What do you think about the teams coming down from the Premiership?
Any 2 of 5 will be playing us next year and potentially challenging us for the the auto spots.
Wigan
Blackpool
Birmingham
Wolves
Blackburn
Firstly, it seems Blackpool and Wigan have it all to do and I don't fancy them to get the results they need, despite Birmingham having arguably the most difficult game, with opponents Spurs having something to play for.
They are both quite small Clubs and I'm surprised to learn that a lot of people think they will both be in with a great chance of the autos. With depleated attendances and the departure of their star players I think both will struggle and finish midtable. Wigan have been up there for a few years and I think they'll find adapting to the Championship again difficult. Blackpool are still living off the euphoria of last season and are one hit wonders IMO. Small Clubs with small attendances (especially when they have empty grounds a la Wigan) rarely bounce back straight away.
I'd expect Birmingham to fair a little better, they have been yo-yoing for a while now and won't be hit too hard. Similarly with Wolves, Mick McCarthy knows this League and they are a squad full of mainly good Championship players as opposed to mercenaries. Blackburn have a bit of cash so you'd expect them to do well, but again, with dropping attendances and the fact they've not been in the Championship for quite a few years, I'm not too sure.
So I think it's in our best interests that Wigan and Blackpool come down.
As for West Ham, I know they're looking a bit of a train wreck at the moment, but that's what everyone said about Newcastle. I don't expect them to quite do what they did but I think if they appoint the right man (O'Neill?) then they will be there or thereabouts.
As for teams coming up, everyone fancies Southampton, though I think they'll be more of a Leeds/Millwall than Norwich. They won't struggle though. Brighton will be OK but won't be a threat for promotion. The play-off winners will struggle though IMO.
Also wondered who else you think will be up near the top? Cardiff are skint and will be midtable but I think Forest will do well sadly. Maybe a cheeky play-off place for Hull too.
Interestingly no one seems to fancy us. I'm not sure whether people don't rate Sven or are just unaware of the finances we have. Only time and transfers will tell though...
Thoughts?
Any 2 of 5 will be playing us next year and potentially challenging us for the the auto spots.
Wigan
Blackpool
Birmingham
Wolves
Blackburn
Firstly, it seems Blackpool and Wigan have it all to do and I don't fancy them to get the results they need, despite Birmingham having arguably the most difficult game, with opponents Spurs having something to play for.
They are both quite small Clubs and I'm surprised to learn that a lot of people think they will both be in with a great chance of the autos. With depleated attendances and the departure of their star players I think both will struggle and finish midtable. Wigan have been up there for a few years and I think they'll find adapting to the Championship again difficult. Blackpool are still living off the euphoria of last season and are one hit wonders IMO. Small Clubs with small attendances (especially when they have empty grounds a la Wigan) rarely bounce back straight away.
I'd expect Birmingham to fair a little better, they have been yo-yoing for a while now and won't be hit too hard. Similarly with Wolves, Mick McCarthy knows this League and they are a squad full of mainly good Championship players as opposed to mercenaries. Blackburn have a bit of cash so you'd expect them to do well, but again, with dropping attendances and the fact they've not been in the Championship for quite a few years, I'm not too sure.
So I think it's in our best interests that Wigan and Blackpool come down.
As for West Ham, I know they're looking a bit of a train wreck at the moment, but that's what everyone said about Newcastle. I don't expect them to quite do what they did but I think if they appoint the right man (O'Neill?) then they will be there or thereabouts.
As for teams coming up, everyone fancies Southampton, though I think they'll be more of a Leeds/Millwall than Norwich. They won't struggle though. Brighton will be OK but won't be a threat for promotion. The play-off winners will struggle though IMO.
Also wondered who else you think will be up near the top? Cardiff are skint and will be midtable but I think Forest will do well sadly. Maybe a cheeky play-off place for Hull too.
Interestingly no one seems to fancy us. I'm not sure whether people don't rate Sven or are just unaware of the finances we have. Only time and transfers will tell though...
Thoughts?
