Billy Grant (@billythebee99) caught up with bloggers at all 24 Championship clubs up and down the country to find out their thoughts on their last campaign and how they feel their team will fare this season.
In Part 1 we look at the predictions of Aston Villa, Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Brentford, Bristol City, Burton, Cardiff, Derby, Fulham, Hull and Ipswich fans.
Check out Part 2 – Leeds, Middlesborough, Millwall, Norwich, Nottingham Forest, Preston, QPR , Reading, Sheffield Utd, Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Wolves – by clicking here
Ryan Pitcher, Heart of the Holte (@HeartOfTheHolte)
Aston Villa
How would you describe last season for your club?
Almost like a feeler season for us seeing as it was our first dabble outside of the top flight since 88′. I think that there were mixed emotions at the start. Needless to say, all of us were obviously sad to see us drop out of the Premier League but ultimately it was a little bit like putting a maimed animal out of misery after a prolonged period of agony.
A new owner came in – something that was long overdue – and that helped get the fans going again. Some had us down to struggle and possibly even go down again, which ws never going to happen. Personally, I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get a little bit closer to the play-offs before eventually tailing off and settling for mid-table.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
On paper this squad should be there or there abouts and I think you’d find few who disagree with that statement. There won’t be many supporters who thank me for this but I think Steve Bruce’s overall approach and style of play is our biggest problem. You can bring in as many fresh faces as you like but if you’ve a gaffer that has ‘made it’ in management by leading the underdog and playing the rugged stuff over the years, then that’s a difficult thing to change.
We’re favourites for the title for a reason and the time has come for us to actually start taking to the game to our opponents rather than be overly focused on solidarity. It’s what you do out on the pitch that matters after all and last season I didn’t see enough to get me excited ahead of this term. My heart says we should at least make the play-offs but my footballing brain tells me it’s going to be a slog and we might only just make that top six. Anything less and that surely has to be curtains for Bruce.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Well I’m fairly certain that everyone knows that we brought in John Terry. Surprising really when you consider that defensively we were for the large part resolute and quite comfortable last season – you might say otherwise seeing how easy you put us to the sword at Griffin Park in late January! But the fact remains that – excluding the top two – we had the third best record in way of goals conceded.
We also recently signed Chris Samba who had been training with us for quite some time. Wise old heads and based on this activity, along with the acquisition of right wing back Elmohamady, it would appear that Bruce is looking to shape up in a 3-5-2 of sorts for the up-and-coming campaign. We’ve also added another elder statesman to our ranks in Glenn Whelan to play in the middle of the park.
We’re now flooded over on the right what with Elmo coming in. We’ve also got Hutton, de Laet, Bree (who can also play as a centre half if needs be) and Bacuna and so I’m hazarding a guess we’ll soon see at least one of these moved on.
Other than Libor Kozak’s contract coming to an end, there had been nobody else leave through the exit door at the time of writing despite it looking increasingly likely Tommy Elphick is on his way out. I’d still like us to go out and buy an out-and-out conventional winger mind.
Sam Johnstone has again signed on a season long loan deal from United to keep goal for us. Personally I’m not a fan of his because he struggles to get low and he just doesn’t fill me with confidence to be honest. I just don’t rate him and I think there were better keepers we could have brought in.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
I thought Nathan Baker played well when fit – forming a great partnership with James Chester in the heart of the defence so if he loses his place this term he’ll certainly be disappointed. Adomah began to come good towards the end of the season but I think solely for his goals and how many points they helped us gain then 19 goal Jonathan Kodjia easily takes the plaudits.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Excluding Steve Bruce’s style of play that would often leave you ripping your eyeballs out?
Ross McCormack for his lack of application. He came in with a big price tag attached for a player of his age and within a few months he just lost the plot and was publicly denounced before being shipped out on loan. Jack Grealish is also up there with my biggest disappointment. There’s no doubting the boys talent but when given an opportunity, he more often than not just fell flat. He’s not a Bruce type player that’s for sure and I sense he’s going to find it difficult to forge a way into his plans.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Scott Hogan. There’s been much debate about the former Brentford man on the forums and the like. There are some supporters who are scrutinising him solely based on the fact he’s not really got going and that he’s yet to find his goalscoring boots in a Villa shirt.
He’s been out injured and when he has played, he’s had zero service. I watch Scott closely as he’s the same type of player I was back in the day – albeit I was playing for local Saturday and Sunday clubs and not quite at the level he is! And I’ve got to say he’s an intelligent mover, will happily run those channels and do the dogged stuff to fashion a chance.
The thing is our build up is just far too slow. It’s almost like our supporting players aren’t on the same page as him – knocking it into him dead straight and into his feet when he’s already attempting to execute his circled run around the back of the two centre halves. It’s frustrating but that’s what pre-season will be about. Getting these players on the same page as each other and getting to grips with one another’s strengths and weaknesses.
If he and Kodj can form a partnership then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t notch 30-40 between them.
Fingers crossed!
