<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Championship News from Championship Talk &#187; derby county</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.championshiptalk.com/category/derby-county/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com</link>
	<description>The premier website focused on England&#039;s Coca-Cola Football League Championship.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:28:10 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	
<atom:link rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com"/>		<item>
		<title>Championship Transfer Window Update — Cardiff to Doncaster</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-transfer-window-update-%e2%80%94-cardiff-to-doncaster-1545</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-transfer-window-update-%e2%80%94-cardiff-to-doncaster-1545#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:04:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristian Downer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[cardiff city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coventry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crystal palace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doncaster Rovers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=1545</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As part of our summary of some of the deals that have been made in the Championship so far here are some of the players that have bought in the Championship from Cardiff to Doncaster. Cardiff City Don Cowie (Watford) &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><a href="/media/2011/07/pride-park.bmp"><img class="size-full wp-image-1546 alignnone" title="pride park" src="/media/2011/07/pride-park.bmp" alt="pride park Championship Transfer Window Update — Cardiff to Doncaster"  /></a></p>
<p>As part of our summary of some of the deals that have been made in the Championship so far here are some of the players that have bought in the Championship from Cardiff to Doncaster.</p>
<p><strong>Cardiff City</strong></p>
<p>Don Cowie (Watford) –<em>Free Transfer</em></p>
<p>Craig Conway (Dundee United) – <em>Free transfer</em></p>
<p>Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough) –<em>Free Transfer</em></p>
<p>Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest) –<em>Free Transfer</em></p>
<p><strong>Coventry City</strong></p>
<p>Chris Dunn (Northampton) – <em>Free Transfer</em></p>
<p>Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe) – <em>Free Transfer</em></p>
<p><strong>Crystal Palace</strong></p>
<p>Glenn Murray (Brighton) – Undisclosed</p>
<p>Kagisho Dikacoi (Fulham) -<em>£600,000</em></p>
<p><strong>Derby County</strong></p>
<p>Jason Shackell  (Barnsley) – <em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p>Nathan Tyson (Nottingham Forest) –<em> Free Transfer</em></p>
<p>Craig Bryson (Kilmarnock) – £350,000</p>
<p>Frank Fielding (Blackburn Rovers) – <em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p>Jamie Ward (Sheffield United) – <em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p>Theo Robinson (Millwall) –<em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p><strong>Doncaster</strong></p>
<p>Tommy Spurr (Sheffield Wednesday) – <em>£200,000</em></p>
<p>Kyle Bennett (Bury) – <em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p>James Baxendale –(Leeds) – <em>Undisclosed</em></p>
<p><em><strong>ChampionshipTalk is now on </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Championship-Talk/218524734829907"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong> and you can follow </strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/kristiandowner"><strong>Kristian Downer </strong></a><strong>on Twitter!</strong></em></p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tom Glick, Chairman of Derby County: Exclusive Interview</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/tom-glick-chairman-of-derby-county-exclusive-interview-1380</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/tom-glick-chairman-of-derby-county-exclusive-interview-1380#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 10:23:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Russ Goldman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=1380</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Derby County Football Club finished 19th in the Championship this season. It is a club with a rich history and very loyal fans. I had the pleasure of getting in touch with Chief Executive, Chairman of Football and President of &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<div id="attachment_1381" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img class="size-full wp-image-1381" title="5090206176_f6c0b9be8c" src="/media/2011/05/5090206176_f6c0b9be8c.jpg" alt="5090206176 f6c0b9be8c Tom Glick, Chairman of Derby County: Exclusive Interview" width="500" height="375" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Johnb/uk</p></div>
<p>Derby County Football Club finished 19th in the Championship this season. It is a club with a rich history and very loyal fans. I had the pleasure of getting in touch with Chief Executive, Chairman of Football and President of Derby County Football Club Tom Glick.</p>
<p>He came into the club on January 28th, 2008 when General Sports and Entertainment purchased the team. It was a very tough situation as the club was in the process of being relegated from the English Premier League. Four years later the club is still in the Championship. What are their plans for next season? Do they have aspirations of getting back to the English Premier League? I asked Mr. Glick those questions and many more that span his entire career with Derby County Football Club. Here is my Q and A with Tom Glick.</p>
