BARNSLEY
Oakwell, Grove Street, Barnsley, S71 1ET. Capacity 23,009 www.barnsleyfc.co.uk
Last season: 20th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Simon Davey (since November 2006)
Players In: David Preece, Onome Sodje
Players Out: Dennis Souza, Diego Leon, Heinz Muller, Marciano van Homoet, Kyle Letheren
Pre-season form: The Tykes have gone through pre-season unbeaten with notable wins against Ferencvaros (3-2) and Bradford City (2-0) before a hugely credible 1-1 draw against moneybags Manchester City at home.
Prediction: 23rd. Manager Simon Davey has done an excellent job on a tight budget - but, after two narrow escapes in the last two years, this could be the season that time finally catches up with the Tykes especially if they continue to struggle in front of goal.
BLACKPOOL
Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, Lancs, FY1 6JJ. Capacity 9,731 www.blackpoolfc.co.uk
Last season: 16th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Ian Holloway (since May 2009)
Players In: Charlie Adam, Jason Euell, Billy Clarke
Players Out: Stuart Green, Shaun Barker, Jermaine Wright, Claus Jorgensen, Matthew Kay, Marlon Broomes
Pre-season form: The comfortable wins over Burscough (4-0) and Barnstaple Town (5-0) were followed by a 1-1 draw with Lancastrian neighbours Rochdale before three further wins - two against League One opposition, Carlisle United (3-1) and Oldham Athletic (4-2), and an excellent confidence-boosting 2-1 beating of Premier League Everton.
Prediction: 22nd. Although Blackpool did well last year to stay out of trouble and finish 16th, they won only five times at Bloomfield Road all season and a lack of money will always be a restriction. At least Tangerines fans will have some fun with the unpredictable Ian Holloway now in charge, although he did take Leicester down in 2008.
BRISTOL CITY
Ashton Gate, Ashton Road, Bristol, BS3 2EJ. Capacity 21,479 www.bcfc.co.uk
Last season: 10th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Gary Johnson (since September 2005)
Players In: Lewin Nyatanga, Danny Haynes, Paul Hartley, Dean Gerken, David Clarkson, Andre Blackman
Players Out: Chris Weale, Jennison Myrie-Williams, Dele Adebola, Scott Murray, Peter Styvar, Michael McIndoe
Pre-season form: An unbeaten pre-season was rounded off by a 3-1 home win against Wycombe Wanderers after previous wins at Hereford United (2-1), Weymouth (4-0) and Dorchester (2-1), and a 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town.
Prediction: 12th. Another frustrating season awaits City. After reaching the playoffs in 2007-08, the Robins went backwards during the last campaign and could only finish 10th. Expect them to do no better than tread water this time around.
CARDIFF CITY
Ninian Park, Sloper Road, Cardiff, CF11 8SX. Capacity 20,376 www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk
Last season: 7th, FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Dave Jones (since May 2005)
Players In: Paul Quinn, Anthony Gerrard, Mark Hudson, David Marshall, Michael Chopra
Players Out: Paul Parry, Darren Dennehy, Darren Purse, Roger Johnson
Pre-season form: The summer began well with comfortable wins against Chasetown (4-0), and Fatima (1-0) and President's XI (3-0) on their Portugal tour. No goals in their three matches since the Bluebirds' return will be slightly disconcertaing, although two of the matches were prestigious home friendlies against Celtic (0-0) and Valencia (0-1), sandwiching a visit of Swindon Town (0-0).
Prediction: 9th. Cardiff City only had themselves to blame for not making the playoffs last season. They surrendered a comfortable lead over Preston to lose out on goal difference on the final day after having been beaten by their nearest rivals 6-0 in the run-in. The Bluebirds might not be as close this time, though.
COVENTRY CITY
Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 6GE. Capacity 32,500 www.ccfc.co.uk
Last season: 17th, FA Cup 6th round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Chris Coleman (since February 2008)
Players In: Sammy Clingan, Michael McIndoe
Players Out: Daniel Fox, Scott Dann, Sean Fraser, Robbie Simpson, Donovan Simmonds
Pre-season form: A busy period of seven friendlies was rounded off by an entertaining 2-2 draw against Everton at home. Before then, City had enjoyed wins against Nuneaton Town (1-0), Hinckley United (2-0) and Northampton Town (2-1), and draws with Wrexham (1-1) and Huddersfield Town (0-0). Their only defeat came north of the border against Dunfermline Athletic, where they were beaten 1-0.
Prediction: 19th. A lack of money means Coventry are unlikely to improve on last season's already disappointing 17th-placed finish with Sammy Clingan and Michael McIndoe as the only arrivals to date. The loss of Scott Dann's long throw is yet another weapon which under-pressure Chris Coleman will miss.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Selhurst Park, London, SE25 6PU. Capacity 26,309 www.cpfc.co.uk
Last season: 15th, FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Neil Warnock (since October 2007)
Players In: Stern John, Darren Ambrose, Freddie Sears
Players Out: Rhoys Wiggins, Paul Ifill, James Scowcroft, Carl Fletcher, Scott Flinders
Pre-season form: A patchy run-up to the season with two 1-0 home defeats against League One opponents Norwich City and Gillingham hardly inspiring confidence, although Palace were full of goals before then. They beat Baltimore (5-2) and Harrisburg City Islanders (3-1) on a tour of the United States before returning for an away draw with Brentford (2-2) and a comfortable 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
Prediction: 6th. Neil Warnock may have a young side at Palace but few managers know this division better than the abrasive Yorkshireman who favours the odds being stacked against him. The loan deal which has brought Freddie Sears to Selhurst Park from West Ham could be one of the best of the summer.
DERBY COUNTY
Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL. Capacity 33,597 www.dcfc.co.uk
Last season: 18th, FA Cup 5th round, League Cup Semi finals
Manager: Nigel Clough (since January 2009)
Players In: Saul Deeney, Shaun Barker, Lee Croft, Dean Moxey, Jake Buxton
Players Out: Liam Dickinson, Lewin Nyatanga, Lewis Price, Emanuel Villa, Tyrone Mears
Pre-season form: The Rams beat League new boys Burton Albion 1-0 before suffering defeat in the Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup to Chesterfield (1-2). A tour of the south west followed with victories over Yeovil Town (2-0) and Exeter City (3-1) and a 0-0 draw with Torquay United. County then beat Notts County 3-2 on their return and a late equaliser rescued a 2-2 home draw against Premier League outfit Stoke City.
Prediction: 10th. Last season, Derby had barely recovered from their dreadful relegation from the Premier League in 2007-08 and finished 18th. And that was only after Nigel Clough left Burton Albion to pick up the pieces from Paul Jewell's disastrous reign. Clough has certainly made his mark over the summer with no fewer than 10 changes. Depending on how quickly the new squad gels, the Rams should improve.
DONCASTER ROVERS
Keepmoat Stadium, Stadium Way, Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5JW. Capacity 15,231 www.doncasterrovers.co.uk
Last season: 14th, FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Sean O'Driscoll (since September 2006)
Players In: Quinton Fortune
Players Out: Jason Price, Richard Wellens, Gordon Greer
Pre-season form: Rovers have warmed up well with an early victory over local side Armthorpe Welfare (3-2), two 2-0 wins against Barrow and Grimsby Town, and 4-0 thumping of Rotherham United.
Prediction: 18th. A 14th place last time around was Donny's best for 50 years and came only a few years since they were playing in the Conference. Better still, their rise through the leagues has come about with football played in the right way. It doesn't always work in the rough and tumble of the Championship, but it should win them enough matches to stay out of real trouble.
IPSWICH TOWN
Portman Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DA. Capacity 30,300 www.itfc.co.uk
Last season: 9th, FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Roy Keane (since April 2009)
Players In: Colin Healy, Lee Martin, Damien Delaney
Players Out: Kevin Lisbie, Dean Bowditch, Dan Harding, Danny Haynes, Tommy Miller, Billy Clarke, Matthew Richards, Chris Casement, Kurt Robinson, Ivan Campo, Velice Sumulikoski
Pre-season form: A tough training camp in Portugal was followed by victories over Brentford (3-1) and Southend United (2-0) which sandwiched a surprise 2-0 loss to Keane's hometown club Cork City.