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Middlesbrough are the club I reckon who’ll take the title. Thus far they’ve been able to keep together most of the squad that went down and similar to ourselves, on paper at least, they’ve got a group of players that have the quality to go up. For as long as he can keep himself fit I can see Assombalonga netting a fair few for them. They’ll be going for it and will be a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
I can see QPR struggling this season. They are in a heap of trouble and the board are doing nothing to ease fans’ fears of having no money. It’s a serious issue for them that they don’t really have anyone that’ll fetch a pretty penny – possibly excluding Alex Smithies. I just can’t see them scoring enough goals to keep their heads above water.
Burton Albion are another club I suspect will be in grave danger. A pity really as I’m always a lover of the underdog and you could argue that resource-wise they are punching way above their weight.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
As much as I hate to say it but our neighbours over in Small Heath – Birmingham – are trying to make a bit of noise with Harry at the helm. They were extremely fortunate to stay up last term but I can see them having enough to go and have a complete upswing.
I’d have been inclined to fancy Leeds as a loosely veiled ‘surprise package’ if they still had Garry Monk at the helm. They exceeded expectations last season and I think a lot of that was down to Monk – another reason why I foresee Boro’ going well.
I don’t think we’ll see another Huddesfield this season that’s for sure. Should Derby replace Tom Ince, add a couple more new faces and actually grow a pair and stop bottling it then I can see them being highly competitive and they might be able to push on and finally make it back up to the top flight.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
Pretty simple one is this: Blues. Our nearest and dearest. That’s one of the few good things about being in the Championship really, we’ve got a few local derbies – the second city being the biggest one by far – but then we’ve also got ves
ves and I guess technically speaking you could add the likes of Derby and Burton to that.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Huddersfield fans were decent when they came to us at the start of last season, where similar to Brentford, they escaped with a lucky point. They’d started off the season well and the 88th minute equaliser they got at Villa Park on the back of an awful attempt by our then goalkeeper Gollini to clear his lines had kept it going – they celebrated liked they’d won the league. But that’s football and they were just living the dream. Little did anyone think that they’d end up realising that dream and actually make it to the promise lands and so fair play to them.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
The obvious answer is promotion of course. That’s the only answer though really. We can ill afford to fester in this division for too long because eventually the pull of coming to what is still a massive club becomes steadily less fruitful. Not only that but financial fair play will end up killing us so regardless of size, we’d soon have to become even more streamlined thus losing much of any true advantage or privileges thay we may be deemed to have.
Predicted league finish?
It’s so difficult to say. Outsiders will say that we’re an obvious choice for the top two and pretty much a dead-cert for the top six. If we don’t at least make the play-offs then that tells you – as I’ve said for a long time – Bruce isn’t one for taking over a fanciable club. The way he shapes up and wants his team to play football is not suited for one that ought to playing on the front foot. We’ll still be a major scalp for many so there will be teams that consider lining up against us a free hit.
I’ll optimistically pip for 5th.
Marc Cooling, West Stand Bogs (@WestStandBogs)
Barnsley
How would you describe last season for your club?
Tale of two-halves and probably in the end, a bit of an anti-climax for many. We got off to an absolute flier and defied all expectations, finding ourselves flirting with top 6 at Christmas. Then January happened. Winnall, Hourihane & Bree shipped out and the world’s worst negotiation in world football saw us somehow manage to lose Sam Morsy back to Wigan.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
Sounds a bit pessimistic but once again I genuinely think “survival”. We’ve basically had to rebuild an entire squad yet again so we’re pretty much starting from scratch. I think this season will be even tougher than last.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
See above! We’ve basically had to start again. On top of losing 3 key players in January, we’ve also since lost Marc Roberts, Josh Scowen and Marley Watkins, while the loanees also went back to their respective Clubs.
It’s taken forever to replace our CEO Linton Brown, but we finally sorted one now (Gauthier Ganaye) and he seems to be cracking on. Lots of players in and the philosophy remains the same – young, hungry, highly-rated lower league players. I don’t really know much about any of the players we’ve signed tbh. Probably the highest profile is the permanent signing of winger Lloyd Isgrove from Southampton after a period on loan. We also signed a young kid from Chelsea – striker Ike Ugbo – so we’re all hoping he’s this season’s Tammy Abraham!
Who was your biggest hero last season?
The fan who threw a Peppa Pig toy at Sam Winnall when we played Wednesday at our place. Legend
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Also Sam Winnall for being an absolute cap-end, by signing for Wednesday on the day of Rimmo’s (Barnsley legend Norman Rimmington) funeral, then scoring against us and running the full length of the pitch in front of our fans.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Pfft. Honestly hard to say. I don’t know anything about them myself! Let’s go for Sessi D’Almeida, just because he’s massive and looks like The Predator.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Birmingham I reckon. Redknapp knows his stuff.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
You’d have to say Burton Albion
What team is going to win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Whichever team Ian Holloway predicts will go down. I know more about football than that chump. Maybe Bristol
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
Wednesday. Every day. More so after what happened at Oakwell last season. Was immense to see them bottle it in the play-offs, once again.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Let’s say you lot Brentford, shall we. For sheer camaraderie 🙂
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be? Survival, I think. When you look again at the teams in the Championship, the huge financial gap and the fact we’re building a squad from scratch on a bottom 3 budget – I genuinely think we could struggle this season
Predicted league finish?
