The Championship: Preview 2014/2015

Last season I took a look into the joys of The Championship with my season preview and it’s that time once again. Europe’s most competitive league where anyone could go up or anyone could go down will have it’s fans gripped from August to May. As a Cardiff fan this didn’t involve my club last campaign but you know what? It’s great to be back, superb fans and the probability of winning a lot more games than Premier League troubles. We’ll be joined in relegation by Fulham and Norwich City who both also want to bounce straight back and Rotherham, Brentford and Wolves who won promotion from League 1. So here it is, The Football History Boys preview of The Championship 2014/15:


Birmingham City 

Manager: Lee Clark
Stadium: St Andrew’s
Last Season: 21st
Key Men: Paul Robinson, Clayton Donaldson
Sky Bet Odds: 50/1 (Winner) 14/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 19th

Birmingham City survived relegation by the skin of their teeth on the last day of last season. Lee Clark’s men were saved by a 90th minute goal that meant they would keep Championship status. Captain Paul Robinson is a rock at the back who played 40 times in 2013/14 and will once again be an important figure, as will Clayton Donaldson who signed this summer from Brentford after 46 goals in 3 League 1 seasons with the Bees. Donaldson will relieve some of the pressure on Lee Novak for goals. Following the release of some older players such as winger Chris Burke who played 44 times the team as been revamped but their squad doesn’t thrill you to look at though. Whilst there are some teams more fit for relegation around them they will be involved in the scrap. 19th or 20th is more their ability perhaps… I’ll say 19th.

Blackburn Rovers

Manager: Gary Bowyer
Stadium: Ewood Park
Last Season: 8th 
Key Men: Jordan Rhodes, Grant Hanley
Sky Bet Odds: 18/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 5th

Blackburn are my dark horses for a promotion push this season. Ranked as somewhat outsiders by the bookies for a title win they aren't ruled out of the playoff battle. Jordan Rhodes played in all 46 games for Gary Bowyer’s side last season scoring 25 last season and with the addition of Rudy Gestede from Cardiff in January they have plenty of goals to go around. Grant Hanley captains the side at the age of 22 but with 107 club league games under his belt has the experience to go with it. It’ll be a long season where consistency will be vital to maintain a promotion push but I certainly won’t be looking forward to Blackburn away on the opening day for Cardiff!

Blackpool


Manager: Jose Riga
Stadium: Bloomfield Road
Last Season: 20th
Key Men: Nathan Delfouneso, Gary MacKenzie 
Sky Bet Odds: 150/1 (Winner), 33/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 24th

I’ve experienced some pretty turmoil filled summers as a Cardiff City fan but that seems like nothing compared to Blackpool’s troubles! With a mass exodus of players numbering almost 30 the club were left with 8 registered professionals, none of whom were goalkeepers. Owner Karl Oyston has come under some strong criticism and you can see why with manager Jose Riga on the verge of walking out. Talisman Tom Ince has moved on to Hull City for a free whist Steve Davies only scored 3 in 28 games last time out. Nathan Delfouneso is a good signing though as their professionals count is now up to 11. I cannot see Blackpool being anything other than relegated… Unfortunately in my eyes it could be a record low points total too!

Bolton Wanderers


Manager: Dougie Freedman
Stadium: Macron Stadium 
Last Season: 14th
Key Men: Jay Spearing, Lee Chung-Yong
Sky Bet Odds: 20/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 9th

Bolton have a squad that you look at and feel like they have a chance at the playoffs. With Premier League experience in Jay Spearing and Lee Chung-Yong as well as Championship hardened campaigners in Jermaine Beckford, Kevin McNaughton, Liam Trotter and Darren Pratley I don’t see why they won’t challenge. Dougie Freedman is a talented manager but the Trotters struggled for goals last time out. If they can sort that out and turn some of their 17 draws into wins then the top half of the table is open to them. However, only 9th for me with some better teams out there.

