9) Derby County
In
Bobby Clark (Salzburg, undisclosed), Charlie Taylor (Southampton, free), Filip Bilbija (Paderborn, free), Sam Szmodics (Ipswich, loan)
Out
Callum Elder (Lincoln, free), Ben Osborn (Stockport, free), Danny Batth (Millwall, free), Liam Thompson (Mansfield, undisclosed), Jake Rooney (Boston, free), Dajuane Brown (Rochdale, free)
Manager: John Eustace – Like Robins, Eustace is just a steady manager, who again seems to get the most out of what he has. He kept Derby up and then last season, got them really close to the playoffs. You look at their squad and you are not sure they can be contenders but he clearly knows what he is doing – as shown by underrated spells at Blackburn and Birmingham previously.
Key Player: Sondre Langas – Commanding unit at the back who can also get around and quietly became one of Derby’s best players. He was part of the squad in the World Cup for Norway.
Verdict: Agyemang’s return will see them turn a mid-table campaign into a late push for the final spot but might be tough to match last season.
10) Millwall
In
Jenson Metcalfe (Bradford, undisclosed), Tairyk Arconte (Rodez, undisclosed), Mathis Servasi (Mechelen, undisclosed), Mark Sykes (Bristol City, free), Elkan Baggott (Ipswich, undisclosed), Kyrell Lisbie (Peterborough, undisclosed), Danny Batth (Derby, free), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton, free)
Out
Wes Harding (Plymouth, free), Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed), Macaulay Langstaff (Salford, undisclosed), Adam Mayor (Hibernian, undisclosed), Billy Mitchell (Sheffield Wednesday, free), Danny McNamara (Charlton, free), Rafiq Lamptey (Chesterfield, loan), Kamarl Grant (Bromley, loan), Joel Coleman (released)
Manager: Alex Neil – Another manager who just knows what he is doing and will always get the most out of what he has. Really feeds off the Millwall mentality and of the home atmosphere and the style of play might not always be easy on the eye, but they do have some talented players, so maybe that tag is unfair. He will continue to get some punching above their weight.
Key Player: Femi Azeez – Azeez was such a key man last season with 11 goals and 7 assists and his play out wide will be crucial again. Do wonder if some Premier League clubs may take a punt on him?
Verdict: Do not see them making the playoffs this time but they will still be top half and that is another positive season for a side that lacks the resource of other sides.
11) Wrexham
In
Danny Imray (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Ben Whiteman (Preston, undisclosed)
Out
Mo Faal (Port Vale, loan), Thomas O'Connor (Peterborough, loan), Andy Cannon (Fleetwood, loan), Paul Mullin (Rotherham, free), Tom Kelly (Bala, loan), Max Purvis (Bangor, free)
Manager: Phil Parkinson – I thought he might be jettisoned after promotion and I always saw him as a limited but successful lower league manager. He did really well, helped by some big spending, and the football was not always as direct, as I envisaged. I still think they might need to get a better coach to take the next step and I predict a season where they do not quite push on and then make a change here.
Key Player: Lewis O’Brien – Busy, box to box midfielder. Had an ok season and expect him to take it on another level this time.
Verdict: Second time at this level might be a bit tougher and the owners will have to temper expectation, that they will just surge up the top flight. They are now sides that can spend even more than them and thus, it will need to be smarter business and maybe a change in the sidelines might be needed to take that next step.
12) Birmingham City
In
Jhon Solis (Girona, undisclosed), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough, free), James Beadle (Brighton, loan), Luis Vazquez (Anderlecht, undisclosed), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo, undisclosed)
Out
Byron Pendleton (Shrewsbury, free), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union, undisclosed), Kyogo Furuhashi (LA Galaxy, undisclosed)
Manager: Chris Davies – Was backed but did superbly to completely turn City around and many expected, perhaps unrealistically, another promotion push. Mid table was fine but fans now expect, seeing the new ownership. I think they may make a managerial change here before the end of the season, rightly or wrongly, in an attempt to take the next step.
Key Player: Dael Fry – Solid, no nonsense centre back that will come in and provide the experience at this level.
Verdict: This season may be more consolidative. I do not see a promotion side but not one that will struggle either.