21st
Dan Ivery, (@almajirdotnet)
Birmingham City
Last Season Prediction v actual position
I predicted we would finish 15th and we came in 19th
How would you describe last season for your club?
Started off OK. Then a combination of Rowett flirting with other clubs and our owners impatience for those shenanigans saw Zola come in. A four month sh!tshow before Harry Redknapp rode in on a white charger and saved us.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
Some fans would say promotion – I think it’s an ambition but it’s a tough one. Right now I’d take a season of growth and stability, and a top six finish if we can
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
I think we’ve done well. David Stockdale is a top keeper, Marc Roberts looks a good defender and in Cheikh N’doye I’m convinced we’ve stolen a march on some people.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
It pains me to say this cos I wasn’t happy he was appointed, but I think it has to be Harry Redknapp. I’m not overkeen on him due to his past but I cannot dispute he pulled the club together on and off the pitch.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Gianfranco Zola. Seemed a nice guy but jesus we were poor under him.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Cheikh N’Doye. 70% of the earth is covered in water – the rest by N’Doye.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Boro have brought in some seriously good players. I fancy them
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
I don’t think they will be, but I hope the skint pr!cks (as they are now christened) across the Aston Expressway (Villa) go down. How I would laugh.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Got a feeling Reading could be a good side again. I think people underestimate how good a job Jaap Stam has done there.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
I live in Poland so it’s tricky for me to get to as many games as I’d want. I quite fancy Millwall away – we always seem to do well there.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Again, a tough question cos I didn’t see as many games as most. Can I pass on that one?
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
John Terry to throw a strop 10 minutes into his first game, and refuse to play again. Purely for the boiled p!ss that would generate.
Predicted league finish?
8th
Dan Murphy, Lion of Vienna Suite (@Murbroski)
Bolton
How would you describe last season for your club?
Despite constant instability off the pitch, Bolton actually enjoyed a degree of success on the green for the first time in years. Phil Parkinson instilled solidity and a long lost confidence and the Whites manages to gain promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking. We had to do things the hard way, of course, but after a few stumbles promotion was won on the last day of the season and a long over due party followed.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
My real hope, sadly, doesn’t involve anything to do with the football. Bolton are in a perilous position again and the long and short of it is, if we aren’t sold again pretty soon then we could once again be in trouble in the courts and face liquidation. So my hope is that the club is sold and we can finally gain some stability. Oh, and staying up would be nice.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Despite an embargo that has now been in place for over 500 days, what Bolton have done in the transfer market thus far has been good. The dead weight has been shipped out, the vast majority of last year’s pivotal players have stayed and some seemingly smart acquisitions, such as Will Buckley, Adam Armstrong and Stephen Darby, have been made. But it isn’t enough, our squad is wafer thin and when the injuries inevitably hit we’ll be in trouble. Oh, and due to a lack of funds captain Jay Spearing wasn’t able to be retained, which is a big blow.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Since last year was the first good season for quite a while plenty of players seemed to stand out and prove themselves. Many who went down with the club, Spearing, Gary Madine, Josh Vela and others, all earned redemption. Lots of new signings, such as Mark Beevers, Andrew Taylor and Fillipe Morais also won the hearts of fans with great performances. But the hero of the season has to be David Wheater. His several years at the club had been plagued with injury, but last season he played the majority of games, was imperious at the back and scored lots of vital goals.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Through no fault of his own, really, but the answer to this question is once again Mark Davies. The creative midfielder has always had the skill, but injuries have demolished his career at Bolton Wanderers. In nine years at the club he mustered less than 200 appearances. Last season started well and Parkinson had built his team around him, but when yet another cruciate injury ruled hm out for the season after just five games his time at the club came to an end.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
It’s difficult to say as this season is undoubtedly going to be a tough one, so who knows if any player will live up to the performances they did the year before. Fillipe Morais might be a name not many are familiar with. A winger who isn’t flashy but gets the ball and always looks to deliver a pinpoint cross. He rocked up 13 assists last season and he only joined in February.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
I’d sooner bet on The Rock becoming president than Bolton going up! It’s hard to look past Boro with the amount of money they’ve spent and I do believe Monk has the potential to be a very good manager, so we’ll go with them.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
Bolton Wanderers.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Sheffield United. They’ve made some smart signings in the summer and they played some really good football last season. As the table showed, they were far and away the best team in the league. If Wilder makes the step up in divisions as easy as he did last year then I think the Blades could be in for a good season.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
The fixture list has actually slighted me this year. I’ll be in Sheffield for University, but both Steel City derbies and about half of the Yorkshire away games I could have gone to are all during a holiday season. Thankfully Bolton will visit Hillsborough while I’m there so that will be a must see.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Again, probably Sheffield United. Having well over 20,000 fans for a League One fixture really is impressive.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
New owners, ones who actually have money!
Predicted league finish?
I’m ever the optimist, so while I think that we destined for doom, I’m going to say 21st.
Billy Grant, Beesotted (@BillyTheBee99)
Brentford
How would you describe last season for your club?
