The Vital Countdown continues as we take a look at the runners and riders in this year’s Championship.
Barnsley
In: Jason Shackell (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Undisclosed, Jim O`Brien (Motherwell) Free, Goran Lovre (FC Groningen) Free, Liam Dickinson (Brighton and Hove Albion) Undisclosed, Jay McEveley (Derby County) Free, Diego Arismendi (Stoke City) Loan, Jeronimo Morales Neumann (Estudiantes) Undisclosed
Out: Darren Moore (Burton Albion) Free, Mounir El Haimour (Released), Daniel Bogdanovic (Sheffield United) Free, O`Neil Thompson (Hereford United) Loan, Michael Coulson (Grimsby Town) Free, Anderson De Silva (Released), Roberto Colace (Released), Simon Heslop (Oxford United) Free, Jon Macken (Released), Robert Kozluk (Sheffield United) Free, Jordan Hibbert (Queens Park Rangers) Free
Last Time Out: After a foray with mid table Barnsley slumped to finish in eighteenth place on fifty-four points. Form at Oakwell was patchy with eight wins, seven draws and eight defeats but was better in contrast to their away form where The Tykes suffered twelve defeats and shipped forty goals.
The Lowdown: The initial optimism of the appointment of Mark Robins did wonders for Barnsley last term but that didn`t last as the Yorkshire outfit slumped towards the end of the season. Given that Robins has shown several players the door, more of the elder statesmen of the side such as Jon Macken and Darren Moore. The loss of Daniel Bogdanovic is a huge body blow as he has been instrumental and key to any success they have had in the past two seasons. Robins has moved to strengthen his defence by the signing of Jason Shackell who has been made captain and the arrival of Jay McEverley from Derby. Much is expected of Serbian striker Goran Lovre who has been brought into the side to replace the mercurial Bogdanovic. Iain Hume will be his strike partner but he hasn`t been the same since fracturing his skull in a horrific incident with Sheffield United`s Chris Morgan. The Tykes in all probability don`t have the squad to break out if the lower half of the table and could be possible relegation candidates if consistency isn`t achived at least at home.
Did You Know: New signing Jason Shackell was appointed team captain before a ball was even kicked this summer.
Founded: 1887
Nickname: The Tykes
Stadium: Oakwell (23,009)
Shirt Sponsors: Barnsley Building Society
Manager: Mark Robins
Key Man: Jason Shackell
Last Season: 18th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 12,964
Aprox Travel: 5593
Prediction: 23rd NPOWER Championship (Relegated)
Odds: 50-1
Bristol City
In: Albert Adomah (Barnet) Tribunal, Kalifa Cisse (Reading) Undisclosed, David James (Portsmouth) Free, Nicky Hunt (Bolton Wanderers) Free, Damion Stewart (Queens Park Rangers) Undisclosed
Out: Lee Trundle (Neath) Free, Brian Wilson (Colchester United) Free, Steve Collis (Released), Frankie Artus (Cheltenham Town) Free, Tristan Plummer (Released), Ashley Kington (Released), Andre Blackman (AFC Wimbledon) Free, Jamie McCombe (Huddersfield Town) Undisclosed, Paul Hartley (Aberdeen) Free, Bradley Orr (Queens Park Rangers) Undisclosed
Last Time Out: Eighteen draws, ten coming at Ashton Gate limited what Bristol could achieve last term; they were only seven points off the playoffs in tenth place. A couple of extra wins could have made all the difference to their campaign although the Robins home form was impressive with ten wins, ten draws and only three defeats. Nicky Maynard was on fire last term scoring twenty league goals.
The Lowdown: Steve Copell has been brought into the fold for a solitary season to try and work some of the magic he has shown with other teams by getting Bristol to the Premier League. Copeell issued an ultimatum during the summer saying he would not tolerate players who would not be one hundred percent commited to the Bristol City cause and suggested that those players leave the club. The retention of Nicky Maynard was critical for Bristol, the striker has a lethal finish and is starting to show his quality that will no doubt take him all the way to the Premiership someday. Centre back Louis Carey has been retained as the team captain by Coppell who has elected to bring only a handful of players into the squad feeling that the side is already capable of doing well at this level. Nobody would have thought that David James would have signed for Bristol especially back in June when he was part of the English world cup squad. Midfielders Cole Skuse, who has signed a new contract until 2013, and Marvin Elliott are also key members of the side. With the goals of Maynard Bristol should find themselves on the cusp of a playoff place at least.
