<p>The EFL Championship promotion is race rapidly intensifying as most sides have just six games remaining. Fortunately for viewers in the United States, ESPN+ will have coverage of many of the games as three teams fight for two automatic promotion spots. Then, there are a host of teams looking to sneak into the promotion playoffs. </p>



<p>Currently, Norwich City is in sixth in the <a href="https://www.skysports.com/championship-table" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Championship table</a>, which is the last spot available for the playoff phase. Yet, having played 40 games this season, many of the teams trailing the Canaries have played one fewer. Four teams are within six points of Norwich, including three that have played 39 games. If those teams, namely <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/coventry-city-tv-schedule-view-sky-blues-games-on-tv/">Coventry City</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/preston-tv-schedule-follow-the-lilywhites/">Preston North End</a> and Hull City, can win in their games in hand, the promotion race only heats up further. </p>



<p>Certain clubs have easier run-ins to the end of the season than others. Yet, there are some consistent opponents for teams that will be crucial in determining how the table shakes out. Each of the following games in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">EFL Championship TV schedule</a> is available on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/espn-plus-soccer-schedule/">ESPN+</a>. </p>



<h2>ESPN+ has coverage of pivotal Championship promotion</h2>



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<h5>Norwich City vs. Ipswich Town — Saturday, April 6</h5>



<p>The East Anglia Derby between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/norwich-city-tv-schedule/">Norwich</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ipswich-town-tv-schedule/">Ipswich</a> waited four seasons to reignite as Ipswich and Norwich divided between divisions in the English Football League. Now, these two play one of the most important editions of their derby this coming Saturday. Norwich is clinging to sixth in the league table, but <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ipswich-town-tv-schedule/">Ipswich Town</a> has been dominant of late. In its last 10 games, Ipswich has picked up 27 points to climb into the automatic promotion spots.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/16043723/Ipswich-promotion-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-498951" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h5>Southampton vs. Preston North End — Tuesday, April 16</h5>



<p>One club has the biggest say over the remainder of the season. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/southampton-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Southampton</a>, looking to get back to the Premier League at the first time of trying, is comfortably inside the promotion playoff places. Even though the Saints trail the automatic promotion spots by double-digit points, Southampton has played just 38 games. It is an outside chance of automatically earning Premier League status, as the playoffs are beckoning for Russell Martin’s side. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/ipswich-town-tv-schedule/">Preston</a> is five points behind Norwich in the Championship table. Having played one game fewer, Preston will need to pick up points to keep pace with Norwich and the other clubs in this part of the table. A trip to St. Mary’s is a challenging task given the club’s relative struggles at home this season. </p>



<h5>Leicester City vs. West Bromwich Albion — Saturday, April 20</h5>



<p>From Sep. 23 to March 9, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/leicester-city-tv-schedule/">Leicester</a> sat atop the Championship. Yet, a dismal run of form from the Foxes led to just four points in six games. As a result, Leicester plunged to third in the table, out of the top two in the league for the first time in almost half of a calendar year.</p>



<p>The Foxes bounced back with a win over Norwich to start April, but an upcoming tie with fifth-place <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/west-brom-tv-schedule/">West Brom</a> will be another challenge. The Baggies are sitting idly in a playoff spot. Barring a total collapse at the Hawthorns, West Brom will rely on the playoffs. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/16043722/Vardy-Leicester-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-498952" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h5>Leicester City vs. Southampton — Tuesday, April 23</h5>



<p>As stated, one team will have a major say on the outlook of the Championship table. That is Southampton. The Saints travel to the King Power on matchday 44. The table could look different by the time this game in late April rolls around. However, Leicester will be fighting for automatic promotion, that much is certain. By this time, the game could be a ticket for Leicester to punch a ticket into the Premier League. Yet, given the nature of the Championship, this race will go down to the last matchday.</p>



<h5>Leeds United vs. Southampton — Saturday, May 4</h5>



<p>The biggest game on the final matchday of the season is at Elland Road. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/leeds-united-tv-schedule/">Leeds</a>, which has not lost a league game since the turn of the calendar year, welcomes Southampton. Before this game, Leeds must face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/coventry-city-tv-schedule-view-sky-blues-games-on-tv/">Coventry City</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sunderland-tv-schedule/">Sunderland</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/middlesbrough-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Middlesbrough</a>. Yet, this game against Southampton is surely the toughest.</p>



<p>Therefore, it is paramount for Daniel Farke’s club to ensure it has wrapped up a spot in the Premier League beforehand. Decision day in the 2022/23 season did not go to plan for the Whites as it crashed out of the Premier League with a loss against Tottenham. The club’s form now is considerably better than it was a year ago, and Leeds will fancy its chances to return to the Premier League. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


ESPN+ to cover wild EFL Championship promotion race

The EFL Championship promotion race is rapidly intensifying as most sides have just six or seven games remaining.

<p>On Easter weekend, ESPN+ will have an incredible eight promotion race games from the EFL Championship. </p>



<p>Promotion is at the top of these clubs’ minds across the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">English Championship</a>. The four promotion race games on Good Friday combined with another four on Easter Monday feature many of the clubs at the top battling for the two automatic promotion spots. Then, other clubs are working to get into the promotion playoffs.</p>



<p>Entering the weekend’s slate of games, one point separates the top three teams in the Championship. Leeds United holds the lead in the league despite being level on points with Leicester City. The Elland Road side has a superior goal differential than the Foxes by one goal. However, Leicester has a game in hand on both of its rivals at the top of the table. Ipswich trails both clubs by one point, and that one point is crucial. The top two finishers in the Championship earn an automatic promotion spot to the Premier League, while the third-place team enters the volatile promotion playoffs. </p>



<p>On Friday, each of those three teams is on the road against teams in the bottom half of the Championship table. While each will be favored to win those games, there are never guarantees in the Championship.</p>



<h2>ESPN+ Easter Weekend starts with a bang</h2>



<p>In the United States, each game is exclusively available on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a>. Here are the games on Good Friday (March 29, 2024):</p>



<ul><li>8:30 a.m. ET – Bristol City vs. Leicester City</li><li>11 a.m. ET – Norwich City vs. Plymouth Argyle</li><li>1:30 p.m. ET – Blackburn Rovers vs. Ipswich Town</li><li>4 p.m. ET – Watford vs. Leeds United</li></ul>



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<p>As seen, there is also a game featuring Norwich City. Currently, Norwich is sixth in the Championship table, and the Canaries are not in the running to finish in the positions for automatic promotion. However, Norwich is just three points above Hull City as it clings to the last playoff position. Also, Hull has a game in hand on Norwich, meaning the three-point edge could evaporate. Watching this Norwich game on ESPN+ should show some of the desperation from David Wagner’s side.</p>



<p>Both Norwich and Hull have daunting tasks on the Monday following Easter, though.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="720" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/16043939/Leicester-Ipswich-1200x720-1200x720.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-497683" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Promotion implications throughout the Championship</h2>



<p>Norwich travels to Leicester City on that Monday while Leeds United hosts Hull City at the end of the day. Of the three automatic contenders, though, Ipswich Town has the most challenging fixture. Also playing at home, Ipswich faces Southampton, which is sitting in fourth in the Championship. There is an outside chance the Saints make a run at entering the race for the automatic promotion spots. However, Southampton is likely comfortable holding onto fourth and ensuring a home game for the second leg of the promotion playoffs. Still, it can drag Ipswich into the playoffs with a result at Portman Road Stadium.</p>



<p>Monday, April 1, 2024 games on <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a>:</p>



<ul><li>7:30 a.m. ET – Leicester City vs. Norwich City</li><li>10 a.m. ET – Coventry City vs. Cardiff City</li><li>12:30 p.m. ET – Ipswich Town vs. Southampton</li><li>3 p.m. ET – Leeds United vs. Hull City</li></ul>



<p>The Coventry City game against Cardiff is a fixture between two teams trying to re-enter the conversation for the promotion playoffs. Coventry, the loser of last year’s playoff final, is four points behind Norwich. Like Hull, Coventry has a game in hand on Norwich. Cardiff City is a further four points behind Coventry having played one game more. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