Bournemouth


Manager: Eddie Howe 
Stadium: Dean Court
Last Season: 10th
Key Men: Dan Gosling, Marc Pugh 
Sky Bet Odds: 20/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 8th

What a performance by Bournemouth in their first season in the Championship, a mighty 10th with no threat of relegation! Things get tougher this year though, especially following the exit of one of their stars, Lewis Grabban, to Norwich City. Bournemouth have a good squad though, notably with the signings of Dan Gosling (from Newcastle), Junior Stanislas (from Burnley) and Callum Wilson (from Coventry) joining Marc Pugh, Lee Camp and Matt Richie. The Cherries are a very likeable club under the Bournemouth legend that is Eddie Howe and will definitely be safe. Hopefully they can push up and make progress from last year, I have them 8th but no reason why a playoff push is impossible.


Bournemouth fan Rhys Thomas: "We had a strong season last season and I'm confident that with the additions we've made and from the look of our pre season performances that we can push on for play offs this season hopefully. It is a real shame to lose Grabban but I'm excited to see how Calum Wilson performs In the championship, he could be a key factor along with Rantie in where we finish this year."

Brentford

Manager: Mark Warburton
Stadium: Griffin Park
Last Season: 2nd (League 1)
Key Men: Scott Hogan, Allan McCormack
Sky Bet Odds: 33/1 (Winner), 10/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 21st

The Bees had been knocking on the Championship’s door for a few seasons and finally in 2013/14 they did by coming 2nd in League 1. As with all promoted clubs it will be tough for Brentford and they will have to find their feet quickly in a higher tier. The signing of Scott Hogan from Rochdale cost £750,000, he scored 17 League 2 goals last season as he helped his side win promotion too but has a tough job in replacing Clayton Donaldson who was sold to Birmingham. Alan McCormack will also be key, he was voted Supporter’s Player of the Season last season and Warburton will be relying on him as well as the likes of Jonathan Douglas. I think they’ll just about survive in 21st.


BBC London 94.9 sport presenter Phil Parry: "The really positive thing about Brentford is the fact that there is a clear plan at the club from progression off the pitch, with all the new stadium entails, to development on it. And of course getting to the Championship and staying there was a key component. The signings made have been positive with pace and hunger to achieve are present in Odubajo and the arrival of Scott Hogan fits the transfer structure neatly. But key could be Alan Judge, the Irishman has real quality and could be that player who carries the keys to unlock defences. That said the squad has balance and the experience of Douglas, McCormack and Craig will be important as will the supporters understanding that this season may not yield as many wins as the last couple of years.
It will be important to start well and the London derbies are likely to be keenly fought, with the Fulham encounters much anticipated. There will be tough days but I expect the Bees to come through it by next May and secure a second successive season in the second tier."

Brighton and Hove Albion


Manager: Sami Hyypiä
Stadium: American Express Community Stadium (AMEX)
Last Season: 6th
Key Men: Gordon Greer, Chris O’Grady
Sky Bet Odds: 20/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 10th

I love Sami Hyypiä and this next season he will be the boss at The Seagulls! Brighton had a good run last season, making it to the playoffs but losing 6-2 on aggregate to Derby County. Since then they have lost their striker Leonardo Ulloa to  promoted Leicester City and so could lack goals. Hyypiä did make the strong signing of Aaron Hughes, experienced Northern Irish international, bolstering his defence as he joins captain Gordon Greer and Spaniard Bruno. Will Buckley and Kazenga LuaLua are talented midfielders who will be hoping to feed new striker Chris O’Grady, the new man up-front. Unfortunately I think 6th will be hard to replicate so high mid-table 10th is my prediction.

Cardiff City

Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Last Season: 20th (Premier League)
Key Men: Adam Le Fondre, Craig Noone
Sky Bet Odds: 7/1 (Winner), 9/4 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 2nd

The club I love dearly experienced a torrid time of it last season with manager Malky Mackay being sacked just after Christmas. Results had begin to spiral and this continued until their relegation was confirmed. However, mental owner Vincent Tan has reinvested into the squad and Ole will be going into the season with a potent strikeforce of Adam Le Fondre (from Reading), Kiko Macheda (spent time on loan in the Championship last season) and Javi Guerra (from Real Valladolid). With a couple of players lost in a few positions (notably Steven Caulker to QPR), the defence could still do with some strengthening. It’ll be vital to keep hold of some of our other stars like Craig Noone and David Marshall beyond this transfer window but the squad is experienced and the CCS won’t be an easy place to visit. To save accusations of bias I won’t go with the Sky Bet favourites to win the league, I’ll put Cardiff 2nd.

