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Championship preview: Cardiff chasing Premier League millions against Peterborough

Sean — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:07:32 +0000

BELL’ OF THE BALL: Malky congratulates Craig in the win over Blackburn (pic: Getty Images)

By Andrew Robinson | nPower Championship

The term always the bridesmaid never the bride seems to have been created with Cardiff City in mind. The Bluebirds have been in the Championship since 2003, have moved to a new stadium and being taken over by new owners.

Despite all the controversy they have constantly been in the mix for promotion, but missed out in the lottery of the play-offs in the last three seasons. In 2010, Ian Holloway’s Blackpool won the £60 million game at Wembley and in the two seasons since they have fallen at the semi-final stages.

This season they will be hoping to avoid the drama of the playoffs and secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Malky Mackay’s men are sitting at the top of one of the most competitive leagues in the world. This is mostly down to the fact that their home form has been impeccable, winning 10 out of 10 so far this season.

They have struggled away from home though, losing to Barnsley, Charlton and Bolton in recent weeks, which means they only have a three-point lead in the table.

Luckily this weekend they return to Wales and welcome the Championship’s bottom side Peterborough, who have been struggling to find the form they enjoyed during Darren Ferguson’s last spell at the club.

Recent results indicate problems at both ends at the field, conceding 14 goals in their last five games and scoring just five. Cardiff have also been involved in their fair share of thrillers, which included a 5-4 loss away at Charlton and both teams to score this weekend at 4/6 looks a fair shout with Paddy Power.

Ferguson is under pressure and he recently got the dreaded vote of confidence from chairman Darren MacAnthony.

He’ll definitely get support in January. I’ll always back him. We’ve got four weeks until the transfer window opens. We’ve got to get through a really tough Christmas period and pick up results with the squad we’ve got. If we need more firepower we’ll bring in one or two.

Cardiff’s home form makes them look like bankers in this tie and they are 1/3 to deliver while Posh are trading at 8/1 for a shock win with Paddy Power

Bettting: Cardiff v Peterborough

Which top six Championship clubs are best placed for promotion?

Sean — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:10:26 +0000

MILLER TIME: Can Ishmael’s goals guide Boro to the promised land (pic: Getty Images)

By Lee Dover | Championship

The Championship is one of the hardest leagues in the world to predict – a team fighting for promotion one month could be battling in the relegation zone the next. It’s also one of the most lucrative promotion races in world football with the top three joining the elite teams in the money factory of the Premier League come May.

Here we analyse who’s best equipped to go from wannabe’s to made men come May. Here’s the top six and their chances of promotion.

1. Leicester City

The Foxes are definitely the cream of the crop in the Championship at the moment, having navigated their way through choppy waters early on in the season.

Leicester looked about as comfortable on their travels as Lance Armstrong on a Tour de France reunion. They lost to Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Wolves on the bounce after impressive home wins against Peterborough and Blackpool.

They’ve obviously been getting a rollicking on the training ground and have turned in impressive away wins over promotion rivals Middlesbrough and Huddersfield Town in recent weeks.

Manager Nigel Pearson has refused to take all the credit and believes that the club’s loyal fans have to be applauded.

It’s an expensive day out at home and away and we fully appreciate that, even more so in today’s climate when everyone is having to tighten their belts somewhat – it really highlights the commitment of fans to their clubs.

With a supportive fan base and seven-game unbeaten run the 3/1 in Paddy Power’s online betting about Leicester City to win the Championship and return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004 looks worth a punt.

2. Cardiff City

The Welsh side are the only side in the top six who have never tasted life in the Premier League and were scrapping it out in the old Division Three at the beginning of the new millennium.

But the Bluebirds means business this season and won their opening seven games at home this season. With form like this fans are optimistic that the New Cardiff City Stadium will be turned into a fortress and Cardiff will scale the dazzling heights of the Premier League.

3. Middlesbrough

It’s amazing to think that Middlesbrough were within a whisker of clinching the 2006 UEFA Cup.

The good times could soon be rolling around Teesside once more though, as Boro are on a four-game unbeaten run. One man who could well hold the key for the team’s promotion push is Ishmael Miller.

Netting Middlesbrough’s second in their 2-0 home win against Hull, Miller is confident that he is only just getting warmed up.

It’s taken a while to get off the mark so it feels good … You have to believe that once the first one goes in then you will get a few more.

If Miller can back up his lofty claims – he did score the goals which gained Tony Mowbray’s West Brom promotion a couple of seasons ago – then a repeat performance for Boro could be on the cards.

