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Coca-Cola Championship Guide

The Coca-Cola Championship is the second tier of the English football league system. Until the 2004-05 season it was called the First Division. Before that it was known as the Second Division, back in the days before the Premiership was a twinkle in the FA’s eye. Recent research suggests that the Championship is the richest non-top flight division in the world. Deloitte, the accountancy firm, even believe that it is the sixth richest division in the world!

In recent years the Championship has shaken off its tag of being a distant feeder division to the Premiership. Successes of West Ham, Wigan and Reading upon promotion have proven that teams getting promoted are not automatically condemned to the quagmire of relegation. Due to the influx of sponsorship money, the Championship is making its clubs richer and enabling them to sign more high profile players and lucrative salaries. Nobody would have thought the likes of Kevin Phillips, Robbie Fowler, Jay Jay Okocha and James Beattie would be happily plying their trade at this level.

The Championship has also been the subject of major media coverage due to the high level of competitiveness. Neutrals have started to lose faith in the Premiership with the same old teams finishing in the same old positions. Last season the Championship experienced its tightest finish yet. Even on the last day, several places were still to be determined. The Championship also beat Serie A in the attendance ratings last season.

The most notable thing that the Championship is famous for is probably how it feeds young talent through. In the past players such as Darren Bent, Michael Dawson, Marlon King, Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon have made the step up to the Premiership after proving themselves successful at Championship level. This season we are seeing the likes of Joe Ledley, Dan Gosling, Owen Garvan and Joe Mattock looking to prove themselves. It really is an exciting time for the Championship. This season is set to be the biggest and most exciting Championship season yet. So how do the teams fare? Here is an overview of the Championship teams for the 2007-08 season.

Barnsley

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Year Founded: 1887.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: Regional.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Joe Joyce.
Fierce Rivals: None.
Other Rivals: Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Doncaster and Rotherham.
Finances: Ok.
Estimated Value: £5m.
Stadium: Oakwell, Barnsley.
Stadium Capacity: 23,186 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Average training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 23rd.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Paul Reid.

Barnsley are a team that are not expected to do much. In Heinz Muller they have a goalkeeper who is satisfactory but might require replacing if you are looking to push towards the enviable heights of the playoff places. They have a good defence with the likes of Rob Kozluk, Bobby Hassell, Marciano Bruma and Lewin Nyatanga. The midfield is a bit more shifty. Rohan Ricketts isn’t the player he used to be whilst Martin Devaney and Brian Howard are ok Championship players but you’ll need to bring in more quality if you want to take the club forward. The attack shows some promise. Kim Christensen, Istvan Ferenczi and Miguel Mostto are three players who could deliver. Especially Mostto, who is an unknown quantity on this version. Basically, the raw materials are there for Barnsley. With the squad as it is you would look to just avoid relegation. However, if you make the correct changes, you could reap the rewards of gambling for promotion.

Blackpool

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Year Founded: 1887.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: Regional.
Chairman Status: Happy to stay.
Favoured Personnel: Sam Allardyce, Trevor Sinclair, Steve Banks and Peter Clarke.
Fierce Rivals: Preston and Burnley.
Other Rivals: Oldham, Tranmere, Wigan and Bolton.
Finances: Ok.
Estimated Value: £1.7m.
Stadium: Bloomfield Road, Blackpool.
Stadium Capacity: 9,083 all seater. Planned expansion to be complete 01.07.2008.
Training Facilities: Adequate training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Adequate youth facilities.
Media Prediction: 22nd.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Ambitious.
Captain: Michael Flynn.

Blackpool’s squad leaves a lot to be desired. The goalkeepers of Rhys Evans and Paul Rachubka just aren’t good enough for Championship level. The defence is weak. Improvement in all four of the back positions is required. Danny Coid, Stephen Crainey and Shaun Barker are well known but just not talented enough. The midfield is the only half decent area of Blackpool squad. Keith Southern, David Fox, Wes Hoolahan and Andy Welsh aren’t the best but they would suffice considering how many other areas of the team need prioritizing! Maybe look to add depth to the wings. The attack is also poor. Keigan Parker and Andy Morrell will get you ten goals each at the most. A sharp shooter is definitely required.

Bristol City

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Year Founded: 1897.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Terry Cooper.
Fierce Rivals: Bristol Rovers and Cardiff.
Other Rivals: Yeovil and Swindon.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £6.5m (Loan debt: £3m).
Stadium: Ashton Gate, Bristol.
Stadium Capacity: 19,500 all seater.
Training Facilities: Average training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 20th.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Louis Carey.

