We`ll walk the Championship next season` was a genuine comment from a Newcastle United fan on a forum this week. ‘AVFC coming to a Championship ground near you for one season only` a Villa fan said on Facebook, once again showing their arrogance.
Some supporters do not realise how tough the Championship is. Yes, Newcastle walked the league in 2009-10 and returned to the Premiership at the first attempt. But back then, they had fighters in their team, grafters. How many players of that ilk do they have in their ranks now?
And what about Villa? A major overhaul is needed. Integrating and developing a team capable of negotiating this tough division will prove a very difficult task when you consider the sheer volume of new faces needed.
Of course, bookmakers will make Newcastle and Villa the stand out favourites for promotion. And I`m not saying that will not happen. But going in to the season with the mind-set of ‘it`s going to be easy` will only see them struggle.
From the three relegated teams, I`d suggest that Norwich City are in the best shape for a quick return. They have proven performers at Championship level and fewer prima Donnas. But you can`t rule out teams already in the division – Brighton, Fulham, Derby County, Hull or Sheffield Wednesday (whoever loses the play off final) Ipswich, Wolves, Brentford, Cardif, QPR, Reading? and maybe a surprise package – perhaps Blues, Wigan, Preston?
The Championship is a tough league and arguably the most competitive in the world. Arrogance will only lead to a long hard 46 game slog.
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