Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Birmingham City

Post by David Walker

Birmingham City

Odds: five/1

Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – 18 (Premiership, Relegated), 2004/05 – twelve (Premiership), 2003/04 – ten (Premiership), 2002/03 – thirteen (Premiership), 2001/02 – 5 (Championship, Promoted).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Sixth Round vs Liverpool (h) – misplaced seven-.Carling Cup Quarter Ultimate vs Manchester United (h) – lost three-1.

Best Goal Scorer 2005/06: Mikael Forssell (striker) and Jiri Jarosik (midfield) – eight targets each.

Gamers InCameron Jerome (Cardiff Metropolis – £3,000,000), Stephen Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur – £750,000), Neil Danns (Colchester United – £500,000), Bruno N’Gotty (Bolton Wanderers – Totally free).

Players OutJermaine Pennant (Liverpool – £6,700,000), Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic – £5,500,000), Kenny Cunningham (Sunderland – Free), Stan Lazaridis (Perth Glory – No cost), Nico Vaesen (Lierse – No cost), Jamie Clapham (Released), Chris Sutton (Introduced), Muzzy Izzet (Released), Mario Melchiot (Launched), Chris Cottrill (Introduced), James Dormand (Released), Sam Alsop (Released), Njazi Kuqi (Launched), Sam Oji (Introduced), David Howland (Released), Sone Aluko (Released).

Of the three teams relegated from the Premiership final time, Birmingham search possibly the best equipped to make an quick return to the top flight. Manager Steve Bruce has been clinical in who he has let go and has been shrewd with his purchases so far this summer.

Gone have numerous of final season’s ‘stars’, these kinds of as former captain Kenny Cunningham, Jamie Clapham, Mario Melchiot and Chris Sutton, whilst Muzzy Izzet has been pressured to retire. Bruce even managed to offer Emile Heskey for £5.five million to Wigan Athletic. Bruce has appointed Damien Johnson, who joined the club from Blackburn Rovers for £100,000 in 2002, as the new club captain.

In arrives a group of hungrier youthful gamers, two of whom are confirmed performers outside of the top flight. Cardiff City striker Cameron Jerome, who scored 20 objectives previous season, arrived in an original £3 million deal which could rise to £4 million while Colchester United midfielder Neil Danns arrived for an initial £500,000 which could rise to £850,000. Former Blackburn Rovers trainee Danns netted sixteen goals for promoted Colchester final season and attracted attention from several clubs in the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Stephen Kelly joined the club for an original £750,000 which could rise to £1.25 million relying on appearances while veteran Bruno N’Gotty signed a 1 year deal following his release from Bolton Wanderers. Nevertheless, attempts to lure Fulham striker Collins John to the club had been unsuccessful.

VerdictThe dead wood has been shipped out an replaced by players keen to impress. Steve Bruce has signed two of the most promising players in the Football League in Jerome and Danns and have been made the bookmakers favourites at five/1. They might not win the division outright but look able of automated marketing.

About the Author

David Walker runs no cost bets and fruit machine cheats websites. A free e mail program: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at the two of these sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Queens Park Rangers

Post by David Walker

Queens Park Rangers

Odds: 150/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – 21 (Championship), 2004/05 – eleven (Championship), 2003/04 – 2 (League One, Promoted), 2002/03 – 4 (League One), 2001/02 – 8 (League One).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round vs Blackburn Rovers (a) – lost 3-.Carling Cup Initial Round vs Northampton City (a) – misplaced three-.

Best Aim Scorer 2005/06: Marc Nygaard (striker) and Gareth Ainsworth (midfield) – 9 ambitions.

Gamers InDamion Stewart (Harbour View – No cost), Nick Ward (Perth Glory – Totally free), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere – Free), Armel Tchakounte (Unattached – Free of charge), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw – Mortgage).

Gamers OutRichard Langley (Luton City – No cost), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster Harriers – No cost), Ugo Ukah (Nourese Calcio – Totally free), Georges Santos (Launched), Ryan Johnson (Introduced), Sammy Youssouf (Released), Luke Townsend (Released).