Charlton Athletic 

Manager: Bob Peeters
Stadium: The Valley
Last Season: 18th
Key Men: Reza Ghoochannejhad, Johnnie Jackson
Sky Bet Odds: 50/1 (Winner), 18/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 20th

Charlton’s squad looked a tad on the thin side when relative unknown boss Bob Peeters took the helm. They have made a few decent signings since then with André Bikey and Tal Ben Haim adding experience to the defence that contains Rhoys Wiggins. They also brought in young Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson from AZ Alkmaar who will supply Welshman Simon Church and new boy Igor Vetokele up top. Captain and midfielder Johnnie Jackson will be important as ever but this could be a tough season ahead for the Addicks. I tip them to survive but only just in 20th place.

Derby County

Manager: Steve McClaren
Stadium: Pride Park
Last Season: 3rd (Lost in Playoff Final)
Key Men: Chris Martin, Craig Bryson
Sky Bet Odds: 8/1 (Winner), 11/4 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 3rd

I know how it feels to lose in the playoff final, horrifically painful! That’s exactly what Rams fans experienced at the end of last season as they were beaten by QPR. It’ll be a big job for Steven McClaren to get his squad excited and up for it once again this campaign. They do have a top squad though and if they can get underway with a strong start there is no reason Derby won’t be pushing for the league this time out. It’ll be vital for their key men to perform such as Chris Martin who notched 20 goals in 44 games and Craig Bryson who is ever present in midfield. Will Hughes, Connor Sammon and Richard Keogh also all deserve mentions of ones to watch. With a bunch of teams who can battle for the title I think Derby will have to do it through the playoffs again if they are to make a return to the Premier League. 

Fulham

Manager: Felix Magath
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Last Season: 19th (Premier League)
Key Men: Ross McCormack, Shaun Hutchinson
Sky Bet Odds: 9/1 (Winner), 3/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 1st


Fulham struggled for the majority of last season but managed to stave off relegation until the end of the campaign. They spent a massive £11m on Ross McCormack from Leeds United, a Championship record. He loves a goal and has many years of experience at this level which will of course help but I fear the fee was probably too high. They also signed young Shaun Hutchinson from Motherwell who I believe will thrive in this division in defence. They’ll need a few more players but Alex Kačaniklić, Konstantinos Mitroglou and Scott Parker could have a good time at this level. They’ll have to find their feet in the second tier following a few seasons in the Premier League but I think they have a good boss in 3x Bundesliga winning manager Felix Magath and pretty solid squad. As I didn’t put Cardiff in 1st I reckon they can win the league going toe-to-toe with the Bluebirds all the way.

Huddersfield Town

Manager: Mark Robbins
Stadium: John Smith’s Stadium
Last Season: 17th
Key Men: Adam Hammill, Alex Smithies 
Sky Bet Odds: 50/1 (Winner), 16/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 18th


A lot of people are tipping the Terriers to struggle this season and unfortunately I must admit I am one of them. Their squad isn’t the worst out there but it isn’t the best either. They have some good midfielders, Adam Hammill, Ollie Norwood, Sean Scannell and Adam Clayton all could be vital in the fight for survival but they will need goals too. Mark Robbins could still change things with some smart signings and will be reliant upon his loyal keeper Alex Smithies. All that said, I think they can survive because there are a bunch of sides less well equipped for this league. 

Ipswich Town

Manager: Mick McCarthy
Stadium: Portman Road
Last Season: 9th
Key Men: David McGoldrick, Jonathan Parr
Sky Bet Odds: 25/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promotion)
My Prediction: 13th

Mick McCarthy is certainly a love him or hate him figure but last season he produced a 9th place finish with a squad that doesn’t exactly thrill you. While losing highly rated full-back Aaron Cresswell to West Ham he has done well to secure Jonathan Parr from Crystal Palace. At 25 he is experienced but still young and will be important in the Tractor Men’s defence. David McGoldrick notched 14 Championship goals last campaign and Town fans will be hoping for more of the same in the coming months. Look out for Jay Tabb and Christophe Berra too in a squad I believe will finish 13th. 