Decent with a tad of disappointment. We started not too badly. Had an AWFUL November, December and January. Sold top scorer Scott Hogan to Aston Villa for ÂŁ9m plus then went like the clappers – with Lasse Vibe scoring 14 goals once he’d left and Jota coming back and ripping apart defences – in particular QPRs – to bring smiles back on Brentford fans’ faces.
He’s a joy to watch that young Spaniard. I sincerely hope he is still with us come September 1st.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
We’ve signed some quality players (on paper) in the transfer window. Neil Maupay – highly rated striker from St Etienne. A few teams were after him. Then there was defensive midfielder Mokotjo from FC Twente. We were after him a few seasons ago but he had visa problems. The EFL Young Player of the Year – Ollie Watkins from Exeter. He’s looking quite lively in the friendlies. And a few more too.
How we do depends on how quickly these players acclimatise to Championship football. How lucky we are with injuries. And how many players we lose this window. And how successfully we patch up our goal leaking. Last season we scored loads of goals and let in loads. That may be a product of how we play but that’s got to stop (the leaking that is).
If we don’t lose Jota, we’re in good shape to make a playoff push. If we do, we’re still a better team overall that we were when we got to the playoffs two seasons ago. But it’s a tough league. And consistency is key.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
People were worried when we didn’t spend our Scott Hogan cash straight away last January but the club did say the money would be spent better in the summer. So few we’ve got in: Striker – Neil Maupay (St Etienne – ÂŁ1.6m). Midfielder Kamo Mokotjo (FC Twente – ÂŁ800k). Striker – Ollie Waktins (Exeter – ÂŁ1.6m). Goalkeeper – Luke Daniels (Scunthorpe – free). Right back – Henrick Dalsgaard (Zulte Waregern – ÂŁ930k). Winger – Emiliano Marcondes (pre-signed for January – free). left back – Mads Bech Sörenson (AC Horsens – ÂŁ200k).
There are daily rumours about Jota leaving. Captain Harlee Dean (CB) hasn’t signed a new contract so there are rumours about him too. Plus Maxime Colin (RB) – we took a photo of the for sale sign outside his house which has led to the rumour of him leaving (coupled with him not signing a new contract). And Sunderland are reputedly interested in Ryan Woods – despite him having 3 or 4 years left on his contract.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
I would say Harlee Dean. He improved somewhat after taking the captain’s armband – leading the team from the back. Jota would have got a hero’s medal .. but I guess it’s not fair to give one for only 3 months work.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
It wasn’t his fault. But probably Lewis MacLeod. Signed from Rangers in Jan 2015, he’s been injured for most of his time at Brentford. When he is on his game, he’s quality. But he got injured once again against QPR last October which saw him miss the rest of the season.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
It could be a number of players this season. When Jota is on fire he’s on fire. Vibe knows where the bac of the net is and works hard. Maupay looks a good buy. Woods when he is on it, can have a great game in centre midfield. Canos is young, enthusiastic and getting better. Jozefzoon confuses people when he comes on. Should I go on? …
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
I would have to say Norwich. With them nabbing Huddersfield’s Director of Football Stuart Webber – the person who bought in much of Huddersfield’s promotion-winning side – I think with their parachute payments and if they sped their money wisely, they could be a real danger. Depends on how their new manager – Daniel Farke who was Borrusia Dortmund’s II team manager.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
I would love to put some money on Fulham (that’s not gonna happen) or QPR (that may happen but unlikely) but I won’t. If I had to spend some cash on relegation, it would go on Bolton’s head.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
I’m not allowed to say Brentford although I think, as long as things go to plan we could surprise a load of folk, so I’m going to go for Sheffield United.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
Away to Fulham at the end April will be a laugh. It’s always a laugh at Craven Cottage with us filling the end (to be fair, it’s not far). Sunderland is the designated BG (big game) but it’s on FA Cup 5th Round day so I doubt fans will take a risk buying train tickets three months in advance – and when the date will be confirmed, train tickets will be too expensive. Shame.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Huddersfield. There were just happy to be there and they sang win or lose.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
No injuries so that we can see how good this team really is.
Predicted league finish?
Based strictly on potential and our finish last season, I’ve got a bit potty this season and plumped for a 4th place finish. You only live once. But if we don’t make playoffs it’s not do or die as it is with other teams who have pumped big money in for their promotion push.
To be fair, other Brentford fans were more excited than me as can be seen in our pre-season predictions by clicking here.
Some may say they have been raiding Christmas Port cupboard rather early.
Paul Binning, The Exiled Robin (@TheExiledRobin)
Bristol City
How would you describe last season for your club?
Less than middling, overall. A fantastic, exciting start, a truly miserable, dreadful middle then a decent recovery to end.
We showed we can compete with the best teams home or away (we won at Brighton, thrashed Huddersfield & Fulham 4-0 and led 2-0 at Newcastle), but also showed we’re capable of going on long, losing runs without scoring goals.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
Given last season’s minor reality check when many expected an easy mid-table position at worst, I’d say a solid top-half finish would be the limit of ambition this year – especially given the money other clubs are spending. If we can consistently eradicate the defensive slips and bring in a couple of extra truly quality players then we could have a sniff of the play-offs. However, as last season showed it’s a really tough division, so if we can’t replace Tammy Abraham’s goals and lose a key player or two, we could struggle.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
The big loss – albeit not on a transfer – is obviously Tammy, but we’ve spent a club record fee bringing in Jonathan Kodjia’s replacement at FC Angers, Famara Diedhiou for £5.2m (looks like Bristol City and Birmingham been using the same agent to bring in players from FC Angers) . He’s going to have a lot of weight on his shoulders, needing to lead the line and score the goals from day one if we’re going to avoid a struggling start.