Queens Park Rangers finished 1 area above the bottom 3 final period but had been eight points clear of their nearest rival, third from bottom Crewe Alexandra. Gary Waddock replaces former manager Ian Holloway, acquiring taken more than the post total time soon after currently being placed in short-term charge from February until finally the end of final time.

Waddock has had to function on a constrained budget in spite of Premiership curiosity for defender Danny Shittu. Chairman Gianni Paladini insists he will not accept significantly less than £3 million, the sum which will set off a release clause in the centre back’s contract. Watford have had a bid rejected even though Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion have the two shown curiosity in the previous Charlton Athletic player who moved to Loftus Street for £350,000 in 2002.

Regardless of a lack of transfer income accessible, Waddock has signed a number of gamers to boost the squad subsequent season. Jamaican defender Damion Stewart, who made above 25 appearances for Bradford City on mortgage final season, joined Rangers on a totally free transfer from Harbour View. Cameroon global midfielder Armel Tchakounte, who invested time training at Loftus Road final period, also signed a long term contract.

Polish striker Adam Czerkas signed a one 12 months loan deal from Odra Wodzislaw which will grow to be everlasting at the stop of the period, even though Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh have equally signed long term two year contracts. Australian Ward, who has represented his nation at under twenty level, signed on a totally free transfer from Perth Glory, while Oliseh spent the very last campaign at Belgian outfit La Louviere following spells with 4 French sides.

VerdictManager Gary Waddock could be up towards it in his very first season in cost at Loftus Road. There is a lack of goals in the aspect and his new signings are generally untested in English football. The 5/two on relegation could be value taking, taking into consideration Rangers only completed just above the drop zone last season.

About the Writer

David Walker runs VCBet no cost bet and UK poker internet sites. A free email program: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is offered at both of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Norwich City

Report by David Walker

Norwich City

Odds: 14/1

Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – nine (Championship), 2004/05 – 19 (Premiership, Relegated), 2003/04 – one (Championship, Promoted), 2002/03 – 8 (Championship), 2001/02 – six (Championship).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup 3rd Spherical vs West Ham United (h) – misplaced two-one.Carling Cup 3rd Spherical vs Birmingham City (a) – misplaced two-1.

Best Aim Scorer 2005/06: Dean Ashton (striker) – 11 ambitions.

Players OutSimon Charlton (Released).

Norwich Town had a disappointing begin to final time following their relegation from the Premiership at the 1st time of asking. The Canaries have been the bookmakers favourites for an quick return to the best flight but only a late run of good outcomes ensured they broke into the best 10.

With funds to devote following Dean Ashton’s £7.25 million sale to West Ham United in January, supervisor Nigel Worthington is finding it challenging to appeal to new players to the club. He has approached Arsenal speak to Pat Rice, a previous Northern Ireland crew mate, to check on the loan availability of fringe gamers at the Emirates Stadium.

Worthington has also expressed an interest in Stoke City’s former Manchester United and West Ham United winger Luke Chadwick and Luton City striker Steve Howard before he produced his £1 million change to Derby County. Nevertheless, Worthington rejected reviews linking him with a £2 million bid for Leeds United striker Rob Hulse, even with him becoming keen on pairing a tall striker with the lively Robert Earnshaw.

Worthington dismissed speculation linking Earnshaw with a move to Blackburn Rovers. Supervisor Mark Hughes desires a substitute for the departed Craig Bellamy and because he is connected with each Welsh player he managed in the course of his time in cost of the national staff, Earnshaw’s name has been bandied about in the press. Earnshaw proved an speedy hit at Carrow Street subsequent his £3.5m arrival from West Bromwich Albion and he scored 8 targets in 15 video games.

Adam Drury has been named as the club captain for next time soon after the armband was passed all around previous expression. The 27 yr previous defender has created over 200 appearances for the club considering that he arrived from Peterborough United in March 2001.

Defender Jason Shackell has signed a two year extension to his agreement at Carrow Street although teenager Michael Spillane, who broke into the aspect late previous season, has signed a 3 12 months professional agreement. Andrew Cave-Brown, Matthew Halliday, Robert Eagle and Andrew Fisk have penned one particular 12 months contracts.

VerdictA play off area at the bare minimal would be expected by the supporters but new signings and a replacement for Dean Ashton have not been produced. An additional season just exterior the coveted top rated six spots is the call.

