Alternative England

What if Fabio had to pick a Championship only England XI?

The best way to go up?

The drama, disaster and delirium of the Football League showpiece game

Weekend previews for ALL

Championship clubsMidweek review

3 – Midweek ReviewA mixture of league and cup action

4 – What if…Capello could only pick from The Championship?Who would answer the call in England’s hour of need?

6 - Championship Team of the WeekThe best XI of the last 7 days

8 – The madness of Loftus RoadWhere will it all end for QPR?

10 – The greatest game of all?The magic and misery of the ‘richest match in football’

12 – Weekend PreviewThis Weekends Championship clashes

Welcome to Championship Weekly.

The climax to the season is approaching and every club in the Championship has a reason to glance above or below themselves in the table – some clubs are still checking both directions!

So why is this league so incredibly close compared to the top division?

As alluded to in last weeks article ‘ so you want to get promoted?’, reaching the higher echelons of England’s top division has not always been an insurmountable task for a club not normally associated with being in the mix for honours. The distribution of wealth, and subsequent financial dominance of a handful of leading sides created over the last 17 years has now made the chances of an ‘outsider’ infiltrating even the top six, extremely slim. The top division is effectively split into three.

This disparity however, does not exist to the same level in the Championship. Yes, the sides at the very top of the table (Newcastle, West Brom) tend to be those with a higher wage bill at their disposal, but below this it’s a far more level playing field. Sides dropping out of the Premier League have an immediate decision to make it seems. Do they continue to ‘chase the dream’for another one or two seasons (whilst still receiving parachute payments) or do they ‘cut their cloth’ immediately and attempt to live within the means of a club receiving the relative small Championship revenues?

Sheffield United are a club who decided on the former. Having suffered relegation, the Blades attempted to enhance their chances of a swift return with the high profile signing of James Beattie. They also maintained the services of several key players on Premier League wages. The Bramall Lane out fit failed to rebound however, and now two seasons down the line, their supporters have watched a squad expected to compete at the top of the table slowly dismantled. Their Chairman, Kevin McCabe has indicated he will no longer subsidise the club, and United will tackle the Championship next season attempting to stand on their own two feet, with an average Championship wage budget.

Newcastle and West Brom of course, are handily placed for a swift return. Middlesbrough however, are even in danger of missing out on the play off picture. Another season of failure in 2010-11 and Boro may find themselves falling further back into the Championship pack.

Come May, when the relegation places are decided, three more clubs will find themselves between a rock and a hard place.

Enjoy the mag,

RichAll articles, copyright Championship Weekly 2010

TUESDAY

In the big six pointer at the bottom of the Championship on Tuesday night, Scunthorpe were pegged back at home for the second time in four days.

Having led until the 64th minute against Watford on Saturday (only to fall behind and grab a dramatic late equaliser) Scunny went in front after 70 minutes against Ipswich.

Cliff Byrne marked his 200th

appearance for The Iron with a goal, before David Healy’s first goal fror Ipswich secured a point five minutes later.

Two points from two home games is a disappointing return for Scunthorpe, having led in both games, and has done little to move them away from the drop zone with some tough games on the road to come.

For Ipswich, a win at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend and then another away draw stands Roy Keane’s men in good stead as they head for a home game with Bristol City.

In the only other midweek Championship game, Leicester cemented their play off position with a hard fought 1-0 win away at Doncaster.

Martyn Waghorn’s 12th minute goal was enough to see of Rovers at the Keepmoat. Leicester are now four points clear with a game in hand on 7th placed Blackpool and have now gone seven without defeat in the Championship. Leicester will go into their Midlands derby with Forest at the weekend full of confidence.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday saw three Championship sides in FA Cup replay action.

In the all Championship clash at the Hawthornes, Reading came from behind to grab a dramatic 3-2 win after extra time. Robert Koren twice put Albion in front, but Jimmy Kebeand, in the final minute of normal time, Brian Howard squared things up.

Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike in the 95th minute turned out to be the winner. After a gruelling tie, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday, who face the Baggies and Royals at the weekend, may also feel they have gained something from last nights events.

Reading will be the Championship’s sole representatives in the last eight after Crystal Palace went down bravely at Aston Villa.

