English Football League / Alan Dudman / 05 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

With the season kicking off at the weekend, betting.betfair.com's League One tipster Alan Dudman talks us through the chances of the teams realistically aiming to be in The Championship this time next year.

Brighton and Hove Albion: Promotion odds [5.10]

The Seagulls have been one of the busier teams in the division following the arrival
of new chairman Tony Bloom. With the funding looking secure for a move to Falmouth,
it looks as though the Albion can see dawn after the darkness.

Manager Russell Slade let 14 players leave the club in the summer, and so far has
signed six new faces. Money will be made available by Bloom, and the club also
have sold Joel Lynch to Nottingham Forest for £200,000.

Prediction: Outsiders for play-off spot.

Charlton Athletic: Win odds [10.5], Promotion [3.85]

Testing times at The Valley, with manager Phil Parkinson admitting there are plenty
of holes in a squad that was relegated from the Championship last season - and a
squad now lighter of nine senior pros.

With speculation of a possible takeover, the club have barely dipped their toes in
the transfer market. Free agent signings of Christian Dailly, Miguel Angel Llera and
Frazer Richardson hardly set the pulses racing and I think they will struggle to get
out of the division at the first attempt.

Prediction: Play-offs at best, but Parkinson a possible early casualty.

Huddersfield Town: Promotion [4.00].

This could be a big season for manager Lee Clark, who impressed me with his
attitude when taking over at the Galpharm last winter.

The board have backed their young boss, and new signing Jordan Stewart
cost a substantial amount in arriving from Ipswich. He heads a pretty potent
strikeforce whilst Clark has added some good old fashioned League One nouse
with experienced pair Peter Clarke and Antony Kay on board.

Goals look likely, and the spine looks a lot stronger, I am backing Clark as a
manager going places.

Prediction: New look Terriers look play-off material.

Leeds United: Win [4.3], promotion [1.86]

It looks as if Leeds will run the risk of striker Jermaine Beckford leaving for nothing
at the end of 2010 - but at least they will have him for the new season....all
34 goals-worth.

The mighty Whites have been relatively quiet over the summer with only Patrick
Kisnorbo, Jason Crowe and Shane Higgs signed.

However, the transfer kitty should be funded following news that Aston Villa have signed 19-year-old midfielder Fabian Delph.

Prediction: Looking to lay in title market, will reach play-offs again.

Millwall: Win [10.5], Promotion [3.85]

Last season's beaten play-off finalists have largely maintained their strength, with
the nucleus of that team all signing new long term deals.

Manager Kenny Jackett has penned a new contract too, and will be looking for
all out promotion this time around. (There goes the 'No Jackett' headline again).

Worringly, centre-back Zak Whitbread has turned down a new contract and has been
placed on the transfer-list. That loss will be very much someone else's gain.

Prediction: Play-off banker material.

MK Dons: Win [10.5], Promotion [3.85]

Paul Ince is back, and the 'guvnor' has managed to bring in striker Jermaine Easter
from Plymouth. That looks one of the outstanding transfers in the division, and I
am tempted to throw a couple of quid at Easter in the top scorer market.

With fellow additions of Ibehere, Johnson (again), Gleeson, McCracken, Searle, Carrington
and Partridge, the new look Dons look to have a good chance again of getting out of
League One.

Prediction: Play-offs again.

Norwich City: Win [7.80], Promotion [3.15]

Manager Bryan Gunn has been waving around the chequebook this summer, with no
less than 12 signings arriving at Carrow Road, and plenty of options up front.

The Canaries reportedly forked out £500,000 for powerful striker Grant Holt,
whilst former Barcelona 'B' man Goran Maric and Danish defender Jens Askou have both
impressed in pre-season.

The squad looks strong, my worry is the manager in coping with the expectation. It
is also a big season for highly talented but frustrating midfielder Wes Hoolahan.

Prediction: My title tip

Post a comment

Name:

Email Address:

URL:

Remember personal info?

Comment: