Cheltenham Town, he was called up to England's Euro 2012 squad following an injury to John Ruddy, providing backup to Joe Hart and Robert Green. Stuart Peace then called up Butland for the Team GB Olympic team and put in some impressive performances. Several Premier League clubs have been linked with his signature, but first team football with the Blues should keep him at St Andrews for now.
Prediction: Hughton worked wonders with Birmingham, getting them into the playoffs. Clark will do well to repeat that feat. 11th
Blackburn Rovers
Last season: 11 consecutive years in the Premier League came to an end last season as Blackburn finished 19th. Throughout last season there were protests against manager Steve Kean and the owners Venky's, the most memorable being a chicken released on the pitch on the last home game of the season. They've prepared for life back in the Championship by bringing in some high profile names. Strikers Nuno Gomes and Leon Best will add firepower, although the news that Best has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury is a big blow. The most notable signing of the summer is midfielder Danny Murphy, who has joined on a free transfer from Fulham. Both Kean and the owners remain at Ewood Park, but a poor start this season will only increase the pressure which could finally push Kean over the edge.
Transfers. In: Leon Best (£3m from Newcastle United), Dickson Etuhu (£1m from Fulham), Edinho Junior (£500,000 from Olhanense), Fabio Nunes (Undisclosed from Portimonense), Paulo Jorge (Undisclosed from FC Porto B) Danny Murphy (Free from Fulham), Nuno Gomes (Free from Braga). Out: Yakubu (£1m to Guangzhou), Junior Hoilett (Free to Queens Park Rangers), Matthew Pearson (Free to Rochdale), Jackson Ramm (Free to Colchester United), Jordan Slew (Loan to Oldham Athletic), Ryan Edwards (Loan to Rochdale), Michel Salgado, Vince Grella, Zac Ailey, Herold Goulon (All released)
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| Murphy still has Premier League class. |
Prediction: With Murphy in midfield they have a match winner. If they can keep the bulk of their squad from last season they will be there or thereabouts. 3rd.
Blackpool
Last season: After being relegated from their debut season in the Premier League and selling key players Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell, many expected a season of consolidation on the Lancashire coast. However, the Tangerines were 90 minutes away from returning to the top flight, only to lose 2-1 to West Ham in the Championship playoff final. Ian Holloway's men once again drew many plaudits last season for their attacking football, scoring 79 goals, the third highest in the division. They were helped by veteran striker Kevin Phillips who top scored with 16 league goals. Phillips, who turns 39 this summer, has announced he will retire at the end of this season. What better way than to finish off your career with a promotion?
Transfers. In: Isaiah Osbourne (£250,000 from Hibernian), Jack Caprice (Free from Crystal Palace), Tiago Gomes (Free from Hercules), Scott Robertson (Free from Dundee United)
Out: Keith Southern (£300,000 to Huddersfield Town)
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| Ince: The 20-year-old scored 10 goals for Blackpool last season. |
Prediction: Holloway has a young and talented squad at his disposal. Promotion this season is a real possibility. 2nd
Bolton Wanderers
Last season: A long established Premier League club, not many expected Bolton's 13 year stay in the top flight to come to an end last season. But injuries, bad luck and Fabrice Muamba's on-pitch cardiac arrest lead to a lack of stability on the field which saw them get relegated on a dramatic last day to the season. At the time of writing, the Trotters have kept a lot of their key players despite releasing 13 players at the end of the season and have added midfielder Keith Andrews and defender Matt Mills as well. More importantly they have kept manager Owen Coyle as well. A talented young manager who knows how to get out of this division having won promotion with Burnley, he will almost certainly be linked with Premier League jobs when the 'sacking season' starts. If Bolton can keep Coyle and the bulk of their squad, then their time in the Championship could be a flying visit.