Prediction: 2nd. The arrival of Roy Keane had a galvanising short-term effect as Ipswich finished last season strongly even though they had left it too late to make an impression on the playoffs. Keane set about the hard work this summer and trimmed the squad of its weakest members in preparation for a promotion push.
LEICESTER CITY
Walkers Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester, LE2 7FL. Capacity 32,500 www.lcfc.premiumtv.co.uk
Last season: 1st (promoted from League One), FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Nigel Pearson (since June 2008)
Players In: Richard Wellens, Chris Weale, Dany N'Guessan, Wayne Brown, Robbie Neilson, Jack Hobbs
Players Out: James Wesolowski, Patrick Kisnorbo, Billy McKay, Barry Hayles
Pre-season form: An unbeaten pre-season started with two draws against Tamworth Town (1-1) and Mansfield Town (0-0) before the Foxes thumped Shrewsbury Town 4-0. A pair of 1-0 wins against Chesterfield and at home to Spanish side Valladolid rounded off the preparation.
Prediction: 14th. Leicester coped admirably with being relegated to third-flight football for the first time in their history in 2007-08. The Foxes stormed the division to make an immediate return and hopes are high that momentum will mean they threaten the playoffs. Those expectations may need to be checked now the level has stepped up again, however.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, TS3 6RS. Capacity 35,100 www.mfc.co.uk
Last season: 19th (relegated from Premier League), FA Cup 6th round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Gareth Southgate (since June 2006)
Players In: Leroy Lita, Danny Coyne, Mark Yeates
Players Out: Mido, Stewart Downing, Ross Turnbull, Graeme Owens
Pre-season form: Boro played five friendlies, all away, and enjoyed comfortable victories in their first three matches - against Macclesfield Town (3-0), Dumbarton (5-0) and Carlisle United (2-0). Boro had also arranged to play Darlington but their crisis-hit neighbours had to pull out due to a long injury list. Southgate's men instead finished slightly disappointingly with draws against Oldham Athletic (2-2) and Millwall (1-1).
Prediction: 1st. Boro may have lost a talent in Stewart Downing but, so far, they have remarkably retained the services of their other young winger Adam Johnson, a genuine matchwinner at this level. As ever, chairman Steve Gibson has remained loyal to his manager but Gareth Southgate knows he needs to start producing results from the off. He will be hoping Leroy Lita performs better in front of goal than Premier League flop Alfonso Alves.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
St James’ Park, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4ST. Capacity 52,387 www.nufc.co.uk
Last season: 18th (relegated from Premier League), FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Chris Hughton (since June 2009, latest caretaker stint)
Players In: None
Players Out: Michael Owen, David Edgar, Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins, Fraser Forster
Pre-season form: The Magpies started in encouraging form with a comfortable win over Shamrock Rovers (3-0) and a 7-2 thrashing of Darlington. A 1-0 win against Huddersfield Town was followed at the end of the game by an unsavoury fracas before a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Leyton Orient completed a miserable week. Drab draws against Leeds United at home (0-0) and Dundee United away (1-1) rounded off the action.
Prediction: 11th. Favourites for promotion at 9/2 but, after seeing past the famous name, it is hard to see how. Newcastle have an owner who does not want them, no permanent manager and a wafer-thin squad which they cannot reinforce while the situation remains in limbo. And the players left behind were invariably not good enough when the going got tough last season. Matters are likely to get worse before they get better at St James' Park.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
City Ground, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ. Capacity 30,602 www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
Last season: 19th, FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Billy Davies (since January 2009)
Players In: Dexter Blackstock, Joel Lynch, Radoslaw Majewski, Chris Gunter, Paul McKenna, Lee Camp, David McGoldrick, Dele Adebola, Paul Anderson
Players Out: Matt Thornhill, Mark Byrne, Hamza Bencherif, Shane Redmond, James Reid, Joe Heath, Brendan Moloney, Liam Hook, Ryan Whitehurst, Richard Tait, Tom Sharpe, Emile Sinclair, Adam Newbold
Pre-season form: Forest started with a fine 1-0 win against Sporting Lisbon with a goal from new signing Anderson. This was followed up by further victories over Burton Albion (4-1) and Rotherham United (1-0) before a 1-1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds. Davies' men then suffered a 2-1 defeat to buoyant neighbours Notts County before encouraging signs in the two matches against Premier League sides, Stoke City (1-1) and Birmingham City, a 2-1 win.