We’ve also replaced the never-present Adam Matthews and the not-quite-good-enough Mark Little with Italian right-back Eros Pisano. A tough Italian defender sounds good on paper but he’ll have to adapt to the pace of our division and the different refereeing style.
We’ve also sold Lee Tomlin to Cardiff City, and whilst he didn’t feature a lot in our decent end to the season, he’s still someone who needs replacing as a squad member and his creativity was always a good option.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Tammy Abraham without a shadow of a doubt. The 18/19-year-old led the line, scored our goals and finished the season as our on-field motivator too. He came as a lanky, slightly weak, string of a boy and left a stronger, established man who can lead a line with strength and confidence. A star of the future.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
At one point around 95% of the fan-base wanted Lee Johnson sacked, and many still do, so that’s got to be him. A usually chirpy character, he’s a great TV and radio option when things are going well but many still point at his inexperience and question if he’s up to managing at this level. Inconsistent team selections and ever more defensive, deep-sitting tactics when we were struggling didn’t help his cause, but he dug us out of the mess he’d got us into and he’s being given another chance to make a go of it, so now’s the time to unite and support him again.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Diedhiou is an unknown quantity so I’ve got to say him, but Jamie Paterson and Josh Brownhill – in different ways – shone in the latter part of last season and could be key this time around.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Middlesbrough. Solid enough at the back in the Premier League, they just couldn’t score goals, but that will be easier at this level and they’ve bought proven success.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
Barnsley. They have lost around eight of their best players since January and surely can’t replace that many?
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Well I picked Huddersfield last year at 40/1 so I’m feeling smug about that! This time I’m going with Cardiff – any Neil Warnock side has a chance, he’ll keep things tight and if Tomlin can be accommodated and provide the bullets for Kenneth Zohore, they could have a shout of a play-off place.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
There’s nothing outstanding to be honest. We haven’t played at the Stadium of Light for nearly 20 years so I’m sure many will go for that. Fulham away has been a big day out for the last two seasons but that’s been plonked on a Tuesday night so we’re left scratching around a bit – partly because 20 of the 23 clubs are 100 miles+ away from Bristol!
What fans impressed you most last season?
Sheffield Wednesday are always good, whilst Newcastle were buoyant from the off at our place, and eventually woke their team up at St.James’ once we were 2-0 up!
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
To beat Cardiff twice! I live there and our record against them since I moved over has been abysmal and I get a lot of stick, as you can imagine!
Predicted league finish?
13th
Anton Williams (@monkeynuts87)
Burton
How would you describe last season for your club?
Last season was our biggest achievement ever, and also one in football history. The club the size we are to compete and achieve survival in one of the toughest leagues in football is testament to the management team.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
I hope we can achieve something similar, if we can compete again that would be fantastic, as this season the league is alot stronger with the size of clubs coming into the league
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
We have brought in 6 new additions and still looking to strengthen. A goalkeeper is a must but have faith we have something in the pipeline. With some loans signings to come in, i feel we are in a better place than we were last year. We have broken our transfer record signing Liam Boyce from Ross County for ÂŁ500k, and hope he can score us the goals that will keep us up. Also hoping to keep hold of Jackson Irvine who was vital last year and is getting better and better.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
John Brayford was our hero last season with faultless performances every time he played and several critical last ditch tackles and clearances off the line. Under rated player who love to see back a the club if is injury free
Who was your biggest disappointment?
I was disappointed in nobody – #InCloughTrust – Trust the gaffer with everyone he selects
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Lucas Akins again is very under rated – has come through the leagues with us and he keeps putting in match winning performances.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Hate to say it but neighbours Derby County. Our old boss Gary Rowett is building a good organised squad, and he is one of the best up and coming managers in the country
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
I think from what i saw last season and them losing Tammy Abraham think they will struggle this season.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
I think Sheffield United maybe a surprise. A big club with yet another good manager. Although only just promoted they have enough about them to surprise a few and be top 10.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
The games vs Derby are just a must. To be playing against them in league games is something that most of us thought would never happen.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Hate to say this but the Leeds fans. They were loud passionate and well behaved – both home and away.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
My wish would be survival
Predicted league finish?
18th
Daniel Lewis, (@Daniel_Lewis92)
Cardiff City
Last Season Prediction v actual position .
Last season I predicted 8th – Cardiff ended up in 12th place.
How would you describe last season for your club?