Did You Know: Bristol City were declared bankrupt in 1982 and fell all the way to the bottom tier of the Football League from the top in three seasons.
Founded: 1897
Nickname: The Robins
Stadium: Ashton Gate (21,497)
Shirt Sponsors: DAS
Manager: Steve Coppell
Key Man: Nicky Maynard
Last Season: 10th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 14,591
Aprox Travel: 7329 miles
Prediction: 4th NPOWER Championship (Playoffs)
Odds: 20-1
Burnley
In: Dean Marney (Hull City) Undisclosed, Chris Iwelumo (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Undisclosed, Ross Wallace (Preston North End) Undisclosed, Lee Grant (Sheffield Wednesday) Undisclosed
Out: Stephen Caldwell (Released), Stephen Jordan (Released), Nicky Weaver (Released), Jonathan Lund (Released), Adam Kay (Released), Ben Hoskin (Released), Joey Gudjonsson (Huddersfield Town) Free, Robbie Blake (Bolton Wanderers) Free, Remco Van Der Schaaf (Brondby) Loan, Jake McEneaney (Guiseley) Free
Last Time Out: Despite being relegated from the Premiership in their first season at that level Burnley put up a fantastic effort in the end only being five points from safety in eighteenth position. Their record away from home though was appalling picking up only one win and one draw on the road in turn suffering seventeen defeats, the most recorded away from home in the Premier League last term. The eight two goals they conceded was the most any team let in but the forty-two they scored was by no means bad as they finished joint tenth top scorers.
The Lowdown: Brian Laws has to be a happy man coming into the new season. He has managed to keep the nucleus of the squad that gave a great account for themselves last term in the Premiership and the side stands more than a fair chance of attaining promotion again. Hardworking striker Martin Paterson has made a big impact at the club and is still only twenty-three years old, he has just put pen to paper for a new three year deal. Veteran Graham Alexander who was voted as their best player in the Premiership campaign will once again be vital to the Burnley cause, his spirit alone drives the team on. Out of the new signings Ross Wallace looks to be the pick of the bunch, he has earned himself a reputation as one of the best left back`s in the Cahmpionship and has a deadly set piece about him which gives the side a alternative to Graham Alexander. The only weak point to the side maybe the manager himself who will need to break a year of negative habits,both with Burnley and former club Sheffield Wednesday, to succeed in taking Burnley back to summit of English football. The Clarets should be challenging for the title and automatic promotion, failure to do so will probably cost Laws his job.
Did You Know: Burnley are only one of three teams to win all of the top four professional leagues in England.
Founded: 1882
Nickname: The Clarets
Stadium: Turf Moor (22,546)
Shirt Sponsors: Fun 88
Manager: Brian Laws
Key Man: Graham Alexander
Last Season: 18th Barclays Premiership (Relegated)
AVG Attendance: 20,653
Aprox Travel: 7110 miles
Prediction: 1st NPOWER Championship (Champions Promoted)
Odds: 10-1
Cardiff City
In: Tom Heaton (Manchester United) Free, Daniel Drinkwater (Manchester United) Loan
Out: Peter Enckleman (Released), Warren Feeney (Oldham Athletic) Free, Tony Capaldi (Released), Aaron Morris (Aldershot Town) Free, Riccardo Scimeca (Retired), Josh Magennis (Aberdeen) Free, Darren Dennehy (Barnet) Free, Joe Ledley (Celtic) Free, Mark Kennedy (Ipswich Town) Undisclosed
Last Time Out: Playoff heartache struck Cardiff as they were beaten by Blackpool in the final, meaning that their dreams of Premiership football are on hold for yet another season. Twenty two wins in total were achieved by the Welsh side with twelve coming at home and ten away. The Bluebirds managed an even spread of the goals they scored with thirty-seven coming at home a and thirty-six coming on the road making them the second highest away scorers in the Championship. Midfielder Peter Whittingham made ten assists and scored twenty goals in the league last term with Michael Chopra chipping in sixteen strikes also.