Prediction: 13th. Forest did well to survive their first season back in the Championship last year. For a while under Colin Calderwood, it looked doubtful but in came former Derby boss Billy Davies at the turn of the year and he looks like he is starting to sort the mess out. The signings of Blackstock, Adebola, Anderson and McGoldrick should add more bite to an attack and push Forest towards the top-half.
PETERBOROUGH UNITED
London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AL. Capacity 15,314 www.theposh.com
Last season: 2nd (promoted from League One), FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Darren Ferguson (since January 2007)
Players In: Krystian Pearce, Tommy Rowe, Lee Frecklington, Toumani Diagouraga
Players Out: Rene Howe, Scott Rendell, Chris Westwood, Kieran Charnock
Pre-season form: Posh kicked off a tough pre-season with a 4-0 win over St Albans before being outclassed by two Premier League sides, Aston Villa (0-3) and Tottenham Hotspur (0-4). This was followed up by an improved performance against a third top flight team, Fulham, in an entertaining 3-3 draw. Comfortable wins against Stevenage Borough (2-0) and Oxford United (3-0) will have improved confidence, though they were followed by a third defeat against the top flight, to Sunderland (0-2).
Prediction: 20th. Posh enjoyed a second successive promotion in May to go from playing Morecambe and Macclesfield to Middlesbrough and Newcastle. The whirlwind achievement has came about because manager Darren Ferguson has spent money wisely, in particular discovering the non-league goalscoring talent of Aaron McLean and the craft of George Boyd. Expect the progress to continue with survival at this level.
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Home Park, Plymouth, PL2 3DQ www.pafc.co.uk
Last season: 21st, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Paul Sturrock (November 2007)
Players In: Kari Arnason, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Carl Fletcher, Alan Judge, Alan Gow
Players Out: Jason Puncheon, Jermaine Easter, Yannick Bolasie, Emile Mpenza, Roudolph Douala
Pre-season form: A patchy summer for Argyle started with two draws against local opposition, Truro City (1-1) and Torquay United (3-3). Two 2-0 wins over Skelmersdale United and Morecambe sandwiched a loss north of the border against Livingston (1-2) before a 0-0 home stalemate with SPL side Hearts.
Prediction: 21st. Paul Sturrock begins the third year of his second spell at Argyle with hopes that it matches his first when the club achieved their highest position of 10th. Last season, early promise gave way to a relegation fight and - unless Sturrock can improve the dreadful home form - Pilgrims fans can expect another scrap.
PRESTON NORTH END
Deepdale, Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston, PR1 6RU. Capacity 24,525 www.pnefc.net
Last season: 6th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Alan Irvine (November 2007)
Players In: Paul Parry, Velice Sumulikoski
Players Out: Karl Hawley, Simon Whaley, Paul McKenna, Chris Neal
Pre-season form: Preston enjoyed warm-up wins against Bamber Bridge (3-0) and Tranmere Rovers (2-1) before a 1-1 draw with Wrexham. Two home matches followed against top-flight teams - the first match was a fine 2-1 win over Stoke City but the second was a 4-1 reversal against Wigan Athletic. Pre-season was completed by a solid 3-1 win at Hibernian.
Prediction: 5th. Alan Irvine lost no time on making a good impression in his first managerial spell, having been an assistant to David Moyes at Everton. He guided Preston away from the drop in his first season and qualified for the playoffs last time around. As usual, Preston could not make it through but there's no reason why they should not be there or thereabouts again this season.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PA. Capacity 19,100 www.qpr.co.uk
Last season: 11th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 4th round
Manager: Jim Magilton (since June 2009)
Players In: Alessandro Pellicori, Alejandro Faurlin
Players Out: Dexter Blackstock, Jake Cole, Lee Camp, Damien Delaney, Zesh Rehman
Pre-season form: Rangers come into the season on the back of four wins, culminating in a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Southampton. Magilton's men had previously beaten Aldershot (4-0), Forest Green Rovers (2-0) and Wycome Wanderers (2-1).
