Season Preview: The Championship

Leeds UnitedLeeds

The Odds – (Via-William Hill)

League Winners: 33/1

Promotion: 8/1

Relegation: 7/2

The Background

Leeds’ loss of Ross McCormack could prove catastrophic for the upcoming campaign. A mid-table finish was overshadowed by matters off the pitch for large periods of the season. On the pitch a season of struggle in many ways did not make for much enjoyment for the fans. Travelling in huge numbers away, including an unbelievable 8,000 following at Blackburn, fans were often not rewarded for their efforts.

The Transfers

Tomasso Bianchi into the midfield, Doukara in up front, Silvestri and Taylor in to cover the goalkeeping scenario… McCormack out. Not the news Leeds fans wanted but unfortunately for them it happened. £11m for any player in the second tier is a massive sum and will certainly go some way to softening the blow, with many fans believing it is actually a good move for the club. Whether it is or not will be proven over the course of the season, but one thing is for certain, Leeds United always have a good striker. With their past strikers being Beckford-Becchio-McCormack, they won’t need to worry too much for the upcoming season.

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The Star Man

Rodolph Austin will be a key man for the upcoming season as will Matt Smith. Smith’s aerial ability and Austin’s strong character in midfield will make for two very useful features of the side. With promising youth coming through the ranks as well such as Alex Mowatt and Dominic Poleon, the future looks bright for Leeds. The question is, will one of these youngsters step it up or will they have to rely on a potential Italian invasion?

The Gaffer

Salisbury City’s explosion from the Conference Premier is the only reason Dave Hockaday is spared from having ‘relegation’ on his CV. Hockaday’s job at Forest Green Rovers was his first in management. Whilst his second season at the club was also lacklustre, he began to stabilise the club with two consecutive 10th place finishes. At a time where anything goes off the pitch, Leeds fans will hope that Hockaday can bring some of his recent stability to Elland Road. A 10th place finish would be satisfactory, for now. This was with the club having the highest transfer budget and wage budget in the league. Expect the unexpected with this manager and most certainly, the chairman behind him.

The Verdict? 21st.

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