It’s the final day of my wider Championship predictions. Please remember transfers were right up yo August 6th, when I penned this article.
19. Portsmouth
Last 5 Championship finishes: 18 – 16 – n/a – n/a – n/a
Ground/Capacity: Fratton Park (20,688)
Manager: John Mousinho
In: Odin Bailey (Stockport, free), Eoin Kenny (Dundalk, undisclosed), Rocco Shein (Fredrikstad, undisclosed), Marko Milovanovic (Almeria, undisclosed), Daniel Bielica (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Luke Brooke-Smith (Wellington, undisclosed)
Out: Andre Dozzell (DC United, free), Toby Steward (St Johnstone, loan), Reuben Swann (Braintree, loan), Makenzie Kirk (Barnsley, loan), Jordan Williams (Blackpool, loan), Ibane Bowat (Huddersfield, undisclosed)
Portsmouth endured a difficult campaign last season, but there was encouragement in the way they finished, losing only one of their final eight matches. Adrian Segečić also ended the season with five goals in three appearances, accounting for a fifth of Pompey’s league total and providing some optimism ahead of the summer. Marko Milovanovic has now arrived to ease the long-standing reliance on Colby Bishop, while Rocco Shein could prove an excellent addition in midfield.
John Mousinho has once again had to work within financial restrictions, and several of the new arrivals have little or no experience of Championship football. That may require patience, particularly if injuries begin to stretch the squad, while Josh Murphy’s availability remains important to their attacking threat. Pompey should retain enough organisation and spirit to remain competitive, but another season spent fighting for survival appears likely.
20. Watford
Last 5 Championship finishes: 16 – 14 – 15 – 11 – n/a
Ground/Capacity: Vicarage Road (21,577)
Manager: Alessio Dionisi
In: Amor Traore (Udinese, undisclosed), Iker Bravo (Udinese, undisclosed), Luca Kjerrumgaard (Udinese, undisclosed), Martin Payero (Udinese, undisclosed), Federico Ravaglia (Bologna, undisclosed), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, loan)
Out: Nathan Baxter (Leyton Orient, undisclosed), Giorgi Chakvetadze (Udinese, undisclosed), Jorge Hurtado (Deportes Tolima, loan), Vivaldo Semedo (Alverca, loan), Tom Ince (Tranmere, free)
Watford continue to possess some talented individuals, but the squad appears to become weaker with each passing year. The latest group of arrivals includes four players from Udinese, while Alessio Dionisi is another new face in the dugout with a mixed record behind him. Giorgi Chakvetadze is a notable departure, and the familiar pattern of short-term decisions and constant change shows little sign of ending.
A reliable goalscorer remains the biggest need, with Troy Deeney in 2015 still the last Watford player to reach 20 league goals in a season. Dionisi may be able to keep the Hornets competitive when their strongest players are available, but their instability always leaves them one poor run away from trouble. Another disappointing campaign near the lower end of the table appears more likely than a serious push for the play-offs.
21. Lincoln City
Last 5 Championship finishes: None
Ground/Capacity: Sincil Bank (10,669)
Manager: Chris Cohen & Tom Shaw
In: Callum Elder (Derby, free), Andrei Coubis (Universitatea Cluj, undisclosed), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa, loan), Mason Melia (Tottenham, loan)
Out: MJ Kamson-Kamara (Hearts, free), Zach Jeacock (Northampton, loan), Erik Ring (Kilmarnock, undisclosed), Jack Moylan (Cardiff, undisclosed)
Full analysis tomorrow, but maybe my heart has ruled my head here.
22. Charlton Athletic
Last 5 Championship finishes: 19 – n/a – n/a – n/a – n/a
Ground/Capacity: The Valley (28,875)
Manager: Nathan Jones
In: Ivan Mesik (Heracles Almelo, undisclosed), Billy Koumetio (Dundee, undisclosed), Karlan Grant (West Brom, free), Danny McNamara (Millwall, free), Millenic Alli (Luton, undisclosed)
Out: Terry Taylor (Stevenage, free), Lennon MacLorg (Gillingham, free), Gassan Ahadme (Cambridge, loan), Macaulay Gillesphey (Bradford, undisclosed), Ty Ewens-Findlay (Crawley, loan), Karoy Anderson (Blackpool, undisclosed), Alex Mitchell (Plymouth, undisclosed), Kaheim Dixon (Novi Pazar, undisclosed)
Nathan Jones ultimately kept Charlton in the Championship last season, building a side that was organised, direct and difficult to beat, particularly at The Valley. The additions of Billy Koumetio and Danny McNamara should help preserve that defensive strength, while Millenic Alli provides another attacking option. Several players have also moved on, easing some of the pressure created by an oversized squad.
Goals remain the major concern. No Championship team scored fewer times in the first half last season, while only Sheffield Wednesday attempted fewer shots before the interval. Karlan Grant brings experience, but there are questions over whether his return will be enough to solve their lack of creativity and cutting edge. Charlton’s resilience should keep them competitive, although another relegation battle appears more likely, and second season syndrome could do them.
23. Blackburn Rovers
Last 5 Championship finishes: 20 – 7 – 19 – 7 – 8
Ground/Capacity: Ewood Park (31,367)
Manager: Tony Mowbray
In: Moussa Baradji (Yverdon Sport, undisclosed), Jayden Fevrier (Stockport, undisclosed)
Out: Aodhan Doherty (Falkirk, loan), Osman Kamara (Crawley, loan), Nick Michalski (Crawley, loan)
Blackburn have flirted with relegation twice in the last three seasons, and there is little in their summer business to suggest the danger has passed. They scored only 42 league goals last term, their lowest total since 2010, despite attempting 64 more shots than promoted Hull. Moussa Baradji and Jayden Fevrier are the only additions so far, leaving Tony Mowbray with a squad that appears no stronger than the one that narrowly survived.
There are useful attacking players in the starting side, and Mowbray’s experience may help Blackburn remain competitive when everyone is available. The problem is a lack of depth, with injuries or further departures likely to expose serious weaknesses. Unless more quality arrives before the transfer window closes, their poor chance conversion and limited resources could finally drag them into League One.
24. Bolton Wanderers
Last 5 Championship finishes: n/a – n/a – n/a – n/a – n/a
Ground/Capacity: Toughsheet Community Stadium (28,723)
Manager: Steven Schumacher
In: David Watson (Kilmarnock, free), Ben Davies (Rangers, free), Akin Famewo (Hull, undisclosed), Luca Stephenson (Liverpool, £700K), Kyliane Dong (Augsburg, loan), Gaizka Larrazabal (Casa Pia, free)
Out: Szabi Schon (ETO FC Gyor, undisclosed), George Johnston (Luton, free), Kyle Dempsey (Port Vale, free), Sonny Sharples-Ahmed (Hednesford Town, undisclosed), Richard Taylor (Bromley, loan)
Tin hat time! Bolton return to the Championship with a manager who has already shown he can build an effective promotion-winning side. Steven Schumacher’s team were the only one in League One to record more than 1,000 shots last season, while Ben Davies, Akin Famewo and Luca Stephenson should add greater strength and experience. Their attacking intent is not in question, but the loss of Amario Cozier-Duberry after his successful loan spell removes an important creative outlet.
The concern is whether last season’s fine margins can be repeated at a much higher level. Bolton scored a large number of late goals, many of them equalisers, and no side across the four divisions drew more matches. Their defensive recruitment is encouraging, but doubts remain over the goalkeeping position and whether there is enough creativity and firepower in the squad. They should compete, although survival may prove a demanding task.
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