Leeds United

Manager: Dave Hockaday
Stadium: Elland Road
Last Season: 15th
Key Men: Matt Smith, Sam Byram
Sky Bet Odds: 33/1 (Winner), 10/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 15th

Leeds seem stuck in the Championship, they have tried and tried for many seasons but can’t even seem to reach the playoffs. They suffered a blow in the sale of Ross McCormack to Fulham but the £11m fee will significantly soften that blow. With resident lunatic Massimo Cellino their owner it looked as if Brian McDermott would leave the club last season in January but in the end he moved on at the end of the season. Dave Hockaday is now head coach and he will hope to reinvest some of the McCormack cash into new players. Matt Smith netted 12 times and will be desperate for more this campaign whilst Sam Byram is important in attack as well as defence on the right side. Maybe they can make the ellisive playoffs with a great run but for me it’s 15th.

Leeds United fan Anthony Lewis: “With the arrival of the mysterious and eccentric Italian money launderer Massimo Cellino there is also the arrival of David Hockaday, a man who failed at Forest Green! The bewildering £11 million transfer of McCormack to Fulham and Lees on a free to Sheffield Wednesday are the most notable recent outgoings attracting very different reactions whilst we have signed several unknown Italian players. In short I am not all that confident.”

Middlesborough

Manager: Aitor Karanka
Stadium: Riverside Stadiumm
Last Season: 12th 
Key Men: Albert Adomah, Kenneth Omeruo
Sky Bet Odds: 14/1 (Winner), 5/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 14th

Middlesborough’s head coach to those who don’t know him is former Real Madrid player Aitor Karanka and following his appointment in November 2013 he guided Boro to a mid-table finish. He has Dean Whitehead marshalling his midfield and Albert Adomah out on the wing who is a dangerman. He’s also added unknown Spanish quantity Kike to his squad, the 24 year old forward scored 48 goals in 150 league games for Spanish club Murcia. I’m a fan of defender Daniel Ayala too who cut his teeth in the Liverpool academy before spells out on loan. This year is a tough Championship though and I think their 12th last time will slip to 14th come May 2015.

Millwall

Manager: Ian Holloway
Stadium: The Den
Last Season: 19th
Key Men: Byron Webster 
Sky Bet Odds: 50/1 (Winner), 16/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 22nd

Ian Holloway is a fantastic character for any league but at 50/1 to win the league I think that reflects the struggle he will face this time out. A squad perhaps lacking any real star quality does boast the odd good player. Byron Webster has signed from relegated Yeovil Town and is a solid defender at this level whilst Martyn Woolford played 39 times last season. They’ve also added the well travelled Ricardo Fuller from Blackpool and former Arsenal youngster Justin Hoyte from Middlesborough. This team doesn’t get me excited though and I can’t say I’ll be fearing their visit to South-Wales. Relegation looms for me but hopefully Holloway can turn things around!

Norwich City

Manager: Neil Adams
Stadium: Carrow Road
Last Season: 18th (Premier League)
Key Men: Lewis Grabban, Leroy Fer
Sky Bet Odds: 10/1 (Winner), 100/30 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 4th

Norwich City’s Neil Adams has a superb squad at his disposal for this division quality wise. Leroy Fer played and scored in the World Cup for Netherlands and the additions of Lewis Grabban and Kyle Lafferty promises goals. I’m particularly envious of the signing of Grabban from Bournemouth who found the net on 22 occasions last season. Let’s not forget Jonny Howson, Nathan Redmond, Bradley Johnson and captain Russel Martin who can all perform in the Championship as well as Gary Hooper who will relish scoring against some of these teams. Goals were a problem in the Premier League but it looks like Adams has sorted that for the Canaries. Inexperience on his part possibly could hurt them so i’ll say 4th and probably a playoff final v Derby in May.


Journalist and Norwich City fan Ollie Baines“I will be hoping for a top 6 finish at least. The Championship is a difficult place to escape from as clubs like Boro, Bolton and Blackburn are finding out only too well. I think Neil Adams deserves a crack at the whip and I for one am excited about the team he is building. A philosophy of "If you're good enough, you're old enough" will encourage the youngesters such as the Murphy twins who are expected to shine. New signings Grabban and Lafferty look good additons whilst Adams is keen to keep our best players and happy to shake his head at potential suitors. If we can re-create the form under we had under Lambert, utilising our attacking options in midfield; I think we can bounce straight back.”

