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You are here: Betting Guide » Football » Coca-Cola Championship Preview 2008/09

Coca-Cola Championship Preview 2008/09

FOOTBALL – CHAMPIONSHIP 2008-09 SEASON PREVIEW
Whereas the Premiership can be whittled down to a small number of serious contenders (at least at the top end) the Championship is a different story entirely. The 2008-09 Championship looks, on paper at least, to be one of the most competitive ever. A great level of expectation surrounds clubs such as Queens Park Rangers and beaten play-off semi-finalists Crystal Palace. The favourites, QPR, are still something of an unknown quantity. They have plenty of financial clout, but from a punting perspective, Iain Dowie’s presence is offputting.

Relegated Birmingham and Reading have the quality to be promotion contenders, while Crystal Palace and Watford both have managers who have taken sides up to the Premier League. Ipswich, Sheffield United and Wolves ended last season just outside the play-off places and all will harbour serious ambitions of breaking into the top six (or better) this time around. A suggested promotion shortlist, in order of preference (and punting value) is Ipswich, Sheffield United, Preston, Cardiff and Wolves. Best value for Promotion bets can normally be had from 888sport or Bet365.

The relegation places look equally as difficult to predict. Southampton has endured all sorts of financial problems and will commence the 2008-09 season with a number of untested players. The drop seems almost assured. Doncaster may lack the class to be competitive at this higher level and seem likely contenders for the drop back to League One. Derby endured an embarrassing Premier League season, with just 11 points from 38 matches, losing 29 times and conceding 89 goals. The Rams may have some deep psychological scars for the 2008-09 season, and it would come as no great surprise to see them struggle, even at this lower level. The suggested relegation shortlist consists of Southampton, Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby. Good value comes from Blue Square and Ladbrokes on relegation bets

Q.P.R.
To Win the Championship: 13/2 (sportingbet)
To be Promoted: 7/4 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 50/1 (skybet)

The sky appears to be the limit for the Championship’s Queens Park Rangers after the club recently signed a record £7 million, three-year sponsorship deal with Gulf Air. QPR will be paid £1 million next season for displaying the Gulf Air logo on their shirts, and if they are promoted to the Premier League, they will bank about £6 million over the next two seasons, the most lucrative deal outside the top-flight. Flavio Briatore, the QPR co-owner (also managing director of the Renault F1 team) said, “We want to consolidate the club and when we are promoted, we want to stay up.” Briatore, in partnership with Lakshmi Mittal and Bernie Ecclestone, bought the club when they were in the relegation zone. He changed the club’s crest, appointed Iain Dowie as the first-team coach, replacing Luigi De Canio, and promised be in the Premier League football by 2010.

Improvements are ongoing at the Loftus Road ground, with the club signing a five-year deal, worth some £20 million, with Lotto, the Italian kit manufacturer. Iain Dowie’s managerial career has had few, if any highlights and seemed a strange choice for the position at QPR. Even with a blank cheque book, it seems that his lack of managerial acumen may prove a stumbling block to any prospective QPR challenge. Must be considered as promotion candidates, but 13/2 is way too short as prospective champions.

Birmingham City
To Win the Championship: 15/2 (Boylesports)
To be Promoted: 15/8 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 50/1 (bet365)

Despite rumours that James McFadden is set to leave Birmingham City, Blues’ manager Alex McLeish has said that the forward will remain at the club. McLeish, quoted on the club’s official website, went on to add, “I think to put it succinctly he’s not for sale.” McFadden, allegedly seeking a move from St Andrews, has been linked with Scottish Premier League champions Celtic, but McLeish’s recent comments may put such a move in doubt. McFadden, signed by Birmingham from Everton in a £4.75 million deal in January, has also been rumoured to have a source of interest for several Premier League clubs. McLeish also announced that he is searching for a creative midfielder. Birmingham, who sold central midfielder Fabrice Muamba to Bolton for £5 million, has allowed McLeish to use the proceeds to sign a player to add quality to central midfield. Although predominantly a right-sided player, McLeish’s search may result from Seb Larsson’s predicted move from the club. Larsson, who played for Sweden at Euro 2008, has been valued at £4.5 million, with Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan apparently keen on signing him.

