Deadbat Season Predictions 25-26

[Deadbat]

Firstly, there is a much more detailed version of these published on the Pinch! Yes, more detailed than below. I know. Too many words.

I also did put them in the predictions thread, so as not to start my own thread...but put them in the wrong place. Doh!

Anyway, Linz Foxy feel free to shift. Dint want to come across as all shouty and self-important as these predictions will probably are as much guess work as anyone elses.

For the record I think whilst we were right not to sign McBurnie, he now may help them Hull stay up so happy to switch them and Charlton.

Championship Season Preview & Predictions


*Transfer info correct as of 5pm, Wednesday 6th August



1) Ipswich Town


In

David Button (free from Reading)
Azor Matusiwa (£10m from Rennes)
Cedric Kipre (loan from Reims)
Ashley Young (free from Everton)


Out

Liam Delap (£30m to Chelsea)
Cameron Burgess (free to Swansea City)
Marcus Harness (free to Huddersfield Town)
Axel Tuanzebe (free to Burnley)
Sam Morsy (free to Kuwait SC)
Massimo Luongo (undisclosed to Millwall)
Mathaeus Roberts (free to Stevenage)
Jokubas Mazionis (loan to Cheltenham)


Manager: Kieran McKenna – Still only 39, McKenna’s star remains bright, despite the relegation last season. He was linked with a few Premier League clubs over the summer but remains and will want to test himself back in the big time again, after having a taste last season.


Key Player: Jaden Philogene. Mainstays like O’Shea and Davis will be important but Philogene will be the one, along with Hutchinson, asked to unpick defences who will undoubtedly sit in against the Tractor Boys. He had injuries and never really got going after signing from Villa – look for a big season from him.


Verdict: Champions. They have too much talent to content at the top and have a relatively settled set up, on and off the pitch. Will be a close race between them and Southampton and I can see both being some way ahead of the 3rd side and achieving around 85-90 points (100 will be a push this time).



2) Southampton


In

Joshua Quarshie (£3.5m from Hoffenheim)
Damion Downs (£6.9m from Cologne)


Out

Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (£5.9m to Strasbourg)
Adli Mohamed (undisclosed to Al-Nasr)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (£18m to Atalanta BC)
Joe Lumley (free to Bristol City)
Paul Onuachu (undisclosed to Trabzonspor)
Kyle Walker-Peters (free to West Ham United)
Adam Lallana (retired)
Juan Larios (loan to Cultural y Deportivo Leonesa)
Ollie Wright (loan to Accrington Stanley)
Jay Bednarek (undisclosed to Porto)
Aaron Ramsdale (loan to Newcastle)
Rento Tanaka (loan to Valiencennes)


Manager: Will Still – If Still can implement his pressing and high intensity style; getting the players on board, then you expect that some of the young talent will thrive. His first go around in English football so be interesting how he copes with the relentless grind of the Championship.


Key Player: Tyler Dibling. Been linked with Premier League sides with Everton leading the race but Saints have apparently said they want 50 million so he may remain for now. A talent that was maybe the only bright spot of a torrid season, Dibling is still only 19 and seems set to go to the top. If he goes, then Archer might have to prove again that at Championship level, he is a regular scorer.


Verdict: Automatic Promotion. If they start well and regain confidence with some early victories then you expect them to remain near the top. A poor start and the natives will get restless. It really does show the huge chasm between the top flight and Championship, in that teams can struggle so much In the Premier League but then be winning most weeks at the lower level and expect this trend to continue with the Saints.



3) Coventry City


Miguel Angel Brau (free from Granada)
Kaine Kesler-Hayden (undisclosed from Aston Villa)
Carl Rushworth (loan from Brighton and Hove Albion)

Out

Jamie Paterson (free to Plymouth)
Jack Burroughs (free to Northampton)
Fabio Tavares (free to Burton Albion)
Ryan Howley (free)
Cian Tyler (free)


Manager: Frank Lampard – Lampard has been criticised for his previous management but if you look at his record, he has been relatively successful and his spells in charge at Derby and now with the Sky Blues, proves at the Championship level he knows the division and what it takes to contend. After he took over from the popular Mark Robins, he propelled City up the league and very close to the playoff final.


Key Player: Jack Rudoni. After losing Hamer and O’Hare in consecutive seasons to the Blades, they recruited well to take Rudoni from Huddersfield after they went down. He scored 9 goals and was a constant threat with his late runs into the box. He will dovetail nicely with Grimes in a very strong midfield at Championship level.


Verdict: Playoffs (Promoted beating Birmingham City in the final) – A real contender now and in a division that does not look particularly stronger (or deeper) than a year ago – City with the same core of players will be amongst the frontrunners again. Like, the Blades their playoff record has been poor, so fans will not be confident if faced with the end of season lottery again but this time it might be different. Expectations will be greater now of course but they have the firepower to be too strong for many teams.



4) Birmingham City


In

Phil Neumann (free from Hannover)
Taylor Gardner-Hickman (£1.5m from Bristol City)
Alfons Sampsted (£1.7m from Twente)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (free from Fenerbahce)
Demarai Gray (free from Al-Ettifaq)
Tommy Doyle (loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers)
James Beadle (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)
Kyogo Furuhashi (undisclosed from Rennes)
Kanya Fujimoto (free from Gil Vicente)
Eiran Cashin (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

Out

Grant Hanley (free)
Myung-jae Lee (free)
Lukas Jutkiewicz (retired)
Ayumu Yokoyama (undisclosed, Genk)
Romelle Donovan (£3m, Brentford)
Emmanuel Longelo (undisclosed to Motherwell)
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (loan to Blackpool)
Alfie May (£1.2m to Huddersfield Town)
Emil Hansson (loan to Blackpool)
Dion Sanderson (loan to Derby)


Manager: Chris Davies – Another young manager at this level and one that impressed the way he led the Blues to the title with little fuss. Davies worked under Brendan Rodgers for several years and then spent time under Ange Postecoglou at Spurs before the Blues appointed him. The expectation will be high but Davies’ ambition seems well aligned with the approach of the owners at St Andrews and together, I expect their rise to continue.


Key Player: Kyogo Furuhashi. Only for Rennes in January for 10 million but did not play much and Blues brought him back to the UK. Scored a lot of goals at Celtic previously and you would think he will be a stand out at the Championship – will join familiar faces in fellow Japanese players in Fujimoto and Iwata, at the club.


Verdict: Playoffs – The level of investment and signings they have made means they could even contend for the top two but it is hard to do what Ipswich did a few seasons ago, especially when you know the three teams coming down almost always are so strong. However, the trend is City will continue to recruit and the feel-good factor means a packed home ground every week will give them a platform to be in the promotion mix.