4. Crystal Palace

Eagles fans were shell-shocked by manager Dougie Freedman’s taking the reins at Bolton earlier this week. Palace had looked doomed for a drawn-out relegation battle when they lost their first three league games of the campaign against Watford, Bristol City and Middlesbrough.

But under Freedman’s guidance they then went on an unbeaten game run (six wins and two draws) before Freedman confirmed he was moving on to replace Eoin Coyle at Bolton Wanderers who dropped out of the Premier League last season.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has been quick to calm the gathering storm though, telling BBC London 94.9:

Obviously it’s a blow but we’ve got to look forward. It’s a fantastic opportunity for somebody. It’s just [about] us finding the right man. We’ll need to sit down and think about what we want.

Palace will need to think very carefully about their next appointment if they are to continue their drive for Premier League promotion.

5. Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers’ woes have been played out in full view for the past 12 months and they’ll need to appoint a strong manager after Steve Kean’s departure last week.

Rovers looked to have overcome some of their on-field trouble with a five-game unbeaten start to the season, but they have since lost at home to Middlesbrough and Wolves, as well as frustrating draws with Nottingham Forest and Derby County.

A 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday has them back into the play-off spots the club really needs to put on a united front and get behind the new appointment if they have any hope of returning to the Premier League.

6. Wolverhampton Wanderers

The club sacked Mick McCarthy back in February when their top flight status was all but extinguished, with Stale Solbakken given the task of transforming the club’s fortunes.

Despite the overhaul he held onto striker Kevin Doyle – signed in 2009 – and he’ll be a vital asset now that he looks to have rediscovered his shooting boots.

His latest rescue effort came on Tuesday night, when he drilled in two goals in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

The brace ended an eight-match goal drought for the Republic of Ireland international, with Doyle telling the Express & Star:

To top it with a couple of goals is nice and hopefully I’ll get a few more in the next few weeks. That’s what usually happens with strikers. It would be nice if I could do the same again at the weekend.

Indeed, Wolves could be howling a much happier tune in the months to come with a prolific goalscorer back in excellent form.

Championship betting preview to the new season

Sean — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:37:57 +0000

I’ll ‘AVE YOU: Leeds’ Neil Warnock and Ipswich’s Paul Jewell will get to grips again (pic: Inpho)

By Sean Goff | Sports reporter

The Championship returns on Friday night with the rebranded Cardiff City and Huddersfield getting the season underway at 7.45pm.

Below, the Paddy Power Blog has compiled team-by-team guides for each Championship side with their pre-season ins and outs, as well as betting odds for the season.

The Welsh side have had a busy off-season with the re-signing of Craig Bellamy from Liverpool and the 4-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend being the high point as they start over again to try to get past the play-offs to the promised land of the Premier League.

Huddersfield hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when dismissing Lee Clarke last February despite lying fourth in League One. New man Simon Grayson took over and steered the Terriers to the play-offs where they eventually sealed promotion 8-7 on penalties at Sheffield United’s expense.

Premier League new boys Southampton have proven that back-to-back promotions are possible but a few of the top tiers trap-door fallers will be just as motivated to bounce straight back up.

Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Wolverhampton Wanderers endured a torrid time in the Premier League last season and supporters patience (not to mention the board’s) patience will be pushed to breaking point if their Championship season starts as last season’s ended.

This time last season Neil Warnock started life with QPR among the elite but things didn’t quite go to plan and ended the season with arguably a bigger club, Leeds United.

The last winners of the old Division One championship under Howard Wilkinson before the Premier League was born have been away from the top-tier for too long. With Warnock getting his eye in last season, expect a big promotion push.

Similarly, Nottingham Forest have tasted the old Division One and European Cup glory in their heyday and new owners the Al-Hasawi family will not want to waste any time returning to the big-time under Sean O’Driscoll.

It’s time to strap yourself in because in 10 months time, supporters of three of the clubs below in Paddy Power’s Championship betting guide will be setting their sat-navs for the Etihad Stadium Old Trafford, the Emirates and Anfield.

Paddy Power team-by-team betting guide to the Championship

Championship betting team guide: Peterborough United

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:36:58 +0000

POSH TO PUSH FOR PROMOTION?: Darren Ferguson has freshened up the squad (pic: Getty)

Peterborough United

Manager: Darren Ferguson

Ins: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (undisclosed amount), Shaun Brisley (undisclosed amount), Tyrone Barnett (undisclosed amount), Robert Olejnik (undisclosed amount), Michael Bostwick (nominal amount), Jonson Clarke-Harris (free transfer), Nathaniel Knight-Percival (free transfer), Danny Swanson (free transfer)

Outs: David Ball (undisclosed amount), Nathan Ralph (free transfer), Joe Lewis (free transfer), Paul Jones (free transfer), Barry Richardson (retired)

Strengths: Darren Ferguson. When you have the blood of Sir Alex Ferguson running through your veins, you know that a passion for football is going to be beating in your heart.