Bristol City have a surprisingly good squad considering the media prediction. The goalkeeper Adrian Basso is ok. He appears to be a bit eccentric but his position is not a priority. Their full backs are quality in the form of Richard Keogh, fans’ favourite Marvin Elliott and Jamie McAllister. Louis Carey, the club captain, is a stalwart in central defence but he lacks a decent partner in crime. Even if you shift say Elliott into the middle, there is still a huge lack of depth in case one of them gets injured. Ivan Sproule, Michael McIndoe and David Noble provide good attributes in midfield but there is a distinct lack of a midfield governor. Lee Trundle and Darren Byfield are a decent attacking pair but a third and possibly fourth striker are essential in case they don’t work well together.

Burnley

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Year Founded: 1882.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: Regional.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Glen Little, Ade Akinbiyi, Steve Davis, Kevin Ball, Richard Chaplow, Gary Cahill and Martin Dobson.
Fierce Rivals: Blackburn, Leeds, Preston and Blackpool.
Other Rivals: Bolton and Manchester City.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £4.2m.
Stadium: Turf Moor, Burnley.
Stadium Capacity: 22,516 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Average training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities.
Media Prediction: 19th.
Squad Average Age: 27.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Graham Alexander.

Burnley’s team is actually packed with talent which defies the reasoning behind the media’s prediction of 19th for the Championship thoroughbreds. Gabor Kiraly is a decent Championship keeper. Ok, he might need replacing if promotion beckons but he’s suitable for this standard. Brian Jensen is also a superb back up stopper. Their defence is solid which could prove key to being successful. It is packed with names like David Unsworth, Stephen Jordan and Jon Harley. That’s just the left hand side! Stephen Caldwell and Clarke Carlisle prove that quality is rife amongst the back four. A gritty central midfield with Joey Gudjonsson and James O’Connor continues the solidarity sequence. More options are needed on the wings as Alan Mahon and Wade Elliott are the only noteworthy players out there. Robbie Blake and Andy Gray could work well together but with a young and inexperienced Kyle Lafferty plus Ade Akinbiyi who cannot guarantee goals, it looks certain that attack is where the money needs to go. However, a place higher than 19th is certainly achievable.

Cardiff

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Year Founded: 1899.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Robbie Fowler, Graham Kavanagh, Robert Earnshaw and Jason Koumas.
Fierce Rivals: Swansea.
Other Rivals: Bristol City, Leeds, QPR and Stoke.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £5.5m (Loan debt: £17m).
Stadium: Ninian Park, Cardiff (due to move to 30,000 capacity St. David’s Stadium on 31.05.2009).
Stadium Capacity: 20,592 (14,000 seated).
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 12th.
Squad Average Age: 27.
Squad Personality: Loyal.
Captain: Darren Purse.

Cardiff are a team with potential. The touted ‘sleeping giant’ of the English league. They are a good team to take over due to the young talent they have in the guise of Darcy Blake, Chris Gunter, Joe Ledley and Aaron Ramsay plus the imminent move to the new 30,000 all seater stadium. Their goalkeeper situation needs resolving. The defence is sound. Three cracking centre halves in Darren Purse, Glenn Loovens and Roger Johnson. Kevin McNaughton provides quality on the left but with only the 17 year old Chris Gunter as a decent right back, you might wish to bring in a more experienced head. Midfield is where Cardiff shine. Joe Ledley, Peter Whittingham, Trevor Sinclair, Stephen McPhail, Paul Parry and Gavin Rae leave little room for improvement. The legendary names of Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink up front also mean that their attacking options are not limited. However, maybe one or two younger faces up front will be needed to cope with the strains of a long and hard season.

Charlton

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Year Founded: 1905.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Alan Curbishley, Mark Kinsella, Chris Powell, Rob Lee, Darren Bent and Dean Kiely.
Fierce Rivals: Crystal Palace.
Other Rivals: Millwall and West Ham.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £21m (Loan debt: £3.5m).
Stadium: The Valley, London.
Stadium Capacity: 27,111 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 1st.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Andy Reid.

Charlton are a prime choice to take over if you want to re-ignite their former glory. They have money coming out of every orifice, a reputation and training facility to die for and a squad that is more heavyweight than Lennox Lewis. Nicky Weaver is a superb no.1. The defence is very sure. Ben Thatcher and Danny Mills epitomize the thuggery and experience of the back four. Zheng Zhi and Matt Holland’s presence in the middle of the park provide Charlton with a firm spine to their midfield whilst Darren Ambrose and Andy Reid excel on the flanks. Svetoslav Todorov is the only decent striker. Although the likes of Chris Iwelumo and Luke Varney maybe deserve a chance to shine. Just remember though, the money is there to splash if things aren’t working out during pre-season.