<p><strong>You came to Derby County during a very difficult situation. What have you learned from being relegated that will help you once you someday return to the English Premier League?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>We knew before we got here how competitive the Premier League is. It’s the best league in the world after all. The brief time we spent there showed us that preparation and being ready for it is by far the most important aspect of competing when you are there. Recruitment has to be spot on; picking players with the right ability, mentality and character. Derby County did not enjoy good preparations ahead of the 2007/08 Premier League season and ultimately we paid a very heavy price for that. Clubs like Stoke City have shown what can be achieved by making good acquisitions year on year. West Brom will be another good example of this; they will survive this season and build from good foundations. I can assure all Derby County supporters that WHEN we return we will be better equipped and will be there with the intention of staying there and making an impact.</p>
<p><span id="more-1380"></span></p>
<p><strong>Was the relegation period your most difficult time with the club, or has there been a time since then that has been more challenging?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>The entire experience has been challenging, but it has only served to make us hungrier and more determined to be successful. This really is a special football club and there are no supporters in the country who deserve a winning team more than our fans. Being relegated on 11 points was a horrible thing to endure and I think it left a scar that has taken a while to heal. The last decade has been tough for Derby County; the good seasons have been the exception rather than the rule. Our aim is to bring sustainable and long lasting success. I can’t hide from the fact there have been times during this season that have been as tough as anything I have experienced in my professional life, which is over 23 years in sport. However, we see signs in the squad for great optimism going forward, with players like Fielding, Brayford, Barker, Bailey, Cywka and many others. My job now is to work with the manager to bring in better more experienced players to bolster the team and the squad, particularly centre forwards.</p>
<p><strong>Do you feel there was a learning curve for you since you had no prior experience working in football prior to coming to Derby County?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>Yes, because it’s important you learn and grow in every job you do. I’ve learned quickly about the mechanisms of the game in England and looked to immerse myself in the culture of it; on and off the field. My contacts and network in the game is certainly better and I’ve looked to grow that for the benefit of doing this job better for Derby County. However, I also feel that having worked in professional sports my entire career, over 23 years in fact, that my knowledge and expertise on how to lead this Club was already in place.</p>
<p><strong>Eighteen months ago you mentioned in an EPL Talk podcast interview that your long term ambitions were to be the best run club both on and off the pitch. Do you feel now you are headed in the right direction?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>Definitely! We have made huge strides off the pitch in the operation of the Club and I think supporters have seen the benefits of that. We have excellent ticket packages, be it season tickets or other offers that make it affordable for fans of all backgrounds and ages to follow the team they love. Our revenues are up; there is only Leeds United in the entire Football League that generates more revenue than we do. Financially we are in great shape and in many respects an example to other Clubs to follow. However, on the pitch we recognize that we have to do better and put together a side that excites our fans. That is going to take extra investment this summer and that’s what our owners are going to do. They have already invested heavily in this Club but are not satisfied with where we are in the Championship and want to be challenging for promotion from next season. That will take better, more experienced players and we intend to go and get them.</p>
<p><strong>In this podcast you stated that your plan was to get back to the Premier League. You stated that you were going to to do it sensibly and you were not going to rush to do it. Are you feeling any pressure now to change that philosophy and speed up the timetable?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> We don’t feel pressure and we will be sticking by our plan and running Derby County in a sensible and responsible way; the Club needs that. What we have recognized is that extra investment is needed to be more competitive and we are prepared to show that ambition. At the moment we make a loss that is covered by our owners. Next season we will make a bigger loss because of the extra money we will be spending and again that money will be covered by our owners. That’s how we run this Club; we don’t leverage debt and leave Derby County with a yoke around its shoulders. As for timing; we obviously want to be there sooner rather than later, but we are committed for the long term and will be seeing this job through.</p>
<p><strong>Recently you have offered a money back guarantee to the fans if they are not happy with the transfer activity of the club. Why do you feel it is necessary to make this offer?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> Because we wanted fans to judge us on our actions not our words. Our season ticket holders are the life-blood of our Club. Every penny of their season ticket is invested into the Club. Every penny of every shirt, programme, pie and soft drink bought goes into running this Club. And when there is a short fall, which there is, the investors put their hands in the pockets and make up the difference so we don’t incur extra debt. We don’t take them for granted and we know it is incumbent on us to deliver a winning side for them; that’s what we intend to do. As Chief Executive I feel I have two responsibilities to our season ticket holders. Firstly, make their package affordable and good value; our season ticket prices are among the best on our division for value. Secondly, I have to make sure we have a good side that is successful. So far we haven’t delivered on the second and we intend to put that right, starting this summer.</p>