Veteran striker Kevin Phillips has reportedly given Birmingham manager Alex McLeish a verbal assurance that he will join the Championship club. Phillips, currently out of contract, was seeking a new two-year deal at West Brom, after helping them to secure promotion to the Premier League. However, according to newspaper reports he was only offered a one-year deal. Keen to tie up his future, Phillips now looks to have opted for Birmingham’s two-year contract offer. Birmingham’s woeful away form was much of the reason for their Premiership demise, gaining a mere 9 points from a possible 57. Assuming this can be improved upon against weaker opposition, the Blues are lively contenders for a speedy return to the top flight.

Reading
To Win the Championship: 9/1 (skybet)
To be Promoted: 11/4 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 40/1 (bet365)

Their first season in the Premier League (2006-07) brought joy for Steve Coppell’s Royals as the team finished a creditable eighth, merely one place below what would have been a remarkable UEFA Cup spot. However, they suffered from “Second Season Syndrome,” flattering to deceive and were promptly relegated after a poor season, despite beating fellow relegation outfit Derby County 4-0. Rumours surrounding Steve Coppell’s future began to surface, but he is still around and hopes to lead Reading back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Speculation has been rife recently about players leaving the club, but little has been said about Coppell’s own transfer targets.

Reading’s director of football, Nicky Hammond says that Coppell is keen to assess his current squad before bringing in new players. The manager has spotted some potential transfer targets, but is happy to wait before making his moves, while ensuring he doesn’t “miss the boat.” Midfielders Seyi Olofinjana of Wolves and Swansea’s Ferrie Bodde are just two players who have been linked with moves to Reading. Under Coppell’s shrewd stewardship, the Royals are fancied to be lively candidates for an immediate return to the Premiership. The best attack angle, from a punting perspective, is the 11/4 on offer with William Hill “to be promoted.”

Crystal Palace
To Win the Championship: 14/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 9/2 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 25/1 (bet365)

The Eagles have confirmed the signing of Austrian defender Johannes Ertl, from Austria Wien (fee undisclosed). He becomes manager Neil Warnock’s 3rd summer signing, along with Nick Carle and Paddy McCarthy. A big, strong athletic player, who can play in a number of positions, his training performances have already impressed Warnock, who is optimistic about his future at Palace. The manager is also delighted with Nick Carle, pointing out that he is the best midfielder he has seen in several years. With expectations obviously running high, Warnock was anxious to play down this season’s prospects, predicting a mid-table finish. This does seem a little pessimistic, as the Eagles appear to have every chance of emulating last season’s performance.

Wolverhampton Wanderers
To Win the Championship: 14/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 9/2 (Ladbrokes)
To be Relegated: 33/1 (skybet)

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is the alleged subject of a £3 million move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, after failing to impress at Premier League level. He started the season strongly, but couldn’t find the net on a regular basis, and is deemed surplus to requirements. He could well be a decent addition, bringing some experience to a young squad. The seemingly never-ending saga of Christophe Berra’s move from Hearts seems to be finally dead and buried, with Wolves ready to set their sights on another target. Veteran defender Jody Craddock is not feeling any pressure for his place, despite the arrival of Richard Stearman from Leicester. Craddock said, “Playing is important to me – I’m a footballer and I want to be playing. I’m never happy in the reserves and I was made up at getting the extra year. That was my goal; I got that, now I want to play regularly again this season.” He added that one advantage of age is the ability to cope with pressure and responsibility more effectively.

Former Colchester left-back George Elokobi believes Wolves’ best summer signing could be Michael Kightly’s decision to sign a four-year deal. Elokobi has only been at Wolves since January and has played less than a handful of games with Kightly, but has been hugely impressed with the England under-21 international and is convinced he is up to Premier League standard. Elokobi believes keeping Kightly threw out positive vibes to the rest of their Championship rivals that Wolves mean business this season. Kightly had been one of the lowest paid players before he re-signed, but insisted he never wanted to leave the club. Elokobi already has sufficient faith in the squad and their growing team spirit to believe they can reach the Premiership in the coming campaign. “Promotion is definitely within our grasp,” added the Cameroon-born defender. Wolves must be on any promotion shortlist and although the title may prove elusive, 9/2 looks a fair bet for a return to the Premiership.

Derby County
To Win the Championship: 14/1 (Stan James)
To be Promoted: 9/2 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 25/1 (skybet)

Former manager Billy Davies freely admitted that The Rams were promoted two seasons ahead of schedule and it showed! Feeble and pathetic fail to do justice to Derby’s dismal 2007-08 Premiership season. One win, 11 points and 89 goals conceded in 38 games just about sums it up. Manager Paul Jewell has gone about his promise to make changes to the squad with gusto. Robert Earnshaw, Craig Fagan, Lee Holmes, Michael Johnson and Kenny Miller have all departed as Jewell attempts to rebuild the wretched side of last season. This summer, Jewell’s signings have included Martin Albrechtsen from West Brom, Kris Commons from Nottingham Forest, Paul Connolly from Plymouth, Steve Davies from Tranmere Rovers, Liam Dickinson from Stockport, Nathan Ellington and Jordan Stewart from Watford, and Paul Green from Doncaster Rovers.

On last season’s showing, Derby look woefully underpriced as prospective division winners or promotion contenders. Despite wholesale changes in personnel, once the rot sets in, it can be hard to shift. Derby look set for another season of struggle and seem more likely to again be involved in the battle at the bottom of the table, rather than the top.

Sheffield United
To Win the Championship: 16/1 (skybet)
To be Promoted: 5/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 25/1 (888sport)

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell is convinced that Rob Hulse is well on the way to regaining the form which made him such a potent force at Bramall Lane in the 2006-07 season. Blackwell has watched the former Leeds striker complete stage one of Sheffield’s pre-season programme, thus confirming his recovery from a double leg fracture in March 2007. Hulse failed to score following his return to action in the middle of last season, but Blackwell is delighted with the progress shown by the centre forward. In consultation with head of fitness, Dean Riddle, the manager has devised a no-nonsense fitness programme for the pre-season. In addition to Hulse, several other members of the first-team squad have been unable to prepare properly prior to the last couple of seasons, for a variety of reasons. Blackwell is delighted to have his squad in good shape, despite the moans which have greeted the new fitness regime.

Blackwell has also been given money to spend this summer, having already signed Sun Jihai and Greg Halford. He is now seeking to secure the services of Wigan and Welsh winger Dave Cotterill on a permanent basis. The Blades are fancied to be genuine challengers for the Championship title and look a shade overpriced at skybet’s 16/1. Promotion at 5/1 with the same firm seems a cracking bet.

Charlton Athletic
To Win the Championship: 20/1 (skybet)
To be Promoted: 6/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 18/1 (Paddy Power)

The Addicks are possibly still in a state of transition, following Alan Curbishley’s eleven years in control, during which time they achieved a 7th place finish in the Premier League. Successors Iain Dowie and Les Reed were unable to improve the club’s fortunes, with ex-West Ham boss Alan Pardew being appointed. 2007-08 was Pardew’s first full season in charge, resulting in a disappointing 11th place finish. Experience and quality forms the basis of the Charlton threat. Skippered by Republic of Ireland midfielder Matt Holland, assisted by talented strikers Marcus Bent (returning from a loan spell at Wigan) and Chris Iwelumo, the team has a potent strike force. Pardew has also been busy strengthening his side this summer, signing Crystal Palace midfielder Mark Hudson and picking up a bargain in the shape of Forest Green Rovers’ Stuart Fleetwood. Welsh under-21 international Fleetwood scored 36 times for Rovers, helping them achieve their highest ever league finish.

Chris Iwelumo was one of last season’s best buys. In 2006-07, he combined with Jamie Cureton at Colchester United, the pair scoring 41 times between them. Last season, he finished as the Addicks’ top-scorer with 10 goals. A player of undoubted ability, coupled with strength and height, he will be looking to build on a successful start to his Addicks’ career. Charlton seems sure to build on last season, and with a more settled side, a playoff place, at the very least, seems likely.

Ipswich Town
To Win the Championship: 20/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 13/2 (Paddy Power)
To be Relegated: 16/1 (skybet)

Ipswich manager Jim Magilton is interested in signing an established European striker to help the club’s promotion bid next season, and Angelos Charisteas, the forward who scored Greece’s winner in the final of Euro 2004, fits the bill. Charisteas currently plays for German side FC Nuremberg, but following that club’s relegation from the top division he is said to be looking for a fresh challenge. In 22 appearances for Nuremberg last season he scored six goals and has a record of 19 goals in 68 internationals. Magilton’s interest in Belgium international Emile Mpenza may be resurrected, following the player’s release by Manchester City. Mpenza, who has won more than 50 caps for his country, has also attracted the attention of Reading and Bolton Wanderers.

Crewe Alexandra has confirmed that they have rejected an offer, believed to be in the region of £1 million, from Ipswich Town, for striker Nicky Maynard. Crewe is believed to have placed a £2 million valuation on the 21-year-old forward, who has also attracted the interests of Bristol City and Premier League side Middlesbrough. Maynard signed a contract extension last season leading Crewe to be hopeful that they can hold out for a bid that they feel reflects Maynard’s true worth. Ipswich Town are certainly looking to strengthen their forward line, and may well increase their bid. While they definitely need to improve away from home, the Tractor Boys are fancied to put up a strong promotion challenge in the 2008-09 season. 20/1 looks a decent price about winning the division and 13/2 about promotion by any method looks a generous offer.

Watford
To Win the Championship: 20/1 (bet365)
To be Promoted: 6/1 (bet365)
To be Relegated: 18/1 (888sport)

Watford has been forced to put eight players up for sale due to increasing pressure from the bank, regarding settlement of a loan in the region of £6 million. Championship clubs have been notified that Hornets Toumani Diagouraga, Lloyd Doyley, Damien Francis, Will Hoskins, Matt Jackson, Steve Kabba, Mart Poom and Douglas Rinaldi are surplus to requirements at Vicarage Road. The Hornets are considering letting some of the less favoured players go on a free transfer in order to cut the substantial wage bill. The future of Dan Shittu has been a matter for much conjecture in recent weeks. He has been an integral part of Aidy Boothroyd’s side since joining in 2006 and seems vital to any prospective promotion challenge.

However, according to various media sources, Shittu may Move to Glasgow Rangers, or wait for an offer form the Premier League. However, both rumours have been vehemently denied by Watford chairman, Graham Simpson. Certainly, the sale of the big Nigerian would provide some much-needed cash for Boothroyd to strengthen the side. Chairman Simpson admits to “having a punt” on reaching the Premiership last season, and the club will need to been run differently this year. Coaches David Dodds and Dick Bates have been released, while other administration staff have also been shown the door. Boothroyd and Simpson have both identified players they would like to sign and various discussions are taking place. With such disruption at Vicarage Road and an unsettled team, last season’s narrow failure to gain promotion seems unlikely to be repeated in 2008-09. A season of mid-table obscurity seems a more likely option.

Cardiff City
To Win the Championship: 25/1 (skybet)
To be Promoted: 8/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 14/1 (bet365)

The Bluebirds, surprise FA Cup finalists in 2007-08, will be seeking to transfer that form to their Championship campaign. In the early part of 2007, City seemed likely to gain a precious playoff place. However, their League form tailed off, resulting in a disappointing 12th place finish. Manager Dave Jones has had a busy summer, successfully attracting Tom Heaton (Manchester United) and Darren Dennehy (Everton) to Ninian Park. He has also acquired striker Ross McCormack from Motherwell, on a free transfer. The lucrative sale of midfielder Aaron Ramsey to Arsenal has more than balanced the books.