About the Writer

David Walker runs free of charge bets and football betting methods internet sites. A free e mail program: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at equally of these sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Leeds United

Report by David Walker

Leeds United

Odds: nine/one

Last 5 Seasons2005/06 – five (Championship), 2004/05 – 14 (Championship), 2003/04 – 19 (Premiership, Relegated), 2002/03 – fifteen (Premiership), 2001/02 – 5 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Wigan Athletic (h) – misplaced 4-2 on penalties with the score at three-three right after added time.Carling Cup 3rd Spherical vs Blackburn Rovers (a) – misplaced 3-.

Leading Objective Scorer 2005/06: David Healy and Rob Hulse (strikers) – 14 ambitions.

Gamers InKevin Nicholls (Luton City – £700,000), David Livermore (Millwall – £400,000), Sebastien Carole (Brighton &amp Hove Albion – Totally free)

Players OutRob Hulse (Sheffield United – £2,200,000), Simon Walton (Charlton Athletic – £500,000), Danny Pugh (Preston North Finish – £250,000), Jermaine Wright (Southampton – Free), Michael Ricketts (Southend United – No cost).

Following a spirit crushing 3- play off final defeat versus Watford in May possibly, Leeds United should bounce back again stronger this time and really should be in much better form to tackle the Championship at the third try.

Supervisor Kevin Blackwell has marketed midfielder Simon Walton, who manufactured his debut in Blackwell’s initial match in cost as a sixteen year outdated at the commence of the 2004/05 time, to Premiership aspect Charlton Athletic. But whilst the youngster made 33 appearances for the club he only featured 5 occasions final time.

Even with losing the talented youngster, the squad, on the complete, has improved. Luton City captain Kevin Nicholls arrived for a £700,000 price to bolster the centre of midfield despite the fact that Leeds had a bid for striker staff mate Steve Howard turned down.

Another captain joined the ranks in the type of Millwall skipper David Livermore for £400,000. Predominantly a left sided midfielder, Livermore has also played in central defence for the Lions and can also operate at left again if necessary.

Brighton &amp Hove Albion midfielder Seb Carole arrived on a totally free transfer right after producing 40 appearances for the relegated Seagulls last period. Carole activated a release clause following Brighton’s relegation following becoming a member of them from Monaco last summer season.

Other than Walton, a number of other fringe players have been shipped out to harmony the books. Midfielder Jermaine Wright joined Southampton on a free of charge transfer following spending 4 months on loan at St Mary’s at the end of very last season, even though previous England worldwide Michael Ricketts signed for Championship new boys Southend United. Ricketts invested time on mortgage at Cardiff Metropolis and Burnley last time.

VerdictIt could be a situation of patience becoming a virtue for Leeds United. Subsequent two difficult seasons in the second tier manager Blackwell is building a facet able of difficult at the top rated of the table. The Whites have strikers who can score targets in David Healy and Rob Hulse whilst much more steel has been added with the arrivals of Nicholls and Livermore. They are great worth at ten/one to win the division outright.

About the Writer

David Walker runs no cost bets and fruit machine cheats web sites. A totally free email program: “7 Days to Greater Betting” is offered at both of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Colchester United

Post by David Walker

Colchester United

Odds: 250/one

Final Five Seasons2005/06 – 2 (League One particular, Promoted), 2004/05 – 15 (League 1), 2003/04 – 11 (League One particular), 2002/03 – 12 (League A single), 2001/02 – 15 (League One particular).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fifth Spherical vs Chelsea (a) – misplaced 3-1.Carling Cup 1st Round vs Cardiff Town (h) – lost 2-.Football League Trophy Southern Last vs Swansea Town – misplaced 3-1 on aggregate.

Top Objective Scorer 2005/06: Chris Iwelumo (striker) – 19 goals.

Players InJohnnie Jackson (Tottenham Hotspur – Totally free), Jamie Cureton (Swindon City – No cost).

Players OutNeil Danns (Birmingham Town – £500,000), Liam Chilvers (Preston North Stop – Totally free), Stephen Hunt (Notts County – Free of charge), Sam Stockley (Wycombe Wanderers – Totally free), Tony Thorpe (Stevenage Borough – Free of charge).

