AlGard
UTC Legend
Same as last season I have contacted friends (mainly ex military) to give a 4 line (ISH) mini preview on their thoughts for their own team this coming season.
WBA and Sheff Utd previews were done by friends of friends as I have no contacts with allegiance to either.
Some previews I got in before the end of July, so signings might have changed.
You will notice a lot of pessimism about lack of signings, money problems etc. We are not alone.
Remember, it's just for fun.
Part 1 today, Part 2 tomorrow.
BARNSLEY.
Interesting choice of manager in Schopp. Bags of experience with also ran Austrian teams, and a reputation for bringing on youthful players.
A new strike force of Cole and Oulare, who have not been so prolific with previous clubs.
Last year was exceptional, and at the start of the season, the play offs was a distant dream, but it happened.
This year, it's a distant dream again, but I can't see it being repeated.
11th - 13th.
BIRMINGHAM CITY.
Just call us "Grace Brothers FC". Our recruitment this summer has been a case of asking players "Are you free?", and if they are we sign the buggers.
A glut of loan players gives us a very much cobbled together look. Will they all gel?
14th at best.
BLACKBURN.
Nobody new in as yet, although the search for loans goes on. The usual transfer season rumours on Armstrong are circling, and if he goes,
the attack looks very weak. Too inconsistent last season. If it's more of the same, Mowbray will be gone before the Xmas decs are down from the loft.
10th.
BLACKPOOL.
Glad to be here. We went up with only 60 league goals last season. Unless that is addressed, then we are going to seriously struggle. We only conceded 37, and if the defence holds firm again, it will negate the lack of goals.
Jerry Yates is one to watch at this year. Glad he has signed a new 3 year deal.
18th and elated with that.
BRISTOL CITY.
Not a bad pre season as the side is now packed with players from the academy. Couple of journeyman signings to bolster midfield. But lacking a prolific striker could cost us. I will be happy with a better season than last. Would like top six but more likely 8th- 10th.
CARDIFF.
I just wanted us to bolster defence, and we have. A partner was needed for Keifer Moore, James Collins from Luton maybe the supplier of those knock downs with his height. Expecting more consistency this season.
Play offs.
COVENTRY:
A very respectable 16th last season after a shaky start. With a glut of free signings, I don't think we have improved the squad, but I think the league is a bit weaker this year.
We have lost every pre season friendly, and look a bit light in all areas.
Same again would be fine. 16th. 15th is progress right?
DERBY:
A huge clear out, and rightly so, maybe 20 odd players. And with our embargo, they have been replaced with freebie non-league superstars from the likes of Sutton Coldfield. God help us. It ain't going to be pretty. Expecting to see lots of goals at Pride Park, unfortunately, not for us.
24th.
FULHAM:
The Silva era begins. You stole our manager, and I thank you for that. We might see our best players back now having had the slate wiped clean. Harry Wilson is the big signing with the parachute dosh so far, and he has received mixed reviews. Hoping we will be adventurous and attacking as the ability is there for a swift return.
Automatic Promotion, hopefully with you lot.
HUDDERSFIELD:
Close scrape last season. Not expecting much better this season. The return of Jordan Rhodes is a boost, all be it 10 years later.
The worst defence in last years championship has been addressed with new faces in Ruffels, Pearson, and Lees.
15th.
HULL CITY:
Full of confidence after promotion, and with a decent start, that will carry forward in to a decent season. The defence is solid, the midfield has been bolstered. We are going to surprise a few.
10th. The ability is there.
LUTON TOWN:
Did you know we finished 12th last season? Frugal in conceding goals, and even more frugal trying to score them. So, in comes Cameron Jerome & Onedimya, who was more than decent for Wycombe last season. Perhaps we might be more adventurous this term and crack 50 goals scored. That would put us around the same position as last term.
11th.
WBA and Sheff Utd previews were done by friends of friends as I have no contacts with allegiance to either.
Some previews I got in before the end of July, so signings might have changed.
You will notice a lot of pessimism about lack of signings, money problems etc. We are not alone.
Remember, it's just for fun.
Part 1 today, Part 2 tomorrow.
BARNSLEY.
Interesting choice of manager in Schopp. Bags of experience with also ran Austrian teams, and a reputation for bringing on youthful players.
A new strike force of Cole and Oulare, who have not been so prolific with previous clubs.
Last year was exceptional, and at the start of the season, the play offs was a distant dream, but it happened.
This year, it's a distant dream again, but I can't see it being repeated.
11th - 13th.
BIRMINGHAM CITY.
Just call us "Grace Brothers FC". Our recruitment this summer has been a case of asking players "Are you free?", and if they are we sign the buggers.
A glut of loan players gives us a very much cobbled together look. Will they all gel?
14th at best.
BLACKBURN.
Nobody new in as yet, although the search for loans goes on. The usual transfer season rumours on Armstrong are circling, and if he goes,
the attack looks very weak. Too inconsistent last season. If it's more of the same, Mowbray will be gone before the Xmas decs are down from the loft.
10th.
BLACKPOOL.
Glad to be here. We went up with only 60 league goals last season. Unless that is addressed, then we are going to seriously struggle. We only conceded 37, and if the defence holds firm again, it will negate the lack of goals.
Jerry Yates is one to watch at this year. Glad he has signed a new 3 year deal.
18th and elated with that.
BRISTOL CITY.
Not a bad pre season as the side is now packed with players from the academy. Couple of journeyman signings to bolster midfield. But lacking a prolific striker could cost us. I will be happy with a better season than last. Would like top six but more likely 8th- 10th.
CARDIFF.
I just wanted us to bolster defence, and we have. A partner was needed for Keifer Moore, James Collins from Luton maybe the supplier of those knock downs with his height. Expecting more consistency this season.
Play offs.
COVENTRY:
A very respectable 16th last season after a shaky start. With a glut of free signings, I don't think we have improved the squad, but I think the league is a bit weaker this year.
We have lost every pre season friendly, and look a bit light in all areas.
Same again would be fine. 16th. 15th is progress right?
DERBY:
A huge clear out, and rightly so, maybe 20 odd players. And with our embargo, they have been replaced with freebie non-league superstars from the likes of Sutton Coldfield. God help us. It ain't going to be pretty. Expecting to see lots of goals at Pride Park, unfortunately, not for us.
24th.
FULHAM:
The Silva era begins. You stole our manager, and I thank you for that. We might see our best players back now having had the slate wiped clean. Harry Wilson is the big signing with the parachute dosh so far, and he has received mixed reviews. Hoping we will be adventurous and attacking as the ability is there for a swift return.
Automatic Promotion, hopefully with you lot.
HUDDERSFIELD:
Close scrape last season. Not expecting much better this season. The return of Jordan Rhodes is a boost, all be it 10 years later.
The worst defence in last years championship has been addressed with new faces in Ruffels, Pearson, and Lees.
15th.
HULL CITY:
Full of confidence after promotion, and with a decent start, that will carry forward in to a decent season. The defence is solid, the midfield has been bolstered. We are going to surprise a few.
10th. The ability is there.
LUTON TOWN:
Did you know we finished 12th last season? Frugal in conceding goals, and even more frugal trying to score them. So, in comes Cameron Jerome & Onedimya, who was more than decent for Wycombe last season. Perhaps we might be more adventurous this term and crack 50 goals scored. That would put us around the same position as last term.
11th.