Two late John Carew penalties sent Villa through after Darren Ambrose also scored from the spot to cancel out Gabriel Agbonlahor’s first half opener.

After the game Palace manager denied strong rumours that he will now leave the club to take over at Queens Park Rangers.

1, GK. SCOTT CARSON West Brom – 3 full caps

Has rebuilt his confidence after his England Eorunightmare at Wembley

Would provide valuable full international

experience

2. RB,. DANNY SIMPSON No international honours

A fixture for the Geordies since loan move from Man

Utd became permanent

European experience with Man Utd

3. LB, JOE MATTOCK West Brom – 5 U21 caps

Has excelled since moving to Baggies as a teenager for

£1m from Leicester

Attacking capabilities and solid defensively

4. CM, KEVIN NOLAN Newcastle – 2 U21 caps

Imposing midfield presence with touch of steel and

quality

Eye for goal would be vital against tight

defences

5. CB, DAVID WHEATER Middlesboro’ – 11 U21 caps

At 6’ 5’’ Wheater would be vital at set pieces in both

areas

Tournament experience with U21’s

Imagine the scenario…Capello’shard line stance on extra curricular activities doesn’t go down well when Fabio reveals his World Cup rule book. A ban on Playstation, Facebook, wags and iPod’s sparks a rebellion and the entire Premier League contingent of England’s squad for South Africa refuse to board the plane at the last minute.

Shorn of his multi-millionaire superstars, the England supremohas no alternative to call on the Championship’s finest!...

So how would the pick of the Championship fare on the biggest stage of them all, and who would get the nod for that first vital group game against the US?

With so few players in the Championship will full international experience Capello may choose to look to those who have featured heavily in the England under 21 set up.

Lining up in an attacking 4-4-2 formation with trickery and a goal threat from right across the midfield, could this side compete at international level?

6. CB, STEVEN TAYLOR Newcastle – 29 U21 caps

The Terry Butcher of the Championship – would

captain the side

Also has an England B cap

7. WAYNE ROUTLEDGE Newcastle – 12 U21 caps

Tricky winger may have finally found a place to

settle at Newcastle

Would give the side the ’Lennon factor’

8. CM, DARREN AMBROSE C. Palace – 10 U21 caps

Deadly from set pieces and with valuable pace and

trickery

Bags of goals and high on confidence

9. ST, ANDY CARROLL Newcastle – 4 U21 caps

A target man with a quality first touch and improving goal ratio

Any defender will know they’ve been in

a game!

10. ST, GARY HOOPER Scunthorpe – no caps

Striker has moved up through the divisions but

remains prolific

Energetic style, perfect foil for Carroll

11.PETER WHITTINGHAM Cardiff – 17 U21 caps

On fire this season -would provide goals from wide position

Also capable of playing left back

With no Premiership loan players available for selection, the like of Ryan Bertrand, Andy Griffin, Danny Well beck and Tom Cleverly are ruled out.

In this XI, Scott Carson provides the only full international experience in goal, but an imposing centre back pairing of Steven Taylor and David Wheater provide a wealth of U21 experience. Season professionals Kevin Nolan and Darren Ambrose provide the know how and guile in the midfield, with attacking full backs Simpson and Mattock supporting flying wingers Routledge and Whittingham.

Up front, target man Andy Carroll and Scunthorpe’s improving Gary Hooper will look to feed off the service from wide areas.

Would the side advance through the group stage? It’s a tough call, but there’s no doubt they’d give their all for the shirt.

22/02/2010

LONERGAN

Preston

MARRIAPA

Watford

MCAULEY

Ipswich

TATE

Swansea

PERCH

Forest

EDWARDS

Ipswich

VAUGHAN

BLackpool

NOLAN

Newcastle

COWIE

Watford

BOGDANOVIC

Barnsley

HOOPER

Scunthorpe

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

LONERGAN

Preston

WESTWOOD

Coventry

A terrific late save from Nick Carle capped a superb performance from KEIREN WESTWOOD as Coventry took the points at Selhurst Park

ADRAN MARRIAPPA was the pick of Watford’s defenders as The Hornets secured a battling point against Scunthorpe

GARY HOOPER’s prolific form for Scunthorpe continued with goals against Barnsley and Watford as The Iron attempt to cling onto their Championship status

Ipswich’s massive 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday was built on the foundations set by GARETH MCAULEY at the heart of Town’s defence.