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| Davies will be a key player for Bolton if they can keep him. |
Transfers. In: Matt Mills (Undisclosed from Leicester City), Andy Lonergan (Undisclosed from Leeds United), Keith Andrews (Free from West Bromwich Albion), Joe McKee (Free from Burnley), Benik Afobe (Loan from Arsenal)
Out: Robbie Blake (Free to Doncaster Rovers), Mark Connolly (Free to Crewe Alexandra), Tope Obadeyi (Free to Rio Ave), Rhys Bennett (Free to Rochdale), Jussi Jaaskelainen (Free to West Ham United), Ricardo Gardner, Gretar Steinsson, Ivan Klasnic, Nigel Reo-Coker, Paul Robinson, Sean Davis (All released)
Key Player: Mark Davies. Leicester fans will know of Davies' ability after the midfielder spent two months on loan at the club during the title winning League One campaign. Despite being only 20 at the time, it was evident that Davies had the potential to play at a higher level. Bolton successfully bid £2m from his parent club Wolves for his services in January 2009, but his time at the Reebok Stadium has been hampered by injuries. He was one of Bolton's better players last season and is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool.
Prediction: Impressive summer signings have been added to a squad with lots of Premier League experience. Should bounce back at the first attempt. 1st.
Brighton and Hove Albion
Last season: Brighton marked their first season back in the Championship and first in their new Amex stadium with a top half finish. However, had they been more consistent they could easily have secured a playoff place. They started off the season in terrific form, winning five of their first six games. But nine games without a win saw them playing catch up for the rest of the season. A great start to 2012 saw them lose just one match from 16 and were mounting a serious playoff charge but they didn't win their last eight games of the season, meaning they finished 10th. Gus Poyet's aim this season will be the playoffs and more consistency. The loan signing of Wayne Bridge from Manchester City shows they are serious about a first season in the Premier League.
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| Greer: Been a rock for Brighton |
Out: Michael Poke (Free to Torquay United), Alan Navarro (Free to Swindon Town), Grant Hall (Free to Tottenham Hotspur), Jake Forster-Caskey (Loan to Oxford United), Yaser Kasim (Loan to Luton Town), David Gonzalez (Released)
Key Player: Gordon Greer. The club captain has been a key player for the past two seasons, making 74 appearances. Signed from Swindon Town, he helped Brighton to the League One title in his first season. He then put in some fine performances last season in the Championship whilst being a near ever-present, earning the praise of manager Gus Poyet. Now 31, Greer will be desperate for a crack at the Premier League.
Prediction: Will be pushing for the playoffs, but may just fall short for another season. 8th
Bristol City
Last season: A poor start to the season saw manager Keith Millen lose his job in October. With the club bottom of the league and with just one win, Bristol City appointed Derek McInnes. His impact was instantaneous, winning four of their next six games. After selling star striker Nicky Maynard to West Ham their form dipped. But they ended the season on an eight match unbeaten run, finishing the season in 20th, to give City fans hope of a more comfortable season ahead. Experienced goalkeeper David James has since left, along with seven other players who have been released as manager McInnes begins his rebuilding job to turn the Robins from relegation candidates to a steady second tier club once again.
Transfers: In: Greg Cunningham (Undisclosed from Manchester City), Jody Morris (Free from St Johnstone), Paul Anderson (Free from Nottingham Forest), Tom Heaton (Free from Cardiff City) Out: Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Free to Notts County), Jamie McAllister (Free to Yeovil Town), Marlon Jackson (Free to Hereford United), David Clarkson, David James, Christian Ribeiro (All released)
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| Adomah is a Ghanaian international |
Prediction: Still need a prolific striker who will replace the goals of Maynard. Face another season of struggle. 22nd
Burnley
Last season: Eddie Howe's first full season at Burnley was one of transition as he got rid of more experienced players in favour of youth - his oldest outfield player was vice-captain Dean Marney at 28. It was a steady season as well, finishing the season 13th, never in danger of relegation while not flirting with the playoffs either. The biggest highlight was the form of their two strikers Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez. Austin was Burnley's top scorer in the league, while local boy Rodriguez scored 21 in all competitions. That lead to Premier League new boys Southampton paying for his services, a big blow for the Clarets. They've already spent some of that money, paying Derby £1.1 million for defender Jason Shackell.
Transfers. In: Jason Shackell (£1.1m from Derby County), Luke O'Neill (Undisclosed from Mansfield Town), George Porter (Undisclosed from Leyton Orient), Sam Vokes (Undisclosed from Wolves), Joseph Mills (Loan from Reading)
Out: Jay Rodriguez (Undisclosed to Southampton), Andre Amougou, Clarke Carlisle, Brian Easton, Zavon Hines (All released)
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| Austin was Burnley's top goalscorer in the league last season. |
Key Player: Charlie Austin. After scoring a bagful of goals for several non-league clubs, Austin earned a move to Swindon Town in 2009. 18 months at the County Ground saw him score 31 goals and a move to Burnley materialised in January 2011. Many thought he would struggle in the Championship but he scored 16 goals last season, including a second half hat-trick against Portsmouth after coming off the bench. With the loss of Rodriguez, the Clarets will be looking at Austin to carry on his goalscoring feats.