Nottingham Forest

Manager: Stuart Pearce
Stadium: The City Ground
Last Season: 11th
Key Men: Matty Fryatt, Jamie Mackie
Sky Bet Odds: 18/1 (Winner), 6/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 7th

Notts Forest have a tasty strikeforce in Jamie Mackie, Matty Fryatt, Jamie Paterson, Simon Cox and Lars Veldwijk. That screams goals to me but of course not all will play/remain at the club. With 67 goals last season though Forest scored more than QPR, Wigan and Brighton all who made the playoffs, whilst the attack has been added to the defence needs work. The defence that let them down conceding 64 now can boast Jack Hunt who was excellent in the Championship for Huddersfield and Michael Mancienne, returning to this country from a spell in Germany. Maybe a bit of strength to the midfield too (with Chris Burke a solid addition) and they can push for the playoffs. Right now I got them sitting in 7th in 46 games time.

Nottingham Forest fan Tom Rogers: "With a few quality transfers over the last month or so, a poor squad has been transformed into a satisfactory one mixed with the graft of Mr. Pearce I don’t see why we can’t fight for the play offs. Prediction: 8th."

Reading

Manager: Nigel Adkins
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Last Season: 7th 
Key Men: Alex McCarthy, Pavel Pogrebnyak
Sky Bet Odds: 18/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 11th


 Cardiff City pinched Adam Le Fondre from Reading this summer who provided 15 goals last season, this is a blow for the Royals. Pavel Pogrebnyak has some goals in him too though and wingers Garath McClearly and Hal Robson-Kanu are extremely creative. The squad do have two excellent goalkeepers in Alex McCarthy and Adam Fedrici and Alex Pearce is a top defender, all being important at Championship level. Reading just missed out on the playoffs last year but with no major additions and the loss of Le Fondre I think they’ll slip down to 11th. That said Nigel Adkins is well versed boss who knows how to win promotion so if he can get a couple of bodies in before September, 11th may be too conservative an estimate.

Rotherham United

Manager: Steve Evans
Stadium: New York Stadium 
Last Season: 4th (League 1 - Promoted via the Playoffs)
Key Men: Matt Derbyshire, Kirk Broadfoot
Sky Bet Odds: 50/1 (Winner) 18/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 23rd

Perhaps it’s unfair that i’ve put two new signings as their key men but for promoted Rotherham and Steve Evans it will be vital to get these new boys integrated. They also have added experienced Championship keeper Scott Loach to their ranks and will have the reliable captain Craig Morgan marshalling the defence in front of him. Goals will be required desperately too for survival to become a reality and a tough midfield of Kieran Agard and new boy Conor Newton will give hope to Millers’ fans in the middle of the park. It’s a brilliant achievement for Rotherham to reach the Championship, it’ll be an even bigger one if they can survive. Im sorry to say I have them in my bottom 3 however.

Rotherham United fan and Chuckle Brother (Yes really!) Paul Elliot: "Our whole team are so solid you wouldn't believe and the new players we've signed are superb. We have the best manager in the FL, you watch! Barry and I reckon we will be there or thereabouts at end, certainly having a go for the premier league. Watch out for us!"

Rotherham United fan and Chuckle Brother Barry Elliot: "I think we will 'at least' be middle of the table, and possibly 'play-off' contenders, as we have a great team pulling together. Great chairman, manager, team and fans! Up The Millers!

Sheffield Wednesday

Manager: Stuart Gray 
Stadium: Hillsborough
Last Season: 16th 
Key Men: Glenn Loovens, Liam Palmer
Sky Bet Odds: 33/1 (Winner), 11/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 17th

The Owls haven’t had it particularly easy over the past few seasons, they looked set for relegation at times under Dave Jones but stabilised under Stuart Gray. Glenn Loovens will wear the armband this campaign after resigning to a 1 year deal and will be at the heart of the defence whilst Gray will have the choice of Chris Kirkland or Keiren Westwood between the sticks. Liam Palmer is only 22 but played 39 times last season and will be important once again this time out. Goals are the issue for Sheff Wednesday and they will have to make the net bulge to make any sort of push up the table. I’m not convinced but think they’re safe so will say 17th.