The Lowdown: Despite escaping punishment from HMRC there is still unease about the financial predicament facing Cardiff`s future. The club are reported to still be in around £15 – £30 million pounds in debt. Cardiff have lost the services of Joe Ledley but have retained all of they key players. Michael Chopra has vented his frustration at the lack of strengthening at the club and fears the worst even threatening to leave the side at one point but he soon back tracked on that quote. Fellow striker Jay Bothroyd is key to Cardiff`s promotion ambitions but question marks surround his long term fitness as of late. Peter Whittingham was Cardiff`s best player last term and will be looking to use his set piece expertise to fire Cardiff to the promised land. The Bluebirdss should be dominat at home once again as Cardiff can be a long journey for teams to make. Dave Jones will guide Cardiff to the playoffs again no doubt but promotion may be a step too far for the Welshmen.
Did You Know: Cardiff still owe money to Motherwell and Cardiff for players bought and are being persued for the cash due to their failure to settle their debts.
Founded: 1899
Nickname: The Bluebirds
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium (26,828)
Shirt Sponsors: SBO Bet
Manager: Dave Jones
Key Man: Jay Bothroyd
Last Season: 4th Coca Cola Championship (Playoffs: Finalists)
AVG Attendance: 20,717
Aprox Travel: 8228.6 miles
Prediction: 6th NPOWER Championship (Playoffs)
Odds: 9-1
Coventry City
In: Gary McSheffrey (Birmingham City) Free, Stephen O`Halloran (Aston Villa) Free, Roy O`Donovan (Sunderland) Free, Richard Keogh (Carlisle United) Undisclosed, Lee Carsley (Birmingham City) Free, Lukas Jutkiewicz (Everton) Undisclosed, Clive Platt (Colchester United) Undisclosed
Out: Elliott Ward (Norwich City) Free, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos (Kerkyra F.C) Free, Stephen Wright (Released), Clinton Morrison (Sheffield Wednesday) Free, Curtis Wynter (Released), Adam Walker (Nuneaton Town) Free, Ashley Cain (Mansfield Town) Free, Marcus Hall (Released)
Last Time Out: Another drab season ended with The Sky Blues occupying nineteenth position on fifty-four points despite faint hopes of a playoff push mid season. This disappointing finish to the season cost Chris Coleman his job at the Ricoh Arena. Coventry only managed thirteen wins which was the joint fourth lowest tally in the division with eight being recorded at the Ricoh where they also saw six defeats. A lack of goals also played its part with Coventry only being able to manage forty-seven in total.
The Lowdown: Aidy Boothroyd is the ninth manager Coventry have had in the past decade, with that in mind Bothroyd may have accepted a poision chalice. There is certainly a lack of investment at the club which has seen them flirt precariously above the relegation spots in the Championship for some time now. Without extra investment Coventry will never break through mid table at this level although Bothroyd has brought in some interesting talent this summer. The return of Gary McSheffrey and the addition of Roy O`Donovan should bolster the Sky Blues` forward line as both are mobile strikers who know where the back of the net is. Richard Keogh and Stephen O`Halloran are expected to fill the gap left by Elliott Ward and Lee Carsley will add steel to the midfield and has already been made team captain. Goalkeeper Kieron Westwood is at the centre of a huge amount of interest from the Premier League sides but has vowed to stay at the club at this time, he seems set to replace Shay Given as Ireland`s number one. A mid table finish is the best Coventry can hope for, Aidy Bothroyd should being more consistency to the side which would be an improvement in its self.
id You Know: Coventry said goodbye to long term servant left back Marcus Hall in the summer. He was released on a free after spending most of his career at Coventry. His first spell came from 1992-2002 where he graduated as a youth player before he moved to Nottingham Forest on a free transfer. He moved back to the Ricoh Arena in 2005 on a free transfer from Stoke City and has been at the until he was released. Hall never commanded a transfer fee no matter where he went and always moved on free transfer deals.