Prediction: The goals of Jay Rodriguez will be hard to replace. Another steady mid table finish for Eddie Howe's young side. 15th.
Cardiff City
Last season: Little did they know it at the time, but last season was a historic one for Cardiff City. Not because they reached their first League Cup final, losing to Liverpool in an epic encounter, or because they lost to West Ham United in the playoff semi finals. It was because it would prove to be the last time they played at home in blue shirts, ending a 104 year tradition. The "re-branding" process under their Malaysian owners means they will now play in red shirts and black shorts, while the clubs badge has also changed, now featuring a red dragon. Understandably, many fans are upset with the off field decisions, but on the pitch things look strong, bringing in five players. Could this be the year that finally see Cardiff promoted to the Premier League?
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| Whittingham is a consistent performer in the Championship. |
Out: Kenny Miller (£500,000 to Vancouver Whitecaps), Anthony Gerrard (£350,000 to Huddersfield Town) John Parkin (Free to Fleetwood Town), Aaron Wildig (Free to Shrewsbury Town), Paul Quinn (Free to Doncaster Rovers), Tom Heaton (Free to Bristol City), Alex Evans, Lee Naylor, (Both released)
Key Player: Peter Whittingham. The midfielder is one of the best players in the Championship. Last season alone he was voted Cardiff's Player of the Year and was selected in the Championship Team of the Year. He also scored 13 goals and provided seven assists. His form over the past few seasons has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, most recently Fulham having a £2.5m bid rejected this summer. His loyalty to Cardiff will please boss Malky Mackay, but this could be his last season in the Championship if he continues with impressive displays.
Prediction: Once again, Cardiff will be in and around the playoffs. Whether they can go that one step further is another matter. 6th.
Charlton Athletic
Last season: The Addicks dominated League One from start to finish on their way to winning the title, losing only five games and getting 101 points. Chris Powell's men only lost two of their first 34 games, meaning promotion was never an issue. A mini blip in March was overcame as they got promoted with a 1-0 win at Carlisle with three games left to play. Now they're back in the Championship after a three year absence, they'll be hoping to follow in the footsteps Southampton and Norwich who have gone on to secure back to back promotions and return to the Premier League. Who's to say Charlton can't do the same?
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| Wright-Phillips is back playing in the Championship |
Out: Freddie Warren (Free to Barnet), Gary Doherty (Free to Wycombe Wanderers), Connor Gough (Free to Bristol Rovers), Mikel Alonson, Jason Euell (Both released)
Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips. After being released by Manchester City, Wright-Phillips failed to live up to the hype generated at Southampton. The Addicks signed the striker from Plymouth in January 2011 and got off to a fine start, scoring on his debut. His first full season saw him score 22 goals to help fire Charlton back into the Championship. Charlton fans sing that he is better than Shaun, his brother, and BWP has the ability to play at the same level. He will again be key for another promotion push this season.
Prediction: Have the momentum, the players and the manager to achieve back to back promotions. 5th
Crystal Palace
Last season: After staving off relegation for the past two seasons, the 2011/12 season was rather comfortable for Palace fans. Although they finished 17th, they were in the top half for most of the season and had they not gone the last nine games of the season winless would have finished their. Dougie Freedman's men also reached the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and were unfortunate not to reach Wembley, losing on a penalty shootout. A relegation dog fight may beckon again this season however after selling four key players. Academy products Sean Scannell and Nathaniel Clyne have joined Huddersfield and Southampton respectively, while Anthony Gardner has joined Sheffield Wednesday. A bigger loss will be midfielder Darren Ambrose, the club's top scorer for two of the past three seasons.