Colchester

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Year Founded: 1937.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: Regional.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Karl Duguid, Sam Stockley, Chris Iwelumo, Joe Dunne, Scott McGleish and Pat Baldwin.
Fierce Rivals: Ipswich, Southend and Wycombe.
Other Rivals: Cambridge and Peterborough.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £2.3m.
Stadium: Layer Road, Colchester.
Stadium Capacity: 6,215 (2,049 seated). Due to move to new 10,000 capacity Cuckoo Farm on 01.07.2008.
Training Facilities: Adequate training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 17th.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Fairly professional.
Captain: Karl Duguid.

When looking at the Colchester squad one begins to feel that the media prediction of 17th is perhaps a bit too optimistic. After selling star strikers Chris Iwelumo and Jamie Cureton to Charlton and Norwich respectively, the Layer Road boys don’t appear to offer much in terms of danger players. Their goalkeepers are both poor. The defence isn’t too bad. Bela Balogh, Adam Virgo, Danny Granville and Pat Baldwin are a sound back line but have no depth behind them in terms of back up. Their midfield is ok but very reliant on loans. So even if you have a successful first season, half of the talented middle will be absent come the new season. Attack needs adding to as well. Karl Duguid and Teddy Sheringham are the stand out names. Do not be fooled by the lure of moving to a new stadium. Cuckoo Farm only holds 10,000. Even though there might be room for expansion, the money to initiate such proposals is barely going to come from getting 10,000 fans a week. That’s even if you sell out all your games! If you take this team on, you’re on a hiding to nothing.

Coventry

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Year Founded: 1883.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Steve Ogrizovic and Eric Black.
Fierce Rivals: None.
Other Rivals: Aston Villa and Leicester.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £4.9m (Loan debt: £34m).
Stadium: The Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Stadium Capacity: 33,263 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 16th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Arjan De Zeeuw.


Coventry City were the longest serving top flight team before their relegation to the second tier a few seasons back. They really are a team to lure in any Football Manager fanatic. They play in a big stadium, come from a big city, have good training facilities, a glorious history and the board don’t have mountainous expectations. You might not start off with much money but with the amount of fans you can bring in by winning games, you’ll be raking the money in soon enough. Coventry need a new goalkeeper to start. The defence is brilliant in the centre with Arjan De Zeeuw governing the ship and Elliott Ward as his sidekick, but they lack prosperity on the widths. The midfield is strong. Michael Doyle and Michael Hughes epitomize this. However, they lack a true finisher up front. The Maltese Mifsud might be worth a gamble but in all honesty you should be looking to snap up two cheap strikers to get the ball hitting the back of the net. Be patient though. If success doesn’t come in the first season, you’ll certainly be better prepared for the next season.

Crystal Palace

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Year Founded: 1905.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Steve Coppell, Andy Johnson, Dougie Freedman, Gareth Southgate and Clinton Morrison.
Fierce Rivals: Brighton and Millwall.
Other Rivals: Charlton and Birmingham.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £15.5m (Loan debt: £2.2m).
Stadium: Selhurst Park, London.
Stadium Capacity: 26,309 all seater.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 10th.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Professional.
Captain: Carl Fletcher.

Crystal Palace are another former great loitering around in the Championship waiting to reclaim their past glories. With the squad, stadium and training facilities they have the basis is there but a lot of tinkering still needs to be done. Julian Speroni offers salvation in goals. For a Championship keeper there are a lot worse out there. The defence needs some attention. Jose Fonte stands out but even he is only on loan from Benfica. It is the midfield where Crystal Palace excel. A well balanced mixture of youth and experience. Ben Watson, Tom Soares, Paul Ifill, Mark Kennedy and Besian Idrizaj provide strength in depth for the Londoners. The strikers are average at best. Some might argue that Clinton Morrison and Paul Dickov will get you the goals you want but we all know there are better talents out there. It all depends on how much you want to improve their shaky defence!

Hull

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Year Founded: 1904.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Dean Windass.
Fierce Rivals: Leeds, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe.
Other Rivals: Grimsby, York and Doncaster.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £8.75m.
Stadium: The Circle, Hull.
Stadium Capacity: 25,404 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 21st.
Squad Average Age: 27.
Squad Personality: Professional.
Captain: Ian Ashbee.