Founded: 1883
Nickname: The Sky Blues
Stadium: Ricoh Arena (32,609)
Shirt Sponsors: City Link
Manager: Aidy Boothroyd
Key Man: Kieron Westwood
Last Season: 19th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 17,305
Aprox Travel: 5066.2 miles
Prediction: 15th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 33-1
Crystal Palace
In: David Wright (Ipswich Town) Free, Adam Barrett (Southend United) Free, Andy Dorman (St Mirren) Free, Lewis Price (Derby County) Free
Out: James Comley (Released), Matthew Wright (Released), Hakeem Adelakun (Released), Michael Abnett (Released), Nick Carle (Sydney FC) Free, Johannes Ertl (Sheffield United) Free, Jack Randall (Aldershot Town) Free, Shaun Derry (Queens Park Rangers) Free, Clint Hill (Queens Park Rangers) Free, Matt Lawrence (Released), Danny Butterfield (Southampton) Free Stern John (Released)
Last Time Out: A ten point deduction for entering administration nearly cost Palace their Championship status although a last day draw against Sheffield Wednesday sent the Yorkshire club packing to League One instead. Palace displayed impressive away form throughout the season, they may have only won six games but drew twelve and only got beat five times. Only the top two in the league could better that statistic. Darren Ambrose ended up as top scorer for the Eagles with fifteen goals in the League.
The Lowdown: Palace are about to finally exit administration after a period that has left them scarred in more ways than one. Palace were literally minutes from being no more in the summer until the new owners CPFC 2010 and the Royal Bank of Scotland agreed upon a settlement to pay of the clubs debts. An exodus of players that was expected has occurred with capatain Shaun Derry and Clint Hill, the two most imfluential players in the team leaving for QPR. The saga over Darren Ambrose`s future has finally been resolved he has signed a new three year deal. new signing Andy Dorman who has earned plaudits north of the border with St Mirren is the one of the players to watch in the side. Goalkeeper Julian Speroni has often been called the best goalkeeper outside of the Premiership and his consistant performances have won over the Palace fans time and time again. Nineteen year old Nathaniel Clyne is hot property and wanted by a host of Premiership clubs but he seems set on staying with Palace to help them stay safe in the Championship. New manager George Burley brings experience to the table and should have enough guile to direct Palace to a mid table finish.
Did You Know: American rapper P Diddy was offered the chance to buy the club but he felt that it wasn`t the right business deal he was looking for. P Diddy is seriously looking to invest in a football club in th UK.
Founded: 1905
Nickname: The Eagles
Stadium: Selhurst Park (26,309)
Shirt Sponsor: GAC.com
Manager: George Burley
Key Man: Julian Speroni
Last Season: 21st Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 14,790
Aprox Travel: 6517.4 miles
Prediction: 17th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 50-1
Derby County
In: Gareth Roberts (Doncaster Rovers) Free, John Brayford (Crewe Alexandra) Undisclosed, James Bailey (Crewe Alexandra) Undisclosed, Tomasz Cywka (Wigan Athletic) Free, David Martin (Millwall) Undisclosed
Out: Gary Teale (Sheffield Wednesday) Free, Jay McEveley (Barnsley) Free, Lee Hendrie (Released), Lewis Price (Crystal Palace) Free, Mark Dudley (Released), Henrik Ojamaa (Alemannia Aachen) Free, Alex Forde (Released), Paul Connolly (Leeds United) Free, Lee Croft (Huddersfield Town) Loan, Jermaine Johnson (Stafford Rangers) Free
Last Time Out: Derby`s home and away records were virtually proportionate, twelve wins came at Pride Park and twelve defeats came away. The Rams away form was a sore point last term as the side only managed three wins and sixteen goals.
The Lowdown: Nigel Clough has been in the rebuildling of Derby County for over a year now and sabalising the club in mid table can be seen as a success in his first full season at the helm. Realistically the squad lacks the strength in depth to make it any higher than that mid table berth at this time. Striker Rob Hulse is key to any success The Rams could achieve; he is comfortable in front of goal at this level and has vital experience of Championship football with various clubs. Robbie Savage has been retained as captain, the Welsh midfielder has enjoyed a renaissance under Clough after enduing what probably was his worst spell in football to date. He made forty nine appearances in all competitions last season in which only one was from the subs bench indicating that despite his age he is still in good condition. Another mid table season awaits Derby.
