English Championship Thread

daz · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:33

I know there are a few supporters of clubs in the Championship here. I support Ipswich, and after our worst league finish in more than 50 years I really can't see too much improving. Perhaps an outside chance of a play-off place if our youngsters come on-song and our key players avoid injuries, unlike last season - however i'm still incredibly unsure about the appointment of Jim Magilton.

One team I can really see doing well is actually Southampton. George Burley will get them playing some good flowing football. He's brought in some good players and he can spot a bargain and get players playing well above their usual game.

I would expect Leeds to be there or there-abouts, but West Brom and Birmingham both look incredibly strong. Both teams seem only to be strengthening since being relegated - an unusual policy, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Kerplunk · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:34

You posted in the wrong forum, noob.

Now, skidaddle.

daz · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:35

Oops, what a noob I am. Please move to the relevent forum.

Gilly · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:43

The Championship has got stronger this year with the 3 teams promoted to the Prem and the 3 teams relegated into it. WBA and Brum both have the capability to win it but need to adjust immediately. Sunderland, less so but I still expect them to be pushing for a top 6.

Southampton as you say with Burley at the helm will be a force to be reckoned with, and I think Coventry will do quite well if they can raise their away performances. They were very strong at home last season.

Palace will be up there if they can live without AJ (I think they probably can) and if Scowcroft and Kennedy make a good impact - though I'm not sure about Taylor, Norwich I think will be strong if they can make some good signings and Preston have a decent chance even without Davies. Derby have a decent chance with Davies there, he's done well at PNE.

Leeds need one or two more good signings but I expect us to be there or thereabouts. I don't think there's a side that we can't match on paper except maybe WBA/Brum.

AJUK · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:45

Laughs at the noob before move.

BFCTom · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:47

Barnsley will stop up, I guarentee it

Gilly · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:48

In addition to my above post, Barnsley, Colchester and Southend will all go straight back down

Spleenus · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:52

Gilly said:
In addition to my above post, Barnsley, Colchester and Southend will all go straight back down

Nah, I think Colchester will do just fine in the Championship

Gilly · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:58

Spleenus said:
Nah, I think Colchester will do just fine in the Championship

Me too, if just fine means not get many points and be the first relegated

They're the weakest of the 3 promoted teams, and except maybe Burnley, Plymouth and Sheff Weds, and maybe Hull everyone else is far better.

BFCTom · 26 Jul 2006 at 15:28

I think Barnsley and as much as it pains me to say it, Wednesday will shock a few people this year and finish mid-table.

neil3k · 26 Jul 2006 at 17:09

As long as sunderland get relegated im fine

daz · 26 Jul 2006 at 18:33

I worry for Sunderland if they don't get a good start.

Red and White · 26 Jul 2006 at 18:53

daz said:
I worry for Sunderland if they don't get a good start.

think the squad is by far good enough to survive the championship

Weebull · 26 Jul 2006 at 19:17

Go Hull!

New manager (Colchester's), new approach (fast counter-attacking football, apparently), new signings, and a few players getting over serious injuries from last season. Might try and make it to some of the games this season (Leeds especially, since a mate is a fan).

Doubt they're going to set the division on fire, but I think they've got the talent to stay further away from relegation now.

Andybtsn · 26 Jul 2006 at 19:22

Hopefully Leeds will avoid the play-offs this year and go up automatically.

On paper we have a good enough team.

I'm still undecided about Birmingham, in the past it seems the "bigger" teams that have gone down have struggled, can't really see it being any different here.

It's hard to say who will do well or not.

Gilly · 26 Jul 2006 at 19:43

Clerkin said:
think the squad is by far good enough to survive the championship

I agree. I think.

If they get a decent enough start they'll be fine.

Curio · 27 Jul 2006 at 05:19

I'll be cheering on B'Ham City, although I suspect we'll be following WBA's lead and yo-yo-ing up and down between the Prem and Champ for the next few years :rolleyes:

Still, could be worse......

....and might be yet.

daz · 27 Jul 2006 at 16:41

Clerkin said:
think the squad is by far good enough to survive the championship

I didn't mean they'll get relegated, I meant that without some quality they might fizzle out and finish in mid-table mediocrity.

pegasus1 · 6 Aug 2006 at 17:57

Gilly said:
Southend will all go straight back down

Are you sure you dont want to reconsider that statement
Flavahaven is good enough to play in this league as is Freddy Eastwood along with a handfull of other players. Both goalkeepers played very well yesterday but on the ball Southend looked by far the more comfortable side.

georges · 6 Aug 2006 at 18:02

Gilly said:
Me too, if just fine means not get many points and be the first relegated

They're the weakest of the 3 promoted teams, and except maybe Burnley, Plymouth and Sheff Weds, and maybe Hull everyone else is far better.

Taking the **** mate.

Danns = pro.

Don't swear! FF.