This is most definitely the case with Ferguson junior, who has helped turn Peterborough United from being a Football League afterthought to a very dangerous side.

Just ask Ipswich fans if you need convincing – they were blindsided by The Posh when hammered 7-1 in one of the most shocking games of the Championship last season.

Weaknesses: Failing to fire on all cylinders in pre-season action. It may be a bit harsh to say that Peterborough United’s pre-season preparations have been dismal.

Of their three defeats over the summer, two came against Premier League big boys Aston Villa and Norwich. If Posh want promotion, they will have to be ready to play the formidable outfits on a weekly basis. The wake-up call is ringing; it may be time to answer it.

Last season’s performance:Peterborough finished 18th in their first season back in the Championship, 10 points clear of the drop zone. Time will tell how the team handles the troublesome second-season syndrome.

If they were a celebrity: Yohan Blake. Face it, neither of them are going to win everything that they compete in – Blake has the fastest man on the planet Usain Bolt to contend with and Posh have their own obstacles to overcome.

You might not have known: Darren Ferguson has a passion for football which goes way back to before he ever thought about going into management.

In fact, he played in 15 Premier League games for Manchester United in the 1992/93 season – enough to earn him a title winner’s medal when the Red Devils were crowned champions in May 1993.

Championship title odds: 100/1

Championship betting team guide: Cardiff City

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:21:33 +0000

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: Heidar Helguson can boost Cardiff’s play-off hopes

Cardiff City

Manager: Malky Mackay

Ins: Craig Bellamy, Heidar Helguson (undisclosed amount), Etien Velikonja (undisclosed amount), Jordon Mutch (undisclosed amount), Joe Lewis (free transfer)

Outs: Jon Parkin (free transfer), Aaron Wildig (free transfer), Tom Heaton (contract ended), Lee Naylor (contract ended), Jonathan Meades (contract ended), Paul Quinn (contract ended), Alex Evans (contract ended)

Strengths: They are always up there and the re-signing of Craig Bellamy is a major boost – despite some controversy. At least, that’s what it will seem to anyone who has had even a passing interest in the Championship in recent years. Over the past three seasons, The Bluebirds have finished in the play-off positions every time.

Maybe an overhaul in everything fans know them for will enable them to go that extra mile.

Weaknesses: They can never get over the final hurdle. Imagine the heartbreak of losing out on a place in the Premier League because of a hiccup in the play-offs. Now think about this happening for three campaigns on the bounce. Hurts doesn’t it?

Well, this has been the pain shared by the Cardiff City faithful season after season. But you know the saying – if it’s not third time lucky then let’s soar on four. Ok, we might have made that one up but those Bluebirds need some inspiration to keep the hope alive.

Last season’s performance: Take a guess? Yes you’re bang on, Cardiff City finished in sixth place, qualified for the play-off competition, saw the light at the end of the tunnel then had it cruelly extinguished, this time by the hands of West Ham United in the semi-final.

If they were a celebrity: Jodie Marsh. They both drastically altered their appearances in what seemed like an instant. Go on, have a look at Marsh during her current bodybuilder phase. Where did that model body go?

You might not have known: Cardiff have been in three consecutive play-off tournaments without success. But it could have all been so different, had they have clinched sixth place in the 2008/09 campaign. In that season, the Bluebirds lost out on a top-six finish to Preston North End on goal difference.

Championship title odds: 12/1

Championship betting team guide: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:50:15 +0000

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Wolves fans expect Stale Solbakken to deliver (pic: Getty)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manager: Stale Solbakken

Ins: Bjorn Sigurdarson (undisclosed amount), Frank Nouble (free transfer), Tongo Doumbia (loan)

Outs: Sam Vokes (undisclosed amount), Adlene Guedioura (undisclosed amount), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (undisclosed amount), Louis Harris (free transfer), Ashley Hemmings (released), James Spray (released), Sam Winnall (released), Johnny Gorman (loan), Jake Cassidy (loan), Leigh Griffiths (loan), Adlene Guedioura (loan)

Strengths: Stale Solbakken. You may not recognise the name but you are bound to be amazed by his past achievements in management. After being forced to retire after a serious heart attack, Solbakken kept his passion for football alive by becoming manager of HamKam, where he led them to the domestic title, before taking the reins of FC Copenhagen.