Did You Know: Pride Park has the sixteenth biggest capacity for a football stadium in England.
Founded: 1884
Nickname: The Rams
Stadium: Pride Park (33,597)
Shirt Sponsor: Buymobiles.net
Manager: Nigel Clough
Key Man: Rob Hulse
Last Season: 14th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 29,230
Aprox Travel: 4868.2 miles
Prediction: 14th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 30-1
Doncaster Rovers
In: George Friend (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Free, Billy Sharp (Sheffield United) £1.1 million, Simon Gillett (Southampton) Free, Josh Payne (West Ham United) Free, Ben Smith (Shrewsbury Town) Free
Out: Paul Heffernan (Sheffield Wednesday) Free, Lewis Guy (MK Dons) Free, Sean McDaid (Carlisle United) Free, Callum Fisher (Frickley Athletic) Free, John Spicer (Notts County) Free, Ben Smith (Released), Gareth Roberts (Derby County) Free, Aiden Moore (Nuneaton Town) Free, Aaron Moxon (Rainworth MW) Free
Last Time Out: Doncaster enjoyed yet another unfathomed successful season in the Championship last term. Rovers rercord was pretty much as even as you can get in footballing terms, fifteen wins, fifteen draws and sixteen defeats were recorded in the league last year and the side managed to score fifty nine goals but conceded fifty eight. Billy Sharp fired fifteen goals last term and ended as Doncaster`s top marksman.
The Lowdown: Doncaster are the team that just can`t help getting better each season. Since rising for the Conference in the mid 2000`s Doncaster`s journey has been phenomenol and will probably not be replicated in some time. Sean O`Driscoll has kept to his word by not compromising the aestheticly pleasing football that Doncaster play to attain success, Doncaster simply play teams off the park with their silky passing skills which has won them many admirers and earned them a lot of respect. Striker Billy Sharp has permanently joined the club this summer, he is a tremendous striker who is guaranteed to plough in goals for Rovers, a genuine persistant threat at Championship level for any team. Team captain Brain Stock has seen his stock rise since he joined the club in 2007, becoming a consistant performer for the Rovers and earning two full caps for Wales in the process. Journeyman John Oster has been handed a new deal and goalkeeper Neil Sullivan remains the clubs number one at the age of forty. Doncaster may not hit the heady heights of twelfth again this season but should be good for a lower mid table finish at the very least.
Did You Know: Doncaster were relegated to the Football Conference in 1998, they stayed at that tier until they won the Conference playoffs in 2003. From the summer of 2003 to the summer of 2008 they managed to climb through three divisions to make it to the Championship and have successfully retained their spot for the past two seasons despite many doubters.
Founded: 1879
Nickname: The Rovers
Stadium: Keepmoat Stadium (15,231)
Shirt Sponsor: One Call Insurance
Manager: Sean O`Driscoll
Key Man: Billy Sharp
Last Season: 12th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 10,991
Aprox Travel: 5420.2 miles
Prediction: 18th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 50-1
Hull City
In: James Harper (Sheffield United) Free, Nolberto Solano (Leicester City) Free
Out: Bernard Mendy (Released), Dean Marney (Burnley) Undisclosed, Lee Wright (Released), Richard Overment (Released), Yann Ekra (Released), Nathan Hanley (Released), Ryan Kendell (Released), John Leonard (Released), Darragh Satelle (Released), Stephen Hunt (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Undisclosed, Geovanni (Released), George Boateng (Released), Jan Venegoor of Hesselink (Released), Kamel Ghilas (Arles-Avignon) Loan
Last Time Out: Hull dropped out of the Premiership finishing in nineteenth on thirty points without winning a single away match and being defeated twenty-two times over the course of the season. Only six wins at home and throughout the entire campaign was the lowest win tally of any side. Goals were also hard to come by as a mere thirty-four goals were scored and with seventy-five being conceded by Hull their goal difference ended on an unhealthy minus forty-one, the second lowest recorded.
