Bye Steve

Well while many Bristol City fans felt that they had one of their best squads in years a few weeks ago, Steve Coppell has dampened hopes of promotion slightly by announcing his resignation today after only two competitive games in charge. Coppell claims, in his statement, that he has failed to become passionate about managing Bristol City and he could never be more accurate when he says that the timing of his departure is not ideal. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Bristol City fans at this moment, Coppell has basically came in and spent the clubs budget on players he wanted, only to walk out and potentially damage what was a promising season. The ex-Reading manager has also said that he is retiring from football management and the rumour mill is bound to start turning, as people will speculate reasons as to why this chain of events has occurred.

Bristol City were shocked on the opening day of the season, as newly promoted Millwall ran out 3-0 winners at Ashton Gate and Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to League One Southend in the Carling Cup also sent alarm bells ringing. Coppell was one of the most respected British managers in the country, particularly after his success with Reading and he seemed like quite the coup for Bristol City. Long serving Bristol player/coach Keith Millen has been appointed as the side’s new manager, signing a three year contract and will now be tasked with leading the team forward in the Championship.

So Coppell has left after only two games, but City fans can remain hopeful that they still have a number of quality players at their disposal. This is Millen’s first job in football management and I wish him all the best.

Snodgrass: One to look out for

The start of the newly named Npower football league is almost upon us and it all gets under way on Friday night at Carrow Road when Norwich take on Watford. As well as a preview I will be writing on Thursday, I thought I’d pick out 5 players from this season that are worth keeping an eye on, I expect these five lads to really shine this season (let’s see how right I am when the Championship team of the season is announced next year – probably 0 right).

1. Nicky Maynard:

In my previous blog, I spoke about how Bristol City had one of their best sides in years and with a manager like Steve Coppell who has experience of success in this league with Reading, they have become a bit of a dark horse for promotion. David James aside, Bristol City fans will be hopeful that Nicky Maynard can build upon his 20 league goals from last season and be the spearhead of their attack. At only 23, Maynard is showing great potential and he is a proven goal scorer at this level. With the addition of more strength and depth in the Bristol City line up after a summer of signings (more to come!), Maynard is bound to have a chance to get even more goals this season. He is 14/1 on sky bet to be the Championship’s top scorer and he’s the player I’m backing to achieve that award. You may recognise Maynard from his goal against QPR last season, which even made its way into some journalist’s lists of “top European goals of the season” (never mind domestic!). Check it out below:

2. Robert Snodgrass:

Snodgrass – the unsung hero of Leeds United (by the media at least). For the past several seasons, Beckford has taken the plaudits for his goal scoring ability, but he often relied upon this man to provide the chances. Snodgrass is a gifted winger that can play on either flank and has great technical ability and patience on the ball. Now that Beckford has moved on to Everton, Leeds will be hopeful that Snodgrass can provide for whoever Beckford’s replacement is and he will be an important part of their bid for survival. He was one of League One’s best kept secrets and now he will have a chance to show what he can do at a higher level, I expect him to take many plaudits this season:

3. Kris Boyd:

Yes, it’s an obvious choice, but Boyd’s season will be an interesting one considering his reputation. Middlesbrough are the bookmakers favourites to gain promotion this season and much of that is due to the signing of the SPL’s top goal scorer of all time, if he picks up a bad injury than many may be reconsidering their choice (although ‘Boro do have a lot of strength and depth this season). He’s favourite to be the top goal scorer and he is all set to prove that he can be a prolific scorer in England just like he was in Scotland; failure to do this would be a disaster for Boyd, Scottish football and Middlesbrough:

4. Gylfi Sigurðsson:

Reading had a Jekyll & Hyde season last year. After selling off players in order to balance the books, Brendan Rodgers struggled at the club and was dismissed in December. Brian McDermott took temporary charge of the club and one of his first tasks was to play Liverpool in the F.A cup. The club got a respectable draw at the Madjeski, but few predicted that Reading would out play Liverpool at Anfield. Sigurosson was the star of the show that night and Jamie Carragher seemed frightened when he came running at him with the ball. At only 20 years old, he is one for the future and Reading fans will be glad that the Premiership hasn’t come calling for their 09/10 player of the season. I think we can expect more from Sigurosson this season and if you get the chance I highly recommend seeing him as he is a very exciting player to watch:

5. Connor Wickham:

It’s ironic really, Roy Keane spends loads of money on new recruits and a product of the Ipswich youth system ends up being the most capable. Wickham was recently rumoured to be the subject of a bid from Tottenham, with Spur’s apparently bidding £5m with an offer to loan the player back to the Tractor Boys. Ipswich are holding out for more money and you know you have something good if a Premier League team is offering that sort of money to a Championship club.  He may have only for four goals last season, but the 17 year old can expect to be more involved in club matters from start to finish this season. All the buzz about Wickham was started with his impressive performances at England U17 level where he helped his country win the U17 European Championship’s, some have even asked Capello if he would consider him for a full cap:

Can James lead The Robins to the top flight?