ESPN+ to air 8 EFL promotion race games on Easter weekend

On Easter weekend, ESPN+ will have extensive coverage of key games in the EFL Championship promotion race.

main

<p>USMNT striker Josh Sargent has been dominating with Norwich City in recent games, and that has piqued the interest of Brentford. All signs point to the Premier League side losing its star striker, Ivan Toney, in the summer. The Englishman is linked with a move to clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea. Therefore, the Bees, which are always frugal in how they operate in the transfer market, are looking to bring in a new forward.</p>



<p>Sargent, who has scored 11 goals in the Championship this season, <a href="https://www.football.london/premier-league/brentford-eyeing-transfer-swoop-could-28745771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fits the bill</a>. Having already played in the Premier League, Josh Sargent has continued to improve in England. While 11 goals will not put Sargent toward the top of the league’s scoring charts, the rate at which he scores is impressive. For reference, his goal tally has come with far fewer games than most other strikers in the Championship. Ankle surgery ruled Sargent out from September to Christmas. Consequently, he has only played 15 games with the Canaries this season. </p>



<h2>Brentford sees Josh Sargent as a young player with strong goal ratio</h2>



<p>Moreover, that has come in bunches. After scoring three goals in Norwich’s first four games this season, Sargent returned with the same success. Sargent has played 11 games in the Championship since recovering from ankle surgery. He has eight goals in those games. That has had benefits for Norwich, which has emerged as one of the teams vying for the promotion playoffs at the end of the season. When Sargent had his surgery in September 2023, Norwich was second in the table. After his first game back, the club was in 13th. Now, Norwich is seventh in the league and a mere one point behind Hull City in sixth. Yet, even if Norwich does not earn promotion, Sargent may have a path back to the English top flight via transfer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/16044802/Sargent-Norwich-goals-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-492927" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>Sargent’s success this season has led to a goal every 89 minutes on the field. That is the best in the Championship, which is something Ivan Toney also did with Brentford. Much like Sargent, Toney thrived in the Championship. In his lone season with Brentford in the second division, Toney scored 31 goals in 45 games. That helped Brentford secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time and a return to the first division for the first time in 74 years.</p>



<h2>An affordable option despite new money</h2>



<p>What is interesting, though, is the fact that Brentford would have the opportunity to bring in a more expensive forward should it desire. Clubs are rumored to be spending around $100 million for the Englishman. In January, Brentford set his price tag at $125 million. Regardless of that figure, Josh Sargent will not be overly expensive. Two years ago, Norwich paid just $10 million to bring the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">American</a> to England. His current value with form will be higher than that, but he will not demand a major fraction of the Toney sale.</p>



<p>That said, Brentford could reform its squad with how much clubs are willing to spend on the English striker. Sargent could be just a part of the transfer workings at the Gtech Community Stadium this summer.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Resurgent Josh Sargent linked to Brentford to replace Toney

USMNT striker Josh Sargent has been dominating with Norwich City in recent games, and that has piqued the interest of Brentford.

<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/mike-basset-e1413456648247.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-119110" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2014/10/mike-basset-600x397-600x397.webp" alt="mike basset" width="600" height="397"></figure></div></a></p>
<p>It’s every Englishman’s dream to be the person who leads their country to World Cup success from the pitfalls of despair to the tears of joy and open-top bus parade around Central London. If you aren’t one of the managers of the big boys this dream will also be an impossible reality. However for Mike Bassett, this becomes his reality.</p>
<p><em>Mike Bassett England Manager</em> is a mockumentary&nbsp;of what it might be like to be England manager even if you not good enough to manage them. The 125-minute film also&nbsp;deals with hooliganism and the impression of English soccer fans aboard, and the ‘Psycho’ captain Gary Wackett who takes more pride in putting the fear in opponents then actually being able to lead a team. Then there’s David Dodds, the coach who simply agrees with everything Mike says (like Phil Neal with Graham Taylor from the infamous <em>Do I Not Like That</em> documentary). And then there’s the irate and often brash Fleet Street reporter played by Phill Jupitus.</p>
<p><em>Mike Bassett England Manager</em> provides many ‘laugh out loud’ moments and truly illustrates the up and downs fans experience following their nation in a major tournament. It also provides moments of emotion and true pride, and shows that although it is most one of the lucrative jobs in football, it does take a very brave individual to do it.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V5QfKxYbAag?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1494810608/mike-bassett-interim-manager" target="_blank">check out the Kickstarter project</a> where filmmakers are trying to raise funds to launch a sequel to the film.</p>
<p>Mobile app users, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5QfKxYbAag" target="_blank">watch the video here</a>.</p>