The Lowdown: Relegation was pretty a much a certainty all season as without the great start of the pervious year and the fact they failed to win a solitary away game. A boardroom reshuffle has taken place in an attempt to stave off further financial peril, the club are reported to be £35 million poundsin debt. The hard working players whom attained promotion throughout the divisions for Hull have moved on or have aged considerably and most of their stars like Jimmy Bullard are on too high wages to stay at the club realistically. It could take a few years to make Hull financially safe again but the rebuilding for Hull starts here and now despite Adam Pearson`s decree that players must now leave before any other new acquisitions can be brought in. New manager Nigel Pearson is great motivator and manager as proven by turning Leicester`s fortunes around within two seasons. Twenty-eight year old winger Richard Garcia has given some great performances for Hull since he joined in 2007 and was one of Australia`s better performers in the World Cup this summer. Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill has been with the club since 2003 and is one the sides premier players who has attracted attention this summer from Premiership clubs but he remains loyal to the Humberside club. With the rentention of some of their honest hard working players and Nigel Pearson at the helm a playoff charge isn`t out of the question for the Tigers.
Did You Know: Andy Davidson holds the club appearance record for Hull playing 520 times from 952-1968.
Founded: 1904
Nickname: The Tigers
Stadium: The Kingston Communications Stadium (25,404)
Shirt Sponsors: Totesport.com
Manager: Nigel Pearson
Key Man: Richard Garcia
Last Season: 19th Barclays Premiership (Relegated)
AVG Attendance: 24,389
Aprox Travel: 6965.8 miles
Prediction: 12th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 14-1
Ipswich Town
In: Conor Hourihane (Sunderland) Free, Mark Kennedy (Cardiff City) Undisclosed
Out: Richard Wright (Released), David Wright (Crystal Palace) Free, Ed Upson (Yeovil Town) Free, Liam Trotter (Millwall) Free, Kevin Lisbie (Millwall) Loan
Last Time Out: Roy Keane endured a torrid start to last season but turned Ipswich into draw specialists to save them from the drop, twenty of them in total, eleven at home and nine away. The Tractor Boys only managed eight home wins, twelve in total for the season which was the third lowest amount recorded in the Championship last term.
The Lowdown: Roy Keane`s plans to refresh his Ipswich side have hit a stumbling block as Chairman Marcus Evans told Keane to sell players before he could bring any more into the club. He seems to be making a breakthrough but only now at the end of pre-season which could upset the balance of the dressing room with a replication of last seasons slow start possible due to the lack of time his potential new signings will have to settle at the club. The Tractor Boys have a potential gem in their fold in the guise of seventeen year old striker Connor Whickham who is already a man mountain of a player he was given spells of first team action last season and should be given more exposure this time around. Team captain Jonathan Walters has been with the club since 2007 and is one of the more consistent performers at the club. Gareth McAuley and Damian Deleaney are both solid defenders on their day and are key players in the side. Ipswich`s weakest point is between the sticks, their first choice keeper Brian Murphy has had not much first team experience other than in Ireland and could be the difference between a mid table spot and another relegation scrap depending on his consistency. Keane will do well to get Ipswich above mid table as they do not seem to have the star power or quality to mount a consistant challenge.
Did You Know: Ipswich Town won the Uefa Cup in the 1980-1981 season
Founded: 1878
Nickname: The Tractor Boys
Stadium: Portman Road (30,311)
Shirt Sponsor: Marcus Evans
Manager: Roy Keane
Key Man: Jonathan Walters
Last Season: 15th Coca Cola Championship
AVG Attendance: 20,840
Aprox Travel: 7612.4 miles
Prediction: 16th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 14-1
Leeds United
In: Kasper Schmeichel (Notts County) Free, Billy Paynter (Swindon Town) Free, Paul Connolly (Derby County) Free, Federico Bassone (Swansea City) Free, Neil Collins (Preston North End) Undisclosed, Lloyd Sam (Charlton Athletic) Free
Out: Casper Ankergren (Released) Rui Marques (Released), Andrew Milne (Released), Mike Whitwell (Released), Ryan Jones (Released), Sam Jones (Released), Callum Williams (Released), Adam Watson (Released), Jermaine Beckford (Everton) Free, Josh Falkingham (Arbroath) Free, Tom Elliott (Rotherham United) Loan
Last Time Out: Leeds looked in control of League One up until the fateful day they defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, after that point a huge slump afflicted the Whites leaving them to scrap for automatic promotion right up until the last day. Leeds finished on eighty six points in second place which was one point clear of nearest rivals Millwall. Leeds were once again high scorers banging in seventy-seven goals, with Jermaine Beckford scoring twenty-four, and had the joint tightest defence in League One only letting in forty-four goals, nineteen of them coming at Elland Road.
