Home
THE Championship season will soon be upon us - but what has been happening around Wanderers' 23 competitors this summer?
Here the local writers, who know their clubs best, give us an update and their predictions on what they think will happen in the next nine months.
Who wrote Wanderers off as relegation fodder? Read on to find out.
Team – Aston Villa
Reporter – Gregg Evans
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – There hasn't been any!
Main departures – John Terry plus all the loan players from last season - Sam Johnstone, Josh Onomah, Axel Tuanzebe, Robert Snodgrass and Lewis Grabban.
How’s your budget? - Well, it was non-existent before the recent change of ownership. Now it has been significantly boosted, although there's still no official numbers. Expect loan signings rather than big-money buys.
Fans’ expectations - Promotion. Despite the recent troubles and two seasons already in the Championship, Villa fans demand a top-six finish at least, with promotion the end goal.
Promoted - Stoke, West Brom, Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Millwall, Bristol City
Team – Birmingham City
Reporter – Joseph Chapman
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – Kristian Pedersen (Union Berlin) Main departures – Jason Lowe, Robert Tesche, Andrew Shinnie, Stephen Gleeson
How’s your budget? - Blues signed left-back Kristian Pedersen for around £2m in June, but have been hamstrung by a reported transfer embargo that has denied Garry Monk the chance to strengthen his squad further. This is hoping to be resolved before deadline day and would therefore allow Monk to recruit further.
Blues' squad is talented, but rather thin and they're in desperate need of added depth.
Plus Monk has frozen out senior keepers David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak and, unable to shift them, has opted for young Connal Trueman as first choice in pre-season. He's set to start the campaign in goal.
Fans’ expectations - Realistic, I think. Promotion seems a stretch at the moment, after the lack of business that's been done to date. Many I've spoken to would be rather content with finishing above the bottom three again.
Promoted - Derby, Stoke, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Rotherham, Hull, Reading
Team – Blackburn Rovers
Reporter – Rich Sharpe
Newspaper – Lancashire Telegraph
Key arrivals thus far – Jacob Davenport and Joe Rothwell.
Main departures – None
How’s your budget? – Mowbray brought back a ‘competitive budget’ from his talks with the owners. Focus so far has been on contract renewals, with seven deals done. Two undisclosed six figure fee signings have arrived, with two more permanent additions likely, which may see them break the seven figure barrier.
Fans’ expectations – Cautiously optimistic the momentum last season, plus a strong team spirit and Bradley Dack, can see them looking up, rather than over their shoulders and stabilise after relegation in 2016/17. Will need more attacking options if they are to challenge the top half though.
Promoted – Stoke City, Middlesbrough, West Brom (play-offs)
Relegated – Bolton, QPR, Birmingham
Team – Bolton Wanderers
Reporter – Marc Iles
Newspaper – The Bolton News
Key arrivals thus far – Yanic Wildschut on loan from Norwich, Jason Lowe, Erhun Oztumer and Clayton Donaldson, Josh Magennis, Jack Hobbs.
Main departures – Filipe Morais, Mark Howard, Darren Pratley and Karl Henry.
How’s your budget? – Wanderers hadn’t spent a penny on transfer fees since January 2015 but there have broken that jinx with the £200,000 signing of Josh Magennis from Charlton. Still nowhere near the big spenders, though.
Fans’ expectations – Something more comfortable than last season’s final-day escape against Nottingham Forest. The squad has evolved and it would be good to see Wanderers’ football – so hard to watch at times last term – evolve with it.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke, Nottingham Forest
Relegated: Rotherham, Ipswich, QPR
Team – Brentford
Reporter – Tom Moore
Newspaper – Freelance
Key arrivals thus far – Ezri Konsa, Said Benrahma
Main departures – Andreas Bjelland, John Egan, Florian Jozefzoon, Konstantin Kerschbaumer
How’s your budget? – Brentford’s model when it comes to player acquisitions is buy cheap, undervalued players, develop them and sell them for a hefty profit and money is available from this process but the Bees have one of the lower budgets in the division.
Fans’ expectations – Fans have become accustomed to seeing key players depart during every transfer window but, as history has proven, Brentford have always dealt with the situation well. A push for the play-offs with a young team that is improving all the time is the expectation.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke, Nottingham Forest
Relegated: QPR, Rotherham, Bolton
Team – Bristol City
Reporter – Gregor MacGregor
Newspaper – Bristol Post/Bristol Live
Key arrivals thus far – Jack Hunt, Andreas Weimann, Marley Watkins, Adam Webster, Mo Eisa, Hakeeb Adelakun
Main departures – Aden Flint, Bobby Reid, Hordur Magnusson, Gary O'Neil
How’s your budget? - There're money left in the pot. Especially - if as expected - Joe Bryan is sold too.
Fans’ expectations - Most fans are optimistic for the new season despite the club selling its best players in the off season. A top half finish would be decent after a transitional summer. That might be possible after some good Championship recruitment.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Brentford
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Wigan
Team – Derby County
Reporter – Steve Nicholson
Newspaper – Derby Telegraph
Key arrivals thus far – Geoorge Evans from Reading, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson on season-long loans from Cheslea and Liverpool; Florian Jozefzoon from Brentford undisclosed fee; Jack Marriott from Peterborough United undisclosed fee
Main departures – Andreas Weimann to Bristol City undisclosed fee; Charles Vernam to Grimsby Town undisclosed fee How’s your budget? - There has been much talk of Derby needing to trim a top-heavy squad and cut the wage bill. This remains the plan and is needed although the Rams have brought in four new faces.
Fans’ expectations - The arrival of Frank Lampard has provided the fans with a lift after the Rams lost in the play offs last season. Lampard's appointment is intriguing, and the unknown of how he will fare in his first job as a manager adds to the excitement. There is always an expectation surrounding Derby, and an expectation of another top-six finish which is something they have acheived in three of the last five seasons although Lampard deserves time, as all new managers do.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Wigan
Team – Hull City
Reporter – Will Jackson
Newspaper – Hull Daily Mail
Key arrivals thus far – Eric Lichaj, David Milinkovic, Reece Burke, Jordy de Wijs, Todd Kane (on loan from Chelsea), George Long Main departures – Michael Dawson, Moses Odubajo, Max Clark, Allan McGregor, David Meyler, Abel Hernandez, Seb Larsson
How’s your budget? – Tight to say the least. Gone are the days of signing £10million strikers as austerity bites at the KCOM. The Tigers have spent around £2.5m so far this summer and still have plenty of holes in the squad still to fill.
Fans’ expectations – It’s fair to say last season fell way below supporter expectations as the Tigers found themselves in a battle to avoid relegation. Big names have left and despite Nigel Adkins’ attempts to bolster depleted levels of optimism most fans would be happy with the security of midtable.
Promoted – Stoke, West Brom, Middlesbrough
Relegated – Rotherham, Ipswich, Bolton
Team – Ipswich Town
Reporter – Stuart Watson
Newspaper – East Anglian Daily Times Key arrivals thus far – Gwion Edwards (Peterboorugh, £700k), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, loan), Jordan Roberts (Crawley, free), Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers, £750k).
Main departures – Adam Webster (Bristol City, £3.5m), David McGoldrick (contract expired).
How’s your budget? – It was frees and loans galore for years under Mick McCarthy. There will be no injection of cash by owner Marcus Evans, but new boss Paul Hurst has been assured he can spend whatever he raises in sales. Webster’s fee has helped. Cashing in on Martyn Waghorn in order to buy two or three more remains an option.
Fans’ expectations – Pragmatic heading into a 17th successive season in the second-tier on a restricted budget. Some increased entertainment value, a win against Norwich and a bit of cup fun (all of which have been in short supply) is all anyone wants.
Promoted: Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated: Rotherham, Hull, Bolton
Team – Leeds United
Reporter – Joe Urquhart
Newspaper – Yorkshire Evening Post
Key arrivals thus far – Patrick Bamford, Barry Douglas, Jack Harrison, Lewis Baker, Jamal Blackman
Main departures – Felix Wiedwald, Jay-Roy Grot (loan), Pawel Cibicki (loan)
How’s your budget? - Well, isn't that the million dollar question. After an extremely slow start to the summer window Leeds have finally managed to add some significant talent to their squad. The arrivals of Barry Douglas and Patrick Bamford mean the spend is around the £10m mark thus far. Mix that with the loans of Lewis Baker, Jamal Blackman and Jack Harrison and United’s squad is starting to take shape. I would expect (or hope) possibly another £5m-£10m will be spent this summer mixed with the sale of Ronaldo Vieira for around £7m to Serie A side Sampdoria.
Fans’ expectations - With the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road expectations for the season ahead skyrocketed but have somewhat tempered in recent weeks. United’s capture of Patrick Bamford has been seen as a bit of a coup but many still believe the squad is lacking the depth to challenge this season. If Leeds can get a few more deals over the line many fans will be hoping (and expecting) a top six finish at the very least this season - whether that is realistic or not is yet to be seen.
Promoted - Stoke City, West Brom, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Hull City, Rotherham, QPR
Team – Middlesbrough
Reporter – Philip Tallentire
Newspaper – Middlesbrough Gazette
Key arrivals thus far – Paddy McNair, £4m from Sunderland; Aden Flint,
£4m from Bristol City
Main departures – Fabio to Nantes (£1.75m), Patrick Bamford to Leeds (£10m)
How’s your budget? - Tony Pulis insists he'll balance the books,
pointedly referring to Steve Gibson's heavy investment last summer.
The manager wants two or three new faces but won't pay silly money.
Patrick Bamford's departure lessens the need to sell Ben Gibson and
Adama Traore.
Fans’ expectations – Boro fell short but not by much so automatic
promotion will be the ambition once again. There's a feeling that Tony
Pulis gets results and, after his first gruelling pre-season and a
summer to balance the squad, Boro will be a lean, mean results
machine.
Promoted – Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated – Birmingham, Rotherham, Bolton
Team – Millwall
Reporter – Richard Cawley
Newspaper – South London Press
Key arrivals thus far – Murray Wallace (Scunthorpe), Ben Amos (Bolton, loan).
Main departures – Tim Cahill, Nadjim Abdou, Harry Smith, Tom King (Wimbledon, loan)
How’s your budget? – While other clubs pull off multi-million pound deals without a blink of the eye, Millwall will continue to operate on one of the division's tightest budgets. Priority this summer was to keep prize assets like Jake Cooper, Shaun Hutchinson and George Saville.
Fans’ expectations – The Lions set the bar high as they majorly over-achieved to finish eighth. If they can steer clear of major injuries then a top-10 finish is on the cards again.
Promoted: Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated: Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton
Team – Norwich City
Reporter – Paddy Davitt
Newspaper – Eastern Daily Press
Key arrivals thus far – Jordan Rhodes on a season long loan from Sheffield Wednesday and Finnish international striker Teemu Pukki. Norwich were one of the lowest Championship scorers last season and that has been the main thrust of their summer business. Felix Passlack, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, and a permanent deal for former FC Augsburg midfielder Moritz Leitner continue the German-theme under head coach Daniel Farke.
Main departures – James Maddison. Joined Leicester City for a club record fee north of £21m. Josh Murphy also made the switch to the Premier League in a move to Cardiff City.
How’s your budget? – The Premier League parachute money ran out over the summer. The mantra is now to bring in a transfer surplus and lower the wage bill. Selling two of their brightest young talents means they are in a stable financial position. But the era of £3m plus deals on player targets is over for now.
Fans’ expectations – City finished 14th under Farke last season. That was packaged as one of transition with a new football model off the park and massive turnover of players on it during the past 12 months. But Norwich fans will not accept that again and the bare minimum is cracking the top 10.
Promoted – West Brom, Boro, Derby
Relegated – Reading, QPR, Rotherham
Team – Nottingham Forest
Reporter – Paul Taylor
Newspaper – Nottingham Post
Key arrivals thus far – Ten new signings and a new look squad. Costel Pantilimon, Jack Robinson, Michael Dawson, Tobias Figueiredo, Jack Colback, Gil Dias, Joao Carvalho, Diogo Goncalves, Hillal Soudani, Lewis Grabban Main departures – Andreas Bouchalakis, Armand Traore, David Vaughan
How’s your budget? – Forest broke their transfer record to land Joao Carvalho from Benfica for 15m euro and spent £6m on Lewis Grabban. They are having a good go at it this summer.
Fans’ expectations – It is traditionally more hope than expectation at Forest, following two decades outside the top flight. But this season, the feeling is that they have a squad that is good enough for a top six finish at least.
Promoted – Stoke, Middlesbrough, Forest
Relegated – Bolton, Rotherham, QPR
Team – Preston North End
Reporter – Dave Seddon
Newspaper – Lancashire Post
Key arrivals thus far – Ryan Ledson, Graham Burke, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes, Michael Crowe
Main departures – Greg Cunningham, John Welsh
How’s your budget? - Probably one of the lowest four or five in the division although fees have been paid for four players so far and cash is available for a couple more signings before the deadline. North End operate within their means and like to look to League One/Two for up-and-coming talent. They also like the Irish market, Graham Burke the latest signing from the League of Ireland.
Fans’ expectations - After finishing in seventh, only two points outside the play-offs, expectation has risen among the supporters. They liked what Alex Neil did in his first season in charge, giving North End fresh energy and changing the mantra from 'we're happy to be here' to one of 'we're going for it'.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Preston (play-offs).
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Birmingham
Team – QPR
Reporter – Phil Spencer
Website – Football.London
Key arrivals thus far – Toni Leistner on a free transfer from Union Berlin
Main departures – Nedum Onuoha, James Perch, Jamie Mackie and Jack Robinson (all released), Alex Smithies sold to Cardiff City
How’s your budget? – Practically non-existent after the club reached a settlement on their FFP dispute. Any signings are likely to be bargain deals, free transfers and loans.
Fans’ expectations – Given the implications of a transfer embargo and a hefty FFP fine, fans are typically realistic in their aspirations. QPR finished 16th last term and finishing anywhere around the same place has to be seen as a success given the circumstances.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke City, Middlesbrough
Relegated: Rotherham, Bolton and Wigan
Team – Reading
Reporter – Jonathan Low
Website – football.london/reading-fc
Key arrivals thus far – Andy Yiadom, John O'Shea, Sam Baldock, David Meyler and Marc McNulty. Darren Sidoel has joined the U23s.
Main departures – Yann Kermorgant, Joseph Mendes, Stephen Quinn, Deniss Rakels, George Evans and Jonathan Bond.
How’s your budget? - Not a lot to play with. Can't see more than a couple of million being spent on any one player. The only way is if they sell Liam Moore - the most saleable asset - for a significant fee.
Fans’ expectations - Given the summer recruitment so far, not too high. They're hoping for an improvement on last season's display which is not hard as they can't stoop any lower.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Norwich City
Relegated - Bolton, Rotherham, Ipswich
Team – Rotherham United
Reporter – Paul Davis
Newspaper – The Sheffield Star
Key arrivals thus far – Goalkeeper Marek Rodak, right-backs Zak Vyner and Billy Jones, centre-halves Clark Robertson and Sean Raggett and centre-forward Kyle Vassell.
Main departures – Right-backs Josh Emmanuel and Shaun Cummings, central midfielder Richie Towell (although Rotherham want him back on loan again from Brighton) and centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris.
How’s your budget? - The Millers are a stable club with no financial problems but their budget will be one of the smallest in the division.
Fans’ expectations - Staying up would be just fine, although Paul Warne's side will be as fit as any in the Championship and might surprise one or two observers.
Promoted - Middlesbrough, Stoke, Nottingham Forest.
Relegated - Reading, Bolton, Hull.
Team – Sheffield United
Reporter – Danny Hall
Newspaper – The Star
Key arrivals thus far – John Egan, £4.1m from Brentford. Dean Henderson, loan (Manchester United)
Main departures – David Brooks (Bournemouth)
How’s your budget? - Decent. United broke their transfer record to sign John Egan and have offered £5m for Martyn Waghorn at Ipswich. They're still nowhere near the bigger hitters of the division, though.
Fans’ expectations - Probably divided between thinking they'll go better than last season, tenth, and worrying that they'll struggle a little without any new incomings.
Promoted - Forest, Stoke, West Brom
Relegated - Ipswich, Hull, Reading
Team – Sheffield Wednesday
Reporter – Dom Howson
Newspaper – The Star
Key arrivals thus far – Not signed anyone.
Main departures – Ross Wallace, Glenn Loovens, Jack Hunt, Jordan Rhodes How’s your budget? - After three years of heavy spending on recruitment, the Owls have been forced to make cut backs in an attempt to comply with profitability and sustainability regulations. Boss Jos Luhukay has had little money to play with since taking over the reins last January.
Fans’ expectations - Expectation levels are not as high following the team's disappointing 2017/18 campaign. And given their lack of transfer activity, most fans would probably take another year of consolidation.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Blackburn
Team – Stoke City
Reporter – Martin Spinks
Newspaper – The Sentinel
Key arrivals thus far – Wingers James McClean and Tom Ince, striker Benik Afobe and Nigerian international midfielder Peter Etebo Main departures – Wingers Xherdan Shaqiri and Ramadan - and hopefully a few more to follow
How’s your budget? - The owners have backed Gary Rowett thus far and don't look as though they intend to die wondering when it comes to winning promotion at the first time of asking
Fans’ expectations - The mood has swing markedly thanks to the summer changes in management/players and there's definitely a feel-good factor that probably means an expectation of a minimum top-6 finish among the majority of fans
Promoted - Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton and Reading
Team – Swansea City
Reporter – Andrew Gwilym
Website – Wales Online
Key arrivals thus far – Yan Dhanda, Joel Asoro
Main departures – Lukasz Fabianski, Ki Sung-yueng, Leon Britton, Angel Rangel, Roque Mesa, Borja Baston, Kyle Bartley, Andre Ayew
How’s your budget? - Very little has been spent so far this summer with Swansea having restructured their recruitment department amidst a need to offload some of their higher earners following relegation. Expect more new faces before the window shuts but the rebuilding job will take time.
Fans’ expectations - Very few are looking at the prospect of promotion with a mid-table finish the general expectation. This needs to be a longer-term project and Graham Potter needs time and patience to help get things back on track.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Ipswich
Team – West Bromwich Albion
Reporter – Joseph Chapman
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Kyle Bartley (Swansea), Harvey Barnes (Leicester, loan), Jonathan Bond (free agent), Conor Townsend (Scunthorpe)
Main departures – Jonny Evans (Leicester), Ben Foster (Watford), James McClean (Stoke), Gareth McAuley, Boaz Myhill, Claudio Yacob (all released)
How’s your budget? - Having splashed out on Sam Johnstone and spent money too on Kyle Bartley, Albion remain in the black for this window. They've made a tidy profit on James McClean and have got their money back on Ben Foster after seven years of service.
Expect them to spend more before the window shuts.
Fans’ expectations - Naturally, promotion is on the minds of many fans having come down from the top flight last season. They're among the favourites with the bookies, but it must be pointed out that Albion have won just six of their last 47 league matches - that's form that should temper expectations of repeating what Wolves did, at least!
Promoted - Derby, Stoke, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Rotherham, Hull, Reading
Team – Wigan Athletic
Reporter – Paul Kendrick
Newspaper – Wigan Observer/Wigan Post
Key arrivals thus far – Callum McManaman, Christian Walton, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, Kal Naismith, Reece James
Main departures – David Perkins, Donervon Daniels, Reece James, Andy Kellett, Noel Hunt
How’s your budget? – With the club in the midst of a takeover, boss Paul Cook hasn't had much funds at his disposal, only shelling out for one player (Da Silva Lopes) so far. But at the same time he's kept hold of all of his key players from the League One title-winning side.
Fans’ expectations – While the younger end of the fanbase remain hopeful of a Premier League return, the older end still see the Championship as the club punching above its weight and are happy to be here. The truth is probably somewhere in between, and the security of mid-table will be the aim.
Promoted – Middlesbrough, Stoke, Swansea
Relegated – Bolton, Ipswich, Rotherham
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/16392216.championship-all-the-ins-outs-and-expert-predictions/
Here the local writers, who know their clubs best, give us an update and their predictions on what they think will happen in the next nine months.
Who wrote Wanderers off as relegation fodder? Read on to find out.
Team – Aston Villa
Reporter – Gregg Evans
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – There hasn't been any!
Main departures – John Terry plus all the loan players from last season - Sam Johnstone, Josh Onomah, Axel Tuanzebe, Robert Snodgrass and Lewis Grabban.
How’s your budget? - Well, it was non-existent before the recent change of ownership. Now it has been significantly boosted, although there's still no official numbers. Expect loan signings rather than big-money buys.
Fans’ expectations - Promotion. Despite the recent troubles and two seasons already in the Championship, Villa fans demand a top-six finish at least, with promotion the end goal.
Promoted - Stoke, West Brom, Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Millwall, Bristol City
Team – Birmingham City
Reporter – Joseph Chapman
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – Kristian Pedersen (Union Berlin) Main departures – Jason Lowe, Robert Tesche, Andrew Shinnie, Stephen Gleeson
How’s your budget? - Blues signed left-back Kristian Pedersen for around £2m in June, but have been hamstrung by a reported transfer embargo that has denied Garry Monk the chance to strengthen his squad further. This is hoping to be resolved before deadline day and would therefore allow Monk to recruit further.
Blues' squad is talented, but rather thin and they're in desperate need of added depth.
Plus Monk has frozen out senior keepers David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak and, unable to shift them, has opted for young Connal Trueman as first choice in pre-season. He's set to start the campaign in goal.
Fans’ expectations - Realistic, I think. Promotion seems a stretch at the moment, after the lack of business that's been done to date. Many I've spoken to would be rather content with finishing above the bottom three again.
Promoted - Derby, Stoke, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Rotherham, Hull, Reading
Team – Blackburn Rovers
Reporter – Rich Sharpe
Newspaper – Lancashire Telegraph
Key arrivals thus far – Jacob Davenport and Joe Rothwell.
Main departures – None
How’s your budget? – Mowbray brought back a ‘competitive budget’ from his talks with the owners. Focus so far has been on contract renewals, with seven deals done. Two undisclosed six figure fee signings have arrived, with two more permanent additions likely, which may see them break the seven figure barrier.
Fans’ expectations – Cautiously optimistic the momentum last season, plus a strong team spirit and Bradley Dack, can see them looking up, rather than over their shoulders and stabilise after relegation in 2016/17. Will need more attacking options if they are to challenge the top half though.
Promoted – Stoke City, Middlesbrough, West Brom (play-offs)
Relegated – Bolton, QPR, Birmingham
Team – Bolton Wanderers
Reporter – Marc Iles
Newspaper – The Bolton News
Key arrivals thus far – Yanic Wildschut on loan from Norwich, Jason Lowe, Erhun Oztumer and Clayton Donaldson, Josh Magennis, Jack Hobbs.
Main departures – Filipe Morais, Mark Howard, Darren Pratley and Karl Henry.
How’s your budget? – Wanderers hadn’t spent a penny on transfer fees since January 2015 but there have broken that jinx with the £200,000 signing of Josh Magennis from Charlton. Still nowhere near the big spenders, though.
Fans’ expectations – Something more comfortable than last season’s final-day escape against Nottingham Forest. The squad has evolved and it would be good to see Wanderers’ football – so hard to watch at times last term – evolve with it.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke, Nottingham Forest
Relegated: Rotherham, Ipswich, QPR
Team – Brentford
Reporter – Tom Moore
Newspaper – Freelance
Key arrivals thus far – Ezri Konsa, Said Benrahma
Main departures – Andreas Bjelland, John Egan, Florian Jozefzoon, Konstantin Kerschbaumer
How’s your budget? – Brentford’s model when it comes to player acquisitions is buy cheap, undervalued players, develop them and sell them for a hefty profit and money is available from this process but the Bees have one of the lower budgets in the division.
Fans’ expectations – Fans have become accustomed to seeing key players depart during every transfer window but, as history has proven, Brentford have always dealt with the situation well. A push for the play-offs with a young team that is improving all the time is the expectation.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke, Nottingham Forest
Relegated: QPR, Rotherham, Bolton
Team – Bristol City
Reporter – Gregor MacGregor
Newspaper – Bristol Post/Bristol Live
Key arrivals thus far – Jack Hunt, Andreas Weimann, Marley Watkins, Adam Webster, Mo Eisa, Hakeeb Adelakun
Main departures – Aden Flint, Bobby Reid, Hordur Magnusson, Gary O'Neil
How’s your budget? - There're money left in the pot. Especially - if as expected - Joe Bryan is sold too.
Fans’ expectations - Most fans are optimistic for the new season despite the club selling its best players in the off season. A top half finish would be decent after a transitional summer. That might be possible after some good Championship recruitment.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Brentford
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Wigan
Team – Derby County
Reporter – Steve Nicholson
Newspaper – Derby Telegraph
Key arrivals thus far – Geoorge Evans from Reading, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson on season-long loans from Cheslea and Liverpool; Florian Jozefzoon from Brentford undisclosed fee; Jack Marriott from Peterborough United undisclosed fee
Main departures – Andreas Weimann to Bristol City undisclosed fee; Charles Vernam to Grimsby Town undisclosed fee How’s your budget? - There has been much talk of Derby needing to trim a top-heavy squad and cut the wage bill. This remains the plan and is needed although the Rams have brought in four new faces.
Fans’ expectations - The arrival of Frank Lampard has provided the fans with a lift after the Rams lost in the play offs last season. Lampard's appointment is intriguing, and the unknown of how he will fare in his first job as a manager adds to the excitement. There is always an expectation surrounding Derby, and an expectation of another top-six finish which is something they have acheived in three of the last five seasons although Lampard deserves time, as all new managers do.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Wigan
Team – Hull City
Reporter – Will Jackson
Newspaper – Hull Daily Mail
Key arrivals thus far – Eric Lichaj, David Milinkovic, Reece Burke, Jordy de Wijs, Todd Kane (on loan from Chelsea), George Long Main departures – Michael Dawson, Moses Odubajo, Max Clark, Allan McGregor, David Meyler, Abel Hernandez, Seb Larsson
How’s your budget? – Tight to say the least. Gone are the days of signing £10million strikers as austerity bites at the KCOM. The Tigers have spent around £2.5m so far this summer and still have plenty of holes in the squad still to fill.
Fans’ expectations – It’s fair to say last season fell way below supporter expectations as the Tigers found themselves in a battle to avoid relegation. Big names have left and despite Nigel Adkins’ attempts to bolster depleted levels of optimism most fans would be happy with the security of midtable.
Promoted – Stoke, West Brom, Middlesbrough
Relegated – Rotherham, Ipswich, Bolton
Team – Ipswich Town
Reporter – Stuart Watson
Newspaper – East Anglian Daily Times Key arrivals thus far – Gwion Edwards (Peterboorugh, £700k), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, loan), Jordan Roberts (Crawley, free), Ellis Harrison (Bristol Rovers, £750k).
Main departures – Adam Webster (Bristol City, £3.5m), David McGoldrick (contract expired).
How’s your budget? – It was frees and loans galore for years under Mick McCarthy. There will be no injection of cash by owner Marcus Evans, but new boss Paul Hurst has been assured he can spend whatever he raises in sales. Webster’s fee has helped. Cashing in on Martyn Waghorn in order to buy two or three more remains an option.
Fans’ expectations – Pragmatic heading into a 17th successive season in the second-tier on a restricted budget. Some increased entertainment value, a win against Norwich and a bit of cup fun (all of which have been in short supply) is all anyone wants.
Promoted: Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated: Rotherham, Hull, Bolton
Team – Leeds United
Reporter – Joe Urquhart
Newspaper – Yorkshire Evening Post
Key arrivals thus far – Patrick Bamford, Barry Douglas, Jack Harrison, Lewis Baker, Jamal Blackman
Main departures – Felix Wiedwald, Jay-Roy Grot (loan), Pawel Cibicki (loan)
How’s your budget? - Well, isn't that the million dollar question. After an extremely slow start to the summer window Leeds have finally managed to add some significant talent to their squad. The arrivals of Barry Douglas and Patrick Bamford mean the spend is around the £10m mark thus far. Mix that with the loans of Lewis Baker, Jamal Blackman and Jack Harrison and United’s squad is starting to take shape. I would expect (or hope) possibly another £5m-£10m will be spent this summer mixed with the sale of Ronaldo Vieira for around £7m to Serie A side Sampdoria.
Fans’ expectations - With the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road expectations for the season ahead skyrocketed but have somewhat tempered in recent weeks. United’s capture of Patrick Bamford has been seen as a bit of a coup but many still believe the squad is lacking the depth to challenge this season. If Leeds can get a few more deals over the line many fans will be hoping (and expecting) a top six finish at the very least this season - whether that is realistic or not is yet to be seen.
Promoted - Stoke City, West Brom, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Hull City, Rotherham, QPR
Team – Middlesbrough
Reporter – Philip Tallentire
Newspaper – Middlesbrough Gazette
Key arrivals thus far – Paddy McNair, £4m from Sunderland; Aden Flint,
£4m from Bristol City
Main departures – Fabio to Nantes (£1.75m), Patrick Bamford to Leeds (£10m)
How’s your budget? - Tony Pulis insists he'll balance the books,
pointedly referring to Steve Gibson's heavy investment last summer.
The manager wants two or three new faces but won't pay silly money.
Patrick Bamford's departure lessens the need to sell Ben Gibson and
Adama Traore.
Fans’ expectations – Boro fell short but not by much so automatic
promotion will be the ambition once again. There's a feeling that Tony
Pulis gets results and, after his first gruelling pre-season and a
summer to balance the squad, Boro will be a lean, mean results
machine.
Promoted – Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated – Birmingham, Rotherham, Bolton
Team – Millwall
Reporter – Richard Cawley
Newspaper – South London Press
Key arrivals thus far – Murray Wallace (Scunthorpe), Ben Amos (Bolton, loan).
Main departures – Tim Cahill, Nadjim Abdou, Harry Smith, Tom King (Wimbledon, loan)
How’s your budget? – While other clubs pull off multi-million pound deals without a blink of the eye, Millwall will continue to operate on one of the division's tightest budgets. Priority this summer was to keep prize assets like Jake Cooper, Shaun Hutchinson and George Saville.
Fans’ expectations – The Lions set the bar high as they majorly over-achieved to finish eighth. If they can steer clear of major injuries then a top-10 finish is on the cards again.
Promoted: Stoke, Middlesbrough, Derby
Relegated: Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton
Team – Norwich City
Reporter – Paddy Davitt
Newspaper – Eastern Daily Press
Key arrivals thus far – Jordan Rhodes on a season long loan from Sheffield Wednesday and Finnish international striker Teemu Pukki. Norwich were one of the lowest Championship scorers last season and that has been the main thrust of their summer business. Felix Passlack, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, and a permanent deal for former FC Augsburg midfielder Moritz Leitner continue the German-theme under head coach Daniel Farke.
Main departures – James Maddison. Joined Leicester City for a club record fee north of £21m. Josh Murphy also made the switch to the Premier League in a move to Cardiff City.
How’s your budget? – The Premier League parachute money ran out over the summer. The mantra is now to bring in a transfer surplus and lower the wage bill. Selling two of their brightest young talents means they are in a stable financial position. But the era of £3m plus deals on player targets is over for now.
Fans’ expectations – City finished 14th under Farke last season. That was packaged as one of transition with a new football model off the park and massive turnover of players on it during the past 12 months. But Norwich fans will not accept that again and the bare minimum is cracking the top 10.
Promoted – West Brom, Boro, Derby
Relegated – Reading, QPR, Rotherham
Team – Nottingham Forest
Reporter – Paul Taylor
Newspaper – Nottingham Post
Key arrivals thus far – Ten new signings and a new look squad. Costel Pantilimon, Jack Robinson, Michael Dawson, Tobias Figueiredo, Jack Colback, Gil Dias, Joao Carvalho, Diogo Goncalves, Hillal Soudani, Lewis Grabban Main departures – Andreas Bouchalakis, Armand Traore, David Vaughan
How’s your budget? – Forest broke their transfer record to land Joao Carvalho from Benfica for 15m euro and spent £6m on Lewis Grabban. They are having a good go at it this summer.
Fans’ expectations – It is traditionally more hope than expectation at Forest, following two decades outside the top flight. But this season, the feeling is that they have a squad that is good enough for a top six finish at least.
Promoted – Stoke, Middlesbrough, Forest
Relegated – Bolton, Rotherham, QPR
Team – Preston North End
Reporter – Dave Seddon
Newspaper – Lancashire Post
Key arrivals thus far – Ryan Ledson, Graham Burke, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes, Michael Crowe
Main departures – Greg Cunningham, John Welsh
How’s your budget? - Probably one of the lowest four or five in the division although fees have been paid for four players so far and cash is available for a couple more signings before the deadline. North End operate within their means and like to look to League One/Two for up-and-coming talent. They also like the Irish market, Graham Burke the latest signing from the League of Ireland.
Fans’ expectations - After finishing in seventh, only two points outside the play-offs, expectation has risen among the supporters. They liked what Alex Neil did in his first season in charge, giving North End fresh energy and changing the mantra from 'we're happy to be here' to one of 'we're going for it'.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Preston (play-offs).
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Birmingham
Team – QPR
Reporter – Phil Spencer
Website – Football.London
Key arrivals thus far – Toni Leistner on a free transfer from Union Berlin
Main departures – Nedum Onuoha, James Perch, Jamie Mackie and Jack Robinson (all released), Alex Smithies sold to Cardiff City
How’s your budget? – Practically non-existent after the club reached a settlement on their FFP dispute. Any signings are likely to be bargain deals, free transfers and loans.
Fans’ expectations – Given the implications of a transfer embargo and a hefty FFP fine, fans are typically realistic in their aspirations. QPR finished 16th last term and finishing anywhere around the same place has to be seen as a success given the circumstances.
Promoted: Swansea, Stoke City, Middlesbrough
Relegated: Rotherham, Bolton and Wigan
Team – Reading
Reporter – Jonathan Low
Website – football.london/reading-fc
Key arrivals thus far – Andy Yiadom, John O'Shea, Sam Baldock, David Meyler and Marc McNulty. Darren Sidoel has joined the U23s.
Main departures – Yann Kermorgant, Joseph Mendes, Stephen Quinn, Deniss Rakels, George Evans and Jonathan Bond.
How’s your budget? - Not a lot to play with. Can't see more than a couple of million being spent on any one player. The only way is if they sell Liam Moore - the most saleable asset - for a significant fee.
Fans’ expectations - Given the summer recruitment so far, not too high. They're hoping for an improvement on last season's display which is not hard as they can't stoop any lower.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Norwich City
Relegated - Bolton, Rotherham, Ipswich
Team – Rotherham United
Reporter – Paul Davis
Newspaper – The Sheffield Star
Key arrivals thus far – Goalkeeper Marek Rodak, right-backs Zak Vyner and Billy Jones, centre-halves Clark Robertson and Sean Raggett and centre-forward Kyle Vassell.
Main departures – Right-backs Josh Emmanuel and Shaun Cummings, central midfielder Richie Towell (although Rotherham want him back on loan again from Brighton) and centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris.
How’s your budget? - The Millers are a stable club with no financial problems but their budget will be one of the smallest in the division.
Fans’ expectations - Staying up would be just fine, although Paul Warne's side will be as fit as any in the Championship and might surprise one or two observers.
Promoted - Middlesbrough, Stoke, Nottingham Forest.
Relegated - Reading, Bolton, Hull.
Team – Sheffield United
Reporter – Danny Hall
Newspaper – The Star
Key arrivals thus far – John Egan, £4.1m from Brentford. Dean Henderson, loan (Manchester United)
Main departures – David Brooks (Bournemouth)
How’s your budget? - Decent. United broke their transfer record to sign John Egan and have offered £5m for Martyn Waghorn at Ipswich. They're still nowhere near the bigger hitters of the division, though.
Fans’ expectations - Probably divided between thinking they'll go better than last season, tenth, and worrying that they'll struggle a little without any new incomings.
Promoted - Forest, Stoke, West Brom
Relegated - Ipswich, Hull, Reading
Team – Sheffield Wednesday
Reporter – Dom Howson
Newspaper – The Star
Key arrivals thus far – Not signed anyone.
Main departures – Ross Wallace, Glenn Loovens, Jack Hunt, Jordan Rhodes How’s your budget? - After three years of heavy spending on recruitment, the Owls have been forced to make cut backs in an attempt to comply with profitability and sustainability regulations. Boss Jos Luhukay has had little money to play with since taking over the reins last January.
Fans’ expectations - Expectation levels are not as high following the team's disappointing 2017/18 campaign. And given their lack of transfer activity, most fans would probably take another year of consolidation.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Blackburn
Team – Stoke City
Reporter – Martin Spinks
Newspaper – The Sentinel
Key arrivals thus far – Wingers James McClean and Tom Ince, striker Benik Afobe and Nigerian international midfielder Peter Etebo Main departures – Wingers Xherdan Shaqiri and Ramadan - and hopefully a few more to follow
How’s your budget? - The owners have backed Gary Rowett thus far and don't look as though they intend to die wondering when it comes to winning promotion at the first time of asking
Fans’ expectations - The mood has swing markedly thanks to the summer changes in management/players and there's definitely a feel-good factor that probably means an expectation of a minimum top-6 finish among the majority of fans
Promoted - Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Aston Villa
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton and Reading
Team – Swansea City
Reporter – Andrew Gwilym
Website – Wales Online
Key arrivals thus far – Yan Dhanda, Joel Asoro
Main departures – Lukasz Fabianski, Ki Sung-yueng, Leon Britton, Angel Rangel, Roque Mesa, Borja Baston, Kyle Bartley, Andre Ayew
How’s your budget? - Very little has been spent so far this summer with Swansea having restructured their recruitment department amidst a need to offload some of their higher earners following relegation. Expect more new faces before the window shuts but the rebuilding job will take time.
Fans’ expectations - Very few are looking at the prospect of promotion with a mid-table finish the general expectation. This needs to be a longer-term project and Graham Potter needs time and patience to help get things back on track.
Promoted - Stoke, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest
Relegated - Rotherham, Bolton, Ipswich
Team – West Bromwich Albion
Reporter – Joseph Chapman
Newspaper – Birmingham Mail/Live
Key arrivals thus far – Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Kyle Bartley (Swansea), Harvey Barnes (Leicester, loan), Jonathan Bond (free agent), Conor Townsend (Scunthorpe)
Main departures – Jonny Evans (Leicester), Ben Foster (Watford), James McClean (Stoke), Gareth McAuley, Boaz Myhill, Claudio Yacob (all released)
How’s your budget? - Having splashed out on Sam Johnstone and spent money too on Kyle Bartley, Albion remain in the black for this window. They've made a tidy profit on James McClean and have got their money back on Ben Foster after seven years of service.
Expect them to spend more before the window shuts.
Fans’ expectations - Naturally, promotion is on the minds of many fans having come down from the top flight last season. They're among the favourites with the bookies, but it must be pointed out that Albion have won just six of their last 47 league matches - that's form that should temper expectations of repeating what Wolves did, at least!
Promoted - Derby, Stoke, Middlesbrough
Relegated - Rotherham, Hull, Reading
Team – Wigan Athletic
Reporter – Paul Kendrick
Newspaper – Wigan Observer/Wigan Post
Key arrivals thus far – Callum McManaman, Christian Walton, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, Kal Naismith, Reece James
Main departures – David Perkins, Donervon Daniels, Reece James, Andy Kellett, Noel Hunt
How’s your budget? – With the club in the midst of a takeover, boss Paul Cook hasn't had much funds at his disposal, only shelling out for one player (Da Silva Lopes) so far. But at the same time he's kept hold of all of his key players from the League One title-winning side.
Fans’ expectations – While the younger end of the fanbase remain hopeful of a Premier League return, the older end still see the Championship as the club punching above its weight and are happy to be here. The truth is probably somewhere in between, and the security of mid-table will be the aim.
Promoted – Middlesbrough, Stoke, Swansea
Relegated – Bolton, Ipswich, Rotherham
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/16392216.championship-all-the-ins-outs-and-expert-predictions/