A further five titles were clinched by the Norwegian during his five years in that role. It’s a list of accomplishments which is sure to make former Wolves manager Mick McCarthy blush.

Weaknesses: A wobbly build-up to life back in the Championship. It is hard enough finishing rock bottom of the Premier League, 12 points adrift of safety and going out of the top tier of English football without so much as a whimper.

But then Wolves fans have been stung once more by the fact that they have had to hear about their club struggling to a draw in pre-season action against Shrewsbury. They then lost 2-0 against Southampton – who take their spot in the Premier League this term.

Solbakken may have a proven track record but he’s going to have to dig deep to turn around such a downbeat Wolves squad.

Last season’s performance: Wolves finished 20th in the Premier League last season and were relegated to the Championship long before the last game was played. During the entire campaign, fans only saw their club win five domestic games in a very bruising season.

If they were a celebrity: Jimmy Carr. Both have seen their names take a plunge into the mud in recent months and now face stiff challenges to shake off the negativity and climb their way back up the ladder to success.

You might not have known: Wolves have one of the most celebrated histories in English football. In fact, they were one of the founder members of the Football League in 1888 and finished third in the league during its inaugural campaign. See, you just have to take the good with the bad when your club is that decorated.

Championship title odds: 9/1

Championship betting team guide: Watford

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:49:13 +0000

Watford

Manager: Gianfranco Zola

Ins: Fitz Hall (free transfer), Manuel Almunia (free transfer), Matej Vydra (loan), Daniel Pudil (loan), Ikechi Anya (loan), Almen Abdi (loan), Steve Leo Beleck (loan)

Outs: Scott Loach (undisclosed amount), Adrian Mariappa (undisclosed amount), Chez Isaac (undisclosed amount), David Mirfin (free transfer), Tom James (free transfer), Rene Gilmartin (free transfer), Josh Walker (free transfer)

Strengths: They are prone to exceed expectations. Watford just cannot seem to get a break in the Championship. Every time a new season comes around, the Hornets are always one of the teams which people talk about being relegation candidates.

And yet, the closest they have come to the trap door in the past three campaigns was when they finished in 16th spot in the 2009/10 season – seven points clear of the doom of relegation. Being the underdogs seems to suit Watford just fine, so why change now?

LOYAL LLOYD: Doyley has been at the Hornets for 10 years (pic: Getty)

Weaknesses: Gianfranco Zola. Zola is indeed a football legend – the skills he displayed on the pitch in the 1990s and early noughties with Chelsea are unmatched. But he is still relatively unproven in his role as a gaffer.

The Italian’s maestro’s only other venture into management was with West Ham United. The role started well but ended with his dismissal when the Hammers finished the 2009/10 Premier League campaign in 17th position – just five points off relegation. Time will tell whether Zola has learnt from his mistakes.

Last season’s performance: Watford once again defied the odds and had an impressive season which saw them finish in 11th spot – 24 points clear of the relegation zone where so many people expected them to be lingering.

If they were a celebrity: Chris Moyles. Both have defied the critics for as long as we can remember – who would have thought that Moyles would have had a popular breakfast show on Radio One for eight long years and then look to be about to achieve just as much success on our TV screens? Just that one hand at the back? Thought so.

You might not have known: Watford has one of the most loyal players in English football - Lloyd Doyley. The defender has been a professional with the Hornets for 10 years, but was a part of the Hertfordshire-based club as a youth for eight years before that opportunity even rolled around. Now that’s commitment.

Championship title odds: 33/1

Championship betting team guide: Sheffield Wednesday

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:48:14 +0000

Sheffield Wednesday

Manager: Dave Jones

Ins: Michail Antonio (undisclosed amount), Chris Maguire (undisclosed amount), Rhys McCabe (free transfer), Nejc Pecnik (free transfer), Diogo Amado (free transfer), Anthony Gardner (free transfer), Joe Mattock (free transfer), Kieran Lee (free transfer), Chris Kirkland (free transfer)

Outs: Ryan Lowe (undisclosed amount), Rob Jones (free transfer), Clinton Morrison (free transfer), Jon Otsemobor (free transfer), Nathan Modest (free transfer), Richard O’Donnell (free transfer), Liam Palmer (loan)

Strengths: Dave Jones. Sheffield Wednesday fans were pondering a tricky play-off campaign in order to gain promotion to the Championship last season before Gary Megson was given the boot at the start of March.