After the terrible start made under Paul Trollope, when winning just two of our opening 12 games and finding ourselves bottom of the table, Neil Warnock took charge and more than steadied the ship. A play-off finish was always out of the question, but Warnock did at least ensure that relegation was never a fear in the second half of the season and has given supporters hope of a push for the top six this time around.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
To challenge for the top six. Based on results from Warnock’s appointment in October through to the end of the season, Cardiff found themselves ninth in the table, collecting just two points fewer than promoted Huddersfield Town. From January to March it is even better – 27 points from a possible 45 second only to Huddersfield. That is promotion form, but it must be sustained over the whole nine months.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
In typical Warnock fashion, there has been a fair bit of wheeling and dealing during the summer. Seven new faces have come in and just a couple of squad players offloaded – Rickie Lambert and Peter Whittingham departing as free agents. The highest profile of the newbies is Lee Tomlin, joining from Bristol City for a fee of around ÂŁ2.5m and getting fans further excited that we can finally now challenge for a return to the Premier League.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Denmark Under-21s international Kenneth Zohore, who netted 11 goals in the final four months of the season. The young striker took his form into this summer’s Euro U21 tournament, scoring twice for Denmark on his only start to earn links with Hull City. Warnock has already turned down one big bid and says he will not sell Zohore unless a Championship-record fee is offered.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
While one unknown striker shone last time out, a far more experienced pro in Rickie Lambert had the opposite effect. Brought in by Trollope as the club’s marquee signing, joining from West Brom for a reported ÂŁ1m – a big figure for Cardiff these days – he managed four goals and featured just four times in the league in 2017.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Again, it has to be Zohore. Talk of a ÂŁ20m transfer from Warnock may sound ridiculous at this stage, yet 12 months from now – if he continues his current rise – that will not be too far wide of what Premier League clubs will offer. He is the full package and is thriving under the management of Warnock.
Other than your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Unlike last season when Newcastle were pretty clear favourites, it is very tough to call in 2017-18. Middlesbrough seem to have spent wisely so far and have a good, young manager in Garry Monk (even accounting for this Swansea City roots!), while Steve Bruce has plenty of promotion-winning experience and will likely get Aston Villa winning again. Of the two, I’ll go with Boro to finish top.
What team would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
Burton Albion surprised many last season by staying up and it would not surprise me to see them do likewise again, having kept Nigel Clough out of Nottingham Forest’s reach. Millwall will likely struggle, so I’ll back them to go straight back down.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Other than Cardiff, who have been written-off by many as mid-table fodder despite Warnock’s brilliant work to date, I think Birmingham City will also be there or thereabouts. Again, it is all down to the manager – Harry Redknapp knows exactly what he is doing and has already made some smart purchases.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
Truth be told, after so many years in the second tier – broken up by that one solitary year in the Premier League – things feel a little stale these days. Even matches against Bristol City are hard to get too excited by, particularly with the pathetic midday kickoffs, but in the absence of Swansea City that is as good as things get these days.
What fans impressed you most last season?
A pretty obvious answer, but Newcastle packed out the away stand at the back end of the season and even managed to take a chunk of the home section. Villa fans were also vocal when they came down, although their players could not match the backing and fell to defeat.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
For Neil Warnock to get his wish of winning a record-breaking eighth promotion. He does not have long left in the tank so this could well be his final attempt.
Predicted league finish?
7th, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
Ollie Wright, Derby County Blog (@DerbyCountyBlog)
Derby
Last Season Prediction v actual position .
Last season I predicted 2nd and Derby finished 9th
How would you describe last season for your club?
Farcical. Nigel Pearson proved to be a total nightmare and was gone before the start of October. Steve McClaren was re-hired to stave off the meltdown initiated by Pearson, but after the Mac failed to break Fulham’s resolve over Chris Martin’s ridiculous loan deal, it quickly became apparent that he had no ‘Plan B’ – but we knew that already – and there were no tears when Mac’s truce with chairman Mel Morris collapsed and he was sacked too.
At this stage, chaos reigned but it seems fairly clear in hindsight that McClaren was dispensed with because the competent Gary Rowett was available and willing to become the Rams’ third manager of 2016/7. The long-term future of the club really depends upon how Rowett does and he needs to be given several transfer windows to sort out the mess that Morris and his many managers have created in the past couple of seasons.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
At the time of writing, I’m going to be cautious and predict nothing more than “improvement on ninth”. I think that Rowett is the right man for the job long-term, but I’m not convinced he has the right players yet and so immediate promotion doesn’t necessarily seem like a realistic ambition. There are plenty of other strong contenders, none of whom have just sold their top scorer.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
The aforementioned Tom Ince went to Huddersfield for a fair price and at this stage, the club are well in trading profit for the first time in many seasons. Losing Will Hughes to Watford remains a very sore point although this has been partially compensated for through the return of prodigal son Tom Huddlestone. Andre Wisdom, a key player in our 2013/14 run to Wembley, is also back plus we’ve pulled in Curtis Davies for a bargain fee from Hull of less than ÂŁ1m.
Rowett has signed three good players without breaking the bank but perhaps the best ‘signing’ is actually the return of Martin whom Pearson should never have been allowed to loan out to Fulham in the first place.