Watch 'Mike Bassett England Manager,' the Hilarious Mockumentary [VIDEO]

Watch 'Mike Bassett England Manager,' the Hilarious Mockumentary [VIDEO] - World Soccer Talk

<p><a href="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/08/championshipnpower.jpg"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-880" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/08/championshipnpower.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="260"></figure></div></a></p>
<p>It all kicks off tomorrow night, as Championship new boys Norwich play host to Watford in the first game of the football league season on a Friday night. This will be the first live game of the English season and I must say that not only as a Championship blogger but also as a football fan I am extremely excited. If you’re a regular visitor on the EPL talk network, you may have seen on Worldcupbuzz that I wrote quite a few live blogs while matches where ongoing and I hope to carry that on for the Championship (although I’m unable to announce particular games yet). There are three live games from the Championship to start the season:</p>
<p><strong>Friday 6th August:</strong></p>
<p>Norwich City V Watford</p>
<p>UK: Live on Sky Sports 3 (and HD 3) – [7.45pm GMT kick off]</p>
<p>USA: Live on FoxSoccer.tv – [2.45pm ET kick off]</p>
<p><strong>Saturday 7th August:</strong></p>
<p>Leeds United V Derby County</p>
<p>UK: Live on BBC One (and HD) [5.15pm GMT kick off]</p>
<p>USA: Live on Fox Soccer Plus &amp; FoxSoccer.tv [12:15pm ET kick off]</p>
<p><strong>Sunday 8th August:</strong></p>
<p>Cardiff City V Sheffield United</p>
<p>UK: Live on Sky Sports 1 (and HD 1) – [12.35pm GMT kick off]</p>
<p>USA: Live on FoxSoccer.tv [7.35 ET kick off]</p>
<p>Ignore the glorified kick about that is the Charity Shield and watch some competitive football this weekend! Middlesbrough are being tipped by many as favourites for promotion this season, but 2010/11 could well be one of the most open and balanced season’s England’s second tier has ever seen. As well as ‘Boro, big things are expected from the likes of QPR, Burnley Nottingham Forest and Reading whereas many predict it will be a difficult season for Gary Hooper-less Scunthorpe, Watford, Barnsley and Millwall. Still, the beauty of the Championship is that it is notoriously hard to predict, last season many tipped Newcastle to have a difficult season and they ended up winning the league! Leicester were promoted from League One and found themselves in the playoff semi-finals. And big spending QPR found themselves in a relegation battle. Last season saw its fair amount of drama and it promises to continue this season! I thought I’d pick out three clubs in particular that I think could have very interesting seasons for different reasons:</p>
<p><strong>Portsmouth:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11674_6296258,00.html">Narrowly avoiding liquidation</a>, Pompey’s troubles are far from over and the cash strapped club will likely be forced to field a number of youngsters this season as not only do they seem an unattractive proposition for an aspiring player, but their debt’s are so beyond them that they can ill-afford to offer out wages for top players. Steve Cotterill was a great appointment, but Pompey’s goal for this season remains unclear. The club faces a real threat of being dragged into a relegation battle due to the many financial difficulties and in my opinion; anything that keeps them in the Championship should be seen as a success. They may still be a part of the football league, but Pompey are on an uncertain path.</p>
<p><strong>Q.P.R:</strong></p>
<p>Can they finally do it? The 12th man to take charge of QPR in four years, Neil Warnock, managed to keep the club in the league last season and it now appears that he is being backed by many to lead the club onto a promotion push. Some QPR fans are sitting in the fence and are unsure as to whether the club really can aspire to the top of the table, but that doesn’t mean to say that they don’t believe they will have a poor season like last year. The reason QPR will have an interesting season is that there finally seems to be an atmosphere of stability at the club – something they have been lacking ever since the takeover. In my opinion, QPR should be around the play-off area next season, although that could all change if the board decides to keep up its tradition of managerial changes…</p>
<p><strong>Norwich:</strong></p>
<p>The champion’s of League One returned on the first time of asking, something that seemed far from plausible when they were hammered by Colchester at the start of last season. Norwich replied by sacking Bryan Gunn and hiring the very man who had lead Colchester to the Canaries’ humiliation – Paul Lambert. Norwich never looked back and took the league by storm, even avenging the Colchester score by inflicting the same punishment on Lambert’s former team. Lambert is an exciting manager who is plying his trade well and this will be his first chance to manage in the Championship. Top players like Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt could have easily made my list (below) regarding the Championship players to watch this season and Norwich’s amazing League One form has led many to tip the club for a chance at the play offs. It could be a great season for Norwich and it is great to have their support back in the Championship – the team often filled their stadium last season when in League One.</p>
<p>I wish I could detail every club, but as ever I will be writing throughout the season on various issues and stories that occur. I honestly cannot make a prediction as to who will win the league, although if Kris Boyd remains fit for the entire season then it seems foolish to bet against Middlesbrough. My tip for the season is Nicky Maynard to finish top goal scorer – although Boyd could take the league by storm, Bristol City have shown a lot of ambition in the transfer market this summer and this should help Maynard carry on his great goal scoring record from last season.</p>
<p>Enjoy the season and good luck to your team!</p>


