Outside of the razzmatazz of the Premier League lies a whole other football experience - the Football League. The top tier of this goes under the name of the Championship. It is a fiercely competitive league where the riches of the Premiership are tantalisingly close by, yet so difficult to get to! Many teams have tried and failed to escape the Championship, while there are quite a few others who have reached the promised land only to be thrust back through the trap door. The three teams I will be looking at in this blog are all examples of those who have been fortunate enough to play in the Premiership following promotion and yet will find themselves plying their trade in the Championship during 2012-13.
Blackburn Rovers - slight confession here, this is my team (I know, but I'm holding onto the saying that it could be worse!). Following a thoroughly depressing season in which there weren't many highlights, (perhaps winning at Old Trafford and being 6 points clear of the drop zone in March to give us all false hopes) Blackburn find themselves back in the Championship. Ewood Park holds just over 31,000 people and officials will be hoping that the expected downturn in audience isn't as severe as has been suggested in some quarters. The last time Rovers played in the 2nd tier of football was in the 1999-2000 & 2000-2001 seasons following relegation despite many saying they were "too good to go down" - my opinion - you're never too good to go down if you don't play well enough and win a few games! Since being relegated this time round, there have been some interesting moves in the transfer market and one or two murmurings of departures, with at least Yakubu (last season's top scorer) a definite out goer. Danny Murphy brings some much needed experience into the team and if he can replicate his passing and vision whilst at Fulham looks to be a good acquisition. Nuno Gomes is someone who was a good player - it will be interesting to see how he copes in the world of the Championship. I think the season will be defined by any remaining incomings and outgoings and also how well the team starts the season. A bad start may see the team struggle in a notoriously difficult league to be in, never mind get out of after an 11 year absence.
Bolton Wanderers - followed Blackburn up to the Premiership in 2001 and have followed them back down again in 2012 - nice to have some company! Bolton had a turbulent season for very different reasons to their neighbours - injuries appeared to derail much of their season and the well-documented incident involving Muamba must have made things really difficult for all involved. It is good to see the recovery he has made and I'm sure he'll continue to have an influence at Bolton in the forthcoming season. Whilst releasing a number of players, Bolton have managed to keep hold of a few of their more influential players for the time being. One of these is Kevin Davies - a tough striker who should do well next season. He is Mr Bolton to Bolton and they will be pleased that he has committed himself to the team. The team are one of the favourites to bounce straight back and in Coyle have someone who has been there done that before with Burnley. Again, their start to the season will be crucial.
Wolverhampton Wanderers - bounced a little bit between the top tier and the Championship over the last few years. They followed Blackburn in sacking their manager and promoting from within. Sadly for Wolves this strategy didn't reverse fortunes at the club and they finished rock bottom of the Premiership. They will start the new season with a fresh manager in place who fans will hope can help them to make an immediate return to the Premiership. It's been a bit quiet on the transfer front with few incomings and not many outgoings to speak of. The most notable in is Frank Nouble from West Ham, though he is still young and needs time to show what he might be able to do. The key for Wolves will be holding onto the likes of Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher - a tough ask should someone with big money come calling.
In conclusion, interesting times ahead for all three - the start each make will be key and how well they all adapt to the different style of the Championship. Next time, a look at the new boys from below - those promoted from Division 1.