Saying that, Ince still hasn’t been replaced as I write this while, embarrassingly, there are several surplus players who are simply too well-paid for us to get rid of.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Ince performed very well, even as those around him tanked. In a fully-functioning team, he probably would have netted 20 or more which is why David Wagner has taken a chance on him.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Nigel Pearson. I had serious reservations about his character and conduct from the start, but nobody could have predicted just how badly he would do at Derby.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
It looks like Huddlestone will be the key man at the base of the midfield and our player to watch (not that you can miss him!)
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Middlesbrough, unfortunately…
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
QPR
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
If Cardiff can keep hold of Kenneth Zohore, they may well upset a few more fancied teams.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
I’m gutted that our trip to Brentford is on a Tuesday night this season, as I’ve never been to Griffin Park and it looks like a great away day. I’ll go for Middlesbrough away as I have a long-cherished, irrational distaste for them and am desperate to see us win there.
The Forest games are the ones with all the hype, but I reckon each one takes at least a week off my lifespan so in honesty, I’d be happy if we could just be permanently in the division above them and never have to play them again…
What fans impressed you most last season?
Sheffield Wednesday
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
That Gary Rowett will still be in charge by May.
Predicted league finish?
“There or thereabouts” – 7th
Dan Crawford, The Hammy End (@DanCrawford85)
Fulham
How would you describe last season for your club?
Last season was insane. Slavisa Jokanovic’s achievement taking a basket case of a side that limped over the safety to the play-offs in twelve months following a summer revamp was special enough, but the fact that Fulham surged into the top six at the expense of a collapsing Leeds made it all the more remarkable. The spectre of a tame ending at Reading still looms, but the team will have a chance to make matters right in the second game of the season.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
The hope has always been to get promoted and, although Fulham came as close as we have last term, the pressure has only increased as this is the last year of the parachute payment. My personal hope is that Fulham can continue to play with the flair that went alongside Jokanovic’s possession-based philosophy as it made us a cracking side to watch, especially away from home.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
This is the big question. Jokanovic is something of a perfectionist, who isn’t adverse to openly criticising his own board. With a week to go until the start of the season, Fulham are still short of the firepower to propel any promotion charge with just Cauley Woodrow, back from a successful loan spell at Burton Albion, and youngster Stevie Humphries as genuine centre forwards.
The huge positives are that Ryan Sessegnon, who belied his teenage years with a series of composed performances as the season hotted up, rebuffed interest from right across Europe to sign his first professional contract at Craven Cottage and captain Tom Cairney has also extended his deal until 2021. Tomas Kalas, who was a key part of our new-found defensive solidity, and Lucas Piazon have returned on loan from some side down the road.
The only departure from the side that might even surprised themselves last year was Scott Malone, whose sensational season, earned him a Premier League move to Huddersfield Town, for a fee that could rise to ÂŁ5m. Given that he arrived in a player exchange for Jazz Richards, who specialised in gifting the opposition penalties, that represented a serious profit.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Cairney claimed the plaudits for his peerless displays in the centre of the park and Kevin McDonald anchored the midfield perfectly, but for me the man who made the difference was Stefan Johansen. The Nordic marauder now looks at steal at around ÂŁ2m from Celtic since his boundless energy and desire, as well as thirteen goals and eight assists, transformed Fulham’s prospects at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
It is a toss-up between Chris Martin and your old mucker, David Button. Martin’s on-off, will-he, won’t he play and is he really bothered(?) saga was well documented, but he gets some credit for the lovely reverse one-two that played in Cairney at Griffin Park. Button seems to have spent a large part of the season trying to disprove to Billy’s bold claim that he was ‘the best goalkeeper in the Championship’ at last year’s Supporters Summit. He was supposedly the sweeper keeper the head coach craved, but unfortunately after a decent start, he became a liability in goal. Glaring errors at Aston Villa and, especially Derby, last season left Jokanovic with little choice but to ditch him for the run-in. He has probably lost the number one shirt for good after another blunder that cost a goal against West Ham earlier this month – and looked shaky against Wolfsburg yesterday.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
People have been watching Ryan Sessegnon for years and, after a spectacular summer when he helped England’s Under 19s win the European Championship, there will be even more interest. It seems trite to say people should look for him, but his ongoing development in senior football – from left back – will be intriguing. Neeskens Kebano showed glimpses of real talent as an impact player in the closing stages of the last campaign and might emerge as a cult hero should he nail down a starting spot.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Middlesbrough
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
Ipswich
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise package this season?
This could well be the season that Holloway, who was a complete failure the last time he managed at this level, proves himself to be totally devoid of any footballing intelligence whatsoever. His QPR side might have been relegated themselves had last season continued for another couple of games – and I’m sure the Millwall fans are looking forward to welcoming him back to the Den.
Barnsley’s football, even after their mid-season firesale, was exceptional under Paul Heckingbottom and the way in which Burton avoided relegation was sensational. Surprise packages mean different things to different people, but both of these teams should be good to watch.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
It has to be Burton away. Last season’s trip was excellent and a throwback to the old days of following Fulham away, small group, terracing and a rocking atmosphere behind the goal. It helped that this was the game where Jokanovic’s side underlined their play-off credentials and, even though he has now departed for pastures new, Burton will always be the place where Scotty Malone proved just how magical he was.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Sheffield Wednesday’s support was constant and very loud.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
A cap on the cost of an away ticket in the Championship. It is perverse that the Premier League can ensure that the people who generate the atmosphere only pay ÂŁ30, but matchgoing fans in the league below are regularly fleeced for substantially more.