 

[Deadbat]

5) Sheffield United


In

Ehije Success Ukaki (undisclosed from Botev Plovdiv)
Tyler Bindon (loan from Nottingham Forest)
Louie Barry (loan from Aston Villa)
Anton Polendakov (undisclosed from Septemvri Sofia)
Djibril Soumare (loan from Braga)


Out

Vinicius Souza (£13m to Wolfsburg)
Rhian Brewster (free to Derby County)
Harry Boyes (free to Southend United)
Billy Blacker (loan to Tranmere Rovers)
Miguel Freckleton (undisclosed to St Mirren)
Antwoine Hackford (undisclosed to AFC Wimbledon)
Kieffer Moore (£2 million to Wrexham)
Anel Ahmedhodzic (undisclosed to Feyenoord)


United led the league around Easter and but for a disastrous week when they lost three games, may have even taken one of the two automatic places. For much of the season, the Blades were remarkably consistent and despite not always being as convincing as the top two in terms of performances, they kept winning with regularity. The fall away at the end, does take away from a season that was supposed to be of transition with such changes on and off the pitch. The ownership issue continued throughout long periods of last season but when this was eventually sorted, Wilder had somehow got United right in the mix. The recruitment last summer was excellent with Michael Cooper, Tyrese Campbell, and Harrison Burrows all being superb signings and players that if sold now all would all surely command close to, or even over eight figure fees (Campbell for free was a revelation – if only he could stay fit). Wilder also continued to develop youngsters Arblaster, Peck, Brooks, One and the surprisingly resurgent Femi Seriki. The injuries to Arblaster and defensive kingpin Harry Souttar did have a big impact on United being able to remain as solid and stay the course but the new board did back Wilder in January but other than Hamza Choudhury, the likes of Brereton Diaz, Holding, Clarke and Cannon did not have the impact desired.





Despite the heartbreak of the playoffs, which was a microcosm of the season – good start but one that was built upon as the team ultimately sat back, it is still easy to forget how close they were. A VAR goal (a borderline decision that saw the system only used for a single game) and a one-on-one chance for Andre Brooks (goes a few inches the other way) were big moments – that on another day easily sees United double their lead and go onto to win promotion. The late comeback was a real hammer blow to everyone at the club as it seemed they were all set to break the playoff and Wembley curse. The last 20 minutes meant that the board decided to act which was harsh but new owners often want to bring new men in and so it proved after such a good season ultimately ended in failure. It is telling that United finished in 19th place for the final 15 minutes of games and that fear factor and drop off, is something that needs addressing. The squad is currently weaker with no Souttar (or Arblaster to start with) and midfield enforcer Vini Souza departing to Wolfsburg. Centre back Ahmedhodzic has also left. It is surprising that with so many of the loan players departing, the Blades have not done more business but we saw last season, players can come in later and expect more signing before the end of the window. The AI signings from the Bulgarian market have attracted criticism from fans but these are only expected to be bit part players and you hope the signings of Soumare, Bindon and Barry, will be supplemented by much needed additions at right back and centre back. There is also questions about the durability (Campbell)/ability (Cannon) of the strikers – and another body here would not go amiss with Brewster and Moore moving on although youngster Ryan One has the size and potential to attract some attention from Premier League suitors – in the same way as Osula and Jebbison did the previous summer.



United have the basis of a good side that should be close with Cooper, Burrows, Peck, Arblaster (when fit), O’Hare, Barry, Hamer and Campbell being players that would get in most sides at this level. The development of the young core with Seriki, Peck, Arblaster, Brooks and One has to be continued and if Selles can bring in the 2 or 3 quality starters to supplant the talent he has, then United will be around the top again. It is vital the new manager can make sure the soft core that was exposed when it most mattered, is strengthened to give some no-nonsense defensive protection. A new centre back who can command is essential. Ultimately there is going to be a different style with the emphasis on pressing high up the field and a new formation (pre-season has seen a 4-1-2-3 style with a sitting midfielder and then two midfielders in front and two wide men supporting a single striker) and fans have to be patient as it may take time. Wilder has departed and fans have to give Selles chance to get his blueprint in place and it may take more than one window for him to get the players he needs to play the way he wants.


Manager: Ruben Selles. A controversial manoeuvre at the top from the new United owners. Wilder may have courted criticism for his chippy and abrasive style, from both national and even Blades fans themselves, but his record at the club was incredibly successful. To garner 90 (92) points and see United so close to promotion after he had to effectively build a new side and lower the average age at the same time, is not given enough credit really. However, the trend post Xmas was of an alarmingly cautious (negative) style that tried to see the Blades win narrow games and in the end, this caught up with them at the biggest stage. Selles has a good reputation and seems to be on trend with many sides at this level (and indeed higher) who are bringing in young, continental coaches, Many seem to have a style and formation that is intended to see the ball won high with relentless pressing leading to possession and ultimately high numbers of chances and goals. Whether United’s current crop (with little in the way of newcomers) have the fitness and intensity to be able to apply this remains. The Blades dropped off the longer games went on and often conceded goals more than scored them late in games and with key men struggling to sustain 90 minutes most weeks. Of course, he has young players that can hopefully fit this approach and he will continue to develop the squad. Fans need to be patient. Eventually the club were going to move away from the one man does everything approach that Wilder was aligned to and need to embrace a style that hopefully will be more sustainable, if the Blades did go up. Winning is often the most important thing and any pattern of play/tactical approach will often be disregarded unless it is married up by a high number of points and league standing.


Key Player: Gus Hamer. For now, Hamer remains, despite reported interest from sides in Holland and Brazil. He was Championship player of the season playing out wide despite many fans calling for him to be moved to a more central role. In pre-season he has been in a deep lying role which has surprised as you would hope for him to be further up the field where his dribbling, passing, and shooting can be utilised more. With further recruitment, you would expect this positional change and for him to continue to be one of the stand outs at this level. Hamer could perhaps shed a pound or two and improve his conditioning, but if he did, he probably would not be plying his trade at this level. He can frustrate still at times but his ability on the ball and vision means he is worth so much to the Blades in what he offers. If he was to depart, despite all the questions around positions/fitness, we would really see how critical he is/was to United’s chance of promotion.


Verdict: Playoffs – The hangover from the playoff final and the change of manager will have an impact. If United get off to a poor start and the new style of play does not yield results early, the Wilder disciples will quickly let the new manager/board know their feelings. However, there is enough talent remaining in the squad that they will be too strong for many of the sides at this level and whilst the new style may mean higher scoring games, it might be United outscore teams rather than eek out single goal narrow wins. Ultimately the play offs will probably mean more heartache as history has proven this club simply does not get promoted if they do not finish top two and sadly I expect that to continue but it is probably more important United can build something sustainable if they do get promoted – sadly another year without achieving that even if they evolve on/off the pitch means key players will depart and with just one more year of parachute payments left, it gets even harder to get back to the top level the longer you stay out of it.



6) Leicester City


In

Asmir Begovic (free from Everton)


Out

Daniel Iversen (free to Preston North End)
Danny Ward (free to Wrexham)
Jamie Vardy (free)
Brad Young (Free to Bristol Rovers)
Thomas Wilson Brown (Loan to Swindon)


Manager: Marti Cifuentes – Cifuentes, like Selles whom United have appointed, has a good reputation as a coach and with a better squad and higher ceiling, will want to prove to the Foxes board that they were right to bring him in to hopefully oversee a return to the top flight. The Foxes fans are not happy with the direction of the club, on and off the field, so he will need to hit the ground running.