A player to note is Welsh international midfielder Joe Ledley. His form last season attracted two separate bids from Everton, but Ledley opted to stay put. As a result he became an FA cup hero, scoring the winner against Barnsley which sent Cardiff to the Wembley final. His reading of the game, on the ball ability and eye for goal make him a potent threat to any side. Dave Jones has assembled a side consisting of a balanced blend of experience and youth. Without the distraction of another extended Cup run, which seems unlikely, the team will be fully focused on the League. If they can find the form of the first half of last season, Cardiff must be leading contenders for a top-6 finish at least, and 8/1 about promotion looks very fair indeed.

Bristol City
To Win the Championship: 25/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 9/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 12/1 (skybet)

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists that his players are over their play-off final heartbreak and ready to attack the new season. The Robins chief is preparing his side for another assault on the Premier League after their near-miss at Wembley in May against Hull City. Johnson claims there will be no hangover in evidence on August 9 at Blackpool when the new season gets underway. “I don’t see what happened at Wembley in May being a problem. The lads have had their grieving time and they are over it,” Johnson told the Bristol Evening Post. “Of course it hurt at the time and the disappointment of losing to Hull was massive. It showed how much it meant to them.”

Rather than dwell on what could have been, Johnson believes his players will use the disappointment of falling at the final hurdle as a major motivational tool ahead of the new season. City, who are short of strikers following the departure of last season’s top goalscorer Darren Byfield and Nigerian international Enoch Showunmi, are said to be considering Egyptian international Emad Motaeb, who plays for El Ahly, and Crewe Alexandra’s Nicky Maynard. Motaeb, who would cost Bristol City around £2 million, has an impressive scoring record at international level having netted 22 goals in 47 appearances. The Robins were effectively written off by the bookmakers at this stage last season, but surprised many by reaching the play-off final. The layers have taken a similar stance this time round and City would be dangerous to dismiss completely.

Norwich City
To Win the Championship: 33/1 (Stan James)
To be Promoted: 10/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 7/1 (888sport)

Canaries’ manager Glenn Roeder has key decisions to make regarding the make-up of his forward line for the 2008-09 season. With Dion Dublin and Ched Evans having departed from club, a partner for Jamie Cureton will be essential before the first match against Coventry on August 9. Glasgow Rangers’ Alan Gow has been a target all summer, but that move appears to have died, after the attacking midfielder made it clear that he would prefer to stay in Scotland. One option Roeder has is to give a starting role to Chris Martin or Kris Renton, two young forwards that the Canaries boss is willing to try should they impress in the pre-season games. “It (a striker) is a position at the club at the moment that is up for grabs so the few strikers we have got here have got an unbelievable opportunity over the next couple of weeks,” Roeder told the Eastern Daily Press.

Billionaire Peter Cullum is keen to become Norwich City’s majority shareholder after revealing he wanted to put £20 million into the club. Roeder’s side may need some time to settle and the 2008-09 season is likely to come too soon.

Nottingham Forest
To Win the Championship: 33/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 10/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 8/1 (bet365)

Colin Calderwood, manager of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, expressed his satisfaction with the signings made so far, but indicated that there could be more to come. Calderwood has already brought four new faces to the City Ground this summer but is keen to further strengthen the squad before the start of the season. He is, however, delighted at attracting veteran striker Andy Cole, Robert Earnshaw, Paul Anderson and Guy Moussi to the City Ground. Calderwood said, “We had a good finish to last season and we’re in something new and exciting to us all and we’ve got ambition to be one step further up the footballing ladder.”