13) Swansea City
In
Leo Walta (Sirius, undisclosed), Stephen Welsh (Celtic, free), Moussa Yeo (RB Salzburg, undisclosed), Elijah Just (Motherwell, undisclosed), Ross Stewart (Southampton, free)
Out
Ethan Galbraith (Stoke, undisclosed), Josh Thomas (Fleetwood, free), Ricardo Santos (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed), Sam Parker (Wycombe, loan), Liam Cullen (Leicester, undisclosed), Joel Ward (released), Ollie Cooper (Notts County, loan), Cameron Congreve (KVC Westerlo, undisclosed)
Manager: Vitor Matos – Seems well liked on the Welsh South Coast and another that does about as well as he can do against some bigger spenders and powerhouses at this level. Only lost 11 out of 31 and they certainly seemed to improve under his charge.
Key Player: Zan Vipotnik – 23 goals and the leading scorer in the league. Will be counted upon again. Can finish well and hits a clean ball, also very good on set plays. Wonder why no one has looked at him but a bit like his predecessor, Joel Piroe, maybe lacks pace/athleticism to make the step up?
Verdict: Similar sort of forecast and position to last season. They will have the bragging rights over Cardiff – who are back at this level but another mediocre season awaits.
14) Sheffield United
In
Romelle Donovan (Brentford, loan), Matt Doherty (Wolves, free)
Out
Andre Brooks (Norwich, undisclosed), Alex Matos (Göztepe, loan), Mihail Polendakov (Ludogorets, loan), Zain Tahir (Oldham, loan), Jili Buyabu (Rotherham, loan), Sai Sachdev (Boston, loan), Christian Nwachukwi (Serikspor)
Manager: Chris Wilder – There is a large number of Blades fans that still love Chris Wilder but even those might start to question the lack of coaching and approach/style of football if results are poor. He has changed his coaching staff with Micky Collins and Phil Jones, replacing long term number 2, Alan Knill but pre-season there was no identifiable change in the way they played. Is Wilder yesterday’s man or is there still some something that can get his side galvanised? Only time will tell.
Key Player: Patrick Bamford. He must stay fit and replicate his goals tally of last time, or there is a worry where the goals come from.
Verdict: Bottom half Wilder will point to the defensive shortcomings last time out and will try to make us tougher to beat, so it might be a hard watch at times but I do not see this current squad being anywhere near a promotion challenge. There is way too much for them to be sucked into the scrap at the other end but then if more depart then suddenly even that might change. As it stands, unless there are significant personnel changes, this looks a side that will be right in the middle of the pack again. If signings are brought in at centre back, on the wing and more competition up top, they might push into the top half.
15) QPR
In
Boy Kemper (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Calum Ward (Motherwell, undisclosed), Pierce Charles (Manchester City, loan), Tariq Lamptey (Fiorentina, free), Glen Kamara (Rennes, loan)
Out
Sam Field (Norwich, undisclosed), Steve Cook (Wycombe, free), Joe Walsh (Wigan, loan), Isaac Hayden (Leyton Orient, free), Murphy Cooper (Plymouth, undisclosed), Zan Celar (Basel, undisclosed), Cory Adjetey-Brew (Worthing, loan), Daniel Beddie (Dundee United, loan), Paul Nardi (Auxerre), Elijah Dixon Bonner (released), Heverrton Santos (Levski Sofia, undisclosed)
Manager: Julien Stephan – Still divides opinion with R’s fans, and losing the last four games of the season, to meekly finish the campaign did not help. He will know he has to make improvements this time out, or his position could be in jeopardy.
Key Player: Nikolas Madsen – Player of the year, the Danish midfielder has finally found form and a role that sees him as a key man in the Hoops midfield.
Verdict: I have them finishing the same position as last season. Do not see them making huge improvements.
16) Watford
In
Amor Traore (Udinese, undisclosed), Iker Bravo (Udinese, undisclosed), Luca Kjerrumgaard (Udinese, undisclosed), Martin Payero (Udinese, undisclosed), Federico Ravaglia (Bologna, undisclosed), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, loan)
Out
Nathan Baxter (Leyton Orient, undisclosed), Giorgi Chakvetadze (Udinese, undisclosed), Jorge Hurtado (Deportes Tolima, loan), Vivaldo Semedo (Alverca, loan), Tom Ince (Tranmere, free), Nampalys Mendy (Metz, free), Tom Dele Bashiru (Aris, undisclosed), Pierre Dwomoh (released)
Manager: Alessio Dionisi – Had no idea who the manager was and had to look this up! 22 managers since 2012, which is incredible but they continue to cycle through them without any clear plan or willingness to build anything. He has mostly managed Serie B and you fear for him, if Watford struggle as I expect.
Key Player: Imran Louza – Can be frustrating at times and maybe overplays, takes too mamani touches but a quality operator and most of the play goes through him.