Transfers. In: Joel Ward (£400,000 from Portsmouth), Aaron Wilbraham (Free from Norwich City), Peter Ramage (Free from Queens Park Rangers), Aaron Martin (Loan from Southampton)
Out: Sean Scannell (£1m to Huddersfield Town), Darren Ambrose (Undisclosed to Birmingham City), Lee Hills (Free to Stevenage), Nathaniel Clyne (Free to Southampton), Jake Caprice (Free to Blackpool), Anthony Gardner (Free to Sheffield Wednesday), Nathaniel Pinney, Charlie Holness, Calvin Andrew (All released)
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| Zaha: 2011/12 Football League Young Player of the Year. |
Key Player: Wilfried Zaha. He may only be 19, but the winger has already made 81 appearances for Palace. A product of the club's academy, last season he was voted the Football League Young Player of the Year and the fifth best player in the Football League. He has the ability to play at the highest level, proven by the fact that he has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Sunderland and Newcastle amongst others in the past couple of seasons.
Prediction: Seeing a lot of key players leave will see them fall from last season's 17th place finish. Still have enough to stay up. 20th
Derby County
Last season: Derby had been flirting with relegation from the Championship for the past few seasons, so a 12th placed finish will be seen as a step in the right direction for by Nigel Clough. After a fine start which saw them climb as high as second, they only won one of their next 12 games to fall back into mid-table where they stayed for the rest of the season. Injuries were a big problem for the Rams, most notably losing club captain Shaun Barker for 16 months, meaning he will miss the whole of this season as well. Several youngsters were thrown into the starting XI, with Mason Bennett becoming the club's youngest ever senior player at 15 years and 99 days old.
Transfers. In: Richard Keogh (£1m from Coventry City), Paul Coutts (£150,000 from Preston North End), Michael Jacobs (Undisclosed from Northampton Town), James O'Connor (Undisclosed from Doncaster Rovers)
Out: Jason Shackell (£1m to Burnley), Chris Maguire (Undisclosed to Sheffield Wednesday), Miles Addison (Undisclosed to Bournemouth), Paul Green (Free to Leeds United), Callum Ball (Loan to Coventry City), Lee Croft (Loan to Oldham Athletic), Ross Atkins (Loan to Burton Albion) James Severn, Ryan Connolly (Both released)
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| Fielding: A safe pair of hands in goal for Derby. |
Key Player: Frank Fielding. After loan spells at several Football League clubs, including Derby, goalkeeper Fielding was sold to the Rams for £400,000 last summer from Blackburn. It's no coincidence that Derby's highest league finish since returning to the Championship coincided with Fielding's consistent performances in goal. He kept 12 clean sheets in the 47 games he playes last season, and will be hoping to better that this season.
Prediction: Losing captain and last season's star player Shackell is a blow. Another mid table finish for the Rams. 17th
Huddersfield Town
Last season: The Terriers broke a Football League record in November, going 43 consecutive games unbeaten across the past two seasons. That was why it was a surprise when manager Lee Clark was sacked in February with the club in fourth. In came former Leeds manager Simon Grayson and kept them in the playoffs until the end of the season. After beating Milton Keynes Dons in the semi final they faced Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at Wembley. The teams couldn't be seperated after 120 minutes and after an epic penalty shootout which saw all 22 players take a spot-kick, it was Huddersfield that won promotion.
Transfers. In: Anthony Gerrard (£350,000 from Cardiff City), Keith Southern (£300,000 from Blackpool), Sean Scannell (Undisclosed from Crystal Palace), Oliver Norwood (Undisclosed from Manchester United), Adam Clayton (Undisclosed from Leeds United), Paul Dixon (Free from Dundee United), Joel Lynch (Free from Nottingham Forest)
Out: Gary Roberts (Free to Swindon Town), Danny Cadamarteri (Free to Carlisle United), Tommy Miller (Free to Swindon Town), Nathan Clarke (Free to Leyton Orient), Gary Naysmith (Free to Aberdeen), Aidan Chippendale (Free to Accrington Stanley), Greg Pearson, Simon Thomas (Both released)
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| Rhodes broke the Huddersfield record of most goals in a season. |
Key Player: Jordan Rhodes. The Scottish international was head and shoulders above everyone else in League One last season, scoring 40 goals in 45 appearances. He scored back to back hat-tricks in October against Preston and Exeter and then scored all four goals in a 4-4 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. He went one better in January, scoring five goals against Wycombe. Unsurprisingly, he won the club's Player of the Year award last season and has been linked with a move away from the Terriers.