<p><strong>You have stated in recent interviews that you will need to spend more money this summer to upgrade the club. Why is this summer transfer window going to be different than say the last two years?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>We have spent time getting our house in order and Nigel (Clough) deserves great credit for that. He inherited a squad that was too big and too expensive; our wage bill would not have been responsible or sustainable post parachute payments. We also had a lot of players who were dead weights. By that I mean earning large sums of money but not contributing in return. We are now at a stage where we need better experienced players to lead the undoubted young talent we have acquired. We have lost a lot of games and points because we have conceded a lot of late goals this season. We’ve also lost a lot of game by just a single goal. We believe added experience and players with a proven track record at Championship level or above will make us a side that can compete for the playoffs; that’s our aim next season.</p>
<p><strong>There seems to be some confusion regarding ownership. GSE based on what I have read is an ownership group with several investors. Do you think Derby is being run similar to how FSG are running Liverpool? Would that be a fair comparison?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> Well we would be flattered with a comparison to FSG, because I consider them to be one of the best run sports organizations.  We are certainly both North American ownership consortiums.  Derby County has a stellar group of individuals on the ownership group, who also have other sports ownerships in North America – Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Timberwolves, Vancouver Whitecaps — although independent of each other.  We are working hard to realize the commercial opportunities of our club, assemble a winning team, honour the Club’s heritage and be an active participate in the communities where our supporters live and work.  FSG has done that with the Red Sox and I fully expect them to do the same with Liverpool.</p>
<p><strong>Please could you explain Derby County Ltd and how this company, set up by the investors, impacts Derby County Football Club, and what it would mean for the club if the Ltd company went on to purchase an American franchise as was rumored last year with the Detroit Pistons?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>The company has been established solely for the purpose of operating Derby County Football Club and its facilities Pride Park Stadium and Moor Farm Training Ground.  We are singularly focused on that and have much more to do.  There are no current plans to purchase and operate other clubs.</p>
<p><strong>How do you balance wanting to be financially responsible, with a need to spend money in order to upgrade the club and win?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>There are many examples, in our division, of teams who can be run responsibly and still compete. Take this season for example; three of the current top six either spend less or the same as us on wages. Other sides in the top half spend less than us on their team. Increasingly we are seeing in the Championship that spending big, particularly on wage bills, doesn’t guarantee a top six finish. This season two of the biggest spenders are Middlesbrough and Sheffield United; both have been at the bottom end of the table for the entire campaign. We believe our model is in the best interest of Derby County and without being too grand, in the best interest of the game long term. I believe more and more owners will start to question the strategy of making huge, unsustainable losses to chase the Premier League.</p>
<p><strong>In regards to player development, do you have any input on what players to buy, or is that the sole decision of Nigel Clough?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> Nigel and I have an excellent working relationship and we work closely together on a daily basis. When it comes to ‘football decisions’ and policy as regards to players, Nigel is of course the person at the Club with the biggest say and most influence. But we have good people throughout the Club who assist Nigel and myself, be it players recruitment, training, fitness, medical and academy.</p>
<p><strong>You have mentioned in interviews that you believe that manager Nigel Clough is the right man to bring Derby County forward. Why do you feel that way?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> Nigel is a bright, dedicated, passionate individual who is steeped in the game and wakes up every day looking to make Derby County a better Club. Like myself, we have had to learn and grow in his role and we believe he continues to learn and improve every season. It’s been a tough couple of seasons and Nigel’s leadership during this time has been crucial to us. Nigel is our guy and we have been consistent with that; we see no need to say anything different.</p>
<p><strong>There have been many strongly substantiated rumors about discord in the dressing room. Is there any truth to this speculation?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>I don’t comment on rumor or speculation, I deal in reality and facts. I see the players first hand on a daily basis and watch all of our games. There is no doubting their commitment to Nigel or the team.</p>
<p><strong>You are strongly behind Nigel Clough. Do you think he and Johnny Metgod would be better supported by someone with experience rather than Taylor, Garner &amp; Crosby? Why not a Director of Football to guide and support Nigel in this early stage of his development as a manager?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>Yes, we are reflecting on our current performance and the skills and depth of talent at the Club with an eye on better buyer, seller, developer and manager of talent.  We currently have a talented and committed Manager and coaching staff.  If we can add something to that and improve, we will do that.</p>
<p><strong>With regard to the above question, do you fully trust the judgement of the current staff to spend a substantial amount wisely in the summer when they don’t have experience as spending large amounts on players?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG: </strong>Yes.  While we have been generally conservative in the amounts spent on player purchases in the last two seasons, our staff know talent.  We will work closely together to ensure we make the right deals financially and to convince our targets that Derby County is a place they will enjoy their football and will achieve success.</p>