Ever since the new millennium began, Football Manager gamers have been trying to get Hull from the deepest depths of the Football League, up to the dizzy heights of the Premiership by abusing their massive potential and financial backing. Hull are finding life a bit harder in the Championship these days but with a media prediction of 21st and board expectations to match, this is a club worthy of controlling. Ok, so the goalkeeper and defence need major work but their midfield is packed with big names. Jay Jay Okocha, Dean Marney, Nick Barmby, Richard Garcia, Bryan Hughes and David Livermore give it versatility and depth. In attack they have several names that can bring goals as well. Club favourite Dean Windass, Caleb Folan, Stephen McPhee and Henrik Pedersen are all worth a risk. That doesn’t mean to say there isn’t room for improvement. What little money you have at your disposal should be ploughed into defensive areas. However, if you can attract big crowds then you’ll start earning more money to bring in that elusive 30 goal a season striker.

Ipswich

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Year Founded: 1878.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Enjoying life at the club.
Favoured Personnel: Bobby Robson, Matt Holland, Darren Bent, Terry Butcher, Fabian Wilnis, Richard Naylor, Marcus Stewart, Tony Mowbray and Kieron Dyer.
Fierce Rivals: Norwich.
Other Rivals: Colchester, West Ham and Sheffield United.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £18.75m (Loan debt: £22m).
Stadium: Portman Road, Ipswich.
Stadium Capacity: 30,300 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Excellent youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 11th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Professional.
Captain: Jason De Vos.

Ipswich arguably have the best foundations to their club structure outside of the Premiership. State of the art training facilities, amazing youth set up, sound financial backing and a big stadium. If there is a team destined for Championship promotion it is these lads from Anglia. Their squad is also not short of talent. In Neil Alexander and Shane Supple, Ipswich have two of the best goalkeepers in the division. The defence is average but still contains the talent of Matt Richards. Sylvain Legwinski, Owen Garvan and Tommy Miller provide strength in midfield. Pablo Counago, Alan Lee and Danny Haynes offer substance up front. Ipswich do need improving on the wings and in defence but the money is there, especially if you sell a big name player. They could be seen as a neutral’s wet dream to take over.

Leicester

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Year Founded: 1884.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Emile Heskey, Martin O’Neill, Neil Lennon, Robbie Savage and Micky Adams.
Fierce Rivals: Nottingham Forest.
Other Rivals: Coventry, Derby, Wolves and Aston Villa.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £10.25m (Loan debt: £16m).
Stadium: Walkers Stadium, Leicester.
Stadium Capacity: 32,500 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Excellent youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 15th.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Very determined.
Captain: Stephen Clemence.

In a similar way to Ipswich, these former Premiership and European contestants do hold a lot of potential in their structure. Their finances are alright, stadium is more than suited for the top flight, the players aren’t too bad and the youth set up is awesome. In Marton Fulop and Jimmy Nielsen they have two class keepers. Patrick Kisnorbo and Bruno N’Gotty echo the solidarity in the centre of defence. James Wesolowski, Richard Stearman and Joe Mattock show how much faith the Foxes have in their youth structure. The midfield and attack can only be described as mediocre but with Stephen Clemence and Matty Fryatt the basis for improvement is there. Money will be no issue as the game progresses and you reap the rewards of having a big stadium and a superb youth programme.

Norwich

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Year Founded: 1902.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Darren Huckerby, Craig Bellamy and Mark Bowen.
Fierce Rivals: Ipswich.
Other Rivals: Colchester, Southend, Luton and Watford.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £14.25m (Loan debt: £17.75m).
Stadium: Carrow Road, Norwich.
Stadium Capacity: 25,600 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Good youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 13th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Jason Shackell.

Norwich must be slightly envious of their Anglian counter parts. Ipswich have a better squad and much more of a solid infrastructure. David Marshall is a quality keeper but beyond him Norwich have no-one worthy of the no.1 jersey. Ian Murray, Jason Shackell and Gary Doherty provide a decent base for defence. A right back is essential. There’s no-one able to fill the role efficiently. The midfield is disappointing at best. Darren Huckerby and Jamie Cureton up front emphasize Norwich’s fire power but serious spending is needed on this squad if they’re to get anywhere near the dizzy heights they hit in the early days of the Premiership when Jeremy Goss and Bryan Gunn were doing their thing!

Plymouth

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Year Founded: 1886.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Paul Wotton and Graham Coughlan.
Fierce Rivals: Exeter.
Other Rivals: Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Burnley, Southampton and Torquay.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £5.75m.
Stadium: Home Park, Plymouth.
Stadium Capacity: 19,800 all seater.
Training Facilities: Average training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 14th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Paul Wotton.