Key Player: Jordan Ayew. With Vardy departing, there are questions at the top of the pitch but Ayew is a dependable veteran who works hard and weighs in with goals. Too wily not to be profitable at the Championship level.


Verdict: Playoffs – The uncertainty of any sanctions makes it precarious where to place Leicester but even with half a dozen points being clipped off, the squad is too strong not to be around the top 6.



7) Millwall


In

Josh Coburn (£5m from Middlesbrough)
Max Crocombe (free)
Zak Sturge (undisclosed from Chelsea)
Steven Benda (loan from Fulham)
Massimo Luongo (undisclosed from Ipswich)
Alfie Doughty (undisclosed from Luton)

Out

Zian Flemming (£7m to Burnley)
George Honeyman (free to Blackpool)
Aaron Connolly (free to Leyton Orient)
Murray Wallace (free to Huddersfield)
Duncan Watmore (free)
Shaun Hutchinson (free)
George Saville (free to Luton Town)
Liam Roberts (free to Mansfield Town)
Dillion Addai (free to Bromley)


Manager: Alex Neil – Become a bit of a Championship journeyman now with spells at Norwich, Preston, Sunderland, Stoke and now Millwall. He always seems to do ok at the previous clubs but maybe not the most fashionable of appointments but the fact he has 205 wins to 173 (42% wins) as a manager proves he does know what he is doing. To watch ‘Wall beat the likes of Leeds, Burnley and the Blades last year was testament to how he can prepare his teams and get results against more talented sides – showing his attention to detail in terms of organisation and tactics.


Key Player: Mihailo Ivanovic. The Serbian international became a vital player and scored 13 goals last season after he established himself as the main man at the top of the field. He showed he could score goals from a variety of ways and was equally adept with his head as his feet. Now he has settled to the Championship, expect him to be even more successful next season.


Verdict: Will be a challenge to gatecrash the playoffs but do not see them being anywhere near the bottom and would not be surprised they flirt with the top 6 again. Hard against some of the financial muscle but they seem to be well run and get the best out of what they have. Made some smart additions and will continue to surprise some of the bigger names, particularly at the Den.


8) Norwich City


In

Jacob Wright (£2.3m, Man City)
Daniel Grimshaw (undisclosed, Plymouth Argyle)
Harry Darling (free, Swansea City)
Louie Moulden (free, Crystal Palace)
Jakov Medic (undisclosed, Ajax)
Vladan Kovacevic (undisclosed, Sporting Lisbon)
Mathias Kvistgaarden (£6.9m, Brondby)
Jeffrey Schlupp (Free, Crystal Palace)
Papa Amadou Diallo (£4.3m, Metz)
Mirko Topic (undisclosed, Familicao)

Out

Jonathan Rowe (£14m to Marseille)
Angus Gunn (free to Nottingham Forest)
Jacob Lungi Sorensen (free to Brann)
Onel Hernandez (free)
Archie Mair (free)
Lewis Shipley (undisclosed, Barrow)
Borja Sainz (£14.3m to Porto)
Vicente Reyes (loan for Peterborough)


Manager: Liam Manning – Manning’s appointment was a real surprise after he had done so well at Bristol City taking them to the playoffs. It seemed like he was set to stay at Ashton Gate and continue to build but his affinity with the Canaries (fan and former season ticket holder) saw the East Anglian side see an opportunity after moving on from Johannes Hoff Thorup quite quickly. He has slowly built an excellent reputation after spells with MK Dons and Oxford United and City maybe offer him a better opportunity to move further up the leagues. It was a bold move from him and with quite a turnaround in personnel, he might not find it easy to start with but once he gets his players to mesh to his style.


Key Player: If he remains it would be Sargent but expect him to leave before the end of the window.


Verdict: An improved season in prospect despite many changes but City may be a year away and with so many of those above them having more established squads and proven performers at this level. Also, the loss of key men Sainz and Sargent, may mean it will be hard for them to finish much higher than just above mid table. They finished 13th last season with those two key men but the new manager will definitely see an uplift but look for them to be more serious contenders in 26-27.




9) Middleborough



In

Alfie Jones (undisclosed from Hull City)
Abdoulaye Kante (undisclosed from Troyes)
Callum Brittain (undisclosed from Middlesbrough)


Out

Anfernee Dijksteel (free)
George Gitau (free)
Zach Hemming (undisclosed to Chesterfield)
Josh Coburn (£5m to Millwall)


Manager: Rob Edwards – Two years ago he was seen as the next big thing as Luton went up and even in the top flight his approach and the way he presented himself saw him get a lot of plaudits. However, Luton’s decline was remarkable and they both parted ways. Edwards was probably right to get out as his reputation was still intact enough to get an attractive and even bigger club in Boro. Will want to prove himself again after what happened last time but may need time and funds to take Boro away from the mid table mediocrity they now seem mired in.


Key Player: Hayden Hackney. The local product remains for now having turned down a transfer to Ipswich, which would have netted the Teesiders around 20 million pounds. It might be other clubs do come in for him before the end but it was reassuring that he chose to remain and be part of the plans of the new manger – for now.


Verdict: Last season they finished 10th and might have underachieved but despite the managerial change, they have not improved the squad that badly needed freshening up and I expect more of the same – in terms of placing. Edwards will have a more aggressive style of play but will need additions especially as key men Latte Lath and Doak have not been replaced yet.

 

[Geordie Blade]

Love these summaries - thanks!

 

[Deadbat]

10) Wrexham



In

Ryan Hardie (£700,000 from Plymouth Argyle)
Danny Ward (free from Leicester City)
Liberato Cacace (£2.2m from Empoli)
George Thomason (£1.2m from Bolton Wanderers)
Lewis O’Brien (undisclosed from Nottingham Forest)
Josh Windass (undisclosed from Sheffield Wednesday)
Connor Coady (undisclosed from Leicester City)
Kieffer Moore (£2 million from Sheffield United)


Out

Sam Dalby (free to Bolton)
Jordan Davies (released)
Steven Fletcher (released)
Mark Howard (released)
Liam Hall (released)
Bradley Foster (free to Ross County)
Josh Adam (released)
Paul Mullin (loan to Wigan Athletic)
Will Boyle (Free to Shrewsbury)
Luke McNicholas (Undisclosed to Forest Green)
Luke Bolton (free to Mansfield Town)
Jake Bickerstaff (loan to Cheltenham)


Manager: Phil Parkinson – Never the most likeable manager – at least to those outside of Wrexham (maybe Bradford and Bolton where he did well too!). His style is quite basic and the football he plays is often direct but his remit was to win and get the team promoted and he did that. I worry that for him, his success may ultimately see him replaced now as the owners will want further progression and he is not really the manager that can take them to that next level in all honesty. I would argue he is perfect to keep them up and even consolidate but look for a change here within 12 months especially if the spending on players continues as they look for the next step up.


Key Player: Lewis O’Brien. Swansea wanted to keep him permanently after his loan spell so for their Welsh rivals to take him instead was a coup for the North Wales club. O’Brien is a player that can help drive up standards for the remaining players and he will be counted upon to provide drive, tenacity and control in the middle of the pitch.