<p><strong>Where do you see Derby County one year from now in the Championship?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TG:</strong> We intend to be in the playoff positions in the Championship; that is our aim. We will be buying better, more experienced players this summer and we believe we can recruit a team that will challenge for promotion.</p>
<p>I want to thank Alison Gregory who contributed to this article. I also want to thank Tom Glick and Matt McCann, who is Communications and Media Manager for Derby County Football Club, for making this interview possible.</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Championship Round Up – Saturday 4th December 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-round-up-saturday-4th-december-2010-1111</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-round-up-saturday-4th-december-2010-1111#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:12:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristian Downer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[cardiff city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coventry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crystal palace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doncaster Rovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leeds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queens Park Rangers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swansea City]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=1111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Due to the weather it was a much reduced Championship fixture list with Doncaster, Hull, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Portsmouth all unable to host a match due to pitch and safety concerns. This did not stop this weekend being &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/sports/football-leeds-united/image/4383889?term=becchio" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Football - Leeds United v Milton Keynes Dons Coca" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/4383889/football-leeds-united/football-leeds-united.jpg?size=234&amp;imageId=4383889" border="0" alt=" Championship Round Up   Saturday 4th December 2010" width="234" height="197" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Due to the weather it was a much reduced Championship fixture list with Doncaster, Hull, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Portsmouth all unable to host a match due to pitch and safety concerns.</p>
<p>This did not stop this weekend being action packed with each fixture averaging three goals per game.</p>
<p>Those that battled the sub zero temperatures included Swansea who made the trip to East Anglia and were able to beat Ipswich courtesy of a Craig Beattie brace that will heap more pressure on Roy Keane as the Tractor Boys extended their losing streak to five games.</p>
<p>Second placed Cardiff scored late to deny Preston a shock victory; however the draw will be seen as an opportunity lost to close the gap on leaders QPR who were not in action.</p>
<p>Around the play off places Coventry and Leeds took advantage of half the league not playing by putting points on the board with Leeds creeping into the play off places after looking to be heading for defeat before a late double from Luciano Bechhio cancelled out Neil Danns opener.</p>
<p>Whilst in the midlands Derby were shocked as Norwich made a blistering start to go two goals up after just fifteen minutes and the Rams were only able to get one goal back meaning they dropped out of play off places as Norwich surged to fourth.</p>
<p>The takeover talk at Watford seemed to buoy confidence as the Hornets took advantage of the condensed Championship table with a late winner in an action packed 3-2 victory that moved the club five places to tenth.</p>
<p>Finally in the late kick off Steve Morison scored twice to help Millwall thump Scunthorpe by three goals to nil.</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Will Your Team Be A Star or Turkey This Christmas?</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/will-your-team-be-a-star-or-a-turkey-this-christmas-1091</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/will-your-team-be-a-star-or-a-turkey-this-christmas-1091#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:56:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristian Downer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nottingham Forest]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=1091</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Despite the unpredictable British weather there is much to look forward to for the avid football fan.

Today marks the beginning of advent, the countdown to Christmas; this day also signifies that the beginning of the most important period in the English football season is about to begin.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/sports/united-states-mexico/image/8394453?term=snow+soccer" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="United States v Mexico" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8394453/united-states-mexico/united-states-mexico.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=8394453" border="0" alt=" Will Your Team Be A Star or Turkey This Christmas?" width="500" height="322" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Despite the unpredictable British weather there is much to look forward to for the avid football fan. </p>
<p>Today marks the beginning of advent, the countdown to Christmas; this day also signifies that the beginning of the most important period in the English football season is nearly upon us. </p>
<p>The Christmas week and New Year weekend is a feast of football as the matches and drama come think and fast. This is where the season truly takes shape with Championship sides playing four games in less than ten days between Boxing Day and the New Year bank holiday. </p>
<p>A team that can come through these games with a good record stands themselves in good stead, either bolstering a strong position or revitalising a floundering season. Conversely a poor record can leave a title contender or relegation candidate suddenly bereft of their rivals. </p>