But then Jones came in and inspired The Owls to win their remaining 10 games and draw two to clinch second spot in League One ahead of arch rivals Sheffield United. Automatic promotion has never tasted so good at Hillsborough. Will his golden touch continue to shine for The Owls in the Championship?

TOP MAN: Sheffield Wednesday’s Michail Antonio (pic: Getty Images)

Weaknesses: The painful memories of their last stint in the Championship. Although Sheffield Wednesday spent five seasons in the second tier between 2005 and 2010, two of the campaigns saw the club involved in gruelling relegation scraps and, of course, the 2009/10 season saw them ride out their luck and slump into the third tier of English football once more.

Fans will be hoping that they don’t need to think about that trap door again throughout the rest of 2012 and into the new year.

Last season’s performance: Sheffield Wednesday always looked like they were going to be sitting in the top six of League One come the end of the 2011/12 campaign. However, nothing delighted fans more than when they outpaced local foes Sheffield United to clinch the league’s runner-up spot.

If they were a celebrity: Mickey Rourke in 2008. Just like Sheffield Wednesday have rebuilt after a time away from the spotlight and now look to be back with a bang, Rourke returned to his acting best in 2008 when starring in The Wrestler – his first critically-acclaimed role in years. They say too much of a good thing can be bad for you, after all.

You might not have known: Finishing second-best in League One isn’t all that bad. Southampton were runners-up in the third tier of English football in the 2010/11 campaign and are now in the Premier League.

The season before that, Leeds United finished in second spot and are now one of the top contenders to clinch promotion from the Championship in 2012/13. Can Sheffield Wednesday continue this positive trend?

Championship title odds: 22/1

Championship betting team guide: Nottingham Forest

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:47:11 +0000

HOT SEAT: Forest’s new owners will expect results from new man O’Driscoll (pic: Getty)

Nottingham Forest

Manager: Sean O’Driscoll

Ins: Dan Harding (undisclosed amount), Greg Halford (undisclosed amount), Danny Collins (undisclosed amount), Adlene Guedioura (undisclosed amount) Simon Gillett (free transfer)

Outs: Chris Gunter (undisclosed amount), Paul Anderson (free transfer), Joel Lynch (free transfer), Luke Chambers (free transfer), Danny Meadows (free transfer), Garath McCleary (free transfer), George Boateng (released), Paul Smith (released), Marlon Harewood (released)

Strengths: The team could finally have a bit of stability. What a season Nottingham Forest fans had to endure in 2011/12. First Billy Davies was shown the door in favour of Steve McLaren last June, before the ‘wally with a brolly’ saw his reign cut short after just two wins in the opening 10 games.

Steve Cotterill then sat in the hot seat and barely guided Forest to live another day in the Championship.

Now though, the club has been taken over by Kuwaiti tycoon Fawaz Al Hasawi and first-team coach Sean O’Driscoll is next up to take charge of proceedings. Most teams don’t get this much activity in a decade, let alone in the space of just 12 months.

Weaknesses: They are still a team in transition. This much has been made crystal clear by O’Driscoll after Forest surrendered a two-goal lead to draw with Notts County in a friendly match.

It is blatantly obvious that there are still gaps in the squad. My right-back was a central midfield player, another central midfield player was in the centre of defence and we drafted one of the young lads in at left-back.

Last season’s performance: Forest had their backs against the wall for most of the 2011/12 campaign, due to all the changes going on at the club. In the end, they finished in 19th and fans were finally able to breathe again going into the summer break.

If they were a celebrity: Sugababes. Both of them are hardly recognisable to just a few years ago. It’s said that change is good, but a complete overhaul may be taking this to the extreme.

You might not have known: Away days were a hoot at the City Ground last season. Nottingham Forest won just six games at home in 2011/12 – only basement club Doncaster Rovers fared worse – and lost on 12 occasions in league competition. It’s time to give those loyal Forest fans something to cheer about again.

Championship title odds: 11/1

Championship betting team guide: Millwall

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:34:02 +0000

NO ONE LIKES US: Millwall will be all out to defy their 50/1 Championship odds

Millwall

Manager: Kenny Jackett

Ins: Scott Malone (undisclosed amount), Karleigh Osborne (free transfer), Maik Taylor (free transfer), Chris Taylor (free transfer)

Outs: Tony Craig (undisclosed amount), Josh McQuoid (undisclosed amount), Ryan Allsop (free transfer), Chris Hackett (free transfer), Hameur Bouazza (free transfer), Jake Gallagher (released), Jordan Stewart (released), Connor McLaren (released)

Strengths: London 2012. No, Millwall are not competing in any events at the biggest sporting extravaganza on earth. Instead, Millwall gaffer Kenny Jackett believes that the success of Team GB at the Games can inspire his own stars to emulate their athletic heroes. Jackett beamed:

We’ll see if it inspires our players. It’s been a topic of conversation recently. It’s been inspiring and if it inspires our players over the next few weeks that’ll be fantastic.” Keep an eye out to see whether the legacy of London 2012 lives through Millwall then.