Predicted league finish?
I think Fulham can match last year’s finish but getting higher in a very competition division depends on a very good finish to the transfer window. It should be a fascinating campaign. I’m going for 6th.
Rick Skelton, Hull City Live (@HullCityLive)
Hull
How would you describe last season for your club?
Overall, horrendous. There were moments of hope such as winning the first two games and the excellent home form after Marco Silva was appointed but we were seriously under-prepared the prior summer, had a nice guy in charge in Mike Phelan who was out of his depth and fell short of pulling off a miracle at the end.
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
I’d love to say we’ll be challenging to get back in the Premier League but as has become the norm with our owners, we’re very slow into the transfer market and we’re haemorrhaging players who have relegation release clauses or are going to be out of contract next summer. Right now, I’ll take comfortably staying in the Championship!
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
We let Robertson and Maguire go to Liverpool and Leicester for decent money which was always likely. Huddlestone and Davies going to Derby for their release fees was more of a surprise – Elmohamady to Villa was not. So far, the amount of recruitment has been very underwhelming all though the three players we’ve signed – Ola Aina (Chelsea), Fraizer Campbell (Palace) and Kevin Stewart (Liverpool) – are excellent.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
It was Marco Silva who came in as manager at the start of January and somehow managed to reshape the squad into a competitive Premier League team. Until the last few crunch games anyway.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Probably Ryan Mason which sounds harsh given his season was ended by a horrendous injury but before that he’d looked nothing like a £13m player. Now though, we just hope to see him playing again.
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
Abel Hernandez has pedigree in the Championship, scoring 20 goals last time we were promoted, but there’s no guarantee he won’t yet be sold!
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
Middlesbrough look to have the best squad in the league.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
I genuinely don’t see a weak team in the division. If it was someone else’s money, I’d put it on Bolton.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
With the momentum from promotion and some good additions, I think Sheffield United will have a really good season.
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why?
I only need one ground tick and it’s Burton Albion so that’s one I’m looking forward to very much.
What fans impressed you most last season?
Man Utd. Because they’re such a big club and they have 3 billion bandwagon fans, I don’t think their away following gets enough credit.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
The Allams would sell our football club to someone reasonable.
Predicted league finish?
8th
Ben Groom, Blue Monday Podcast (@bluemondayITFC)
Ipswich
How would you describe last season for your club
Pretty depressing, we came off the back of a 7th placed finish and regressed down to 16th, sold popular forward Murphy to Newcastle and got humiliated live on BBC in the FA Cup against Lincoln – apart from that it was bloody awesome!!
What are your hopes for 2017-18 season?
The hope for this season is change the atmopshere at the club from negative to positive. The owner and manager have become unpopular and the attendances are dwindling. The club seems to have turned over a new leaf with some new signings and a few gestures to fans that have been positively received. If the team is in the top half of the table, playing effective or entertaining football and the team looks fresher, I think most people will consider that a step in the right direction.
How are you getting on in the transfer market? Bought or losing anyone?
Pretty good. Berra has gone to Hearts, Pitman to Portsmouth and a few are being released. Garner and Huws have come in – our first ÂŁ1m+ signings since 2012. Adeyemi in on a free and Celina and Iorfa on loan from Wolves. Provided that no one vital goes out and we have one more forward come in, I think Mick has done well.
Who was your biggest hero last season?
Bialkowski the keeper was player of the year for the second season running which says a lot!! Chambers the captain played every minute. Knudsen a full back scored in both games against Norwich, but I would say Tom Lawrence who put in 11 goals and 9 assists in a pretty bad team.
Who was your biggest disappointment?
Probably Leon Best….token signing on a free to play the bustling Murphy role up front. Made 6 starts and fell out with Mick! Although some fans would be give that one to Brentford hero Jonathon Douglas….
Which of your players should we most be looking out for?
If they get game time Kenlock, Dozzell and Downes are promising youngsters and if he stays clear of injury, David McGoldrick can be a match winner. Also expecting a strong second season from Grant Ward and Adam Webster.
Other that your team (of course) what team would you put ÂŁ100 on for promotion?
For the record I would not put ÂŁ100 on my team for promotion – probably Villa or Boro, but given Bruce has more experience than Monk I’ll go with Villa.
What team has would you lump ÂŁ100 on for relegation?
Bolton have all sorts of off field stuff going on that if they don’t sort fast, could make it very tricky.
What team is going to be win the Ian Holloway trophy and be the surprise packet this season?
Barnsley seem to be able to regenerate no matter how many sales they make, so will go for them to be competitive again!
Which match is your must-go-to match of the season and why
Norwich away because if we win it’ll be a special day. Fulham is always a nice away day but it’s winter this year and we’ll lose and I’m probably not allowed to compliment them on here right?!
What fans impressed you most last season?
Boring answer but Leeds, always fill the allocation and chant forever and give a big match feel wherever they go.
If you could be granted one thing this season, what would it be?
Progress….
Predicted league finish?
10th
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