Plymouth are a team that need to be managed with care. If managed with integrity then they could be made into a major Premiership force within a matter of seasons. If not, then the lower leagues could be beckoning. Plymouth have the lucky position of owing no money to anyone. This will come as a blessing when the realization of how flimsy their squad is hits home. Both of their goalkeepers are dodgy. Their Hungarian contingents provide a small amount of quality. Krisztan Timar, Peter Halmosi and Akos Buzsaky will all earn first team places on a regular basis. The young prospect Dan Gosling also offers hope for the future! The midfield is a bit more promising than the defence. Nadjim Abdou, David Norris and Bojan Djordjic are decent players who can hold their own in the Championship. However, up front, Plymouth lack strength and finishing. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake brings some technical gift from the grounds of Old Trafford but even he can’t save this ship by himself. Not an easy job, but you might relish the challenge.

Preston

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Year Founded: 1881.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Dave Nugent, David Moyes, Mick Rathbone and Sean Gregan.
Fierce Rivals: Blackpool and Burnley.
Other Rivals: Leeds, Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £8.75m.
Stadium: Deepdale, Preston.
Stadium Capacity: 20,100 all seater (stadium expansion planned 01.07.2008).
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities.
Media Prediction: 8th.
Squad Average Age: 24.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Kevin Nicholls.

Expectations are high at Deepdale. Even after the controversial selling of star striker Dave Nugent. However, Nugent’s departure means there is cash to splash at the North Enders. This cash may well be required too. Both of Preston’s keepers are adequate but if you want to look to the future, investment is perhaps needed. The back four is strong with back up on the flanks. Billy Jones and Youl Mawene might need back up though in central defence. The Preston midfield is weak with Danny Pugh and Darren Carter the only stand out players. Surprisingly, even with Dave Nugent’s absence, the front line is still clinical. Paul Gallagher, Karl Hawley, Andy Carroll and Neil Mellor are all players who can cause the opposition trouble.

QPR

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Year Founded: 1885.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Enjoying life at the club.
Favoured Personnel: Lee Cook, John Gregory, Lee Camp, Martin Rowlands, Danny Shittu, Dexter Blackstock, Peter Crouch and Ian Holloway.
Fierce Rivals: Chelsea and Luton.
Other Rivals: Bristol City, Watford, Cardiff, Stoke, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £12.25m (Loan debt: £1.8m).
Stadium: Loftus Road, London.
Stadium Capacity: 19,148 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 18th.
Squad Average Age: 24.
Squad Personality: Professional.
Captain: Adam Bolder.

QPR are a team that have the potential to be massive. Their 2003 League One playoff final versus Cardiff proved how big their fan base is. Their squad isn’t the best. Lee Camp is a superb keeper in goals. Many have wondered why Derby let him go so easily. Their central defence is ok but the full backs need massive improvements. Team captain Adam Bolder is the best midfielder out of a bad bunch. They have good attacking options in David Nardiello, Dexter Blackstock and Ben Sahar. Luckily for QPR they are situated in the heart of London so attracting Premiership players from the reserves of the London clubs will prove fairly easy. This could be QPR’s saving grace. They have the financial clout to fund big transfers and big wages so the ambition is there. However, with a reasonably small stadium and a lack of amazing training and youth facilities, progression will need to be swift.

Scunthorpe

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Year Founded: 1899.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: Regional.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh and Andy Butler.
Fierce Rivals: Grimsby, Lincoln and Hull.
Other Rivals: Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Boston, Nottingham Forest and Rotherham.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £3.3m.
Stadium: Glanford Park, Scunthorpe.
Stadium Capacity: 9,183 (7,000 seated). Stadium expansion due to be completed on 01.07.2009.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 24th.
Squad Average Age: 22.
Squad Personality: Fairly professional.
Captain: Andy Crosby.

Scunthorpe are a team up against it. Ok, so they have a small amount of money to spend from the Billy Sharp transfer but that’s the problem. They no longer have Billy Sharp. Joe Murphy is a decent goalkeeper but he has nothing behind him. Kelly Youga and Cliff Byrne provide a solid central defence but the full backs are almost non-existent. The midfield is a joke for Championship level. Martin Paterson and Paul Hayes are the shrapnel left up front from the Billy Sharp sale. The media prediction is pretty grim but there is the challenge. As they say, fear no-one like the man with nothing to lose. Scunthorpe have absolutely nothing to lose.