Weaknesses: The attack-minded approach. You know the old saying, the one that goes along the lines of “you’ll never win a football match without scoring goals”. Well, you’re also likely to struggle if you have a defence full of holes. By the end of last season, the Lions had scored 55 goals but had conceded 57.

Plug the gaps at the back, while continuing to dominate up front, and Millwall could find themselves climbing up the Championship in no time.

Last season’s performance: It was a case of second-season syndrome for Millwall in the Championship last term, when they went from fighting for the play-offs in 2010/11 to barely breaking free from a gruelling relegation scrap 12 months later. What does the third season in the second tier hold for the Lions?

If they were a celebrity: Charlie Sheen. One word can describe both of them to a tee in recent times – unpredictable. Plus they both have ugly sides when they get angry.

You might not have known: Ever wondered why Millwall have blue tones in their home kits? No, it’s not just a love of the colour. It is in honour of the club’s founders, who were all dock workers from the chilly coasts of Scotland.

Championship title odds: 50/1

Championship betting team guide: Middlesbrough

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:33:09 +0000

PRODIGAL SON: Woodgate returns to his hometown club (pic: Getty)

Middlesbrough

Manager: Tony Mowbray

Ins: Mustapha Carayol (undisclosed amount), George Friend (undisclosed amount), Emmanuel Ledesma (free transfer), Jonathan Woodgate (free transfer), Stuart Parnaby (free transfer), Grant Leadbitter (free transfer)

Outs: Tony McMahon (free transfer), Jonathan Grounds (free transfer), Jonathan Franks (free transfer)

Strengths: Tony Mowbray. It’s not always a good thing to have a legendary player return to a squad as a manager – Niall Quinn, for example, did little for Sunderland as their interim manager but was a well-loved striker for the Black Cats back in the day.

Local rivals Middlesbrough have proved to be the exception to this rule so far, however, with Mowbray leading Boro from the depths of relegation to mid-table safety in the 2010/11 season. And he’s been getting stronger as a manager ever since, as new signing George Friend acknowledged on the club’s official website.

Middlesbrough finished just outside the play-off places last season and Tony Mowbray is building a really strong squad here. I took that into account when deciding to move here because my ambition is to help this club achieve promotion.

Weaknesses: Can they keep the pace up all season? Middlesbrough fans must have been having dreams of away days at Old Trafford, the Emirates, Stamford Bridge and the like when their club went on an 11-game unbeaten run at the start of last season.

But then the bubble burst and Boro quickly slipped from being in a prime position to grab an automatic promotion place to sitting outside the top six of the Championship. A worthy time to mention that a domestic campaign is a marathon and not a sprint, we believe.

Last season’s performance: Such a painful one for Middlesbrough’s supporters. Having started the 2011/12 campaign with a bang, the side’s charge to the Premier League suddenly came to a shuddering halt and Boro finished the season in 7th place – five points adrift of the play-offs. How the mighty fall.

If they were a celebrity: Cheryl Cole. Bit of a controversial one here, comparing a passionate Geordie to the Boro squad. But they are quite alike in that they have both suffered a fall from grace recently.

There was a time when everything that Cheryl touched seemed to turn to gold – Girls Aloud, her judging position on the British X Factor, her relationship with Ashley Cole.

But then Ashley played around – how Cheryl was not enough we still don’t know – the singer was slammed for her miming in live performances, and she was kicked off the US X Factor because Americans couldn’t understand her accent. What a harsh turnaround.

You might not have known: Tony Mowbray has definitely been loyal to his hometown club of Middlesbrough. In his playing career, he appeared in more than 300 games for Boro, between his professional debut in 1982 and his exit in 1991. It’s not often you get this kind of loyalty from players.