Prediction: With Rhodes in the side, scoring goals won't be a problem. Defence might need improving if they are to reach the playoffs. 7th
Hull City
Last season: A lack of stability off the field arguably cost Hull a playoff place last season. Manager Nigel Pearson left the club to rejoin Leicester City, with player Nick Barmby taking the reigns on a caretaker basis. A good run of results led to Barmby giving up his playing duties and becoming manager permanently. They looked a good bet for the playoffs, but five defeats in a row at the end of March saw them slip up, finishing seven points behind in eigth. Barmby was then sacked after publically criticising the owners. In came proven top flight manager Steve Bruce, who will be hoping to return to the Premier League as soon as possible.
Transfers. In: Nick Proschwitz (£2.6m from SC Paderborn), Eldin Jakupovic (Free from Aris), Abdoulaye Faye (Free from West Ham United), Sone Aluko (Free from Rangers), Alex Bruce (Free from Leeds United), Ben Amos (Loan from Manchester United)
Out: Kevin Kilbane (Free to Coventry City), Will Atkinson (Free to Bradford City), Rob Peet (Free to Hinckley United), Dele Adebola (Free to Rochdale), James Harper (Free to Hungerford Town), Sonny Bradley (Loan to Aldershot Town), Mark Cullen (Loan to Bury), Richard Garcia, Gavin Holohan (Both released), Adriano Basso (Retired)
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| Fryatt has scored 25 times since joining Hull. |
Key Player: Matty Fryatt. The Hull striker doesn't need much of an introduction to Leicester fans. Since leaving the King Power stadium to join the Tigers, he has scored 25 times in 68 appearances and was the club's top goalscorer last season with 16 goals, including a hat-trick against Barnsley. Now 26, Fryatt is coming towards the peak of his career and will be looking to have a crack at the Premier League some time soon.
Prediction: Like last season, they'll be around the playoffs come the end of the season, but could fall short once again. 9th.
Ipswich Town
Last season: Paul Jewell can consider himself lucky to still be manager of Ipswich Town. A run of 7 defeats from the end of October to the start of December would have seen many managers given the sack. The rot stopped in a remarkable fashion. 3-0 down at half time at Barnsley, the Tractor Boys turned the game around and won 5-3. Jewell kept his job and guided the club away from the relegation zone and into mid table safety, finishing the season 15th. This season is Ipswich's 11th consecutive season in the Championship and Jewell will be looking at the big names in the squad like Michael Chopra, Jimmy Bullard and Jason Scotland to finally get them out of the division
Transfers. In: Scott Loach (Undisclosed from Watford), Elliott Hewitt (Undisclosed from Macclesfield Town), Luke Chambers (Free from Nottingham Forest), Massimo Luongo (Loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Grant Leadbitter (Free to Middlesbrough), Richard Wright (Free to Preston North End), Lee Bowyer, Ibrahima Sonko (Both released), Mark Kennedy (Retired)
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| Chopra: Always a threat in the Championship. |
Key Player: Michael Chopra. He marked his first season at Ipswich with 14 goals, but off the field he experienced some major issues. Chopra was checked into a sporting clinic after gambling issues and Ipswich had to give Chopra £250,000 to resolve his gambling debts. In December 2011 he was banned from driving for six months, while he escaped a ban from the club after turning up to a training session an hour late after a drinking session with midfielder Bullard. If he can put his troubles behind him, he can once again become one of the most feared strikers in the Championship.
Prediction: A lot depends on how the big names play. Another inconsistent season beckons for the Tractor Boys. 18th.
Leeds United
Last season: Leeds were in contention for a playoff place until Simon Grayson was surprisingly sacked as manager in February with the club 10th in the league. Fellow Yorkshireman Neil Warnock replaced Grayson and was unable to maintain the playoff push, ultimately finishing 14th. One reason for the mid table finish was Leeds' poor home record, losing a club record 11 games at Elland Road. Warnock has been quick to rebuild the squad, releasing five players and selling another two while bringing in proven Championship players including goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. However, the loss of captain Robert Snodgrass to Norwich, scorer of 13 goals and assisting a further 15, is a huge blow.
