The forthcoming season will see six Midlands clubs competing in the Championship. Blues, Aston Villa and Wolves make up the West Midlands contingent with Derby County, Nottingham Forest and newly promoted Burton Albion representing the East Midlands.
Rob Wildey analyses the chances of the regions’ clubs next season.
ASTON VILLA
New manager Roberto Di Matteo wasted no time in adding to his squad by bringing in Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick, goalkeeper Perluigi Gollini and Reading midfielder Aaron Tshibola. Villa have spending power compared to other Championship clubs and they will not shy away from proving that.
Di Matteo and his assistant, Steve Clarke, have the tough job of restoring confidence into the players who were so shamefully relegated from the Premier League last season. But if Villa can hit the ground running and can handle the pressure of being a major scalp, they should finish in the top six at least.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Gary Rowett is doing an outstanding job at St. Andrew`s but the precarious financial situation means the shackles are still on somewhat which can limit the clubs progress. After two consecutive tenth placed finishes, Rowett will have his work cut out to better that outcome.
Having said that, the squad of players at his disposal have proved to be a hardworking and committed bunch. The squad still requires strengthening in the way of a striker and a full-back if Blues are to push on and challenge for an unlikely play-off place.
BURTON ALBION
Nigel Clough kept the Burton bus moving after taking over the reins from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and they were crowned League One champions. New signings Chris O`Grady and Kyle McFadzean will offer valuable experience.
Make no mistake about it, merely surviving in the Championship will be an achievement for the Brewers.
DERBY COUNTY
After the appointment of Nigel Pearson, Derby fans are dreaming of a return to the top flight. After missing out in the last three years, The Rams will be expecting to be up there once again.
Their squad is packed full of proven Championship quality but keeping hold of Jeff Hendrick will be like a new signing in itself. No doubt the squad will be further strengthen meaning Derby will be favourites for a play-off place.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
New manager Philippe Montanier takes over the poisoned chalice at the City Ground. Forest have had recent troubles with chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi and have been through seven managers in less than four years.
New signings have been made and will have to prove themselves to the fans who are desperate for a better season. It is difficult to predict what sort of season is in store for Forest but they shouldn`t be battling relegation.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Wolves have been taken over by a Chinese conglomerate which leaves the future of manager Kenny Jackett in doubt. Sections of the supporters seem to have lost patience with Jackett and are hopeful of a change.
Wolves` pre-season will begin in earnest now. Reportedly, they have money to spend which they must do in order to compete for the top six. The fans will undoubtedly expect a play-off spot, but the Championship is a very tough league.
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