Npower Championship Season 2010/11 Preview

Npower Championship Season 2010/11 Preview - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_829" style="width: 160px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/05/pa-photos_t_millwall-swindon-playoff-final-wembley-photos-3005z.jpg"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-829" loading="lazy" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-829" src="/files/2010/05/pa-photos_t_millwall-swindon-playoff-final-wembley-photos-3005z-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150"></figure></div></a><p id="caption-attachment-829" class="wp-caption-text">Millwall are up, but how will they cope?</p></div>
<p>It certainly doesn’t feel like every season we see six different teams in the Championship, and depending what way you enter the league can often dictate expectations for a club. After the weekend’s League One Playoff final, we now know the three teams that will be playing the Championship via relegation from the Premiership and the three that will be entering the fray from League One promotion. It’s farewell to Newcastle, West Brom, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Peterborough and a fond welcome to Hull, Burnley, Portsmouth, Norwich, Leeds and Millwall. Something quite odd about this round of promotions and relegations is how next season might play out for each of these teams, as many have other things on their mind apart from the usual chance to show bouncebackabillity or fight for their life. Instead, these six new contenders offer something quite different to next season and will be fighting much different battles to what would usually be expected:</p>
<p><strong>Hull City:</strong></p>
<p>Hull’s demise really started half way through their second season in the Premiership. They took the league by storm but then suddenly faltered and spent big in order to try and maintain their top flight status. The club is in heavy debt after a number of flops at the club, and failure to offload a number of players could see the club be threatened with relegation. It’s almost certain now that <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11714_6175466,00.html">Phil Brown will not be returning</a> from gardening leave, yet the settlement of his contract only chalks up another financial loss for the club. Despite his brilliance, Jimmy Bullard needs to leave the club, as his high wages and lack of playing time have really hindered the Tigers, and <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11714_6174811,00.html">despite his commitment to the Yorkshire outfi</a>t, Hull will be desperate to let the player move on this summer. Whether anyone will meet his high wage demands is another problem however, as I can’t see many sides wanting to pay that much for a player who has consistently struggled with injuries for the past several seasons. A lot of free transfers can be expected from the club, and there should be a number of youngsters getting a chance to perform. The most important thing for the Tigers is to appoint the correct manager at this point, as I can’t really see them gaining promotion next season.</p>
<p><strong>Burnley:</strong></p>
<p>Many criticised manager Brian Laws last season, and his performance in the first ten or so games at the start of the 2010/11 season will decide his future. Surprising news comes in the form of a <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11708_6174551,00.html">massive sale for Steven Fletcher</a>, who impressed quite a few last season (although £7.5m may still need to be justified). Burnley may also gain goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and striker Chris Iwelumo from the deal, both of which would be welcome signings, particularly Hennessey as (I’m sorry Burnley fans!) Brian Jensen certainly has a few ‘rush of blood to the head’ moments. The Clarets have also capitalised on Hull’s financial position, by <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11708_6176539,00.html">nabbing Dean Marney for half a million</a>, and relegation to the Championship appears to have just made them more determined to return at the first time of asking. I’d like to see more on Burnley over this summer, but their season appears to be shaping up well, whether the unfavoured Brian Laws will hinder this remains to be seen.</p>