Transfers. In: Lee Peltier (£600,000 from Leicester City), Paddy Kenny (£500,000 from Queens Park Rangers), Jason Pearce (£500,000 from Portsmouth), Luke Varney (£300,000 from Portsmouth), Rodolph Austin (£300,000 from Brann) Adam Drury (Free from Norwich City), Paul Green (Free from Derby County), Andy Gray (Free from Barnsley), Jamie Ashdown and David Norris (Free from Portsmouth)
Out: Robert Snodgrass (£3m to NorwichCity), Adam Clayton (£500,000 to Huddersfield Town), Andy Lonergan (Undisclosed to Bolton Wanderers), Maik Taylor (Free to Millwall), Alex Bruce (Free to Hull City), Andrew O'Brien (Free to Vancouver Whitecaps), Lloyd Sam, Mikael Forssell, Danny Webber (All released)
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| McCormack was Leeds' top goalscorer last season. |
Key Player: Ross McCormack. He broke a Leeds record last season, becoming the first Leeds United player to score in six consecutive games, doing so across September and October as Leeds pushed for the playoffs. He was linked with a move to Wolves and Blackburn during the January transfer window but he stayed at Elland Road and went on to score 19 goals in all competitions last season, the club's top goalscorer.
Prediction: Snodgrass' departure will be felt. If they had kept him, they could've been around the playoffs. Instead, another mid table season awaits. 13th.
Leicester City
Last season: The Foxes started last season as favourites for promotion after spending nearly £15 million on players. However, manager Sven Goran-Eriksson was sacked in October following a 3-0 home defeat to Millwall, despite being a few points outside the playoffs. Nigel Pearson returned for a second spell as manager but was unable to mount a serious charge for the playoffs, finishing 9th. Inconsistency was the buzzword for much of the season, not recording back to back wins until the beginning of March. That will have to change if the Thai owners want Premier League football sooner rather than later.
Transfers. In: Ritchie De Laet and Matt James (Undisclosed from Manchester United), Jamie Vardy (Undisclosed from Fleetwood Town), Anthony Knockaert (Undisclosed from Guingamp) Marko Futacs (Free from Portsmouth), Zak Whitbread (Free from Norwich City)
Out: Lee Peltier (£600,000 to Leeds United), Matt Mills (Undisclosed to Bolton Wanderers), Sol Bamba (Undisclosed to Trabzonspor), Steve Howard (Free to Hartlepool United), Chris Weale (Free to Shrewsbury Town) Matt Oakley (Free to Exeter City), Franck Moussa, John Pantsil, Darius Vassell, Elliott Chamberlain and Aleksander Tunchev (All released)
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| Schmeichel: A fans favourite at the King Power stadium. |
Prediction: Still have one of the best squads in the Championship. Consistency problems should also be resolved this season. 4th
Middlesbrough
Last season: Boro got off to a fine start to the 2011/12 season, going the first 11 games unbeaten. Indeed, throughout the season they were always challenging for a playoff spot which went down to the final day of the season before losing to Watford which saw Cardiff take the final place. It was a poor run of form in March and April though, eight games without a win, which ultimately cost them a top six finish. Tony Mowbray had a young side last season, with the likes of Joe Bennett and Rhys Williams particulalry impressing. With them now having another season under their belt, a playoff spot this season is certainly not out of the question.
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| Emnes enjoyed his best season at Boro during 2011/12 |
Key Player: Marvin Emnes. The Dutchman hadn't made much of an impact at the Riverside before last season. Seven goals in the first seven games of the 2011/12 season saw Emnes win the Championship Player of the Month for August. Emnes went on to become the club's top goalscorer with 14 goals and at only 24, has the potential to be Boro's 20+ goalscorer required for promotion this season.
Prediction: Could just fall short of the playoffs once again. 9th
Millwall
Last season: The Lions spent much of last season flirting with relegation and it wasn't until the final month of the season where they moved to safety, winning five of their last six games and finishing the season 16th. The New Den wasn't the fortress that it usually is either, winning seven of their 23 home games, the lowest point losing 6-0 against Birmingham. Manager Kenny Jackett is the longest serving manager in the Championship, with this season being his sixth as Millwall manager. With the club having one of, if not the smallest budget in the Championship, survival again this season will be a success.
