They may not be the most meritocratic invention, but it’s hard to argue with the excitement they bring to the end of the season, and once again a whole host of names can potentially count themselves in the running to emulate Blackpool’s unlikely success and gain promotion through the playoffs.
Playoff Hopefuls
The battle hardened squads of Cardiff City and Sheffield United are always a solid bet to fill positions 3-6, and while the Welshmen are still in financial trouble (aren’t half the division?) and have lost Joe Ledley, they still have their manager Dave Jones, who has an excellent record and the front two of Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd are more than a handful at this level. Similarly the Blades squad, whilst not packed with players blessed with guile and creativity is made up of a number of very effective players at Championship standing, with the signing of the impressive Leon Britton from Swansea particularly catching the eye.
One of the biggest stories so far this summer has been the arrival of England Goalkeeper (which he still technically is) David James at Bristol City. The club are very ambitious, and whilst the signing of James alone won’t be the difference, their chairman has promised more new names to come. Furthermore, they also have (personal bias on show here) one of the best managers in English football in ‘super’ Stevie Coppell. Adept at operating on a budget, the presence of Coppell, James, as well as keeping hold of star striker Nicky Maynard could see the club mounting a significant challenge for a spot in the top 6. (NB: this was written before they offered a contract to Tom Williams, who more astute readers may recognise as being the worst player I saw in the Championship last season. Twice).
It remains to be seen how far the loss of Nigel Pearson will affect Leicester City who had a very impressive campaign last time out, a ridiculous chipped penalty at the end of it aside, but Paulo Sousa (who seems to be the new Harry Bassett by the look of his CV) should continue on the good work that’s being going on the last two years. The midlands side have a hungry young team, and in Jack Hobbs have an outstanding centre back, who looks to be a Premiership player in the making. Pearson’s destination was the KC Stadium, and his managerial talent should be able to wring more from Hull City’s squad than Iain Dowie did last season. Hull’s finances are about as stable as Kerry Katona’s mental state and the sooner they can get the overrated, overpaid, yet seriously underwhelming and underperforming Jimmy Bullard off the payroll the better. Their squad is heavy in terms of numbers, if conspicuously lighter in terms of talent, but a name to watch out for is young striker Mark Cullen, who people at the club are getting very excited about.
Ever since they were taken over a couple of summers ago by the Formula 1 brigade, QPR have been expected to be challenging for promotion, and yet, thanks to constant managerial upheaval, interference from a perma tanned Italian lothario and a rather scatter gun approach to player recruitment, mid table (and indeed flirts with relegation) have been the norm. With old stager, and playoff veteran, the indefatigable Mr. Warnock in charge, this season could be when they put it all together.
Many fans have been underwhelmed at the summer recruitment so far, but Paddy Kenny is an excellent goalkeeper at this level, and comes in with something to prove following his drugs ban. Old stagers Clint Hill and Shaun Derry arrive from Warnock’s old club Crystal Palace and should add determination and experience to the more flowery skills exhibited by the likes of Akos Buzsaky and Adel Taarabt, who has signed on permanently from Tottenham following his loan spell at Loftus Road last year.
Finally, you always see one club who uses the momentum from a promotion to push on again, and this season there looks to be a good balance about the Norwich side which romped away as League 1 Champions last year. Following years of decline, which culminated in relegation to the third tier two years ago, the club appears to have been revitalised and Paul Lambert, whilst being another rather unpleasant man (I guess it helps in football management) clearly has something about him. A lot will depend on whether the likes of the prolific Grant Holt can step up to this level, but in playmaker Wes Hoolahan, they have a player who can unlock even the meanest of defences. They have also secured in Andrew Surman, the elegant left footed attacking midfielder, arguably one of the signings of the summer so far. Could be a strong outside bet.
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