Derby may have scored 8 in their previous two championship games, but the couldn’t find a way past ALAN TATE and the rest of the Swansea defence at Pride Park.

DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam garbbed the headlines, but DAVID VAUGHAN was the driving force behind Blackpool’s 2-0 victory over Reading.

Daniel Bogdanovic produced two finishes of the highest quality in the first 15 minutes to secure Barnsley a surprise, but well deserved win at Cardiff.

KEVIN NOLAN was on the score sheet yet again in Newcastle’s 3-0 demolition of Preston at St James’ Park. Nolan now has 11 Championship goals from midfield this season.

JAMES PERCH picked up two bookings but also helped Forest pick up two vital clean sheets in a week, as they edged past Sheffield United and MIddlesbrough.

Don Cowie was a handful all afternoon for Watford as they earned a 2-2 draw at Scunthorpe. Cowie laid on several chances with his quality delivery from the lefthand side.

CARLOS EDWARDS grabbed the only goal of the relegation six pointer at Hillsborough as Ipswich put some distance between themselves and the bottom three.

When some of the richest men in world sport become involved withWhen some of the richest men in world sport become involved withyour club, youyour club, you’’re entitled to get a little excited. Unfortunately, so far the re entitled to get a little excited. Unfortunately, so far the Queens Park Rangers revolution has yet to find its Queens Park Rangers revolution has yet to find its MourinhoMourinho..

The final week of August 2007 was supposed to be a watershed in the history of the West London club. Having been dogged by financial problems for the best part of the previous decade, this was supposed to be the moment Rangers became upwardly mobile at F1 speed.

The board of QPR Holdings Ltd. Resigned to make way for new owners – a group of associated led by Formula One team boss, FlavioBriatore and including F1 guru Bernie Ecclestone.

Within weeks the club were to go from struggling Championship also rans to ‘The richest club in the world’ according to the Sun in December 2007. This was

To be a gradual five year overhaul of an unfashionable club that would hopefully deliver Premier League and ultimately European football to Loftus Road.

When it was confirmed that the 5th richest man in the world, Lakshmi Mittal had acquired a 20% stake in the club, even faint alarm bells may have been ringing across at Stamford Bridge.

“Santa must be wearing blue and white hoops” was just one comment from a QPR supporter as the cheque books opened and anticipation grew amongst the fanbase.

Unlike their West London neighbours however, Rangers have so far been unable to find a manager

capable of fulfilling the heightened expectations of the Loftus Road faithful.

Rangers fans would have hoped to be collecting newspaper clippings of glorious victories and promotion parties by now, but instead the local rags have been filled with stories of some of the more bizarre managerial exits in recent years. Briatore himself recently followed the string of failed appointments out of the door.

Now, as rumours of Neil Warnock or Ian Dowie being appointed as the next permanent incumbent of the most volcanic of football hot seats. Rangers fans are facing up to a relegation battle, as opposed to the quest for break-neck speed success they had hoped for.

IAN DOWIE

Having been appointed in mid May 2008, Dowiewas relieved of his duties in October 2008 after 15 games, despite the club sitting handily in 9th place, just a single point behind fourth place.

Rangers had also progressed to a meeting with Man Utd in the last 16 of the League cup with a win over Aston Villa.

PAULO SOUSA

Sousa was appointed in mid November 2008 but left the club under mysterious circumstances in April 2009. Sousa was alleged to have divulged confidential information without authority.

Gareth Ainsworth took the reigns as caretaker for the remainder of the season and guided QPR to an 11th placed finish.

JIM MAGILTON

Having been appointed in June as Rangers’ next permanent manager before the start of this season, Magilton’s reign got off to a promising start with Rangers constantly in touch with the play off places.

However, an alleged training ground clash with Akos Buszaky and a dip in results saw Magilton leave by mutual consent on Dec 16th.

