The Championship is now recognised as one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Last season reflected this in no uncertain terms. Everybody was beating everybody and instead of being described as the most competitive league, perhaps it should be known as the most unpredictable league in football.
On the final day of the 2007/08 season, everything was still up for grabs. Teams were promoted, teams made it to the play offs and teams were relegated. It was a dramatic final day that summed up the rollercoaster football season of which it concluded.
The 2008/09 season kicks off in August and is not likely to be any different. Everyone will believe they have a chance of at least a play-off place. The teams coming up include Nottingham Forest who have already signalled their intentions by splashing some cash on Robert Earnshaw. The other two arriving from League One, Doncaster and Swansea, will look to emulate Bristol City who came so close to securing back to back promotions.
Those coming down from the Premiership will obviously back themselves to bounce straight back. They all have strong squads and Derby especially have been planning for Championship football for some time now. Those who narrowly missed out in the play-offs and those who finished just outside the top six like Ipswich, Wolves and Sheffield United will be looking to go one step further next time around.
Then there is the mid-table crew who will look to record a Hull style improvement on their most recent season. Large, well supported clubs such as Coventry, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich are unlikely to be satisfied with another mediocre season. Even the likes of Burnley, Blackpool and Barnsley know that they have as good a chance as anybody if they can get a decent squad together.
Overall, I would say that you would be a brave man to bet on Championship football. Every single club will rightly believe they have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs. Last season proved that if you put a solid run of results together, you have a chance. This can still be the case if you start badly to the season – look at Crystal Palace. They came from nowhere to finish in 5th position.
Due to the high expectations of the majority of teams, I expect there to be a lot of managerial changes in the first couple of months. If things aren’t going right, the manager will be under pressure and in a Milan Mandaric style swoop – they could be given the chop.
Whatever happens, it is sure to be another thrilling Championship football season with plenty of twists and turns along the way. When these twists will occur and who they will turn in favour of though, is anyone’s guess – that’s the beauty of it. Bring it on.
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