Transfers. In: Scott Malone (Undisclosed from Bournemouth), Maik Taylor (Free from Leeds United), Chris Taylor (Free from Oldham Athletic), Karleigh Osborne (Free from Brentford)
Out: Josh McQuoid (Undisclosed to Bournemouth), Tony Craig (Free to Brentford), Hamer Bouazza (Free to Omonia Nicosia), Jordan Stewart, Chris Hackett (Both released)
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| Henderson scored three hat-tricks last season. |
Key Player: Darius Henderson. The former Watford striker was bought from Sheffield United with the task of trying to replace the goals of Steve Morison. Henderson managed it by scoring 15 goals, including hat-tricks against Leicester, Barnsley and Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup. Once again, his goals will be important this season to keep Millwall in the Championship.
Prediction: Will face another relegation fight but their fighting spirit should keep them up. 21st
Nottingham Forest
Last season: Promotion was the aim for Forest last season as former England manager Steve McLaren took over from Billy Davies, but two wins from the first ten games saw McLaren sacked after 112 days. Steve Cotterill took over but form didn't improve as Forest fought in a relegation battle. Cotterill kept the club in the division, finishing 19th, but was sacked this summer as new Kuwaiti owners came in. The Al-Hassawi family appointed Sean O'Driscoll, despite previously saying they wanted an "iconic" name. Promotion will again be the goal this season, but O'Driscoll has a lot of rebuilding to do in a short space of time after seeing five key players leave the club.
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| McGugan is Forest's longest serving player. |
Transfers. In: Adlene Guedioura (£1m from Wolves), Danny Collins (Undisclosed from Stoke City), Greg Halford (Undisclosed from Portsmouth), Dan Harding (Undisclosed from Southampton), Simon Gillett (Free from Doncaster Rovers)
Out: Chris Gunter (£2.3m to Reading), Gareth McCleary (Free to Reading), Luke Chambers (Free to Ipswich Town), Joel Lynch (Free to Huddersfield Town), Paul Anderson (Free to Bristol City), George Boateng (Released)
Key Player: Lewis McGugan. A product of the Forest youth academy, McGugan has played 172 times since making hs debut in 2006 and is the club's longest serving player. He made 35 appearances last term, but his form wasn't as good as it had been in the previous seasons as Forest fought a relegation battle. He has scored some cracking goals, and Forest fans will be hoping he can find his form again under new manager O'Driscoll.
Prediction: A lot depends on how Forest start and how much time the new owners give O'Driscoll. New signings may struggle to gel quickly. 16th
Peterborough United
Last season: Survival would have been deemed a success at London Road last season as Peterborough returned to the Championship, especially after selling star striker Craig Mackail-Smith last summer. Posh spent the first half of the season in the top half of the table, picking up some impressive scalps along the way. They thrashed Ipswich 7-1 in August, while later on in the season they beat an in-form Reading 3-1, ending the Royals' ten match unbeaten run Form dropped slightly at the end of the season, eventually finishing 18th. Goals weren't in short supply, scoring 67, but they were just as common at the other end, conceding 77. Darren Ferguson will hope that Posh don't suffer from second season syndrome.
Transfers. In: Tyrone Barnett (£1.2m from Crawley Town), Robert Olejnik (£300,000 from Torquay United), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (£100,000 from Wolves), Shaun Brisley (Undisclosed from Macclesfield Town), Michael Bostwick (Undisclosed from Stevenage), Nat Knight-Percival (Free from Wrexham), Danny Swanson (Free from Dundee United), Jonson Clarke-Harris (Free from Coventry City)
Out: David Ball (Undisclosed to Fleetwood Town), Joe Lewis (Free to Cardiff City), Paul Jones (Free to Crawley Town)
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| Taylor is on the transfer list at London Road. |
Key Player: Paul Taylor. The Merseyside born striker spent time in the non-league and in Belgium before signing for Posh in February 2011. He scored his first goal at the start of this season against Millwall and went on to score 12 time to help Peterborough secure Championship safety. Taylor rejected a four year contract in April and is now on the transfer list (along with George Boyd, Nicky Ajose, Grant McCann and Mark Little) attracting interest from numerous Championship clubs.
Prediction: If the transfer listed trio of Taylor, Boyd and McCann leave then they will certainly struggle. 23rd.