Championship title odds: 20/1

Championship betting team news: Leicester City

Sean — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:32:07 +0000

BECK’ ON TRACK: Jermaine Beckford scored nine goals in 39 league games last season (pic:Getty Images)

Leicester City

Manager: Nigel Pearson

Ins: Anthony Knockaert (undisclosed amount) , Jamie Vardy (undisclosed amount), Ritchie de Laet (undisclosed amount), Matthew James (undisclosed amount), Zak Whitbread (free transfer), Marko Futacs (free transfer)

Outs: Lee Peltier (undisclosed amount), Matt Mills (undisclosed amount), Sol Bamba (undisclosed amount), Steve Howard (free transfer), Chris Weale (free transfer), Oliver Norburn (free transfer), John Paintsil (released), Aleksandar Tunchev (released), Franck Moussa (released), Darius Vassell (released)

Strengths: The second coming of Nigel Pearson. Leicester fans will always have a special place in their hearts for Nigel Pearson – it’s a fact that the girlfriend will just have to live with. During his first stint with The Foxes, the gaffer led the club out of League One and then gave them a shot in the play-offs the season after. Now that Pearson is back sitting comfortably in the dugout of the King Power Stadium, another charge towards glory could be on the cards.

Weaknesses: No more Sol Bamba. The Ivory Coast defender was becoming one of the most-loved Leicester City players after holding the backline for nearly 18 months. It was a shock to fans when the news started to filter through the grapevine that Bamba was on his way to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

We have to wonder if this move will help or hinder Leicester City’s leaky defence line. One thing is for sure, it’s never easy to say goodbye.

Last season’s performance: Leicester didn’t have a bad season by any means, finishing ninth, only nine points from the play-offs. But with first Sven-Goran Eriksson in charge, and then Nigel Pearson, many supporters would have liked to have seen the club doing more than just being a secure mid-table Championship side.

If they were a celebrity: Brandon Flowers. They both have gone off the rails in recent years. Flowers’ solo career does not hold a candle to his performances when lead singer of The Killers. Now that they are back doing what they know best, the question is whether they will be able to match, or even surpass, their past successes.

You might not have known: David Neilson, aka Roy Cropper from Coronation Street, is a famous Leicester City fan.

So much so, that his character has dropped references to The Foxes into the soap over the years. One time, he stated a serial number as ‘LCFC97′ – honouring the club’s 1997 League Club success – and in another instance he shouted “Goodbye Mr Claridge” to a customer, shortly after Steve Claridge left Leicester City for Wolverhampton Wanderers. See, Corrie isn’t all that bad.

Championship title odds: 7/1

Championship betting team guide: Leeds United

Sean — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:57:11 +0000

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: But can Neil Warnock steer Leeds Unite back to the Premier League

Leeds United

Manager: Neil Warnock

Ins: Lee Peltier (undisclosed amount), Luke Varney (undisclosed amount), Rodolph Austin (undisclosed amount), Paddy Kenny (undisclosed amount), Jason Pearce (undisclosed amount), David Norris (free transfer), Andy Gray (free transfer), Jamie Ashdown (free transfer), Paul Green (free transfer), Adam Drury (free transfer), El Hadji Diouf (non-contract).

Outs: Robert Snodgrass (undisclosed amount), Andy Lonergan (undisclosed amount), Adam Clayton (undisclosed amount), Andy O’Brien (free transfer) Alex Bruce (free transfer), Mika Vayrynen (free transfer), Maik Taylor (free transfer), Ben Parker (released), Lloyd Sam (released), Mikael Forssell (released), Danny Webber (contract ended)

Strengths: Neil Warnock. Many people are quick to judge Warnock due to his questionable record in the Premier League. After getting them to the top flight he promptly steered Sheffield United and then Queens Park Rangers into trouble. New signings Luke Varney and David Norris were on the scoresheet in the 4-0 home win over Shrewbury in the League Cup.

He even got Notts County into the top flight at one stage – try doing that on Football Manager! Can he add Leeds United to his long list of promotion successes this season?

Weaknesses: Elland Road is often like a fairground attraction. You will struggle to find a club that has had such a rollercoaster ride over the past few years than Leeds United.

Not too long ago, they were enjoying Champions League football, before sampling life in League One just a few seasons after that. Fans were celebrating after climbing back into the Championship in May 2010, but then rued mssed chances as a return to the Premier League just kept on passing them by. And just a week before the season kicks off the propsed take-over has collapsed. Strap in for another high-octane ride this season then.

Last season’s performance: After a positive start to the season which put Leeds United just off the pace of a play-off spot, the club suddenly lost the ability to strike up a consistent run of form and ended last season slumped in 14th position. It’s anyone guess whether they will fly or fall this term.

If they were a celebrity: Britney Spears in the mid-noughties. The princess of pop is more conservative these days. But just a few years ago, she was the most unpredictable celeb out there.

If she wasn’t getting hitched in Las Vegas, she was shaving her head bald then getting divorced. Leeds United’s spontaneous behaviour is similar.