<p>This year there will also be some critical games at both the top and bottom of the league, those seeking some Boxing Day entertainment could do worse than going to watch QPR v Swansea at the top of the table. For those wanting a relegation scrap Scunthorpe take on Preston the same day. </p>
<p>Another interesting match in this period include the intense East Midlands derby between Nottingham Forest and Derby County. </p>
<p>The weather may be cold but the football season is about to heat up, so the question remains will your team be a rising star or a turkey this festive season?</p>
<p>Follow Kristian on <strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/kristiandowner">TWITTER</a></strong></p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Where Does Your Team Stand In The Championship?</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/where-does-your-team-stand-941</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/where-does-your-team-stand-941#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:10:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Paul Scanling</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[barnsley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cardiff city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coventry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doncaster Rovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Leeds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[norwich]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queens Park Rangers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scunthorpe United]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swansea City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watford]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=941</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have just passed the quarter mark on the season and it’s time to take a look at how the clubs are faring.  This is the first of three installments covering each of the 24 clubs in the nPower Championship.  &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p>We have just passed the quarter mark on the season and it’s time to take a look at how the clubs are faring.  This is the first of three installments covering each of the 24 clubs in the nPower Championship.  I hope you will feel free to add your comments to each club.</p>
<p>First up?  Queens Park Rangers.  Neil Warnock has led QPR to the top of the table with 29 points and a goal difference of 21.  Last weekend’s come-from-behind draw at Bristol City showed great spirit and the club has to be considered a favorite for promotion.</p>
<p><a href="/media/2010/10/QPR.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-943" title="QPR" src="/media/2010/10/QPR-300x300.jpg" alt="QPR 300x300 Where Does Your Team Stand In The Championship?" width="300" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Even with QPR on points but behind in goal difference is Cardiff City.  The high flying Welsh team is looking to roar into the Premier League next season led by recent loan signee and hometown product Craig Bellamy.  Manager Dave Jones has his team looking strong after an impressive 4-0 win away to Leeds United.</p>
<p>Sitting third in the table is the other Welsh side playing in the league, Swansea City.  With 23 points, but only a +5 goal difference, Swansea City has been inconsistent so far.  They have put consecutive league wins together only once this season.</p>
<p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Norwich.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-944" title="Norwich" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Norwich-150x150.jpg" alt="Norwich 150x150 Where Does Your Team Stand In The Championship?" width="150" height="150" /></a>Also sitting in the playoff position at fourth is last year’s League One Champions Norwich City.  Having spent only one year outside of the top two flights of English football in the last 50 years, Norwich City made wholesale changes to club management which saw them bounce right back and have them right in the mix for promotion to the Premier League.  They are even with Swansea City on points with 23 and only one behind in goal difference.</p>
<p>At fifth is Watford on 21 points and +7 goal difference.  A club with pedigree going back almost 130 years, and even playing in the UEFA Cup in 1983, Watford has struggled to stay at the highest level, having been promoted to the Premier League and bounced right back the following season twice in the last ten years. Watford’s fine run of form came to an end at home in a 2-0 loss to Scunthorpe United.  Watford will look to get back on track away to Derby County this weekend.</p>
<p>Coventry City is currently holding the final promotion playoff spot even with Watford on points but with only<a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Coventry.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-946" title="Coventry" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Coventry-300x225.jpg" alt="Coventry 300x225 Where Does Your Team Stand In The Championship?" width="196" height="140" /></a> a  +4 goal difference.   A 3-0 defeat of visitors Barnsley this past Saturday saw Coventry City climb into the sixth spot, although it took the entire 90 minutes to put away a struggling Barnsley side.</p>
<p>Burnley is just one point off of a playoff spot, relinquishing that spot due to a 4-0 defeat at home to Reading.  With a trip this weekend to top of the table QPR, Burnley must be looking for at least a point, as there are several teams right behind them in the table.</p>
<p>The team immediately behind them in the table, and our final club for this first article is Reading.  They are the first of four clubs with 19 points and lead that pack due to their +7 goal difference.  The aforementioned 4-0 win on the road at Burnley propelled them to shouting distance of a playoff spot.  Hosting Doncaster this weekend, another of the clubs on 19 points, could help clear up the logjam a little.</p>
