Championship / Mike Norman / 27 July 2009 /

In a tough looking Coca-Cola Championship, "Mystical" Mike Norman briefly highlights the merits of some of the promotion candidates... which of course includes a certain black & white circus.

Season after season the Coca-Cola Championship turns out to be one of the most open leagues in English football, often with automatic promotion and relegation issues not decided until the very last round of fixtures.

This season promises to be no different. With no less than eight clubs currently trading between [3.0] and [6.0] in Betfair's Promotion 2009/10 market, and at least 14 clubs on offer at less than [10.0], then deciding where to put your hard-earned is a bit like choosing between a parmo, a kebab, and a pizza - you fancy all three, but you've only got cash for one of them.

Mind you, three winners will be decided in this particular market, so you can have your feast if you like!

Heading the market are the two north-east teams - Newcastle at [3.0] and Middlesbrough at [3.05] - both of whom should be in contention throughout the season.

Newcastle's off-field problems are well documented, but on the field the club has enough talent and experience to get them out of this division. But as Ralph Ellis so accurately points out, how can a club that has gone through, and continues to go through, so much turmoil and uncertainty win (or even come close to winning) an ultra-competitive 46-match league? The answer you'd have thought lies within their squad.

As things stand, players such as Nicky Butt, Kevin Nolan, Damien Duff, Alan Smith, Geremi, Steven Taylor, Obafemi Martins and... heaven forbid... Joey Barton remain Newcastle United players. And should the majority stay for the full season, then even this most hapless, circus-like club can't fail to win games in this division.

Just down the road Middlesbrough are sailing on much calmer waters. True, Stewart Downing has departed, and is likely to be followed by Mido, Tuncay and Afonso Alves before the season commences. But this still leaves Boro with a strong looking squad by Championship standards... and crucially, a much reduced wage bill.

They will need to invest in a striker but the rest of the squad looks solid, with an excellent blend of youth and experience. Watch out for Adam Johnson and the pacey duo of Marvin Emnes and Jeremie Aliadiere in attack.

Having led Sunderland to the Championship title in 2007, Roy Keane knows exactly what it takes to get out of this division so it's no surprise to see his new team Ipswich Town available to back at just [3.6] to gain promotion. In Richard Wright, Ben Thatcher, Damien Delaney and Alex Bruce, Keane has a strong and experienced looking back line from which he can build from. However, the rest of his squad lack numbers and quality, but if anyone can persuade some old heads to give Ipswich a helping hand then it's definitely Roy Keane.

Just like the last time they were relegated, West Brom ([3.05]) have so far managed to keep hold of their better players. But with club captain Jonathan Greening submitting a transfer request, and speculation as to the future of Marek Cech and Chris Brunt, Albion represent little value in the promotion market - at least until we know who is in and who is out.

Of the other fancied contenders, Sheff Utd ([4.2]) are a strong outfit despite the loss of Kyle Naughton to Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Reading ([5.5]) and QPR ([5.6]) are well equipped to challenge for a play-off place at least.

But at a decent price, Leicester City ([8.2]) can go close to back-to-back promotions under the astute management of Nigel Pearson. The Foxes have a huge squad - largely made up of excellent free transfer captures - and have money to spend if necessary. Striker Matty Fryatt has developed into a clinical goalscorer who should take this step up in league in his stride. He will be ably assisted by experienced forward Steve Howard, whilst the youth and class of Joe Mattock, Andy King and Jack Hobbs should ensure City have a great season.

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