Verdict: One of the hardest teams to predict. Seen some predictions have them in the playoffs whilst others have them struggled to stay up. I have gone for somewhere in between but recent activity shows they mean business as they look to rival even Birmingham for investment. They will have the momentum of a promoted side but if you compared their squad to Charlton’s for instance at the end of last season, there was not a huge difference actually. They have probably signed around half a dozen Championship level starters now. Of course, the ability to spend more and improve, is something that Wrexham possess and they have started to evolve and improve- as they have each time they have gone up but this time it really is a different level. I think they will surprise some teams but also will realise this leap is their biggest year and may have some spells where they struggle to put points on the table.


11) Portsmouth


In

Adrian Segecic (undisclosed, Sydney FC)
John Swift (free to West Brom)
Luke LeRoux (undisclosed from IFK Varnamo)
Mark Kosznovszky (undisclosed from MTK Budapest)
Florian Bianchini (loan from Swansea City)

Out

Christian Saydee (undisclosed fee to Wigan Athletic)
Kusini Yengi (free to Aberdeen)
Cohen Bramall (free)
Alexander Milosevic (free)
Anthony Scully (free to Shrewsbury Town)
Tom Lowery (free)
Toby Steward (loan to St Johnstone)
Ryley Towler (undisclosed to Lincoln City)
Connor Bramhall (free to Luton Town)
Paddy Lane (undisclosed to Reading)


Manager: John Mousinho – May not get much plaudits in the same way other managers seem to at this level (Selles/Cifuentes obvious examples) but he deserves to be talked about more, for the sterling job he has done.



Key Player: Josh Murphy. Murphy gave United all sorts of problems at Bramall Lane and could easily play higher up. Quick, skilled winger who can chip in with goals; he will be a vital player again.


Verdict: Top half might be a push but expect them to improve from last season and with some established sides having financial issues, Pompey seem relatively stable even if they have a smallish budget for this level. Fratton Park can be a hostile atmosphere when Pompey play at a high intensity and expect them to start better this season to ensure they are settled comfortably in mid table.


12) West Brom


In

Nat Phillips (undisclosed, Liverpool)
Aune Heggebo (undisclosed, SK Brann)
George Campbell (undisclosed, CF Montreal)


Out

Grady Diangana (free)
John Swift (free to Portsmouth)
Semi Ajayi (free to Hull City)
Ted Cann (free to Rotherham)
Ronnie Hollingshead (free)
Archie Kirton (free)
Matt Richards (free)
Sam Beedie (free)
Fran Cherchi (free)
Eseosa Sule (loan to Motherwell)


Manager: Ryan Mason – Ryan Mason was a left field appointment after being on the Spurs staff for some time and having spells as caretaker manager. choosing to leave his role on Tottenham’s coaching staff to begin his first full-time job in senior management. He will find it a tough baptism of fire under an expectant Albion crowd who will expect improvements on their lowest points total at this level since 2000. Be interesting to see how patient the fans are if they start slowly?


Key Player: Mikey Johnston. At times he looking devastating with his pace and running ability to get down the sides and stretch defences. When Johnson and fellow wing threat, Tom Fellows are positive, the Baggies cause teams all sorts of problems but both need to be more consistent.


Verdict: Sadly, for the Baggies fans, I am not sure the Mason move will work. A manager learning on the job at a big club with expectations to contend for the playoffs is a tough ask. They may say an experienced manager in Mowbray did not work but that also shows that the squad was not good enough too and not seen any real improvements in this regard yet. I think they will be side out of the trio I discussed (Boro/Norwich/WBA) that drops away the most but still be top half but not a playoff contender.



13) Derby County


In

Carlton Morris (undisclosed from Luton Town)
Danny Batth (free from Blackburn Rovers)
Andreas Weimann (free from Blackburn Rovers)
Richard O'Donnell (free from Blackpool)
Patrick Agyemang (£6m from Charlotte FC)
Owen Beck (loan from Liverpool)
David Ozoh (loan from Crystal Palace)
Rhian Brewster (free from Sheffield United)
Bobby Clark (loan from RB Salzberg)
Dion Sanderson (loan from Birmingham)


Out

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (free to MK Dons)
Kemar Roofe (free)
Tyrese Fornah (free)
Tom Barkhuizen (free)
Sonny Bradley (free to Lincoln City)
Erik Pieters (free)
Jeff Hendrick (free)
Conor Washington (free)
Rohan Luthra (free)
Daniel Cox (loan to Walsall)
Tom Barkhuizen (free to Barrow)


Manager: John Eustace – After overachieving now at three clubs – Birmingham, Blackburn and now Derby – all in difficult circumstances – it is clear that Eustace is an excellent motivator but tactically astute too. He improved the defence and his next job will be to try and deliver more going forward. If he does, they will be looking more towards the top than the bottom and continue their progression.


Key Player: Carlton Morris. A player that has scored consistently at this level and will continue to be a focal point, for his new club. He gives Derby a real outlet and someone whom defences can never rest easy when he is around. He will make a real difference to a previously weak attack.


Verdict: They will not be near the bottom this year and after such a positive end to the season, confidence will be high. Some clever signings of proven players at this level will give them more of a threat offensively and if they can improve their home form then look for them to take a further step forward this season.

 

[Deadbat]

14) Bristol City



In

Yu Hirakawa (undisclosed from Machida Zelvia)
Adam Randell (£750k from Plymouth Argyle)
Joe Lumley (free)
Emil Riis Jakobsen (free)
Radek Vitek (loan from Manchester United)


Out

Taylor Gardner-Hickman (£1.5m to Birmingham)
Stefan Bajic (free)
Kal Naismith (free)
Ayman Benarous (free)
Nahki Wells (free)
Ayman Benarous (free)
Taine Anderson (loan to Cheltenham)
Marcus McGuane (undisclosed to Huddersfield Town)


Manager: Gerhard Struber – Struber is a name some may recall from his time at Barnsley in 2019-20 before he left for the New York Red Bulls. He did ok in the MLS for two seasons but then moved to Red Bull Saltzburg, another club in the same group but it did not go well for him in his homeland and he was fired after less than a season. He had a similarly difficult spell at Cologne and lost his job here too, so the City job is a chance for him to try and restore his reputation.


Key Player: Jason Knight. Knight and Joe Williams give them both energy and ball retention in the middle of the field and their relentless drive and ability to keep possession saw City control games in their late end of season run to the top 6. Knight, who is now City captain, has finally started to deliver the promise he showed as a youngster at Pride Park and he will be important player for new manager Struber.


Verdict: If Manning had remained I would have still had them dropping down but maybe 9th-12th but a new manager playing a totally different style means it will be a season of regression for City.