PAUL HART

Just one day after Magilton’s departure Paul Hart was appointed Rangers fourth permanent manager in just over a year.

Hart’s tenure was to be the shortest of all – just 5 games. He left the club (apparently of his own accord) on 15th January 2010 – very few further details of the reasons for Hart’s departure have emerged.

Queens Park Rangers have had four permanent managers since October 2008 as the club strives to make progress towards a promotion challenge. However, he departures of Paul Hart and Jim Magilton appear to have triggered an alarming dip in form, and Rangers’ league position has been deteriorating since November.

QPR’s league position since the sacking of Ian Dowie in October 08

It’s often referred to as ‘the richest game of football in the worlddrama and edge of the seat excitement, is the Championship playgreatest game in the football calendar?

A great day out – that’s how supporters of losing cup final teams often reflect on their trip to Wembley. For fans of the two sides contesting the Championship play off final however, the grandeur surroundings of the national stadium often go unnoticed. The feeling of elation or devastation left imprinted on the consciousness by victory or defeat, outweigh the emotions embossed by probably any other club game.

The repercussions of a play off final can be dramatic, disastrous – even damning. Witness how pivotal the events of 21st May 2006 in the recent times of Leeds United.

Having been relegated from the Premier League in 2004, Leeds were on the cusp of a return, and with it within touching distance of a financial lifeline, Leeds went into the game against Watford as massive favourites against a Watford side tipped for little more than mid-table at the start of the season. However, the last play off final to be held at the Millennium Stadium didn’t follow the script, and Leeds were humbled 3-0.

It was the beginning of perhaps the most depressing spell in Leeds’ long and illustrious history. Forced to break the spine

team as Premier League parachute payments ended, Leeds lost leading scorer Rob to Sheffield United in pre season. An exasperated Kevin Blackwell was fired as manager in September, as the infamous ‘play off hangover’ took its toll.

After Matt Killgallon followed Hulse down the 40 miles down the M1 to Bramall Lane in January, United effectively imploded. By this time caretaker manager John Carver had been replaced by Dennis Wise. Wise brought in a number of short term signings in a desperate attempt to arrest Leeds’ slide down the table, but the damage was already done.

In early May, and with relegation all but mathematically assured, Leeds entered a CVA and were hit with an automatic 10 point deduction for entering administration. Leeds were now officially relegated, and their slide to the third tier of English football (and the lowest point in their history) was complete.

For the despair od feat, read the delirium of victory. Although the following is often one largely of struggle, it will at least provide many supporters with priceless moments. Take the story of Hull City last season for example.

Promoted in story book fashion with a wonder goal at Wembley from local boy Dean Windass in front of the army of Tigers fans, Hull’s debut season in the Premier League was a true rollercoaster ride,

City’s promotion was followed by a start to the season even the most wildly optimistic Hull supporter wouldn’t have predicted. Victories at Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham saw Hull sitting in third place at the end of October with 20 points already chalked up. After just nine games the Tigers were half way towards the 40 point mark heralded as an indication safety has been assured.

Hull’s season then turned on it’s head and they picked up only 15 more points from the remaining 29 games of the season (safety only confirmed by Newcastle’s defeat on the final day at Villa), but the play off victory, followed by the subsequent run of victories at some of the most historic grounds in football, provided City’s fans with the probably the greatest period in the club’s history.

It’s not just the consequences of triumph or disaster that makes the play off final arguably the greatest club game in the world. Since it’s inception in the late eighties, the football league showpiece has thrown up some of the most dramatic games imaginable.

Maybe it’s the combination of a long, gruelling season coupled with a sprawling Wembley pitch that prohibits defences from performing when it most matters, or perhaps the sheer magnitude of the occasion that

the richest game of football in the world’, but for sheer drama and edge of the seat excitement, is the Championship play off final the

Infiltrates the cohesion of even the most harmonic of back lines.

Whatever the reason, between 1993 and 2000 an incredible 37 goals were scored in the 8 play off finals. Amongst them victories for Swindon, Bolton and Charlton (see sidebar) will live long in the memory – as will the pain of defeat for their respective opponents.

This season’s play off final will once again bring with it almost unimaginable financial changes for the triumphant club, largely on the back of the current TV deal that nets close to £3 billion for the premier League.