The Lowdown: After three seasons in League One pourgatory Leeds get another chance to propel themselves back to the Premiership where their fans believe they truly belong. This success has led to Simon Grayson being awarded a new three year contract. Kasper Schmeichel will be key to any success that Leeds want to achieve, his talent deserves a place in the Premier League and the side want to reach the promised land once again they will need Kasper to shut up shop this season to give them every chance of stealing a playoff place. The loss of Jermaine Beckford will only be seen if new striker Billy Paynter cannot recreate the form he had last season and if Luciano Bechio struggles at a higher level although Robert Snodgrass will probably have no problems adjusting to this level. Neil Kilkenny will also play a pivotal role this term as his passing ability from the centre of the park will be needed to unlock teams. Out of the three promoted teams Leeds seem to be the unpredictable one, they could finish anywhere from a playoff place to the lower half of the table depending on how certain players take to the Championship. One thing is for sure no side will want to visit Elland Road this term.
Did You Know: Back in 2008 Leeds United topped a poll regarding England`s most hated football club.
Founded: 1919
Nickname: The Whites
Stadium: Elland Road (39,460)
Shirt Sponsor: Net Flights.com
Manager: Simon Grayson
Key Man: Robert Snodgrass
Last Season: 2nd Coca Cola League One (Promoted)
AVG Attendance: 24,817
Aprox Travel: 6158.6 miles
Prediction: 3rd NPOWER Championship (Playoffs)
Odds: 16-1
Leicester City
In: Tom Kennedy (Rochdale) Free, Miguel Vitor (Benfica) Loan
Out: Stephen Clemence (Retired), Billy Kee (Torquay United) Free, Astrit Ajdarevic (Orebro SK) Free, Alex Cisak (Released), Carl Pentney (Released), Levi Porter (Released), Robbie Burns (Released), James Wesolowski (Peterborough United) Undisclosed, Wayne Brown (Preston North End) Free, Nolberto Solano (Hull City) Free, Harry Worley (Oxford United) Free, Yann Kermorgant (AC Arles Avignon) Loan
Last Time Out: Leicester made a major impact upon their return to the Championship making fifth place on seventy-six points and making the playoff semi final where they lost on penalties to Cardiff. The Foxes only lost twelve matches last season, the fourth least in the Championship with only four of those losses coming at the Walkers Stadium. Goalscoring was certainly not a problem at home as forty efforts were buried in comparison to twenty-one away from home.
The Lowdown: To say that last term was an over achievement would be an understatement. Former manager Nigel Pearson had the team pumping on all cylinders and the side were in control of their playoff destiny for the majority of the season proving it was no fluke. Paulo Sousa has a hard task to replicate that success and under his guidance we may see if certain players have truly come along under the guidance of Pearson. Striker Matty Fryatt seems to be one of those players who has had two sterling seasons under the old regime and remains the sides main goalscoring threat. The experience of Steve Howard is unquestionable; his physical prescence gives the Foxes a different attacking outlet if needed. Both midfielder Andy King and 6ft3″ centre back Jack Hobbs had to share the Player`s Player of the Year award last term as both were the model of consistency and impressed throughout the season, King`s vital goals may put him above Hobbs in actuality. Leicester could be disrupted with a change of management and may cost them another shot at the playoffs this season.
Did You Know: Leicester City lost six million pounds in revenue last season.
Founded: 1884
Nickname: The Foxes
Stadium: The Walkers Stadium (32,500)
Shirt Sponsor: None
Manager: Paulo Sousa
Key Man: Andy King
Last Season: 5th Coca Cola Championship (Playoffs: Semi-Finalists)
AVG Attendance: 23,942
Aprox Travel: 4896.6 miles
Prediction: 13th NPOWER Championship
Odds: 11-1
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