Prediction: 7th. A lack of stability cost QPR a playoff place last season as they stumbled to 11th without threatening. Another change has been made since as Jim Magilton becomes the fourth manager in little more than 18 months under the backing of F1 bosses Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone. A repeat of Magilton's indifferent form at Ipswich would set off the trigger-fingers again and more upheaval may mean the Londoners miss out again.
READING
Madejski Stadium, Bennett Road, Reading, RG2 0FL. Capacity 24,200 www.readingfc.co.uk
Last season: 4th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Brendan Rogers (since June 2009)
Players In: Ryan Betrand
Players Out: Leroy Lita, Alan Bennett, Alex McCarthy, Michael Duberry, Scott Goldbourne, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle
Pre-season form: The Royals have hit plenty of goals in the run-up to their second successive Championship campaign, starting with a 5-1 beating of Didcot Town. A tour of Sweden brought even more goals, with wins against Jonsereds (8-0), Tolo IF (4-0) and Qviding (2-1). The Royals then led Chelsea 2-0 for much of their final match at home before two late goals saved the Londoners' blushes.
Prediction: 8th. Last season, Reading looked well set to back bounce from their Premier League relegation of 2007-08 at the first attempt. But dreadful home form in the second half of the season was carried through to the playoffs where they lost to buoyant Burnley. Steve Coppell left as manager, and Doyle and Hahnemann have regained top-flight football at Wolves. Although now managed by Brendan Rogers, an adopted Reading man, the Royals might have missed their chance for now.
SCUNTHORPE UNITED
Glanford Park, Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 8TD. Capacity 9,183 www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk
Last season: 6th (promoted from League One via playoffs), FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Nigel Adkins (since November 2006)
Players In: Rob Jones, Josh Wright, Michael O'Connor
Players Out:
Pre-season form: The Iron enjoyed a goal-glut against local sides Winterton Rangers (5-0) and Brigg Town (12-0) before beating Grimsby Town 3-0. A 2-0 home loss against Brighton and 1-1 draw with Lincoln City have suggested vulnerability, though they won the latter 4-2 on penalties to win the Lincolnshire Senior Cup for a third year running. Scunthorpe completed their pre-season with another loss - 4-2 against Premier League new-boys Wolves.
Prediction: 24th. Scunthorpe suffered no relegation hangover after their Championship demotion in 2007-08 and make an immediate return, though they only made it into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. The Iron were rewarded with a day out at Wembley and a fine 3-2 win against Millwall but pure logistics suggests this Championship season is likely to be no different to their last at this level.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU. Capacity 32,702 www.sufc.co.uk
Last season: 3rd, FA Cup 5th round, League Cup 3rd round
Manager: Kevin Blackwell (since February 2008)
Players In: Mark Bunn, Glen Little, Kyle Walker (on loan), Ryan France, Keith Treacy, Ched Evans, Andy Taylor, Kyel Reid, Lee Williamson
Players Out: Sun Jihai, Kyle Naughton, Kyle Walker, Keith Quinn, Jamie Annerson, Ben Starosta, Danny Webber, Ugo Ehiogu, Adam Champman, Nicky Law
Pre-season form: The Blades go into the season in good form on the back of four wins against Sheffield FC (4-3), Chesterfield (2-0), Bury (3-0) and Lincoln City (2-0).
Prediction: 4th. United went closest to overhauling Birmingham City and suffered yet more playoff heartbreak. With Wolves and the Blues stumbling over the line above them, Kevin Blackwell's men were playing the best football of the division for much of the second part of the season. But the loss of James Beattie to Stoke came at a vital time and Blades fans will be hopeful that a further raft of changes does not derail the promotion bid.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 1SW. Capacity 39,812 www.swfc.co.uk
Last season: 12th, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup 1st round
Manager: Brian Laws (since November 2006)
Players In: Darren Potter, Tommy Miller, Darren Purse
Players Out: Liam McMenamin, Sam Liversidge, Steve Watson, Kenny Lunt
Pre-season form: Wednesday have gone through pre-season unbeaten, alternating between solid 2-0 wins against lower league opposition, at Hartlepool United and Northampton, and home draws against top flight teams Hull City (0-0) and Blackburn Rovers (2-2).