It’s not annual turnovers and transfer fees that will be on the minds of the 80,000 fans emerging from the tube stations and coaches to see the Wembley arch looming large on the horizon on 22nd May. It will be the dreams and delusions of successful trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and White Hart Lane, or the fear of leaving a colossal stadium as ticker tape of the wrong colour glistens against the Wembley grass.

The play offs are without doubt the best way to settle promotion, and the final is the most thrilling game on earth – just ask the fans of the victorious team on a bank holiday weekend in late May.

31st May 1993

Hoddle inspires Swindon

Having returned from France to take up his first managerial role, Glenn Hoddle performed wonders to take unfashionable Swindon Town to the brink of top flight football.

When Hoddle himself opened the scoring at Wembley just before half time, it seemed he was writing his own script. Swindon were inspired, and within 10 minutes of the restart they had raced into a 3-0 lead.

It was then that the wheels came off, and pre-match favourites stormed back to level with 3 goals in just 11 minutes, but Swindon weren’t finished.

With just 5 minutes left Leicester Keeper Kevin Poole brought down Steve White in the area, and Paul Bodin stepped up to send Swindon into the Premier League and their fans into ecstasy.

Unfortunately, just 6 months later Bodin turned from penalty hero to villain when he missed a spot kick for Wales that would almost certainly have sent them to the 1994 World Cup Finals.

29th May 1995

Bolton break Reading’s hearts

Once again in this final it was the unfancied side that raced into a commanding lead. Reading looked to be coasting to the Premier League with a two goal lead, fifteen minutes from full time.

An Owen Coyle goal gave Bolton a lifeline, and a Fabian De Freitas equaliser sent the final into extra time. When Mixu Paatelainen struck for Bolton in the 105th

minute Reading were dead on their feet. De Freitas, effectively finished the tie with 2 minutes to go.

Reading grabbed a consolation but their dream was over and Bolton returned to the top flight for the first time in 15 years.

29th May 1995

Sunderland pay the penalty for Gray’s miss

Clive Mendonca will be forever remembered as the Charlton hero for his hat-trick in this final, but for Sunderland Michael Gray’s shoot out miss is the abiding memory.

Mendonca gave Charlton the lad before Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn’s deadly double act turned the final on it’s head. Mendonca levelled the tie at 2-2 before Quinn’s second put Sunderland back in front. Defender Richard Rufus sent the final to extra time. Nicky Summerbee looked to have won it for Sunderland, but Mendonca completed his treble on 103 minutes to send the tie to penalties.

With the scores at 7-6, up stepped Gray to see his kick saved by Sasa Ilic.

Any lingering hopes Barnsley may have of a surprise play off place could well be extinguished if they are beaten by seventh place Blackpool this weekend. Daniel Bogdanovic’s sublime display at Cardiff last week will give Red’s fans encouragement they can turn over the Seasiders.

Blackpool need a result at Oakwell to say in touch with the top six. Last weekends excellent home win against improving Reading helped Ian Holloway’s side regain some momentum as they bid for a top six spot.

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Barnsley 11/8, Draw 11/5, Blackpool 2/1

After half a season of struggle all of a sudden Coventry are looking up at the play off positions and wondering if they can get amongst the challengers. A home game against a Scunthorpe side who have struggled on their travels looks like an opportunity to close the gap on the top six

Two successive home draws for Scunthorpe have kept Scunthorpe away from the drop zone, but having played more games than the other struggling sides they can take nothing for granted. Another point would be welcome return for Nigel Adkins’ team

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Coventry Evs, Draw 12/5, Scunthorpe 3/1

Following a convincing away win at Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster fans were beginning to think about the play offs. Two defeats in four days have stopped Donny in their tracks however, and a win on Saturday is essential to ensure Rovers don’t have to start checking over their shoulders again.

Crystal Palace are now firmly planted in the mire after their 10 point deduction and a recent loss of form. Their midweek cup exit has left them free to concentrate on maintaining their Championship status

VERDICT – DRAW

Odds – Doncaster 11/10 , Draw 12/5, Palace 5/2

Ipswich Town exited two relegation battles away from home with a healthy four points, and will be hoping they can now but any relegation worries firmly behind them over the coming weeks. A win on Saturday would see them move to within just one point of their opponents Bristol City.