<p>Your comments are welcome and encouraged.  I read about these clubs, watch highlights when I can, and occasionally get to see the actual matches, but your opinions count at least as much as mine.  What do you think about these eight clubs?</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Who Will Feel The Pain Of Relegation?</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/who-will-feel-the-pain-of-relegation-384</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/who-will-feel-the-pain-of-relegation-384#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:18:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shakira Graham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[barnsley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blackpool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charlton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doncaster Rovers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[norwich]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nottingham Forest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plymouth argyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[southampton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relegation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The season is almost over and other then Charlton Athletic, the final relegation spots are still up for grabs by two unlucky clubs. While it has not been made official, it is only a matter of a couple more matches &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-385" title="relegation" src="/media/2009/03/relegation-300x217.jpg" alt="relegation 300x217 Who Will Feel The Pain Of Relegation?" width="300" height="217" />The season is almost over and other then Charlton Athletic, the final relegation spots are still up for grabs by two unlucky clubs. While it has not been made official, it is only a matter of a couple more matches before Charlton’s relegation to League One is confirmed leaving two more slots for two more unlucky teams. While there are 10 teams within 9 points of the relegation zone, with a couple of wins in the last 6 matches 4 of those teams will be safe.</p>
<p>Teams that only need 2 more wins to guarantee safety:</p>
<p>Doncaster Rovers: 49 points, with one more win they will pass the 50 point barrier which usually is the points needed to stay safe in the Championship</p>
<p>Watford: 47 points and have one game in hand. With the game in hand, Watford should be able to secure safety with two more wins at minimum.</p>
<p>Derby County: 47 points and two games in hand Derby are in good position to secure safety this season. While their form has been up and down they have enough talent to secure safety by April.</p>
<p>Blackpool: 47 points, they have been mid-table all season and after just securing their future last season, Blackpool know what it takes to survive in the Championship and I think they will do it.</p>
<p>Teams in immediate danger of entering the drop zone:</p>
<p>Barnsley: 44 points, two games in hand. If Barnsely can win their two matches in hand and pull off another win and a couple of draws that should be enough for them to stay in the Championship for another season.</p>
<p>Norwich: 43 points, while they are only two points away from the drop zone, Norwich have picked up their form getting 10 points from a possible 15. If they can keep this form up it will be an uphill battle but it should be enough to secure safety.</p>
<p>Plymouth: 43 points, Unlike Norwich, Plymouth are on a horrible run of form and that doesn’t look like that is about to change. Plymouth need to dig deep and find a way to win or all too soon they could find themselves playing football in League One next season.</p>
<p>Team in the Current Relegation Zone:</p>
<p>Nottingham Forest: 41 points, Forest have struggled to adapt to the Championship all season and have endured more then a couple of thumpings this season. They have hovered around the drop zone all season and unless they find something inside them and a few results go their way they will be making an immediate return to League One.</p>
<p>Southampton: 40 points, 1 match in hand. Southampton have been around the relegation zone all season and they need to find a way to start winning, and winning fast. They need to basically win all their remaining matches and hope that some results go against those four teams above them if they are to pull off an escape.</p>
<p>Charlton: 29 points, 1 game in hand. At this point it really doesn’t matter what Charlton do, they are headed for League One next season. All they have to play for is pride and finishing off the season as best they can. Its amazing to think only three years ago they were a mid-table Premiership team and now they will be in League One next season.</p>
<p>My relegation predictions: Charlton, Nottingham Forest, Plymouth. I think Southampton will escape.</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Possible Upsets In the FA Cup?</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/possible-upsets-in-the-fa-cup-308</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/possible-upsets-in-the-fa-cup-308#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:28:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shakira Graham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[cardiff city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coventry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FA Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hull city]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sheffield United]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Swansea City]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coventry city]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=308</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The 5th round of the FA Cup gets underway this Saturday and Sunday and the question is will there be any upsets or will it be business as usual? Watford v Chelsea – Vicarage Road Just last week I would &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><span lang="EN"><img class="size-full wp-image-309 alignleft" title="fa-cup-trophy" src="/media/2009/02/fa-cup-trophy.jpg" alt="fa cup trophy Possible Upsets In the FA Cup?" width="219" height="255" />The 5<sup>th</sup> round of the FA Cup gets underway this Saturday and Sunday and the question is will there be any upsets or will it be business as usual?</p>
<p>Watford v Chelsea – Vicarage Road</p>