Verdict: They always seem to have enough quality in the squad to keep away from trouble but never enough to seriously contend and seem to be stuck at Championship level now. They have no real clear identity other than constant change and the lack of stability means they seem a club that might be soon looking over their shoulder.
17) West Brom
In
Barney Stewart (Falkirk, undisclosed), Jimmy-Jay Morgan (Chelsea, undisclosed), Matt Ingram (Oxford, undisclosed), Conor Townsend (Ipswich, free), Nolan Galves (Rodez, undisclosed), Felix Horn Myhre (SK Brann, undisclosed)
Out
Josh Griffiths (Stoke, undisclosed), Akeel Higgins (Wigan, undisclosed), Jed Wallace (Bristol City, free), Eseosa Sule (St Mirren, undisclosed), Karlan Grant (Charlton, free), Josh Maja (Le Havre, free)
Manager: James Morrison – Deservedly got the job after only losing 2 in 12 (indeed only last 2 in 15 in three spells as caretaker and now permanent manager). Has a number of experienced players that will help him stay clear of danger.
Key Player: Isaac Price - Still only 22, Price has really established himself at the Hawthorns now and was, and is, one of their most important players. 9 goals in 44 games, he was one of the few bright sparks last time out.
Verdict: It is hard to see them moving into the top half of the squad with another relatively inexperienced manager and a threadbare squad but there is enough to avoid the wobbles of last season.
18) Preston
In
Alfie Devine (Tottenham, undisclosed), Jusef Erabi (Genk, loan), Lee Nicholls (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Delano Burgzorg (Preston, loan)
Out
Jack Walton (Dundee United, undisclosed), Michael Smith (Mansfield, free), Noah Mawene (Fleetwood, free), James Pradic (Fleetwood, free), Ben Whiteman (Wrexham, undisclosed), David Cornell (released)
Manager: Paul Heckingbottom – Likeable fella who seems to be a steady Championship manager – who like many at this level relies on organisation and a solid defensive footprint to see them stay in most games. Perhaps lacking the attacking verve some fans might want to see but it is hard to see him pushing them much further without quality additions.
Key Player: Alfie Devine – 8 goals last season and PNE’s young player of the year, Preston spend reportedly close to 6 million pound to sign him and was a real signal of intent. He will need to take his impressive play on even further to move Preston further up the table.
Verdict: Hard to not peg them anywhere but mid to lower half. Just lack the depth and real quality to push much higher.
19) Portsmouth
In
Odin Bailey (Stockport, free), Eoin Kenny (Dundalk, undisclosed), Rocco Shein (Fredrikstad, undisclosed), Marko Milovanovic (Almeria, undisclosed), Daniel Bielica (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Luke Brooke-Smith (Wellington, undisclosed), Abu Kamara (Hull, undisclosed)
Out
Andre Dozzell (DC United, free), Toby Steward (St Johnstone, loan), Reuben Swann (Braintree, loan), Makenzie Kirk (Barnsley, loan), Jordan Williams (Blackpool, loan), Ibane Bowat (Huddersfield, undisclosed)
Manager: John Mousinho – Seems to just go about his business and has established Pompey at this level. You wonder if other teams might have looked at him and maybe they have, but he remains loyal to the side that gave him a chance in management.
Key Player: Terry Devlin – Might not the kudos of others on the South Coast but has quietly been Pompey’s most consistent performers and can play a range of positions.
Verdict: They are used to the level now but the level has improved and not sure they have significantly?
20) Cardiff City
In
Nathan Trott (Copenhagen, undisclosed), Jack Moylan (Lincoln, undisclosed)
Out
Ryan Wintle (MK Dons, free)
Manager: Brian Barry Murphy – After coaching spells at Man City and Leicester, the job he did last year to confidently turn around Cardiff, after the previous relegation cannot be understated. He will want to carry on the momentum and hope they can consolidate at a higher level.
Key Player: Rubin Colwill – Now 24, he has to show the undoubted talent he possesses at the higher level after standing out in League One. His brother, Joel, also part of the Bluebirds squad.
Verdict: Staying up by the skin of their teeth. I expect this pick may get criticised as some have them mid table or just below but the league is better than when they were last here and they are not.
21) Lincoln City
In
Callum Elder (Derby, free), Andrei Coubis (Universitatea Cluj, undisclosed), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa, loan), Mason Melia (Tottenham, loan), Tanto Olaofe (Charlton, loan)
Out
MJ Kamson-Kamara (Hearts, free), Zach Jeacock (Northampton, loan), Erik Ring (Kilmarnock, undisclosed), Jack Moylan (Cardiff, undisclosed), Zane Okoro (Tranmere, loan), Oscar Thorne (Colchester, loan)
Manager: Chris Cowen/Tom Shaw – Both part of the coaching staff with Skubala. It may see brave to entrust them but is probably a smart move as continuity and what made them successful, is absolutely what will help them be competitive at the higher level.