Blogger and Sheff Wednesday fan Laura Jones: “Honestly, we are an unknown quantity this season. The new ownership hasn’t been ratified yet and there’s no understanding of how much investment will be put into the club. We could be anywhere from play-offs to relegation. I’m hoping for an optimistic top half finish. Expect some high scoring Owls games this season, despite having two decent keepers in Chris Kirkland and Kieren Westwood, our defence is leakier than a washerless faucet.”

Watford

Manager: Giuseppe Sannino 
Stadium: Vicarage Road
Last Season: 13th
Key Men: Almen Abdi, Matej Vydra 
Sky Bet Odds: 14/1 (Winner), 5/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 12th 

Harry Redknapp (unsurprisingly for him) may have failed to recognise Beppe Sannino when they played each other last season, but the experienced Italian will be desperate to make his name in Britain. He will be disappointed with the 13th placed finish last year so has changed his squad with the addition of keeper Heurelho Gomes, Craig Cathcart from Blackpool, Leicester’s Lloyd Dyer and the re-signing of Matej Vydra on loan who scored 20 Hornets goals in 2012/13. A big blow though could be the loss of Troy Deeney who may soon be a Premier League player after his 57 goals in 163 Championship games for Watford. He will be 24 goals from last season missing should Leicester manage to land him and that will hurt the fans at Vicarage Road. They came so close to promotion a few years back but I reckon 12th for them, a 1 place improvement.


@WatfordTalk, a Watford fan: "I think we've learnt from previous seasons in that you need a mix of foreign talent and home-grown players that know the league and have experience. The signings of Tozser and Vydra are potentially massive and if we keep Deeney, I think we'll finish top 2. If we lose him, I'd still be disappointed if we don't come top 6, with the options we have."

Wigan Athletic

Manager: Uwe Rösler
Stadium: DW Stadium
Last Season: 5th 
Key Men: James McArthur, James Perch
Sky Bet Odds: 9/1 (Winner), 3/1 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 6th 

Wigan had a good season last year as they reached the Playoffs only to lose to QPR in the Semi-Finals. They have a pretty good squad, Callum McManaman and James McClean their more forward thinking midfielders whilst James Perch and Leon Barnett tighten the defence. Uwe Rösler has added Cardiff players Andrew Taylor and Don Cowie to his squad and they will certainly give some experience. James McArthur at 26 has made almost 300 career league appearances and is the envy of many Championship squads. As for a lot of clubs, goals are required and the signing of Oriol Riera from Osasuna will hopefully fix that. I have Wigan getting another Playoff shot.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manager: Kenny Jackett
Stadium: Molineux
Last Season: 1st (League 1)
Key Men: Bakary Sako, Richard Stearman
Sky Bet Odds: 18/1 (Winner), 13/2 (Promoted)
My Prediction: 16th 

Kenny Jackett delighted Wolves’ fans by winning League 1 last season in some style. It’s not really the Wolves Premier League fans will remember but Richard Stearman is a key figure, a man who has top flight experience. Bakary Sako joined Wolves in their relegation season 2012/13 but scored 12 goals in 40 games from midfield to help the promotion campaign. With plenty of defenders to choose from you can expect the midlands club to be safe at the back so Leon Clarke and Kevin Doyle will be relied upon for anything going forwards. I think Jackett will guide them to clear safety in 16th.



So there we have it, my preview and predictions for this season's Championship, it's going to be a good one!! Best of luck to every fan, football is back!

Yours in Sport,
Gareth TFHB (Follow me on twitter @GJ_Thomas & @TFHBTop250)

A special thanks to all who contributed and whose images we have borrowed! (Sky Bet odds correct as of 1 August 2014)

Comments

Jimbob said…
Could you please enlighten me, fellow Watford fans and probably out of fairness Troy Deeney as to the identity of the Premier League club he's signed for? Thanks.
Anonymous said…
I do think your view on Rotherham is badly researched. Key men, Derbyshire and Broadfoot? No mention of Ben Pringle who was linked heavily with Championship moves last season. No mention of Paul Green or Lee Frecklington who will be ahead of Conor Newton for the midfield places. For a team who comfortably did the double over Brentford last season, and put 7 past Wolves in two games, and have strengthened over the Summer, it's a bit of a cop out to tag us as relegation certs. Still, we were relegation favourites last year too.
Anonymous said…
None, he is not leaving Watford. Troy doesn't want to leave and we don't want to sell him. We don't need to sell him.

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