Sheffield United

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Year Founded: 1889.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Brian Deane, Phil Jagielka, Michael Brown and Paddy Kenny.
Fierce Rivals: Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds.
Other Rivals: Barnsley, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Rotherham.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £23m (Loan debt: £23m).
Stadium: Bramall Lane, Sheffield.
Stadium Capacity: 32,607 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Good youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 5th.
Squad Average Age: 26.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Chris Morgan.

Sheffield United are living proof of how much of a positive impact life in the Premiership can have. The club’s infrastructure is in superb condition. The financial side could be a bit better but they’ve still managed to lure big names to the club despite this. Paddy Kenny is arguably the best Championship keeper in the game and can easily hold his own at international level. The defence is sorted with the likes of captain Chris Morgan and Matthew Kilgallon. Quality throughout the midfield is also present. The real fright of Sheffield United comes in the form of their attacking options. Billy Sharp, James Beattie, Jonathan Stead, Rob Hulse and Danny Webber are all players who need Premiership football. The media prediction of 5th and equally lenient board expectations make this a dream job. Surely, promotion is the only option!

Sheffield Wednesday

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/sheffieldwed.jpg

Year Founded: 1867.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Happy to stay.
Favoured Personnel: Nigel Pearson, John Sheridan, Kevin Pressman, Roland Nilsson and Paul Sturrock.
Fierce Rivals: Sheffield United, Rotherham, Barnsley and Leeds.
Other Rivals: Hull, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Arsenal, Manchester United and Huddersfield.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £13.25m (Loan debt: £25.5m).
Stadium: Hillsborough, Sheffield.
Stadium Capacity: 37,859 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 9th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Ambitious.
Captain: Lee Bullen.

Sheffield Wednesday are the perennial underachievers of the last decade. Relegated from the Premiership at the beginning of this century they have struggled to find a way back. Dogged by financial problems and board room chaos, the Owls are finally finding their feet in the Championship. Or are they? The media expect big, the board expect bigger, the fans just want to avoid relegation and the world is waiting for a Wednesday revival. The one problem Sheffield Wednesday have is little money and barely any talent. The goalkeepers are ok if you can’t find better. Defensively they are more or less the same. Frank Simek and Tommy Spurr will suffice but it’s worth digging for better. Left midfield certainly needs attention otherwise one of the youth players could be attempting to make a name for themselves! Kenny Lunt, Glenn Whelan and Etienne Esajas provide good creative options. Francis Jeffers is their only good finisher. Deon Burton and Marcus Tudgay might do well but it’s a massive gamble with them. Probably better off selling them.

Southampton

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/southampton.jpg

Year Founded: 1885.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Enjoying life at the club.
Favoured Personnel: Lawrie McMenemy, John Sydenham, Antti Niemi, Jason Dodd and Gordon Strachan.
Fierce Rivals: Portsmouth.
Other Rivals: Tottenham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Plymouth and Reading.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £14m (Loan debt: £21m).
Stadium: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
Stadium Capacity: 32,470 all seater.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Excellent youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 3rd.
Squad Average Age: 27.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: Claus Lundekvam.

Southampton are another Premiership ghost haunting the Championship. The foundations of a Premiership team. They have experience and quality throughout their team and the media are expecting big things. The goalkeepers are sound. The defence is weak after the sales of Chris Baird and Gareth Bale. Gregory Vignal is the only highlight in a weak defence. The midfield is strong. Andrew Surman, Youssef Safri, Jhon Viafara, Rudi Skacel plus a few more provide a lot of worry for opposition. Southampton are pretty safe up front too. The Polish contingent of Gzegorz Rasiak and Marek Saganowski are superb with the old head of Stern John as back up. The Premiership dream is very much a realistic possibility for Southampton but some investment in the defence is compulsory. Great teams are built on strong defences and with all due respect, a defence that has Gregory Vignal as the figure head isn’t going to take a division by storm!

Stoke

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/stoke.jpg

Year Founded: 1863.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Mark Stein, Denis Smith, John Rudge, Steve Parkin, Gerry Taggart and Ade Akinbiyi.
Fierce Rivals: Port Vale, Crewe, Manchester United and Wolves.
Other Rivals: Cardiff, Derby, Birmingham, West Ham and Arsenal.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £8.5m (Loan debt: £775k).
Stadium: Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent.
Stadium Capacity: 28,000 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Average youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 7th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Loyal.
Captain: N/A.