15) Stoke City


In

Sorba Thomas (undisclosed from Huddersfield Town)
Divin Mubama (loan from Manchester City)
Maksym Talovierov (£1.7m from Plymouth Argyle)
Aaron Cresswell (free from West Ham)
Ashley Phillips (loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
Robert Bozenik (free from Boavista)
Jamie Donley (loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

Out

Stoke confirmed transfers out: Summer 2025
Jordan Thompson (free to Preston North End)
Lynden Gooch (free to Huddersfield)
Michael Rose (free)
Enda Stevens (free)
Niall Ennis (undisclosed to Blackpool)
Tommy Simkin (loan to Leyton Orient)
Wouter Burger (£4.3m to Hoffenheim)
Emre Tezgel (loan to Crewe)
Nathan Low (loan to Stockport)
Sol Sidibe (undisclosed to PSV)


Manager: Mark Robins – Extremely harsh that he was sacked by Coventry and it was no surprise a fellow Championship team took him on so quickly. Robins is a smart operator at this level and he will garner more improvements.


Key Player: Viktor Johansson. Along with Michael Cooper, he is right up there as one of the best keepers outside the top flight and was excellent after he signed from Rotherham. Will be an important player yet again.


Verdict: They have recruited well without spending much and with the spine of the team stronger – from a defensive perspective – they will be much harder to beat. However, they lack the firepower to really move up to be a serious contender in the upper echelons of the table.



16) Watford


In

Hector Kyprianou (free from Peterborough)
Marc Bola (free from Samsunspor)
Nathan Baxter (free from Bolton Wanderers)
James Abankwah (loan from Udinese)
Vivaldo Semedo (undisclosed from Udinese)
Othmane Maamma (undisclosed from Montpellier HSC)
Luca Kjerrumgaard (loan from Udinese)
Nestory Irankunda (undisclosed from Bayern Munich)
Caleb Wiley (loan from Chelsea)


Out

Angelo Ogbonna (free)
Francisco Sierralta (£1.5m to Auxerre)
Michael Adu-Poku (loan to Barrow)
Myles Roberts (loan to Walsall)
Mileta Rajovic (£2.6m to Legia Warsaw)
Antonio Tikvic (Undisclosed to Preuben Munster)
Ryan Porteous (£750k to Los Angeles FC)


Manager: Paulo Pezzolano – The next manager to see if he can actually stay in post for any length of time, never mind be successful, is Uruguayan boss, Paulo Pezzolano. He has operated mainly in South America before a spell with Real Valladolid in La Liga before he was sacked prior to Xmas. It is strange how Pozzo just plucks these managers from different locations and countries but it seems a thankless task for any manager to come in and please the crazy owner.


Key Player: Giorgi Chakvetadze. Surprised that he has not been picked up by anyone higher up at this level. The Georgian has a real ability to carry the ball but also dictate the play and most of Watford’s good stuff came through his good play earlier in the season. His form dropped off and it was no coincidence that Watford were able to retain their early season form.


Verdict: It is hard to see how the club can progress with any stability under the erratic ownership of Gino Pozzo and poor end to the last campaign means they begin with little momentum. They do have some talent despite the lack of continuity and some X factors coming in from abroad. If a few of those can establish themselves at Championship level, then they will stay away from trouble but they are really a hard side to forecast due to the madness off the field. Could finish 4 or 5 places higher or lower – depending on what more knee jerk decisions are made at boardroom level.



17) Swansea


In

Zeidane Inoussa (£5m from Hacken)
Bobby Wales (£300k from Kilmarnock)
Ethan Galbraith (undisclosed from Leyton Orient)
Cameron Burgess (free)
Ricardo Santos (free)
Kaelan Casey (loan from West Ham)


Out

Joe Allen (retired)
Kristian Pedersen (free)
Cyrus Christie (free)
Jon McLaughlin (free)
Kyle Naughton (free)
Nathan Tjoe-A-On (free)
Harry Darling (free to Norwich City)
Ben Hughes (free to Cambridge United)
Mykola Kuharevich (undisclosed to Slovan Bratislava)
Nathan Broome (free to Bolton Wanderers)
Ben Lloyd (loan to Newport County)
Florian Bianchini (loan to Portsmouth)
Jerry Yates (undisclosed to Luton)


Manager: Alan Sheehan – Last season Swansea were maddening to watch with a pass, pass, pass style that often lacked any kind of purpose or penetration and saw them often caught out and concede some ridiculously easy goals. Sheehan had them playing more purposefully but he may find things harder now the honeymoon period has worn off.


Key Player: Goncalo Franco. Won Supporters and Players’ Player of the Year award in his first full season. The Portuguese midfielder was one of the bright spots and will be looked upon to take an even bigger role this year.


Verdict: City will still struggle for goals (have been linked with a return for Oli McBurnie) and miss the players that have left but there is enough in the squad to prevent them from being drawn into a struggle but do not see them having enough quality/experience to finish in the top half.



18) Blackburn


In

Dion de Neve (undisclosed from KV Kortrijk)
Sidnei Taveres (£2m from Moreirense)
Ryan Alebiosu (£500,000 from KV Kortrijk)
Sean McLoughlin (undisclosed from Hull City)
Lewis Miller (undisclosed from Hibernian)
Axel Henriksson (undisclosed from GAES)

Out

Jack Vale (free)
Dilan Markanday (free to Chesterfield)
Jalil Saadi (free)
Jordan Eastham (free)
Tyrhys Dolan (free to Espanyol)
Cauley Woodrow (end of loan from Luton Town)
Connor O'Riordan (loan to Doncaster Rovers)
Danny Batth (free to Derby County)
Andreas Weimann (free to Derby County)
Joe Rankin-Costello (undisclosed to Charlton Athletic)
Callum Brittain (undisclosed to Middlesbrough)


Valerien Ismael – Eustace’s departure was a blow and a surprise he chose to join a relegation battle and Ismael struggled at first. However, the Frenchman surprised many fans who though his appointment was a poor one and by the end his high pressing and energetic style yielded results. More player have moved on and the recruitment does not look like it will be enough to have them repeating last season’s heroics.



Key Player: Lewis Travis. Not the most polished of players and known more for his niggly fouls and stopping other teams playing but as irritating as he is for opponents, his play is valuable for Rovers.


Verdict: They certainly overachieved last season and Eustace’s platform was a big a part of the success. I do not see them repeating this next season



19) QPR


In

Karamoko Dembele (£2.5 from Brest)
Amadou Mbengue (free from Reading)
Kealey Adamson (undisclosed from Macarthur FC)
Kwame Poku (undisclosed from Peterborough)
Rumarn Burrell (undisclosed from Burton)

Out

Charlie Kelman (undisclosed to Charlton)
Kenneth Paal (free)
Murphy Cooper (loan to Barnsley)
Nathan Shepperd (free to The New Saints)
Lucas Andersen (free)
Hevertton Santos (loan to Gil Vicente)
Jack Colback (free)
Morgan Fox (free to Wigan)


Manager: Julien Stephan – The Hoops appointed Julien Stephan as their new boss following Marti Cifuentes' departure after he was initially placed on gardening leave – for talking to West Brom – but then eventually left for Leicester. Stephan is managing outside of France for the first time in his career after previously spending two stints in charge of Rennes, either side of a spell in the Strasbourg dugout. He had done well in France initially and Rangers hope he can have the same impact that Cifuentes had (despite the poor start last season – he did well the previous season to keep them up and steadied the ship eventually last time out).



Key Player: Ilias Chair. Missed a fair chunk of last season due to injury. He will need to regain his form and fitness regularly to help Rangers stave off a relegation scrap.