<p>Just last week I would have said there was no chance of Watford pulling an upset but I’m not sure. With Chelsea playing poor football and Scolari being sacked just 4 days before the match how will Chelsea react? Will they come out and have a hangover or will they take any anger over their managers dismissal out on Watford? The talent gulf is clear between the two clubs but that doesn’t always guarantee a victory. Watford does have the home pitch advantage which will help boost them. However, I still think Chelsea will squeak by Watford 2-1 but it won’t be pretty.</p>
<p>Derby County v Manchester United Episode III  “Revenge of the Rams?”- Pride Park</p>
<p>This will be the third time Derby and United have faced off this year, with Derby taking the first leg of the Carling Cup 1-0 and United taking the tie and second leg 4-2. I give Derby a 15% chance of springing the upset on United. Derby are playing good football right now, Rob Hulse and Kris Commons are on hot streaks and Commons has showed he not intimidated by United. Pride Park will be a sell out and the Rams fans will be loud and in full support of Derby. However United are full of talent and if they play like they can, Derby wont stand a chance. I think Derby will do well but I expect United to take this 3-2.</p>
<p>Swansea City v Fulham – Liberty Stadium</p>
<p>This is a battle of two teams who are performing above expectations in their respective leagues. Swansea City is showing it can handle life in the Championship with no problems while Fulham are having a good year after barely escaping relegation last season. Swansea isn’t afraid of any team and they will be playing at home which will help Fulham dispatched non-league Kettering Town while Swansea struggled to beat non-league Histon. I think Fulham will take this tie but it depends on which Swansea team shows up that will determine the score, my guess 3-1 Fulham.</p>
<p>Blackburn Rovers v Coventry City – Ewood Park</p>
<p>I sense an upset here, Blackburn are not playing well at all while Chris Coleman has Coventry doing well in the Championship. Blackburn struggled to get past fellow BPL team Sunderland while Coventry likewise had issues with BSP Torquay. I think out of all the ties this one has the best chance for an upset. Coleman has Coventry believing they can win and Blackburn are having a bad season. My guess 2-1 Coventry.</p>
<p>Sheffield United v Hull City – Bramell Lane</p>
<p>The surprise package of the BPL travels to a solid Sheffield United squad. While United are playing well and on track for the CCC playoffs, Hull are having a magical season in the BPL. They are not afraid of anyone which has contributed to their success. Hull takes this 1-0 in typical Hull fashion.</p>
<p>Arsenal v Cardiff City 4<sup>th</sup> Round replay – Emirates Stadium</p>
<p>Cardiff did well to hold Arsenal in the first match but I think Arsenal will show their class in the replay of the tie. The talented youngsters Wenger has at his disposal is frightening. Arsenal to advance 4-2.</p>
<p>Sadly I see this weekend as a continuation of business as usual for the FA Cup. Other then Coventry springing an upset on Blackburn I think it will be a clean sweep for the BPL Clubs. I hope and would love to be proven wrong and of course Lets Go Ewe Rams!!</p>
<p></span></p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Derby-Nottingham Forest Show FA Cup Magic Still Alive</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-nottingham-forest-show-fa-cup-magic-still-alive-294</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-nottingham-forest-show-fa-cup-magic-still-alive-294#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:27:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shakira Graham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FA Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nottingham Forest]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/?p=294</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The magic of the FA Cup was on display during the replay of the Derby-Nottingham Forest cup tie. This was more then just your average Derby match, the rivalry between these two clubs is fierce and the fact that one &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<div><span lang="EN"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-295" title="derby-crest" src="/media/2009/02/derby-crest.jpg" alt="derby crest Derby Nottingham Forest Show FA Cup Magic Still Alive" width="118" height="118" /><img class="size-full wp-image-296 alignright" title="xxx-nottingham-forest" src="/media/2009/02/xxx-nottingham-forest.gif" alt="xxx nottingham forest Derby Nottingham Forest Show FA Cup Magic Still Alive" width="150" height="150" />The magic of the FA Cup was on display during the replay of the Derby-Nottingham Forest cup tie. This was more then just your average Derby match, the rivalry between these two clubs is fierce and the fact that one club has the opportunity to knock the other out of the oldest cup competition makes it even more intense. There are so many underlying stories of this tie that add to it: Kris Commons a former Forest player returns to the City Ground against his old club, Derby have not won at the City Ground since October 1971, Nigel Clough, the son of legendary Forest and Derby manager Brian Clough is on the Derby touchline and former Derby Manager Billy Davies is on the Forest Touchline. If that wasn’t enough, the first leg ended 1-1 at Pride Park after a scrappy match with tempers flaring.</span></div>
<p><span lang="EN">The match started out nightmarish for Derby as they went down 1-0 in under one minute when Chris Cohen took his own short corner and put the ball into the top corner leaving Derby Keeper Stephen Bywater unable to save. It went from bad to worse if you were a Derby fan when Bywater brought down Nathan Tyson for a penalty. Stephen Bywater was luck to not see red since he stopped a goal scoring opportunity, Tyson then stepped up and put the ball into the top right corner. Derby were now down 2-0 and only 14 minutes had passed. It looked as if Forest would get the best of their rivals and bragging rights would be theirs but with a cup tie things were about to change. Derby refused to give up and on 27 minutes, Rob Hulse headed in a cross from Gary Teale to give Derby a lifeline, it was now 2-1 to Forest. No changes were made when both teams came out for the second half and Derby came out on fire, Paul Green equalized on 59 minutes heading it home from Teale who had his second assist of the match. Game on! The moment that made this tie was yet to come and showed why the magic of the FA Cup was alive in this tie. Derby winger Kris Commons was jeered every time he touched the ball by the Forest faithful who considered him a traitor for signing with Derby over the summer. He didn’t let that bother him and was shooting all match long, in the 73 minute that persistence would pay off. He blasted a shot that deflected off Forest defender Wes Morgan. Derby fans went wild, they had come from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead. Derby held on for the win and a home tie against Manchester United in the 5<sup>th</sup> round.</p>