Colchester United stunned League A single by winning automatic marketing very last season but will locate existence significantly harder in the Championship. A lot of the club’s success was down to dynamic youthful supervisor Phil Parkinson but United will have to do with out him up coming period following his change to Hull Metropolis.

Colchester even gained a momentary High Court injunction preventing Parkinson from leaving the club soon after Chairman Adam Pearson rejected his resignation. Hull had a £250,000 provide rejected for Parkinson, which equated to 5 times the value of the unexpired part of his contract. Two days later on, on 29 June, Parkinson was appointed manager of Hull Metropolis following they compensated £400,000 compensation. However, Colchester stipulated that Parkinson would be unable to indication any of the gamers he worked with during Colchester’s promotion.

The club have also lost two high profile gamers in Neil Danns and Liam Chilvers. Former Blackburn Rovers trainee Danns, who scored 16 targets from midfield last season, joined Birmingham City for an initial £500,000 which could rise to £850,000. Chilvers rejected a new agreement offer from Colchester to join Prest North End on a no cost transfer. The previous Arsenal trainee signed a two yr contract at Deepdale.

Colchester have brought in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Johnnie Jackson and it will be the second time the player has represented the club, subsequent a loan spell in 2003. Unable to break into the Spurs team, Jackson has spent time on mortgage at Coventry City, Watford and Derby County and joined the Layer Road club on a free of charge transfer.

Swindon City striker Jamie Cureton signed for Colchester after working out a clause in his agreement subsequent the Robins relegation from League Two. The previous Norwich Town and Perusing striker also joined on a free transfer.

VerdictColchester United have not had the finest preparation for the new time subsequent Phil Parkinson’s departure to Hull Metropolis and the bookmakers make them firm favourites at thirteen/eight for the drop.

About the Writer

David Walker runs VCBet free of charge bet and football betting techniques internet sites. A free of charge email program: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is obtainable at the two of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Plymouth Argyle

Article by David Walker

Plymouth Argyle

Odds: 100/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – 14 (Championship), 2004/05 – 17 (Championship), 2003/04 – 1 (League One, Promoted), 2002/03 – 8 (League One), 2001/02 – 1 (League Two, Promoted).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round vs Wolves (a) – lost 1-0.Carling Cup Second Round vs Barnet (a) – lost 2-1.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Paul Wotton (midfield) – 9 goals.

Players InSylvain Ebanks-Blake (Manchester United – £200,000), Barry Hayles (Millwall – Free).

Players OutMickey Evans (Torquay United – Free).

Plymouth Argyle have held their own in their two seasons in the Championship following their promotion from League One in the 2003/04 season. They improved on their first season by finishing in a comfortable fourteenth position at the end of last term.

The club has appointed former Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway as their new manager after Tony Pulis left to manage his former club Stoke City. Holloway was suspended by Rangers in February after persistent rumours linking him with the then vacant manager’s position at Leicester City.

Holloway has wasted little time in the transfer market replacing veteran striker Mickey Evans, who left Plymouth for the second time at the end of the season to join League Two outfit Torquay United. He signed Manchester United striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on a three year contract for a potential club record fee. The 20 year old striker joined for an initial fee of £200,000, which could rise to over £300,000 depending on the forward’s appearances.

Veteran striker Barry Hayles joined from relegated Millwall for a reported fee of £100,000. The 34 year old links up with Holloway again after they worked together at Bristol Rovers.

Dwight Yorke was also a transfer target but the Championship club were put off by the 34 year old’s salary of over £1 million a year. Holloway tried to persuade the former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers striker, now at Sydney FC, to return to England.

Player of the year David Norris committed himself to the club by signing a two year contract extension. The 25 year old midfielder’s current deal was due to expire at the end of next season but will now remain at Home Park until June 2009. Goalkeeper Luke McCormick has also signed a two year extension to his current contract. The 23 year old product from the youth system will also stay at the club until the end of the 2008/09 campaign.

VerdictNew manager Ian Holloway will relish getting back into management, especially at a club from his native West Country. However, it will be another tough season for the Pilgrims with survival their first priority.

About the Author

David Walker runs Totalbet free bet and football betting systems websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is available at both of these websites.