Football League Returns 2011/2012
The football league returns this weekend, and it doesn't seem all that long ago that last season came to a close. For QPR, Norwich and Swansea, those dreams of reaching the big time have become reality - joy all around. On the opposite end of the scale, not so much for those losing their Football League status, or for those that missed out on the big dream of the Premier League.
Fan-run AFC Wimbledon have been gaining momentum climbing the non-league system since their creation in response to the original Wimbledon's move to Milton Keynes and namechange to reflect their new location. This weekend they embark upon their first appearence as football league club - after winning the Conference play-off final - against Bristol Rovers. A day that will no doubt live long in the memory for all those associated.
This up-coming season Championship looks to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory; relegated West Ham, newly re-invigorated following the arrival of Big Sam will be contenders as will the division's top spending Leicester. Last season's Premier League entertainers Blackpool, under the stewardship of Ian Holloway have lost a number of star performers, most notably Charlie Adam, but have gained a striker who will score goals to keep the Seasiders in the upper reaches of the Chamionship in the sparingly used 38-year-old Kevin Phillips. Birmingham have also lost more than their fair share of playing staff, but like West Ham have a new man at the helm to guide them in the right direction, following the defection of Big Eck to bitter rivals Aston Villa.
League One has also been very competitive, featuring Norwich, Southampton, Leeds and Leicester in the last couple of seasons. This season it will play home to the teams of the Steel City derby. Both sides will be desperate to climb the ladder back to the big time, and Sheffield Utd will be strong favourites to be promoted.
In League Two, Crawley, Conference Champions last season are strong favourites to repeat that feat and be crowned Champions again. The Red Devils will be looking to emulate the Yeovil side of a few years ago under Gary Johnson. Accrington Stanley came oh-so-close to making their meteoric rise into League One, managing to hold on to manager John Coleman will see them attempting to go one better this time around.
Next time... Season Predictions.
Fan-run AFC Wimbledon have been gaining momentum climbing the non-league system since their creation in response to the original Wimbledon's move to Milton Keynes and namechange to reflect their new location. This weekend they embark upon their first appearence as football league club - after winning the Conference play-off final - against Bristol Rovers. A day that will no doubt live long in the memory for all those associated.
This up-coming season Championship looks to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory; relegated West Ham, newly re-invigorated following the arrival of Big Sam will be contenders as will the division's top spending Leicester. Last season's Premier League entertainers Blackpool, under the stewardship of Ian Holloway have lost a number of star performers, most notably Charlie Adam, but have gained a striker who will score goals to keep the Seasiders in the upper reaches of the Chamionship in the sparingly used 38-year-old Kevin Phillips. Birmingham have also lost more than their fair share of playing staff, but like West Ham have a new man at the helm to guide them in the right direction, following the defection of Big Eck to bitter rivals Aston Villa.
League One has also been very competitive, featuring Norwich, Southampton, Leeds and Leicester in the last couple of seasons. This season it will play home to the teams of the Steel City derby. Both sides will be desperate to climb the ladder back to the big time, and Sheffield Utd will be strong favourites to be promoted.
In League Two, Crawley, Conference Champions last season are strong favourites to repeat that feat and be crowned Champions again. The Red Devils will be looking to emulate the Yeovil side of a few years ago under Gary Johnson. Accrington Stanley came oh-so-close to making their meteoric rise into League One, managing to hold on to manager John Coleman will see them attempting to go one better this time around.
Next time... Season Predictions.
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