Verdict: A club that seem a long way off being able to compete to get back to the top flight and have now been out it for 11 years. A newcomer to the managerial hot seat that has not managed in the UK and a side that seemed to lack balance and physicality will end up in a struggle, yet again.

 

[Deadbat]

20) Oxford United


In

Brian De Keersmaecker (Undisclosed from Heracles)
Brodie Spencer (undisclosed from Huddersfield Town)
Lloyd Harris (loan from Fulham)
Nik Prelec (loan from Cagliari)
Will Lankshear (loan from Tottenham)


Out

Max Woltman (free)
Idris El Mizouni (undisclosed to Leyton Orient)
Joe Bennett (free)
Josh McEachran (free)
Stuart Findlay (loan)
Ruben Rodrigues (Undisclosed to EC Vitoria)
Will Goodwin (loan to Colchester United)
Jordan Thorniley (loan to Northampton Town)


Manager: Gary Rowett – Rowett got the best out of the players he had at his disposal and did what he was brought in to do, get results to keep them up. His style of play has never been easy on the eye, wherever he has been but results surely must come first rather than watch an overmatched squad try things that will not get the best out of them?



Key Player: Jamie Cumming. The keeper Impressed last time out and will be busy again and need to replicate his excellent shot stopping to ensure Oxford stay in games.


Verdict: Oxford’s priority is to try and build a platform at this level and if they can stay up again – that will have been another successful season. Will be helped by the problems of sides below (such as SWFC and Hull) which will make their task easier.





21) Charlton Athletic


In

Charlie Kelman (undisclosed from QPR)
Sonny Carey (free from Blackpool)
Thomas Kaminski (undisclosed from Luton Town)
Amari'i Bell (free)
Isaac Olaofe (undisclosed from Stockport County)
Reece Burke (undisclosed from Luton Town)
Joe Rankin-Costello (undisclosed from Blackburn Rovers)
Rob Apter (undisclosed from Blackpool)
Harvey Knibbs (undisclosed from Reading)


Out

Thierry Small (free to Preston North End)
Chuks Aneke (out of contract)
Tennai Watson (out of contract)
Aaron Henry (out of contract)
Dean Bouzanis (out of contract)
Danny Hylton (retired)
Nathan Asiimwe (loan to AFC Wimbledon)


Manager: Nathan Jones – Jones is a marmite figure with his theatrics and body language somewhat over the top but he did very well to get Charlton promoted and you cannot say he does not invest into the job! Whether the fans will have the same view if the inevitable poor results come will remain to be seen. He perhaps needs to be more level headed at times but he will argue that is who he is and will not change.



Key Player: Tyreece Campbell. No, not that one! The Jamaican winger (whose middle names are genuinely Tupac Shakur!) was a star man for Charlton as he played 44 times and scored 9 times in all competitions. Loves to run at defences and get his shots away early.


Verdict: They will be in a scrap as despite the momentum and energy that Jones provides from the sidelines, they do not have the experience at this level. Coupled with a thin squad, it will be vital they can get results at the Valley. May just about survive. But by the barest of margins.



22) Preston North End


In

Daniel Iversen (free from Leicester City)
Jordan Thompson (free from Stoke City)
Pol Valentin (free from Sheffield Wednesday)
Thierry Small (free from Charlton Athletic)
Daniel Jebbison (loan from Bournemouth)
Odel Offiah (undisclosed from Brighton & Hove Albion)
Michael Smith (free from Sheffield Wednesday)
Jack Walton (undisclosed from Luton Town)
Andrija Vukcevoc (unattached)
Shay Reid (undisclosed from Cliftonville)

Out

Layton Stewart (free to FC Thun)
Emil Riis (free to Bristol City)
Freddie Woodman (free to Liverpool)
Ryan Ledson (free to Huddersfield)
Kian Best (free to Chelsea U21)
Patrick Bauer (free)
Kian Taylor (free)
Jack Whatmough (undisclosed to Huddersfield Town)
Kaedyn Kamara (loan to Cork City)
Ched Evans (free to Fleetwood Town)

Manager: Paul Heckingbottom – His managerial career has been varied with promise at Barnsley and then struggles at Leeds and Hibs but he restored his promising reputation with an excellent job at the Lane as he got United promoted but after the inevitable difficulty in the top flight – not helped by a board selling his best players – he was given another chance at Preston. Started very well but then they nearly imploded at the end of the season. His public condemnation of the squad might make motivating some of the holdovers difficult. There are probably bigger issues with investment in the club lacking but if they start poorly, expect him to harshly carry the can.


Key Player: Lewis Gibson. Came in from Plymouth for decent money in January (seven figure fee which is a lot for Preston) and whilst he came into an inconsistent side, he will be looked upon to be a steadying influence at the back and prove why Preston invested in him.


Verdict: Relegated. When a manager says the team is not good enough, that is undoubtedly a concern and without the funds to properly change it, he now faces another season of struggle. With the teams coming up and down so strong, you fear that the relegation places this year will feature at least one relatively established club at this level.



23) Hull City


In

Gustavo Puerta (£3m from Bayer Leverkusen)
Reda Laalaoui (undisclosed from Fath Union Sport)
Dillon Phillips (free from Rotherham United)
Semi Ajayi (free from West Bromwich Albion)
Akin Famewo (free from Sheffield Wednesday)
John Lundstram (loan from Trabzonspor)
Joel Ndala (loan from Man City)
Enis Destan (free from Trabzonspor)
Oli McBurnie (free from Las Palmas)

Out

Nordin Amrabat (free to Wydad)
Dogukan Sinik (free)
Joao Pedro (free)
Brandon Fleming (free)
Callum Jones (free)
Xavier Simons (undisclosed to Bolton Wanderers)
Thimothee Lo-Tutala (loan to Doncaster Rovers)
Jake Leake (Loan to Oldham Athletic)
Anthony Racioppi (undisclosed to Sion)
Andy Smith (undisclosed fee Gillingham)
Matty Jacob (loan to Reading)
Marvin Mehlem (undisclosed to Arminia Bielefeld)
Sean McLoughlin (undisclosed to Blackburn Rovers)
Alfie Jones (undisclosed to Middlesbrough)
Mason Burstow (loan to Bolton)
Steven Alzate (£1.5m to Atlanta United)


Manager: Sergej Jakirovic – Has been around the circuit in Europe and managed in Slovenia, Croatia and most recently in Turkey with Kayserispor last season, doing well to keep them up. He brings in Dean Holden, as his assistant, to help him familiarise with the EFL but he has not been given the best tools to work with at the MKM Stadium. Despite a decent track record, do not expect him to last long with the history of the owner to make changes.


Key Player: Charlie Hughes. Had a promising first season after signing from Wigan and won Young Player of the Year Award. Scored a vital late winner at Hillsborough towards the end of the season – that went a long way to keeping the Tigers up. With Jones gone, he will have to step up even more this campaign.


Verdict: Relegated. Hull face a great deal of uncertainty on and off the field and the decisions made in recent years will catch up with them despite the presence of the trio of ex Blades.