He may turn 40 tomorrow, but that hasn’t stopped Bristol City from snapping up England goalkeeper David James on a free transfer, after the player was unable to agree a deal with former employers Portsmouth. James had bigger offers from the Premiership and Celtic in Scotland, but Neil Lennon told reporters that James had no desire to move up north due to family reasons. Now with Steve Coppell at the helm and a big name like James who kept goal for his country at this summer’s World Cup, Bristol City fans may feel that the club really can make a charge towards the Premier League. Coppell is certainly keen to leave his mark on the team and as well as James, the likes of Nicky Hunt and Damion Stewart have came in to sure up the defence, whereas players like Bradley Orr and Paul Hartley have left to play for QPR and Aberdeen respectively. Coppell has also decided to rekindle his relationship with Kalifa Cisse, who he managed while in charge of Reading and new Portsmouth signing Ibrahima Sonko has revealed that Bristol City made a late move to capture him. They may not have got their man, but it would appear that after Gary Johnson helped establish the club in the Championship, the team now has higher ambitions and an eye on the bigger picture.

Johnson’s departure from the managerial hot seat came after some erratic form last season and the board were disappointed that the club was receiving heavy defeats. The signing of David James has certainly gave the club a lot more media attention, Sky Sports in particular gave us a lovely montage of James’ haircuts over the years (oh and his career too) and have ran the story for a number of days. James has already gave out a battle cry and wants the club to aim for promotion and his name has got many Bristol City fans excited at their teams prospects this season, although many supporters believe that the club need several more new signings in order to really push on and their manager may be about to grant their wish.

So all of a sudden Bristol look like a contender for promotion although it is important that the team remains focused at the start of the season and doesn’t get too caught up in the prospect of promotion, a good start to the season is vital to their ambitions and will provide a solid base to work off. It will be interesting to see who the club brings in, a striker to help Nicky Maynard get the goals up front would be welcomed by the supporters, although rumours of the club being interested in Marlon King have not been welcomed by supporters (as at most clubs). In my opinion I think the club is going in the right direction and they should be challenging for the playoffs this season, but the importance of success is now vital, as the board has shown a considerable investment and backed Steve Coppell in the transfer market and the club could suffer financial difficulties in the future if the side doesn’t reach the Premier League. The Robins have shown their ambition and it appears that their goal is to be playing Premiership football when they move to their new 30,000 seat stadium in 2012.

Nolan Is The Cream Of The Championship Crop

Unless your team was unfortunate enough to be struck by bad weather (particularly Barnsley), you may realise we are now at the halfway point of the Championship season. 23 games gone and all of sudden ambitions become a bit clearer for clubs. The championship can be one of the most exciting leagues in the world and this season has been no exception – providing plenty of thrills along the way. Amidst the alcohol (and hangovers) of the festive period, why don’t we take a look back at some of the main talking points of the season so far and I will give my opinion on a few categories I feel have been worthy of being labelled the best so far this season.

The Toon Army Answer Their Critics:

Many people predicted Newcastle would struggle this season and few predicted the level of success they have achieved so far. A team that fell out of the Premiership with no fight what so ever has unified this season and sent the famous black and white stripes back to the top of the league. Many considered Newcastle to face even more pressure due to the stature of the club and were labelled ‘one of the big scalps’. But the players have responded well and despite the fact the off field troubles still continue, they find themselves sitting comfortably at the top of the table. The Geordies should be warned however that the work is far from done yet and as the Championship is one of the most open leagues in the world today.

Peter Whittingham Fires His Way To The Top:

In a league where usually a great goal poacher can gain you success, three of the top five goal scorers are midfielders. Cardiff’s Peter Whittingham finds himself at the top on 12 goals for the season, the former Aston Villa youngster has been in great form this season and one of the reasons why Cardiff find themselves in a serious bid for promotion. He is joined up there by fellow team mate Michael Chopra and both have helped make Cardiff a free scoring entertaining team. The two will be expected to keep up their efforts and Cardiff fans will be hopeful that Whittingham will continue to be allowed his freer role.

