Championship review

It’s no coincidence that the two relegated clubs from the Premier – WBA and Fulham – were promoted the previous season and that Norwich and Watford, who were promoted from the Championship, were themselves relegated.

It’s more to do more with money than prowess. So all the more congratulations to my team Brentford, who are a selling club with no parachute payments, for achieving promotion.

To add spice to the Championship WBA and Bournemouth, who played out a lively draw last night, are under new management.

Scott Parker left Fulham for the south coast club whilst Valerien Ismael, who had a successful season last term with Barnsley, has joined Albion.

In the Championship there are slew of clubs who have known better times – Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Stoke, QPR, Derby, now promoted Coventry, Luton and Cardiff – and I  expect Forest under Chris Hughton to do the best of these.

Alan Tanner will no doubt give the low-down on Fulham, another ream with a new manager – Marco Silva.

Certainly they have a strong squad, many of whom achieved promotion two seasons ago, but its a question of how quickly they adapt to a new coach with a different set-up, tactics and selection.

They have the advantage of a proven striker in Alex Mitrovic.