<p><strong>Portsmouth:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11674_6177294,00.html">When will it end?</a> They’ve been the love of Sky Sports this season, and provided them with plenty viewing figures and stories; the problems of Portsmouth football club have not been kept quiet. Avram Grant has left the club to no one’s surprise, and now there a number of potential managers who have the opportunity to take on what will no doubt be a massive task. You may have heard the goalkeeper <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11674_6165444,00.html">David James wants the job</a>, which has come as a shock to many, yet <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/portsmouth/article7136492.ece">Steve Cotterill would no doubt be a great acquisition for the club</a>, although he probably has a good chance at getting a number of vacant jobs after his spell with Notts County. No matter who the manager is, Portsmouth are in real trouble of getting relegated to League One next season and that is the truth. The whole team is up for sale and there are still quite a few top earners at the club, as the club goes into even more debt. Fair play if they can manage to have a good season, but it could really be back-to-back relegations for Pompey.</p>
<p><strong>Norwich City:</strong></p>
<p>The Canaries came straight back from the drop, and did it in some style as despite an early thumping from Colchester that signalled doom for the side, they hired Lambert from Colchester and have never looked back, Players like Wes Hoolahan, Gary Holt and Chris Martin will most likely again lead the line for City, although <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/8709449.stm">Paul Lambert’s recent revelation regarding less loan signings</a> could signal the side’s determination to make clever permanent signings, which would suggest more depth in the squad. The managers and fans are<a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11709_6167255,00.html"> hopeful that they can agree another season long loan of Newcastle youngster Fraser Forster</a> after the ‘keeper made a number of impressive displays between the sticks in League One and the club will probably look to get some experienced heads in to accompany some of the younger players. I think Norwich can beat the drop, they won’t be world beaters but I’m sure they can give it a go, and a good following could help them make their home stadium, Carrow Road, a fortress.</p>
<p><strong>Leeds United:</strong></p>
<p>It was a long time coming, but one of England’s most famous clubs has finally found something to cheer about after well detailed troubles. They were beaten in the playoffs last season, and luck just didn’t seem to be on their side. Even this season just gone, they were made to sweat on their promotion hopes after a dismal run which saw them just clinch automatic promotion to the Championship. <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11715_6175097,00.html">Kasper Schmeichel, who bossed League 2, has become the clubs first signing</a>, and many will be expecting more recruits over the coming weeks. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/everton/8714418.stm">Star striker Jermaine Beckford has finally departed however</a>, signing for Everton on a free transfer, a deal which was rumoured as agreed in January after the players heroics against rivals Manchester United; this leaves Leeds looking for a player to fill the void. I know due to the clubs stature many will be expecting the club to challenge for promotion once again, but despite what you may hear I know many of the Leeds fans are realistic about their chances, and they would happily take a chance to just re-establish themselves in the Championship so they can progress to the next level.</p>
<p><strong>Millwall:</strong></p>
<p>“No one likes us, no one likes us, no one likes us – we don’t care!”. The cry of the self proclaimed most hated team in English football. <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3280188,00.html">Millwall clinched promotion to the Championship after last seasons heartache via the League One Playoff</a>, and many clubs will be dreading the extra cost of security next season. A few problems arise with Millwall’s promotion, most notably <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/hull-to-bill-millwall-for-damage-to-stand-1515786.html">their recent problems with Hull City</a> who they will once again be squaring off with and of course we can continue with the hostile Leeds Millwall rivalry which has seen a number of problems when the sides met in League One. They’ve just gained promotion, but the club will probably be set for a relegation battle next season, although a number of good and experienced signings could see a change to that. They’ve got a great manager in Kenny Jackett, and The Den is not the nicest place for an away team to visit.</p>
<p>So what we have here are different situations, I actually believe that there is a strong chance that the promoted teams could do better than the relegated ones, most notably Hull and Portsmouth who may face a massive struggle this season as their debts could prevent them from really challenging. Overall, these teams provide an open season and it’s hard to say who will get promotion and who will get relegated considering the positions of a number of other teams in the league.</p>