The Tractor Boys Going Backwards:

Roy Keane spent a considerable amount of money compared to his managerial peers in this league and so far Ipswich have struggled dearly. Instead of a promotion bid the club will probably have to focus their attention on a relegation battle as the club struggles in a number of areas this season particularly when it comes to a reliable goal scorer. The last few games have shown a bit of hope for the club and I still believe they will be safe, Keane is still finding the right formula and it is great to see how much confidence the board have put in him – something rare in this day and age.

Swansea Flying High – But How?

Not saying they’re not playing well but its rare to see a team with a goals for and against record like theirs. Swansea currently have the second worst goal scoring record in the league yet have found themselves in the playoff contention for much of the season. Paulo Souasa has made Swansea’s defence stern and hard to break down something, which isn’t often mentioned, but brilliant in it’s own right. The multinational side will be hoping to continue to churn out results for the club and promotion is very realistic target for the Welsh side.

Fortress Aston Gate Breached:

Bristol City almost managed to go a whole year without losing a single home league game until Sheffield United scored a last minute winner after Bristol City thought they’d held on to their record only seconds earlier when they equalised. Take nothing away from Gary Johnson however, the manager of City has been superb and I for one think it would be great to see a team from Bristol in the top flight once again. The club are sitting in 12th place as things stand so their season could really go either way. Fans of the club would be happy if their home form in 2010 mirrored that of the previous year.

The Madjeski Ruins Crumble:

On an alternative note, Reading’s home form has been woeful and something of a phenomenon. I couldn’t even tell you how many games it is since they last won at home, but it is definitely a confidence issue with the players, as the club has relied on it’s home form to pick up the points this season. The club should be optimistic that 2010 can bring a fresh start at their home ground – all it will take is one win for players to get their confidence back.

Rival Supporters Green With Envy At Forrest:

Nottingham Forrest are rolling back the years and are currently 15 games unbeaten. Billy Davies is once again proving he is a manager with confidence in this league and that certainly reflects on his players. The club is certainly stating its ambition and recently loaned in former England international Nicky Shorey, showing that the club is serious about bringing in players to help their promotion push. It’s quite funny really; a manager gains success with local rivals Derby County, has a disagreement with their board, leaves and then goes on to become successful with Forrest. Where have I heard that before?

My Awards So Far:

Best Goal Of The Season So Far: Nicky Maynard – QPR V Bristol City

Yes its fresh in the memory (from this weekend) but don’t let that take anything away from Maynard’s goal. City may have ended up losing this game, but Maynard’s strike was a superb individual effort – controlling the ball with two fabulous touches before volleying the shot past a helpless Cerny in the QPR goal. If you haven’t already seen it I suggest you do, it’s as good a goal I think you will ever see!

Best Decision Of The Season So Far: Barnsley Hiring Mark Robins

I remember hearing a few Barnsley fans who were unhappy at the club hiring Robins’ from Rotherham, but he is one fantastic manager. When he took over the club was at the foot of the Championship, yet Robins’ has helped the club up the league and gained the respect of the Yorkshire outfit’s fans. Fantastic wins against West Brom, Blackpool and Cardiff have steered the club into more control and Robins’ must take plenty of the credit for that. As a Newcastle fan I went to our game against them at Oakwell and it is clear to see how confident he has got his team playing and every player gives 110%.

Worst Decision Of The Season So Far: Plymouth V Barnsley Replay

This was a tough decision and Barnsley are involved once again. If you are a regular reader you may have read my post slamming Peterborough’s decision to part ways with Darren Ferguson but the Plymouth V Barnsley game at home park was a whole different story which raises all sorts of questions regarding common sense in football. Barnsley were 4-1 up in the 2nd half but weather conditions got so bad (in the referee’s opinion) that the game was called off after 58 minutes. Barnsley were understandably upset at the decision, particularly when football league rules state that the game must be replayed from the start at a later date. The conditions did look bad, but do you really need to restart the game from 0-0 when Barnsley were dominating? If anything the game should restart from 58 minutes at 4-1 – Plymouth is not exactly the easiest place to get to. Barnsley fans were promised that their tickets for the replay would be free, but travel costs alone are quite expensive on that particular journey – I’m sure the tykes would gladfully of taken the three points!