Stoke are a side that have some history but you can’t help but feel this is their standard of football. If they were in the Premiership they would be out of their depth and if they were in League One they would be a big fish in a small pond. The Stoke squad isn’t anything spectacular. Both goalkeepers need replacing urgently. Stephen Wright is the only defensive positive. Massive purchases need to be made to make the defence acceptable. John Eustace, Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence give them some hope for success in midfield whilst in attack they have troublesome players in the form of Richard Cresswell, Jon Parkin and Ricardo Fuller. 7th place is very optimistic on behalf of the media and the board do expect progress. However, you can’t help feeling that Stoke’s place is here and here is where they’ll stay no matter what.

Watford

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/watford.jpg

Year Founded: 1882.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Luther Blissett, Adrian Boothroyd, Marlon King, Nigel Gibbs, Malky Mackay, Gavin Mahon and Tommy Mooney.
Fierce Rivals: Luton.
Other Rivals: QPR and Crystal Palace.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £17.5m.
Stadium: Vicarage Road, Watford.
Stadium Capacity: 19,500 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Good training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Good youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 6th.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Determined.
Captain: N/A.

What doesn’t spell promotion about Watford? Nothing from the looks of it. Financially loving it, they have the training and youth facilities to succeed as well. Vicarage Road can be a fortress. Albeit small, it’s not a nice place to visit. Watford have strength in depth all over the pitch too. Their two goalkeepers are immense. Defensive quality is summed up by Jay DeMerit and Danny Shittu. Full backs perhaps need a bit of adding to. Central midfield is another weak area. Apart from that, the squad shines throughout. Jobi McAnuff and Tommy Smith are superb elements to have on the wings whilst the attacking prowess of Marlon King, Nathan Ellington, Darius Henderson and Tamas Priskin should leave you in no doubt that goals will come easily. The media predict 6th place but there’s no reason this squad of players can’t aim for the title. Especially if you bring in the right kind of players to add some more quality.

West Bromwich Albion

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/westbrom.jpg

Year Founded: 1878.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Richard Sneekes and Zoltan Gera.
Fierce Rivals: Wolves.
Other Rivals: Aston Villa, Birmingham and Stoke.
Finances: Secure.
Estimated Value: £23m.
Stadium: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich.
Stadium Capacity: 28,880 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Excellent youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 2nd.
Squad Average Age: 25.
Squad Personality: Professional.
Captain: N/A.

West Brom are another team that should be considering anything but promotion as failure. They arguably possess the strongest squad in the division. Dean Kiely kicks it off in goals. An international keeper with masses of experience. No back up for him is required. Carl Hoefkens, Neil Clement, Paul Robinson and Pele show how strong the back four is. Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera, James Morrison, Filipe Teixeira and Chris Brunt show that the talent expands through midfield. Whilst Kevin Phillips, Ishmael Miller and Roman Bednar prove that the stars line up from the back to the front. The names cannot be ignored. West Brom have all the assets to be a title winning team. By using the financial weight they have to expand to this squad, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way.

Wolves

http://new.pinkun.com/_images/stock_badges/wolves.jpg

Year Founded: 1877.
Status: Professional.
Reputation: National.
Chairman Status: Loves the club.
Favoured Personnel: Matt Murray, Carl Cort and Robbie Keane.
Fierce Rivals: West Brom.
Other Rivals: Aston Villa, Birmingham, Walsall and Stoke.
Finances: Okay.
Estimated Value: £12m.
Stadium: Molineaux, Wolverhampton.
Stadium Capacity: 28,525 all seater with under-soil heating.
Training Facilities: Top training facilities.
Youth Facilities: Good youth facilities and youth academy.
Media Prediction: 4th.
Squad Average Age: 23.
Squad Personality: Loyal.
Captain: Gary Breen.

Wolves are a team that hold high expectations but it’s got to be said, their squad of players is not the best in the division by a long shot. Their goalkeepers lack experience, something that is essential at this level in that position. Charlie Mulgrew and Rob Edwards are the only defenders who look capable of igniting a promotion charge. The rest of the defence should be shown the door and replaced. Central midfield stabilizes things slightly. Michael Kightley is a top prospect. Left midfield needs a look whilst Freddy Eastwood is the tip of their attacking iceberg. The money isn’t as abundant as a manager would wish. Particularly when the expectations and the squad are taken into account. The potential is there, but it might take a bit longer to fulfill than the board and fans hoped.

As you may or may not know, the Championship contains 24 teams. There is no regional divide. The season spans from 11th August until 4th May. The top two teams go up automatically into the Premiership. The next four enter a playoff system. The semi finals are a two legged home and away affair with the final played on one day. The overall winner gains promotion with the 1st and 2nd placed teams. In the relegation issue the bottom three teams are relegated to League One.