It may be a little soon to expect another challenge for honours from the Reds, especially with the departure of striker Junior Agogo to Egypt. However, further progress is expected, resulting in a top-half finish.

Swansea City
To Win the Championship: 40/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 5/1 (skybet)

Swans boss Roberto Martinez is looking to bring in another Premier League loan star to replace Paul Anderson.

Anderson favoured a move to Nottingham Forest over a second season at the Liberty Stadium and the Swans have already been linked with Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair and Liverpool’s Adam Hammill. Chairman Huw Jenkins told the Swansea Evening Post, “It’s no secret that Roberto is looking for someone with pace to come in and play wide right. We have lost Paul Anderson and Roberto wants somebody similar. If he could get somebody like Paul who would have the same sort of impact as he did we would be very happy. He is looking to get another youngster from the Premier League because he feels that will work well. But we may have to be patient. Some of the Premier League clubs are not even back training yet, so it could be a couple of weeks or more before we get a deal done.”

Ferrie Bodde will link up with his Swansea team-mates in Sweden as the circus surrounding his future continues. The midfielder was reported to have gone AWOL before the side jetted out for their week-long training camp in Osterlund. Despite fuelling rumours a move to Derby was back on, Swansea officials were last night playing down the news and were expecting the 26-year-old to report for duty as planned. As with Nottingham Forest, it may take a little while for the Swansea side to settle in the Championship. Undoubtedly possess potential and another side for which a top-half finish seems assured.

Southampton
To Win the Championship: 40/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 11/2 Paddy Power

Southampton has forfeited a portion of the transfer fee owed by Spurs for Gareth Bale in a bid to ease their immediate financial problems. Spurs paid Saints an initial £5 million for the Wales international left-back last summer, while agreeing a further £5 million based on appearances. However, Saints’ chairman Rupert Lowe has accepted an earlier settlement as part of the deal which brought young goalkeeper Tommy Forecast to St Mary’s. The hard-up Coca-Cola Championship club was forced to strike a similar deal last season with Arsenal for Theo Walcott, sacrificing a reported £2.9million in order to collect the cash sooner. Meanwhile, Lowe has also confirmed that Southampton has a sell-on clause for Peter Crouch following his £7 million move to Liverpool in 2005. The England international is poised to join south-coast rivals Portsmouth and that deal is likely to see Saints pick up in the region of £500,000.

New Saints Head Coach, Jan Poortvliet, plans a balanced, competitive squad of twenty-two players, aiming to have cover for each position. Poortvliet speaks highly of the youth system, praising the Under-16s in particular. Many anticipate the Dutchman will employ a 4-3-3 formation, playing a Dutch, attacking style of football, well suited to young players coached into quick, passing football. In theory, the plan is coming together nicely, as Poortvliet is clearly unafraid of making tough decisions. Last season’s form was less than inspiring, and with a number of player untried at this level, unless new coach Jan Poortvliet has a magic touch, League One beckons.

Coventry City
To Win the Championship: 40/1 (Boylesports)
To be Promoted: 12/1 (totesport)
To be Relegated: 6/1 (Paddy Power)

Sky Blues’ manager Chris Coleman appears to be one of England’s brightest prospects. He endeared himself to all at the RICOH arena by steering the club away from the drop on the very last day of the season. The club had suffered severe financial problems in 2007-08, coming dangerously close to administration, before a last-minute rescue by businessman Ray Ranson. Coleman, backed by Ranson is now in the process of a team building exercise. Incoming players include playmaker Guillaume Beuzelin from Hibernian, midfielder Aron Gunnarsson from AZ Alkmar and Carlisle ‘keeper Kieren Westwood.

Michael Mifsud, the Maltese striker, is definitely a Coventry player to note for the forthcoming season. Signed from Norwegian side, Lillestrom, when his contract expired in January 2007, he is only a small man standing at 5′ 5″. However, he possesses electrifying pace and a great eye for goal, making him a handful for any defender. Though Coventry may well prove to be a serious force to be reckoned with in coming seasons, 2008-09 seems a little too soon. Cannot be dismissed entirely from some sort of honours challenge, though a top-half finish seems more likely.

Sheffield Wednesday
To Win the Championship: 40/1 (William Hill)
To be Promoted: 16/1 (bet365)
To be Relegated: 5/1 (skybet)

Owls’ boss Brian Laws believes the return to fitness of five of his injured players will be “like new summer signings.” Last season’s hopes for Wednesday were ruined by injuries to strikers Akpo Sodje and Francis Jeffers and defenders Richard Wood and Frank Simek. Laws was quick to point out that those injuries, resulting in players needing surgery, was a major contributory factor to the team’s poor season and highlighted the impact such players have on the side. The manager also remains hopeful of making new signings for the 2008-09 season. However, funds are limited and he may have to sell several players in order to strengthen the squad with new recruits.

He has spoken with two premiership managers about prospects of a midfielder on loan for the season and is confident of bringing one of them to Hillsborough by the start of the new season. A vast improvement on last season’s dismal efforts is required, so it is little wonder that Wednesday are well fancied for the drop to League One.

Preston North End
To Win the Championship: 40/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 14/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 7/1 (bet365)

Lilywhites manager Alan Irvine is determined to prove the bookmakers wrong after his side were dismissed as promotion no-hopers for next season. North End is unfancied by all the major bookmakers, who see the club as rank outsiders for promotion to the Premier League. However, Irvine cited the success of unfancied Hull and Bristol City as inspiration and told the Lancashire Evening Post: “The bookies get it wrong at times. I don’t think too many would have thought Hull and Bristol City were favourites to contest the play-off final this time. Both those clubs have shown that if you get on a good run and get everything right you can go a long, long way.” Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is hopeful his side can begin the new campaign in the same rich vein of form they ended last season. North End flirted with relegation last term before finding form in the closing weeks to march to safety in style. Lonergan told the club’s official website: “The hope now is that we can get through a good pre-season and start the new campaign the way we were playing towards the end of the last one, carrying on from there.”

Preston player of the year Sean St Ledger is in bullish mood ahead of the new season and has set his sights on the Championship play-offs. The defender made 36 starts last term and was in impressive form, even though the team struggled to 15th in the table and were just four points from the drop. St Ledger, in his third season with the club, believes the squad is capable of dramatic improvement. He is of the opinion that Preston might be a “forgotten” side following two disappointing seasons. Given the renewed confidence at Preston, promotion prospects look worth a small interest at 14/1.

Plymouth Argyle
To Win the Championship: 50/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 20/1 (skybet)
To be Relegated: 4/1 (Paddy Power)

Pilgrims boss Paul Sturrock says he wants to sign “four or five” more new players before the season gets underway. Sturrock has already been busy when snapping up Karl Duguid and Jason Puncheon but the Scot has several further targets. Sturrock told the club’s official website, “I am very hopeful of bringing in four or five more players to the club and I am trying to be picky to ensure I get the right people. At this moment in time, I have about 17 players around the first-team and I would like to take that up to 22 if possible.” Sturrock has confirmed that there will be foreign triallists with Argyle at their Austrian training camp.

So far, he has played the transfer game coolly, though the fans will become inpatient if the squad is not equipped to compete in what will be an extremely tough Championship. Sturrock explained that he was also investigating the loan market, but with little current success. He is hopeful that things with change with players returning to their clubs for pre-season training. A respectable 10th last season, the Pilgrims seem unlikely to set the world alight, and a mid -table finish again seems likely.

Burnley
To Win the Championship: 66/1 (Boylesports)
To be Promoted: 22/1 (bet365)
To be Relegated: 9/2 (888sport)

The Clarets, founder member of the Football League, are another team in a state of transition. Scottish coach Owen Coyle was fortunate enough to inherit a reasonably strong squad from departing boss, Steve Cotterill and their final placing of 13th last season was disappointing. Coyle has started to put his own stamp on the Burnley side, allowing some influential departures from Turf Moor, including star striker Kyle Lafferty, Andy Cole and defender John Hartley. Coyle has had his £1 million offer accepted for Scunthorpe’s striker Martin Paterson, who scored 14 times for the Irons last season.