Best Signing Of The Season So Far: Doncaster Rover’s Loan Of Billy Sharp

Many football fans have a keen fondness for Sharp, particularly because he has fired their own team to victory numerous times on their football manager game. The young front man struggled in his time at Sheffield United, but a loan move to local Doncaster has seen the player rekindle the form he showed at Scunthope United and he seems to be enjoying his football more than ever. Who knows, maybe he felt too much pressure at United but Doncaster has put him back on the map. Donny will be hoping that the Blades don’t decide to recall the striker earlier to cash in on his good form as he has been their key player this season.

Worst Signing Of The Season So Far: Ipswich Town’s Signing Of Tamas Priskin For £1.7m

In this league £1.7m is a lot of money. It seems even more when its a striker who has got you one goal all season. Priskin may be the stem of all Keane’s problems as his price tag would suggest that the Irishman was intending to base a team around Priskin and he has been less than impressive so far. Priskin is probably lacking a lot of confidence at the moment and Keane should keep the faith with him, Brendan Rodgers proved at Watford that the big Czech hitman can get you the goals if you implement him in the correct way.

Best Game Of The Season So Far: Nottingham Forrest 3-2 Derby County

It’s a big derby that hasn’t got the recognition it really deserves considering both sides have fallen from grace slightly. Last Season Derby beat Forrest 3-2 in this fixture, so Forrest were obviously keen to prove a point and took a commanding 3-0 lead at half time. Nigel Clough obviously got his players fired up at the break and a fortuitous own goal followed by a Jake Livermore strike meant that there was everything to play for in this thrilling local encounter. Forrest held out and took home the bragging rights. I bet Derby will be determined to get one over on their rivals when the sides meet at Pride Park in 2010.

Best Manager Of The Season So Far: Billy Davies – Nottingham Forrest

As mentioned above, Forrest are having a great season and much of that can be credited to their fantastic manager Davies. It could have been easy (especially as a born and bred Geordie) to give this award to Chris Hughton at Newcastle United, but Davies has guided his team up the table without the resources Hughton possesses. 15 games unbeaten is a fantastic achievement for any club and Forrest can only go from strength to strength. Davies never really got a chance with Derby in the Premiership; he will be hoping he can get this opportunity with Forrest.

The One To Look Out For: Tom Cleverly – Watford

He may be on loan from Manchester United, but this lad can strike fear into any defence. Many clubs have their eyes on the young red devil – his performances for Watford have not gone unnoticed and the 20 year old has been a star for the Hornets. A clever player on the ball who shows bags of confidence, he is a player who improves with every game he plays and any young Englishman that puts the effort in on the pitch is bound to be coveted by a number of league sides.

Best Player Of The Season So Far: Kevin Nolan - Newcastle United

A player that never really did anything for the Toon in the premiership has exploded into life this season and has been one of the driving forces behind Newcastle’s surge to the top of the table. The former Bolton captain has put a number of defences to the sword and Newcastle will be confident that if they can keep their star midfield man in the transfer window then they will bounce back to the Premier league at the first time of asking.

So there you have it. But remember, that’s only my opinion. Do you agree? If not why don’t you leave a comment and let us know here at Championship talk! Hope you all had a great Christmas and heres to hoping that you and your football team has a great new year!

Bristol City

Founded: 1897

Nickname: The Robins

Ground: Ashton Gate (21,497)

Last Season: 4th in the CCC 74 Points Lost in the Playoff Final to Hull City

Johnstonts Paint Trophy Winner: 1985-86, 2002,2003

Second Division/ League One Winners: 1905/06

Sky Sports has announced its schedule of televised Championship matches for the first few months of the 2008/2009 season. Here’s the schedule:

• Sunday, August 10: Nottingham Forest v Reading
• Saturday, August 16: Bristol City v Derby County
• Saturday, August 30: Watford v Ipswich
• Saturday, October 4: Coventry City v Southampton
• Saturday, October 25: Reading v QPR
• Saturday, November 8: Southampton v Bristol City
• Saturday, November 22: Nottingham Forest v Norwich City
• Sunday, November 30: Swansea City v Cardiff City

Chances are quite good that these matches will also be shown on Setanta Sports for viewers in the United States.

First off let me congratulate Manchester United on winning the UEFA Champions League on the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. Now onto the Championship Playoff Final between Bristol City and Hull City. Tomorrow these two surprise teams will battle at Wembley for the right to be the third club to be promoted to the Premiership. As a Derby fan I know what its like to be full of excitement and hope. The fans are no doubt restless, wrought with nerves and excitement all at once. I’m sure many a pint has already been drunk and many more will be as the night progresses. This is the chance for thier club to be one of the elite, one of those in the top tier of English football.

Bristol City and Hull both have surprised everyone by being in this match but neither are no less deserving. They have played well all season, Hull dominated Watford in thier tie while Bristol City got the job done in extra time against the hottest team in the Championship at the time Crystal Palace. You can throw everything out of the window previous to this match between the two teams, its a one off match and anything can happen. Good luck to both teams, may the fans have a wonderful time as I did last year and when the match is over I will welcome the winner to the Premiership. On Saturday, the League One Playoff Final between Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers will give us the third member coming up the CCC after Swansea City as League One Champs and Nottingham Forest(second place.)

The first leg of the CCC playoff semi’s are all said and done, both Bristol City and Hull are in the drivers seat to punch their tickets to Wembely. I thought both matches were fairly well played but the Bristol City v Crystal Palace definatelly had the drama and great goals scored. City opened up the scoring in the 53rd minute by Louis Carey who hit a stunning curling shot that gave Bristol City the lead. It was end to end football until the 87th minute when Carey gave up a penalty that Ben Watson slotted home making the tie all even. The drama was yet to come, David Noble popped up in injury time to hit a sublime 30 yarder that gave Bristol City a 2-1 edge going back to Aston Gate. The second leg will be played on May 13th.

Hull got a fortunate 2-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road that saw the ref determine the outcome of match sadly. In the 4th minute it appeared the Watford had taken the lead but the goal was called offside, and from my vantage point it was not. That was only the start of a bad day for Watford. On 8 minutes Hull City’s Nick Barmby put the Tigers ahead. It got worse for Watford on the 23rd minute when Dean Windass put Hull up 2-0. Watford did play much better in the second half going close within the first 5 minutes but then on 61 minutes Watford’s John Ustache was given a straight red card that will rule him out of the second leg and the Playoff final if Watford advance. Now down to 10 men Watford were put on the back foot by Hull who were looking for that killer third goal. It never came but Hull take a commanding 2-0 lead into the KC Stadium on May 14th.

Bristol City v Crystal Palace:

League Position 4th

Points: 74

Form past 5 matches: W-L-L-D-L

Crystal Palace:

League Position: 5^th

Points: 71

Form Past 5 Matches: W-L-W-W-W

Outlook:

Right now Crystal Palace are by far the hottest team in the Championship. They have won 4 or their past 5 matches and come in with confidence of continued winning. Bristol City while the surprise of the season coming up from League One last season, and a squad that was virtually unchanged from that promotion winning squad, ended the season on a skid that sent them out of the second automatic promotion spot. The two meetings between the teams saw Palace get a 2-0 victory at Bristol City while the match at Selhurst Park ended at 1-1. Credit has to be given to both managers Neil Warnock( Crystal Palace) and Gary Johnson (Bristol City) for the jobs they have done with their clubs. Bristol City was tipped to be relegated at the start of the season and they have been in the top ten since August defying odds makers, at one point they topped the table. When Warnock took over at Palace they were hovering near the relegation zone and looked doomed for the drop at the time, he took over and lead them to a playoff place against the odds. I think this will be a tight affair but Crystal Palace have the momentum and will come out victors in this tie. Aggregate score: Crystal Palace 4 Bristol City 2

Watford v Hull City

Watford:

League Position: 6^th

Points: 70

Form Past 5 matches: D-L-L-D-L

Hull City:

League Position: 3^rd

Points: 75

Form Past 5 Matches: L-W-L-W-D

Outlook:

Both teams are not having the end of the season they would like, Watford especially. At one point Watford topped the Championship but went into a free fall after January. They were fortunate to even make the playoffs and did so only by a goal difference of a single goal over Wolverhampton Wanders. Hull has had a solid season sitting mid-table for most of it, it was really only after Frazier Campbell of Manchester United came on loan that Hull started to pick up momentum and challenge for a playoff spot and that second automatic promotion spot as well. Both teams are struggling for form but I think Hull will advance to Wembley. Watford are in a tailspin and nothing Aide Boothroyd has done seems to stop the bleeding and I don’t see the playoffs being the cure for Watford’s form. Watford have surprised before in the playoffs but I don’t see a repeat of that here. Aggregate score: Hull City 5 Watford 2