You might not have known: Wonder how The Kaiser Chiefs got their rather bizarre name? It turns out that the band’s members – who are big Leeds United fans – were inspired by the club that former Leeds centre-half Lucas Radebe played for in South Africa. Hands up, who thought the name was linked to the Germans?

Championship title odds: 11/1

Championship betting team guide: Ipswich Town

Sean — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:36:42 +0000

TRACTOR BOY: Will manager Paul Jewell be so merry once the season starts?

Ipswich Town

Manager: Paul Jewell

Ins: Scott Loach (undisclosed amount), Elliott Hewitt (undisclosed amount), Luke Chambers (free transfer), Massimo Luongo (loan)

Outs: Richard Wright (free transfer), Grant Leadbitter (free transfer), Ibrahima Sonko (released), Cody Cropper (released), Lee Bowyer (released), Mark Kennedy (retired)

Strengths: They’ve already shown they have the pedigree for the top flight with a 3-1 victory over Premier League new boys West Ham United in pre-season action. On top of the eye-catching result, Michael Chopra, Luke Chambers and Jason Scotland got on the scoresheet to suggest that the Tractor Boys are going to be a force to be reckoned with up front as well.

Weaknesses: Another slow start could signal more doom and gloom. Ipswich were one of the teams being backed for promotion last season, but this optimism soon faded when they were thrashed 7-1 away at Peterborough and then suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at home to Southampton. Although the Tractor Boys managed to get themselves into gear eventually, the Championship is too tight a league to make such damaging mistakes so early on.

Last season’s performance: While their 15th place finish in the 2011/12 campaign will not have had Ipswich Town fans dancing on the ceiling, things could have been a lot worse. Avoiding a relegation scrap was the team’s main aim by the time Christmas rolled around last year.

If they were a celebrity: Davina McCall. Can you remember Davina presenting MTV’s Most Wanted show, or her stint on cult Channel 4 show Streetmate?

No, probably not, because just like Ipswich Town, Davina was a slow starter. Now though, you can’t help but see her face every time you turn on primetime TV. Hey, it’s better than Chris Tarrant clogging up your screen.

You might not have known: Ipswich may have had a season to forget, but supporters had something to smile about when they beat West Ham United both times the sides met last season. And yet it is the Hammers who are enjoying Premier League football this year – typical, eh?

Championship title odds: 25/1

Championship betting team guide: Hull City

Sean — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:01:51 +0000

HULL OF A LOT TO PROVE: Job number eight in 14 years leaves Steve Bruce with some explaining to do

Hull City

Manager: Steve Bruce

Ins: Nick Proschwitz (£3 million), Robert Peet (free transfer), Alex Bruce (free transfer), Sone Aluko (free transfer), Abdoulaye Faye (free transfer), Eldin Jakupovic (free transfer), Ben Amos (loan)

Outs: Kevin Kilbane (free transfer), Will Atkinson (free transfer), Kamel Ghilas (free transfer)

Strengths: Steve Bruce. Following the shock departure of club legend Nick Barmby – that’s what you get for chatting about your employer’s finances – Big Brucie is now stepping up to the task of getting Hull City back into the top flight.

He’s already tasted plenty of success in the second tier, having steered Birmingham City to two promotions over the years. The gaffer is not wasting time in changing things around either, telling the Hull Daily Mail after the team’s 1-1 friendly draw against Hartlepool United:

We’re a decent football team but it looks to me as though we’ve got to change something when we’re going forward. We’ve got to try and score goals, it’s plain and simple. That’s the glaring thing that we’ve got to improve on and maybe change one or two things along the way.

Weaknesses: Steve Bruce. While Big Brucie is a high-profile manager who can work wonders in the second tier, he also has some glaring weaknesses. For instance, his role at Hull is his eighth management job in just 14 years. Either our calculations are bad – we are bloggers not statisticians - that suggests that something just isn’t clicking after the initial honeymoon period.

Last season’s performance: Hull finished eighth in the Championship, just seven points adrift of the play-offs. This was an improvement on their 11th place in the 2010/11 campaign and put them closer to getting back into the top flight.

If they were a celebrity: Eminem. Both seemed to have been washed out after some time in the spotlight – Hull had little reply when they were relegated from the Premier League back in May 2010 and Slim Shady’s act was getting a bit tired in 2005. Fast forward to the present and both seem to have used the time away to rediscover their sparkle once more.

You might not have known: The KC Stadium will celebrate its 10th anniversary as Hull’s home ground on Boxing Day. The Tigers will be looking to let out a loud and victorious roar to mark the occasion, when they host Leicester City.

Championship title odds: 25/1