24) Sheff Wed


In

NONE


Out

Stuart Armstrong (free)
Ryo Hatsuse (free)
Pol Valentin (free)
Mallik Wilks (free)
Michael Ihiekwe (free)
Marvin Johnson (free)
Ben Hamer (free)
Anthony Musaba (undisclosed to Samsunspor)
Djeidi Gassama (£2m to Rangers)
Akin Famewo (free)
Josh Windass (free to Wrexham)
Callum Paterson (free to MK Dons)
Michael Smith (free to Preston North End)
Caelan Cadamarteri (undisclosed to Manchester City)
Akin Famewo (free to Hull City)


Manager – Henrik Pedersen. It was reported he was set to replace Rohl in the summer but then the manager returned for a bewildering period where players apparently did not want to work with him and Pedersen too, reportedly felt uneasy after Rohl has effectively offered himself around on the job market over the summer. Pedersen has managed in Denmark, Norway and the lower league of Germany but lacks any real experience at the top level and in England. Will be a big ask of someone so inexperience to step in and try and steady a sinking ship.


Key Player: Barry Bannan. Surprisingly opted to remain despite all the turmoil. Either it shows incredible loyalty to the club and its supporters or is sheer madness when he cannot guarantee he will be paid and will surely be part of a struggling side? Maybe it was a bit of both but credit to him for not jumping off the sinking ship. His leadership will be key in a side of young players but despite his calm passing and control of play – without legs and players around him – he may find it hard to dictate games when Wednesday could be chasing the ball a lot.


Verdict: Relegated. Traditionally I find it hard to predict such a bad season for our rivals for fear of having egg on my face and my concern is they have somehow found their way out of difficult situations (Peterborough/Barnsley late goals to get up, and then they stayed up against the odds a few seasons ago) but I find it hard not to predict anything but the drop. They have barely any senior players left and the ones they do retain massively overachieved last time out. Without the experience and the inability to bring players in on reasonable wages (for this level), and the potential of a points deduction added to the transfer embargos they had in place – it seems the inevitable may happen. Only a quick change of ownership will give them a chance but as we know well ourselves, these never happen with alacrity due to the tightening of the EFL checks allied to finding an investor of course! Their preparation for the season has been as bad as it can get and if they start as badly as you would assume, it will be hard for them to dig themselves out. If they can somehow stay in touch and sort out their ownership, then maybe they may perform the great escape but as it stands hard to predict anything but bottom of the pile.



---

Other Predictions 25-26


Other Championship tips:

Leading goalscorer – 1) Sammie Szmodics 2) Andre Ayew 3) Cameron Archer

First manager to be sacked – 1) Paulo Pezzolano 2) Paul Heckingbottom 3) Sergej Jakirovic

Other competitions + leagues...

Premier League
1st – Arsenal
2nd – Liverpool
3rd – Man City
4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Brentford, Burnley and Sunderland

FA Cup – Man City
League Cup – Aston Villa
Champions League – PSG

League One
Promoted: Luton, Huddersfield and Stockport
Relegated: Burton, Exeter, Northampton and Wimbledon

League Two
Promoted: MK Dons, Gillingham, Grimsby and Chesterfield
Relegated: Accrington, Cheltenham

---

Regards,
Deadbat – @Deadbat_DB

 

[Addison]

Thanks DB an interesting read as always. Think Stoke may do better. They've recruited the dream centre back pairing that should have been here in Taloveirov and Phillips. As far as our season is concerned agree it hinges on keeping Hamer and not letting anyone else leave. Whether Hamer wants to stay if a big offer comes in is another matter.

I'm disappointed that off field we continue with the one man plate spinning recruitment band of Bettis. He cant do everything and Im certain we will miss out on targets as a consequence. I expect a late charge on deadline day especially if we have a poor start. The gaping hole at CB hasnt been filled and we are at risk of being over run in midfield on the break. Overall we start the season short on numbers. Unless the purse strings are loosened and experienced permanent signings are forthcoming in the next few weeks your prediction of a fifth place finish imo is optimistic. I'm going for 8th to 10th

 

[I should coco]

Generally well argued comments that are hard to fault.

I'd say that Edwards at Boro won't go well, and they'll finish in the bottom half.

I also expect Norwich and Charlton to do a bit better than you have suggested.

 

[ChrisDysonHT]

Firstly, there is a much more detailed version of these published on the Pinch! Yes, more detailed than below. I know. Too many words.

I also did put them in the predictions thread, so as not to start my own thread...but put them in the wrong place. Doh!

Anyway, Linz Foxy feel free to shift. Dint want to come across as all shouty and self-important as these predictions will probably are as much guess work as anyone elses.

For the record I think whilst we were right not to sign McBurnie, he now may help them Hull stay up so happy to switch them and Charlton.

Championship Season Preview & Predictions


*Transfer info correct as of 5pm, Wednesday 6th August



1) Ipswich Town


In

David Button (free from Reading)
Azor Matusiwa (£10m from Rennes)
Cedric Kipre (loan from Reims)
Ashley Young (free from Everton)


Out

Liam Delap (£30m to Chelsea)
Cameron Burgess (free to Swansea City)
Marcus Harness (free to Huddersfield Town)
Axel Tuanzebe (free to Burnley)
Sam Morsy (free to Kuwait SC)
Massimo Luongo (undisclosed to Millwall)
Mathaeus Roberts (free to Stevenage)
Jokubas Mazionis (loan to Cheltenham)


Manager: Kieran McKenna – Still only 39, McKenna’s star remains bright, despite the relegation last season. He was linked with a few Premier League clubs over the summer but remains and will want to test himself back in the big time again, after having a taste last season.


Key Player: Jaden Philogene. Mainstays like O’Shea and Davis will be important but Philogene will be the one, along with Hutchinson, asked to unpick defences who will undoubtedly sit in against the Tractor Boys. He had injuries and never really got going after signing from Villa – look for a big season from him.


Verdict: Champions. They have too much talent to content at the top and have a relatively settled set up, on and off the pitch. Will be a close race between them and Southampton and I can see both being some way ahead of the 3rd side and achieving around 85-90 points (100 will be a push this time).



2) Southampton


In

Joshua Quarshie (£3.5m from Hoffenheim)
Damion Downs (£6.9m from Cologne)


Out

Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (£5.9m to Strasbourg)
Adli Mohamed (undisclosed to Al-Nasr)
Kamaldeen Sulemana (£18m to Atalanta BC)
Joe Lumley (free to Bristol City)
Paul Onuachu (undisclosed to Trabzonspor)
Kyle Walker-Peters (free to West Ham United)
Adam Lallana (retired)
Juan Larios (loan to Cultural y Deportivo Leonesa)
Ollie Wright (loan to Accrington Stanley)
Jay Bednarek (undisclosed to Porto)
Aaron Ramsdale (loan to Newcastle)
Rento Tanaka (loan to Valiencennes)


Manager: Will Still – If Still can implement his pressing and high intensity style; getting the players on board, then you expect that some of the young talent will thrive. His first go around in English football so be interesting how he copes with the relentless grind of the Championship.