Prediction: 15th. Wednesday were the Jekyll and Hyde team of the division last season as some impressive results, including a double in the Steel City derby, were mixed with some crushing defeats. It generally evened out as they finished bang in the middle in 12th with a negative goal difference. A tight budget means, if anything, the inconsistency is likely to get even worse this year.
SWANSEA CITY
Liberty Stadium, Morfa, Swansea, SA1 2FA. Capacity 20,500 www.swanseacity.net
Last season: 8th, FA Cup 5th round, League Cup 4th round
Manager: Paulo Souza (since June 2009)
Players In: Jordi Lopez, Steven Dobbie, Nathan Dyer
Players Out: Jason Scotland, Owain Tudur-Jones
Pre-season form: A busy run-up to the season started with a trip to Portugal for a 1-0 win over CD Trofense (1-0) before the Swans beat Steve McLaren's FC Twente 3-1 at home and Neath Athletic 6-1 away. A Spanish tour followed and began with a 2-0 loss against Espanyol B before a win by the same score against Palamos CF. A 0-0 draw with Gimnastic Tarragona and a 2-1 win over CE Sabadell completed the trip. City returned home to despatch Kilmanock 4-1 at home with Mark Gower hitting a hat-trick before a 1-0 win over Port Talbot Town the following day.
Prediction: 17th. With a finish in the top eight and two decent cup runs (including a cup defeat of Cardiff), there was much to smile about for Swansea last season. But it seems unlikely that the club will feel no ill-effects from the loss of their inspirational manager Roberto Martinez and their main striker Jason Scotland to Wigan. Paulo Souza is in charge as he attempts to rebuild his own confidence after an unhappy five-month spell at QPR.
WATFORD
Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0ER. Capacity 19,900 www.watford.premiumtv.co.uk
Last season: 13th, FA Cup 5th round, League Cup 5th round
Manager: Malky Mackay (since June 2009)
Players In: Jure Travner, Danny Graham, Scott Severin
Players Out: Steve Kabba, Alhassan Bangura, Stuart Searle, Theo Robinson, Lee Williamson
Pre-season form: The Hornets had an excellent finish to their pre-season campaign, coming from behind to beat Serie A opposition Parma 3-2 at home. Previously, Mackay's men had beat Boreham Wood 4-1 before a tour of Spain featured two 1-1 draws against CF Balaguer and UE Lleida.
Prediction: 16th. When Aidy Boothroyd was sacked last November, Watford's days in the Championship looked numbered. But the ship was steadied by Malky MacKay in caretaker capacity before Brendan Rogers completed the job, taking the Hornets to 13th. With Rogers now at Reading, MacKay has his own opportunity but another comfortable survival is probably the best he can hope for.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
The Hawthorns, Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, West Mids, B71 4LF. Capacity 28,003 www.wba.co.uk
Last season: 20th (relegated from Premier League), FA Cup 4th round, League Cup 2nd round
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo (since June 2009)
Players In: Reuben Reid, Simon Cox
Players Out: Carl Hoefkens, Pedro Pele, Jared Hodgkiss, Joss Labadie, Sherjill MacDonald, Do-Heon Kim, Luke Daniels, Paul Robinson
Pre-season form: Albion will go into the season on the back of two defeats at Cheltenham Town (2-1) and Swindon Town (1-0) which summed up a patchy pre-season. The Baggies started with a tour of Slovenia and Croatia where they beat Nafta 3-0 but could only draw 2-2 with Varteks. On their return, a 2-0 win against Shrewsbury Town was followed by another 2-2 draw in a Black Country derby with Walsall.
Prediction: 3rd. West Brom were relegated yet again from the Premier League without a whimper as their yo-yo existence continues. Tony Mowbray stuck to his passing principles but the Baggies were never likely to survive with their leaky defence and a lack of goals. Since then, Mowbray has moved on to Celtic and former MK Dons man Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed to freshen up the club. The strength of Albion's challenge will depend on how quickly he imprints his own style.
All transfers and pre-season results correct as of 2pm on Wednesday, August 5. Transfer window shuts on Monday, August 31. Football league clubs may loan players in/out until Monday, November 23.
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