City have been heading in the wrong direction for a while, but last Sundays surprise win over West Bromwent a long way to restoring confidence.

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Ipswich 8/11, Draw 12/5, Bristol City 3/1

Leicester’s midweek win at Doncaster has ensured they will remain in a play off spot after the weekend, regardless of what happens against Midlands rival Forest at the Walker Stadium. The Foxes will be hoping for a third successive home win and eight game without defeat

Forest remained in an automatic promotion spot thanks to West Broms defeat at Bristol City on Sunday. They may need a win this weekend to stay there.

VERDICT – DRAW

Odds – Leicester 13/8, Draw 11/5, Forest 13/8

Two successive defeats have halted Middlesbrough’s mini revival, but it’ still not too late for Boro to pinch a play off spot. Their home form will be key if Strachan’s men are to salvage something from a disappointing season.

Queens Park Rangers brought an end to a desperate run of results with victory over Doncaster last weekend. Rangers are still dangerously closed to the drop zone however, and won’t relish the long trip to the Riverside.

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Boro 4/6, draw 9/4, QPR 7/2

Having conceded 8 goals in their last 2 games away from home, Preston will be glad to get back to Deepdale. The gap between PNE and the bottom three is gradually narrowing again, and Cardiff will prove a stern test of North End’s defence.

After their shock home defeat to Barnsley, Cardiff’s hopes of catching the top two look all but over. The Bluebird’s will be anxiously looking at the teams below them, having dropped into the last play off spot.

VERDICT – DRAW

Odds – Preston 13/8, Draw 11/5, Cardiff 13/8

Reading have the perfect opportunity to put last weeks defeat at Blackpool behind them, and put some distance between themselves and the drop zone with a home game against out of form Sheffield Wednesday. The corresponding fixture last season saw Reading triumph 6-0.

Wednesday are right back in trouble after successive defeats to Doncaster and Ipswich and can’t afford another loss in this relegation battle. Alan Irvine’s team were only kept out of the relegation places by Coventry’s late winner at Palace last week.

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Reading 4/6, Draw 9/4, Wednesday 7/2

Sheffield United can’t afford to lose any more ground on the top six as they bid to make the play offs for the second successive season. The Blades home form has been excellent (5 wins out of the last 6) and they’ll hope to keep the run going against lowly Plymouth.

Plymouth have drawn their last two (both at home) and consequently have failed to close the gap on fourth bottom. They are, however, undefeated in three and would no doubt be fairly happy with a point at Bramall Lane.

VERDICT – DRAW

Odds – Sheff. Utd. 4/6, draw 9/4, Plymouth 7/2

Swansea leapfrogged Welsh rivals Cardiff as a result of their away win at Derby last week and have a great chance to cement their position with a home game against bottom club Peterborough

The Posh are almost drinking in last chance saloon, and almost certainly need promotion form to say up. A win in Wales is a tough task but last weekend’s postponement has given Jim Gannon plenty of time to prepare his side.

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – Swansea 1/2, draw 11/4, Peterborough 6/1

Watford have games in hand on the teams below them, but could find themselves dragged into the relegation mix if they fail to turn them into points. A game against the league leaders will do nothing to ease the pressure, but the Hornet’s home form is excellent.

After the 3-0 aberration at Derby, Newcastle have bounced back with seven points from three games. West Brom’s defeat last week has seen the Geordies open up a six point gap over the Baggies and with fourteen games to go, Newcastle are nearing the home straight of their promotion push in fine form.

VERDICT – AWAY WIN

Odds – Watford. 3/1, Draw 9/4, Newcastle 10/11

West Brom slipped up last Sunday at Ashton Gate, and fell out of the top two as a result. The Baggies won’t want to drop points at home this weekend as both their promotion rivals face difficult away days.

Derby meanwhile are still far from safe, and will no doubt be delighted if they can come away with a point from The Hawthornes

VERDICT – HOME WIN

Odds – West Brom 4/7, Draw 11/4, Derby 5/1

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