Here are the rules:

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/267/champrulessl2.jpg

[Lord Cocktax]

Beautiful. Well written and definitely thorough. Kudos.

[Zabier]

Cheers Cocktax you late night loving mofo. :thup:

[shane]

Undoubtedly this is one of the most comprehensive guide's I've ever seen! Top notch and certainly in a class of its own. :thup: If there was an Oscar for FM Guide's yours would certainly be a winner, forget the Academy and BAFTA since you'd certainly swoop 'em all. What am I talking about? I'm at the same time delighted and disappointed. Having seen this guide, now I'll have to restructure my planned guide to come to close calibre of this exceptional guide, or atleast be of a respectable standard in regard to this. Well done! Should be highly successful with the loads of Championship supporters over here. ;)

[Zabier]

Thanks for the flattering compliments Shane. I certainly hope the Championship fans around here enjoy and appreciate the guide. Obviously I am basing my guide on Football Manager and not real life so do not fear if I don't pin point your team accurately! I just hope you all enjoy reading it. :thup:

[Yamo]

Great piece of work and all that, but a few mistakes with the Hull thing, with hull you can get upto 5 million to spend and you wrote whatever little money at your disposal. Also you said our keeper needs major work, Boaz Myhill is one of the best keepers outside the football league and will always be wanted by better team, and Tom woodhead coming through the ranks is class on the game.

Not being picky just wanted it to be right :P

[AFC]

Fantastic guide Zabs, as i said in the staff room, very well written and well laid out. KIU!

[Zabier]

Yamo, on Oct 14 2007, 08:23 AM, said:

Great piece of work and all that, but a few mistakes with the Hull thing, with hull you can get upto 5 million to spend and you wrote whatever little money at your disposal. Also you said our keeper needs major work, Boaz Myhill is one of the best keepers outside the football league and will always be wanted by better team, and Tom woodhead coming through the ranks is class on the game.

Not being picky just wanted it to be right :P

Boaz Myhill is alright, but definitely not one of the best keepers outside the Premiership. If you look at the likes of Neil Alexander, Paddy Kenny, Mart Poom etc. Although your other comments were appreciated. I can only implore you to do a Hull guide for us. It would be extremely welcomed. :thup:

In fact, we would encourage all fans to do a club guide for their supported team. The more content the better.

Thanks to the rest for your kind words as well. ;)

[Yamo]

I am doing one, but its for a site im working on :P Well within the first week of playing 08 i had him called up to the welsh team and he never got a rating below 7 for me, so deffinately good enough.

[Validation]

Fantastic guide Zabier, 9/10. Would be better if you maybe included screenshtos of the best players. ect, Nonetheless fabulous.

[Koop]

Fucking amazing, no more words to describe it. Well wrttin, well laid out and the depth of it is superb. ;)

You picked out the main man in Mostto, he scores for fun. Well done, Zabs. :thumbsup:

[Felix]

This is fantastic and you deserve a medal for the efforts you put in ro complete this. Really informative and very helpful so well done for that :D Well layed out and if you want some screenshots just ask me who and i'll get them done for you :thumbsup:

[Rob]

To show the dedication to provide a guide like this is exceptional! The introduction is well written and then each team has a detailed paragraph to make it even better. One on the best guides I have read to date. Congratz :)

[Sam]

Top, top guide mate. 10/10. It's just awesome.

[Ranwell]

Excellent Guide Zab. It took me a while to read it!. I am sure this guide will be very useful for members and it will set an example to everyone who wants to make a good guide. Nice work.

[The_Iron]

One of the best guides I've ever seen Zabier well writen and contains lots of info about the Championship clubs in Football Manager 2008 well done mate!

[Jingoringo]

Great guide Zabs :thup:
Caleb Folan being a goal threat !!! Two years ago id have called you crazy.

[Gangsta Diciple]

Amazing guide, i cant praise this guy enough. This is the quality we hope to produce at fm-view(sadly, only a select few *cough* zabier *cough* have the ability to do so :lol:)

[Blaze]

GD, don't start. I'll bang ya'! :boxing:

Anyway.. Enough of the crime talk, as I said in the staff room, this is an excellent guide with brilliant in-depth mini guides merged into it - A for effort, A for content. It's a wonderful guide, how much time was spent with this, Zab?

[Zabier]

It was done over the course of last week. So quite a bit of time but it was worth it to deliver something for the FM View members. :thup: