It's that time of year again. The excitement is building, and just 12 weeks after the last season ended (less for the big teams), then the football season is here once again! Despite the Cricket World Cup, The Open Golf, Wimbledon, etc etc etc, all football fans have been aware of something missing in their lives since the end of May (especially as there was no major international tournament this year). But football is back with the first game of the Bluebirds' season at Wigan just a day away.
We all really wish we could be having another season in the Premier League, but unfortunately we just missed the chance to stay up with the big teams. So its another season back in the topsy-turvy world of the Championship. I feel that I should point out to my American friends here just how big the Championship has become, as despite being the second level of the English football pyramid, it is now the 4th most watched league in Europe , and probably one of the most competitive in the world. Out of the 24 teams in the league this year, there are probably only a handful that you might say are incapable of gaining promotion to the Premier League, and equally there are few teams that you might rule out as being incapable of relegation!
INS AND OUTS - the outs
There has been the usual turnover of players to the Bluebirds' first team squad during the closed season. The outs include the enigmatic Kenneth Zohore to West Bromwich Albion. I saw a quote about him recently which summed him up completely when they said that he would be remembered "as a scorer of great goals rather than as a great goalscorer". He is only 24 and may yet become a big star, but if the reported £8m fee paid by West Brom is true then that was too good an offer to turn down - its about twice what he's worth in my opinion.
A further departure was Bruno Ecuele Manga. Bruno will be remembered as a classy footballer who exuded a great level of calm. It was quite widely stated that Bruno wanted to return with his family to France and has a transfer to Dijon in Ligue 1. Like all defenders he had the odd mistake in him, and he was clearly a better centre back than right back where he played a lot of his football over the last 2 seasons, but most fans will look back fondly on his time here and he owes us nothing.
Bruno Ecuele Manga - fondly remembered by all.
Another major departure was Aron Gunnarsson, who had agreed to a one season extension to his contract for another season in the Premier League. Another player who will be fondly remembered by fans and will be remembered as a club legend. He has gone to play in Qatar for a very lucrative contract.
And the final departure of note was Kadeem Harris who never quite seemed to be good enough to have a regular place in the team despite showing lots of promise. Another player who may yet come good, following him signing for Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
With 7 days to go until the transfer window closes, it is likely that more players will leave.
INS AND OUTS - the ins
There have been 5 confirmed first team squad signings in the closed season and the possibility of a 6th to finally be confirmed today.
Joe Day. A successful season last year at our League 2 neighbours Newport County has resulted in Joe moving to our club. However, I don't think he's been signed to be a third choice keeper and I'm pretty sure one of our 2 senior keepers will be moving on. At first this looked like it might be Neil Etheridge returning to the Premier League at Aston Villa but as I compose this blog that deal is off, and so I think it likely that second choice keeps Alex Smithies may move on in search of regular first team football.
Will Vaulks. Signed from Rotherham where he was a stand out player in a struggling team last season. Already a full Wales international, he certainly didn't look out of his depth when playing for Wales and so I see no reason why he shouldn't do well in a stronger Championship team.
Curtis Nelson. The first of two players signed from Oxford. A central defender or central midfield player who may yet be one of Warnock's excellent signings from the lower leagues. will be needed to provide cover while Sol Bamba returns from injury but may be the future of the club. May yet fill the defensive midfield role previously occupied by Aron Gunnarsson.
Curtis Nelson.
Aden Flint. Bought after only one season at Middlesborough despite considerable EFL experience. Did very well in a couple of seasons at our close rivals Bristol City. Tall, imposing defender who will also have a vital role to play with Sol Bamba missing in the early part of the season
Gavin Whyte. The second player signed from Oxford in League 1. A Northern Ireland international, at the age of 23 his career has been a continual climb, with this being the next logical step. Basically a winger, but played up front as a striker for Oxford in one game last season and scored a hat trick!
Gavin Whyte celebrates a goal for Northern Ireland
Robert Glatzel. Almost completely unknown in this country as he has been developing his game in the Bundesliga 2 for Heidenheim ( amongst others). 17 goals in 29 games for Heidenheim last season is a good return for the 6'4" striker - lets hope he can do it at Championship level. He is rumoured to have been Neil Warnock's number 1 target . Unfortunately, Glatzel will not be available for the season opening game against Luton as he has to finish a 2 match ban following a sending off for Heidenheim at the end of last season.
Could he be a 20 goal striker?
Can we bounce straight back?
That's the big question. The simple answer is that Yes, we can! But this is the Championship, probably the most competitive and evenly matched League in Europe. We appear to have a better squad than when we got promoted 2 years ago - but this was the case the last time we were relegated from the Premier League and that didn't work out at all. I think we are good enough to go back up, and we clearly have a manager who knows all about promotion to the top level.
The Neil Warnock factor!
But although it appears we have a good chance, the problem is that there are many other teams who will also fancy their chances. Teams such as West Bromwich and Stoke are almost certainly going to be better this year. Fulham continue to invest heavily, and Leeds United are also expected to do well this season after narrowly missing out last year. In addition to these teams, there is nearly always an unexpected team which comes from nowhere to claim promotion. In fact, last season you could argue that both Norwich and Sheffield United were unexpectedly promoted. I think Brentford might fall into that category this season. So here are my top 6 predictions for this season:-
Cardiff
Stoke
West Bromwich Albion
Brentford
Fulham
Bristol City
But I could be wrong! That's what makes the new season so exciting! A Happy New Season to football fans everywhere!