Along with Norwich, Burnley had targeted Rangers’ Alan Gow, who has now decided that his future lies north of the border. Wade Elliott is likely to play a large part in Burnley’s campaign. His crossing ability is only comparable with his lightning pace and ability to run at defenders. While they should improve on last season’s 13th place finish, Burnley appears (at least at the moment) to lack the strength in depth to mount a realistic promotion challenge.

Doncaster Rovers
To Win the Championship: 66/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 25/1 (bet365)
To be Relegated: 9/4 (skybet)

Young full-back Sean McDaid is confident that Doncaster Rovers can adapt to and survive in their first season in the Championship as Sean O’Driscoll’s men prepare for what promises to be a fascinating season. McDaid, who missed out playing against former club Leeds United in the League One play-off final at Wembley, is looking forward to playing regularly for Doncaster next season. Doncaster have made just one signing this summer, capturing midfielder John Spicer on a free transfer from Burnley. The Championship is a quantum leap for Doncaster, who enter the second tier of English football for the first time in 50 years, but confidence is high that they can put up a good fight and survive their first season, despite noting that there are 16 teams in the Championship with Premier League experience. Doncaster have six derbies ahead, against Barnsley and both the Sheffield sides, giving fans much to look forward to.

Promoted via the League One playoffs, survival must be Doncaster’s prime objective. The lack of summer signings does not inspire confidence and an immediate return to League One seems likely.

Barnsley
To Win the Championship: 100/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 33/1 (William Hill)
To be Relegated: 7/4 (Paddy Power)

Despite an excellent FA Cup run, Barnsley could only manage 18th place in the League. Tykes boss Simon Davey has set about strengthening his squad with a vengeance, making four major signings this summer. The most significant may be striker Iain Hume, a £1.2 million June signing from Leicester. Davey also disclosed an imaginative double foreign raid for Argentinean Hugo Roberto Colace and Frenchman Mounir El Haimour, as well as experienced defender Darren Moore from Derby. Barnsley’s raid in the foreign market is bound to turn heads. New arrival Colace has represented Argentina at all levels up to under-21s and the defensive midfielder is highly regarded. His signature is subject to registration and international clearance, but represents a massive coup for the Tykes. El Haimour joins for an undisclosed fee from Switzerland’s NE Xamax. Moore is well-travelled and has played for Torquay, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City. He has also played for Portsmouth and West Brom, where he enjoyed three seasons of Premier League football.

Midfielder Brian Howard has been linked with a departure from Barnsley, but Davey wants him to stay and he seems content to stay put. However, those leaving Oakwell include former skipper Paul Reid and Dwayne Mattis. Fancied to put up a far better showing this season and may well prove, along with Blackpool, a decent bet “to stay up”.

Blackpool
To Win the Championship: 100/1 (Paddy Power)
To be Promoted: 50/1 (bet365)
To be Relegated: 7/4 (skybet)

Despite being disregarded by the bookmakers (except for being joint favourites for League One football next season) manager Simon Grayson is upbeat about the Seasiders’ prospects for the 2008-09 season. He is particularly pleased by the recent signing of Joe Martin, an England youth international, from Spurs. Martin deliberately moved down a division to ensure regular first-team football. “Larry” said of Martin, “We saw enough to offer him a contract we are hoping to make him an even better player.” Grayson has already made four summer signings and hopes to add one or two more in the immediate future, possibly including Martin Devaney from Barnsley.

The other new arrivals, Marlon Broomes, Alex John-Baptiste and Matthew Gilks have enjoyed having new players around them and have been made welcome. The Seasiders are fancied for a decent season, and may prove a decent bet when “to stay up” prices become available.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

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