<p>This tie had everything a football fan could hope for, drama in both legs of the tie, two clubs and fans who don’t like each other and never will, underlying stories and dramatic winners. This tie showed that while both teams may not play in the BPL that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good cup tie. The FA Cup magic was on full display during this tie and showed how magical it truly can be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></span></p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Derby, Burnley Battle But Lose in Carling Cup Semi’s</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-barnsley-battle-but-lose-in-carling-cup-semis-2-289</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-barnsley-battle-but-lose-in-carling-cup-semis-2-289#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shakira Graham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Burnley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carling Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-barnsley-battle-but-lose-in-carling-cup-semis/239</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It will be an all Premiership final once again in the Carling Cup, Derby and Burnley were beaten in the two leg tie but battled all the way. Derby came into the second leg of the tie with a slim &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><a href="http://www.championshiptalk.com/derby-barnsley-battle-but-lose-in-carling-cup-semis/239/240/" rel="attachment wp-att-240" title="carling_cup_logo_large.jpg"><img src="http://www.xslt-tutorial.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/carling_cup_logo_large.jpg" alt="carling cup logo large Derby, Burnley Battle But Lose in Carling Cup Semi&#8217;s" align="right" title="Derby, Burnley Battle But Lose in Carling Cup Semi&#8217;s" /></a>It will be an all Premiership final once again in the Carling Cup, Derby and Burnley were beaten in the two leg tie but battled all the way. Derby came into the second leg of the tie with a slim 1-0 advantage but were beaten 4-2 and 4-3 on aggregate. Manchester United dominated the second leg storming to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Nani, O’Shea, and Tevez. Giles Barnes hit back in the 80th minute with penalty but Ronaldo sealed Derby’s fate with a penalty in the 89th minute. Barnes however never gave up and scored in extra time. It wasnt enough for Derby but for Derby fans it was good to see Barnes back playing after his lengthy absence due to a knee injury.</p>
<p>Burnley faced an uphill battle against Spurs after going down 4-1 in the first leg. That deficit didnt seem to matter as Burnley took a 3-0 lead in normal time to knot the tie at 4-4. In extra time Burnley hearts were broken as Spurs scored two goals to take the tie 6-4 on aggregate. Burnley battled all through the tie, dominating Spurs most of the match. It was only in extra time did Spurs finally get the winner to progress to thier second consecutive Carling Cup Final.</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Championship Manager Carousel Continues</title>
		<link>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-manager-carousel-continues-233</link>
		<comments>http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-manager-carousel-continues-233#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:47:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shakira Graham</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[charlton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[derby county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[norwich]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nottingham Forest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queens Park Rangers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manager Sackings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-manager-carousel-continues/233</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Glen Roeder was the latest Championship Manager to be sacked joining the growing ranks of the unemployed. Watford, QPR, Charlton, Derby, Nottingham Forest and now Norwich have all made changes in the managerial department. Here are who were the managers &#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- google_ad_section_start -->
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-234" href="http://www.championshiptalk.com/championship-manager-carousel-continues/233/234/" title="coca_cola_championship_logo.jpg"><img align="right" src="http://www.xslt-tutorial.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/coca_cola_championship_logo.jpg" alt="coca cola championship logo Championship Manager Carousel Continues"  title="Championship Manager Carousel Continues" /></a>Glen Roeder was the latest Championship Manager to be sacked joining the growing ranks of the unemployed. Watford, QPR, Charlton, Derby, Nottingham Forest and now Norwich have all made changes in the managerial department. Here are who were the managers and who has replaced them. The bookies have Aide Boothroyd as the man who may replace Roeder at Norwich but as of now there is no permanent replacement named.</p>
<p>Norwich City- Glen Roeder: No Replacement</p>
<p>QPR: Ian Dowie replaced by Paulo Sousa</p>
<p>Watford: Aide Boothroyd replaced by Brenden Rodgers</p>
<p>Derby County: Paul Jewell replaced by Nigel Clough</p>
<p>Nottingham Forest: Colin Calderwood replaced by Billy Davies</p>
<p>Charlton: Alan Pardew replaced by Phil Parkinson</p>
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!-- Dynamic page generated in 0.549 seconds. -->
<!-- Cached page generated by WP-Super-Cache on 2012-02-12 00:14:59 -->