Sheffield Wednesday
Last season: Milan Mandaric's decision to sack Gary Megson at the end of February with the club third in League One was greeted with shock, but it proved to be an inspired decision. Former Cardiff City manager Dave Jones took over and the club went on a 13 match unbeaten run, winning ten of them, to pip city rivals Sheffield United to the final automatic promotion spot. The club's size and history means they'll be looking for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2000. With Mandaric's financial backing and Jones' managerial experience in the Championship, this season is the best chance they've had for a while.
Transfers. In: Michail Antonio (Undisclosed from Reading), Chris Maguire (Undisclosed from Derby County), Chris Kirkland (Free from Wigan Athletic), Kieran Lee (Free from Oldham Athletic), Joe Mattock (Free from West Bromwich Albion), Anthony Gardner (Free from Crystal Palace), Diago Amado (Free from Uniao Leiria), Nejc Pecnik (Free from Nacional), Rhys McCabe (Free from Rangers)
Out: Ryan Lowe (Undisclosed to Milton Keynes Dons), Richard O'Donnell (Free to Chesterfield), Rob Jones (Free to Doncaster Rovers), Clinton Morrison (Free to Colchester United), Jon Otsemobor (Free to MK Dons), Vadaine Oliver (Free to Lincoln City), Sean Cuff, Chris Sedgwick, Matthew Tumilty, Scott Canham, Tom Rowbotham, Lee Wall (All released)
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| Semedo was an ever-present for Wednesday last season. |
Prediction: A mid table finish will be a good finish. Expect them to build on that next season. 14th
Watford
Last season: Sean Dyche's managerial debut got off to a solid start as the club finished 11th, despite limited resources and selling key players. Last summer the Hornets sold attacking trio Danny Graham, Don Cowie and Will Buckley, while in January, top goalscorer Marvin Sordell joined Bolton Wanderers. Despite a more than respectable finish, Dyche was sacked this summer as the club were taken over by Udinese and Grenada owner Giampaolo Pozzo, replaced by Gianfranco Zola.
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| Eustace has made over 150 appearances for Watford. |
Transfers. In: Manuel Almunia (Free from Arsenal), Fitz Hall (Free from Queens Park Rangers), Almen Abdi, Steve Leo Beleck, Matej Vydra (All loan from Udinese), Ikechi Anya, Daniel Pudil (Both loan from Grenada)
Out: Adrian Mariappa (Undisclosed to Reading), Scott Loach (Undisclosed to Ipswich Town), David Mirfin, Josh Walker (Both free to Scunthorpe United), Rene Gilmartin (Free to Plymouth Argyle),
Key Player: John Eustace. The midfielder and club captain has plenty of Championship experience, playing most of his career in the second tier for Coventry, Stoke and Watford. Now 32, Eustace was an important player as the Hornets kept their Championship status, playing 39 league games and chipping in with four goals. His experience will be vital for what is a relatively young squad.
Prediction: New signings and new owners are a bit of an unknown entity. Could be quick to pull the trigger if Zola gets off to a slow start. 19th
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season: The decision to sack Mick McCarthy in February was seen by some as the wrong decision. The appointment of his assistant manager Terry Connor to try and keep the club in the Premier League was viewed by all as baffling. Connor didn't win any of his 13 games in charge as the club returned to the Championship. Unsurprisingly, Connor wasn't given the job on a permanent basis, instead appointing Norwegian Stale Solbakken. At the time of writing, Wolves have managed to keep hold of all their key players, although the likes of Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis are likely to leave.
Transfers. In: Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson (£2.4m from Lillestrom), Jamie Tank (Undisclosed from Walsall), Frank Nouble (Free from West Ham United), Tongo Doumbia (Loan from Rennes), Slawomir Peszko (Loan from Cologne)
Out: Michael Kightly (Undisclosed to Stoke City), Sam Vokes (Undisclosed to Burnley), Adlene Guedioura (Undisclosed to Nottingham Forest), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Undisclosed to Peterborough United), Louis Harris (Free to AFC Wimbledon), Leigh Griffiths (Loan to Hibernian), Jake Cassidy (Loan to Tranmere Rovers), Johnny Gorman (Loan to Plymouth Argyle) James Spray, Ashley Hemmings (Both released)
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| Hennessey won the Wolves Fans' Player of the Season Award for 2011/12 |
Prediction: New manager has no Championship experience which could see him slip up. Season of stability is needed at Molineux. 12th
*All transfers correct at the time of writing.
@mattelliott321
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