Key Player: Sonny Bradley – An experienced defender who has played at this level. His size and calmness will be important as City adjust to some much harder tests.
Verdict: A decent start and good home form will see them stay up, just.
22) Charlton Athletic
In
Ivan Mesik (Heracles Almelo, undisclosed), Billy Koumetio (Dundee, undisclosed), Karlan Grant (West Brom, free), Danny McNamara (Millwall, free), MIllenic Alli (Luton, undisclosed)
Out
Terry Taylor (Stevenage, free), Lennon MacLorg (Gillingham, free), Gassan Ahadme (Cambridge, loan), Macaulay Gillesphey (Bradford, undisclosed), Ty Ewens-Findlay (Crawley, loan), Karoy Anderson (Blackpool, undisclosed), Alex Mitchell (Plymouth, undisclosed), Kaheim Dixon (Novi Pazar, undisclosed), Lyndon Dykes (Millwall, free), Tanto Olaofe (Lincoln, loan)
Manager: Nathan Jones: Jones splits opinion and his dugout antics can irritate many, but his motivational skills and the job he has done at the Valley, cannot be criticised.
Key Player: Millenic Allli: Did well on loan at Pompey and he comes in from Luton. Quick and talented winger. Will want to get his career going again after signing for Luton for over a million pounds less than 2 years ago from Exeter.
Verdict: Relegated. They had a late run and were able to remain at this level at the expense of some giants in Wednesday and Leicester but I am struggling to find 3 worse teams than them this time around.
23) Blackburn
In
Moussa Baradji (Yverdon Sport, undisclosed), Jayden Fevrier (Stockport, undisclosed)
Out
Aodhan Doherty (Falkirk, loan), Osman Kamara (Crawley, loan), Nick Michalski (Crawley, loan), Sondre Tronstad (free)
Manager: Tony Mowbray – Crazy they have gone back to Mowbray after the club moved on from his steady, if dull, style a few years ago. The managers since have hardly fared much better not helped by the messy stuff at ownership/board level. He has had health issues but ‘knows the club.’ Sadly, the squad is bereft of quality.
Key Player: Yuki Ohahsi – He may have only scored 10 goals but the leading scorer is crucial at the top of the pitch. His goals and threat are vital if they are to stay up.
Verdict: Relegated. Mowbray is an experienced manager but the talent is not there and the squad seems to get weaker and weaker.
24) Bolton
In
David Watson (Kilmarnock, free), Ben Davies (Rangers, free), Akin Famewo (Hull, undisclosed), Luca Stephenson (Liverpool, £700K), Kyliane Dong (Augsburg, loan), Gaizka Larrazabal (Casa Pia, free)
Out
Szabi Schon (ETO FC Gyor, undisclosed), George Johnston (Luton, free), Kyle Dempsey (Port Vale, free), Sonny Sharples-Ahmed (Hednesford Town, undisclosed), Richard Taylor (Bromley, loan)
Manager: Steven Schumacher: Was moved on by Stoke relatively quickly after a successful spell at Plymouth. Quickly restoring his reputation after getting Wanderers up in his first season in charge. Will have circled the games with Stoke on the calendar.
Key Player: Josh Sheehan –Makes them tick in midfield. He is 31 so has been around a fair bit and in a largely young squad, will be needed to be the steadying influence.
Verdict: Relegated. Getting crowds in excess of 20,000 every week and pushing 25k will be a huge help but Wanderers will find the step up a challenge and don’t have the experience and overall depth.
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Other Championship tips:
Leading goalscorer – 1) Raul Jimenez 2) Jarrod Bowen 3) Will Lankshear
First manager to be sacked – 1) Alessio Dionsi 2) Chris Davies 3) Phil Parkinson
Other competitions + leagues...
Premier League
1st – Arsenal
2nd – Man City
3rd – Chelsea
4th – Man Utd
Relegated: Hull City, Ipswich and Sunderland
FA Cup – Man City
League Cup – Man Utd
Champions League – PSG
League One
Promoted: Leicester, Luton and Stockport. Wednesday to finish 5th and lose in the Playoffs.
Relegated: Bromley, Burton, Cambridge and Wimbledon
League Two
Promoted: Salford, Port Vale, Bristol Rovers and Chesterfield
Relegated: Accrington and Newport County
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Regards,
Deadbat – @Deadbat_DB
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