Key Player: Tyler Dibling. Been linked with Premier League sides with Everton leading the race but Saints have apparently said they want 50 million so he may remain for now. A talent that was maybe the only bright spot of a torrid season, Dibling is still only 19 and seems set to go to the top. If he goes, then Archer might have to prove again that at Championship level, he is a regular scorer.


Verdict: Automatic Promotion. If they start well and regain confidence with some early victories then you expect them to remain near the top. A poor start and the natives will get restless. It really does show the huge chasm between the top flight and Championship, in that teams can struggle so much In the Premier League but then be winning most weeks at the lower level and expect this trend to continue with the Saints.



3) Coventry City


Miguel Angel Brau (free from Granada)
Kaine Kesler-Hayden (undisclosed from Aston Villa)
Carl Rushworth (loan from Brighton and Hove Albion)

Out

Jamie Paterson (free to Plymouth)
Jack Burroughs (free to Northampton)
Fabio Tavares (free to Burton Albion)
Ryan Howley (free)
Cian Tyler (free)


Manager: Frank Lampard – Lampard has been criticised for his previous management but if you look at his record, he has been relatively successful and his spells in charge at Derby and now with the Sky Blues, proves at the Championship level he knows the division and what it takes to contend. After he took over from the popular Mark Robins, he propelled City up the league and very close to the playoff final.


Key Player: Jack Rudoni. After losing Hamer and O’Hare in consecutive seasons to the Blades, they recruited well to take Rudoni from Huddersfield after they went down. He scored 9 goals and was a constant threat with his late runs into the box. He will dovetail nicely with Grimes in a very strong midfield at Championship level.


Verdict: Playoffs (Promoted beating Birmingham City in the final) – A real contender now and in a division that does not look particularly stronger (or deeper) than a year ago – City with the same core of players will be amongst the frontrunners again. Like, the Blades their playoff record has been poor, so fans will not be confident if faced with the end of season lottery again but this time it might be different. Expectations will be greater now of course but they have the firepower to be too strong for many teams.



4) Birmingham City


In

Phil Neumann (free from Hannover)
Taylor Gardner-Hickman (£1.5m from Bristol City)
Alfons Sampsted (£1.7m from Twente)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (free from Fenerbahce)
Demarai Gray (free from Al-Ettifaq)
Tommy Doyle (loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers)
James Beadle (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)
Kyogo Furuhashi (undisclosed from Rennes)
Kanya Fujimoto (free from Gil Vicente)
Eiran Cashin (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

Out

Grant Hanley (free)
Myung-jae Lee (free)
Lukas Jutkiewicz (retired)
Ayumu Yokoyama (undisclosed, Genk)
Romelle Donovan (£3m, Brentford)
Emmanuel Longelo (undisclosed to Motherwell)
Bailey Peacock-Farrell (loan to Blackpool)
Alfie May (£1.2m to Huddersfield Town)
Emil Hansson (loan to Blackpool)
Dion Sanderson (loan to Derby)


Manager: Chris Davies – Another young manager at this level and one that impressed the way he led the Blues to the title with little fuss. Davies worked under Brendan Rodgers for several years and then spent time under Ange Postecoglou at Spurs before the Blues appointed him. The expectation will be high but Davies’ ambition seems well aligned with the approach of the owners at St Andrews and together, I expect their rise to continue.


Key Player: Kyogo Furuhashi. Only for Rennes in January for 10 million but did not play much and Blues brought him back to the UK. Scored a lot of goals at Celtic previously and you would think he will be a stand out at the Championship – will join familiar faces in fellow Japanese players in Fujimoto and Iwata, at the club.


Verdict: Playoffs – The level of investment and signings they have made means they could even contend for the top two but it is hard to do what Ipswich did a few seasons ago, especially when you know the three teams coming down almost always are so strong. However, the trend is City will continue to recruit and the feel-good factor means a packed home ground every week will give them a platform to be in the promotion mix.

Thanks deadbat for this again .... NOT a criticism at all, but have I missed something... Coventry 3rd??? The BBC have said the same, I can't see it but then what do I know. I'd have B'ham 2nd and us 3rd and Coventry 8th ish.
Looking forward to the reports as always. UTB

 

[Silent Blade]

Verdict: Playoffs – The hangover from the playoff final and the change of manager will have an impact. If United get off to a poor start and the new style of play does not yield results early, the Wilder disciples will quickly let the new manager/board know their feelings. However, there is enough talent remaining in the squad that they will be too strong for many of the sides at this level and whilst the new style may mean higher scoring games, it might be United outscore teams rather than eek out single goal narrow wins. Ultimately the play offs will probably mean more heartache as history has proven this club simply does not get promoted if they do not finish top two and sadly I expect that to continue but it is probably more important United can build something sustainable if they do get promoted – sadly another year without achieving that even if they evolve on/off the pitch means key players will depart and with just one more year of parachute payments left, it gets even harder to get back to the top level the longer you stay out of it.

Fully agree.

Wilder loyalists already trying to spread malicious rumours on social media doing their best to unsettle our true supporters and our players. They are not Sheffield United supporters, they like to boast that they are friends of Wilder's

 

[Klaatu Barada Nikto]

At the moment, I don’t see where the goals are going to come from for us to be playoff contenders.

 

[Gin&Juice]

At the moment, I don’t see where the goals are going to come from for us to be playoff contenders.

Other way round.

 

[Dkc]

Great read! Really hope Hecky does better at Preston than you predict. Perhaps slightly optimistic for us. I think we'll be one of a bunch fighting for the play offs and could lose out. Hope I am proven wrong.

Whatever, it will be a decent season if the pigs go down and we don't.

 

[djbaldken]

At the moment, I don’t see where the goals are going to come from for us to be playoff contenders.

Tend to agree here.
But I have been impressed with One s input in the friendlies. He looks full of confidence. If he can produce similar performances in the league We may have a gem on our hands. (Which could see him gone in January)

 

[MiserableBlader]

Fantastic detail Deadbat.
Will be trying to save a copy
I take a simplistic view
Four teams have the advantage of parachute payments.
They should have the players and the advantage.
One is supposed to be in financial trouble so restricted and have points removed.
Leicester
One is clearly the only one with stability and the best players
Ipswich.
One has a new (ie unknown) manager who also had a good result last week.
Whereas we have had a firesale on key assets, the spine of the team and are signing as though they have already pocketed all the parachute payments and will not even spend ALL the income from the firesale.
For me it was always
1. Ipswich
2. Southampton
and Leicester to win the playoffs.
I tipped us for the playoffs before the transfers.
As for relegation it has to be the firesale clubs favourites for relegation for now
24 Wendy
23 United.
I also thought Hull were banned from signings but apparently not
so anyone could join us.
That being said can we REALLY have such obvious asset stripping continuing?
Well if they remain thousand of miles away sadly yes.
I cannot see us signing anyone permanent without an easy, obvious path to a value increase ie CHEAP and a gamble.
Plus we still have a rigid manager with players played out of position further hindering us.
As for Wendy. IF there is a GOOD takeover unlike us they will move forward with a purpose (that is more positive ON the field than asset stripping)

 

[Tom Bott]

I take a simplistic view

DOOM

and

GLOOM


?