Congratulations/Commiserations &#8211; You'll Be Playing In The Championship Next Season

Congratulations/Commiserations - You'll Be Playing In The Championship Next Season - World Soccer Talk

Congratulations/Commiserations – You'll Be Playing In The Championship Next Season

<div id="attachment_6130" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6130" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-6130" src="/files/2009/09/DarrenHuckerbyphoto1-300x208.jpg" alt="Huckerby waves goodbye to MLS?" width="300" height="208"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-6130" class="wp-caption-text">Huckerby waves goodbye to MLS?</p></div>
<p>A rough season for the San Jose Earthquakes only got worse with the news that star midfielder Darren Huckerby was lost for the season after undergoing hip surgery last Friday. The Newcomer of the Year winner in MLS last season, and a player San Jose hoped would lead a dynamic attacking offense in 2009, was limited to just 14 appearances in an injury marred season. With Huckerby struggling, the Earthquakes fortunes declined and the team sits bottom of the Western Conference standings.</p>
<p>Huckerby came to San   Jose with a history of hip injury problems, but he has managed to stave off any long-term problems through physical therapy and pain relievers. However, already late in his career at age 33, the hip problem became more debilitating this season. Huckerby and the coaching staff knew something would need to be done before long. San Jose coach Frank Yallop was quoted as saying “He was sore most of the time when he was training. Being the pro he is Darren kept battling through it.”</p>
<p>With the 2009 season effectively lost for the Earthquakes, the timing was right for Huckerby to undergo the surgery. As performed by esteemed surgeon Dr. Marc J. Philippon at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colorado, the procedure involved repairing a torn labrum (the cartilage surrounding the hip socket) in his right hip. While the procedure was successful, the recovery period will extend through the end of the Earthquakes season.</p>
<p>Might Huckerby have played his last game in MLS? Having professed he would only ever play for the San Jose Earthquakes in the U.S. and his former club Norwich City in England, his options for next season seem limited. While many expect the Canaries to bring back Huckerby after his MLS contract runs out in December, new manager Paul Lambert may not want the Norwich City favorite back on his squad. Lambert has indicated that he wants to take his League One team forward, and has taken steps away from the relegated club’s recent past, “I think you’ve got to get them (new players) young and hungry, you tend to find it is more beneficial to you than those that are experienced and have had their careers.”</p>
<p>This is potentially good news for San Jose, especially if Huckerby makes a full recovery. When in good health, the left-side midfielder has electrified the Earthquakes crowds with a fast paced attack and some spectacular finishes. San Jose supporters can only hope they haven’t seen the last of Darren Huckerby.</p>


Darren Huckerby done in San Jose

Darren Huckerby done in San Jose - World Soccer Talk

<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="http://www.xslt-tutorial.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/skysportslogo.jpg" alt="skysportslogo.jpg" align="right" vspace="15" hspace="15"></figure></div>Sky Sports has announced its schedule of televised Championship matches for the first few months of the 2008/2009 season. Here’s the schedule:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunday, August 10: Nottingham Forest v Reading</li>
<li>Saturday, August 16: Bristol City v Derby County</li>
<li>Saturday, August 30: Watford v Ipswich</li>
<li>Saturday, October 4:  Coventry City v Southampton</li>
<li>Saturday, October 25: Reading v QPR</li>
<li>Saturday, November 8:  Southampton v Bristol City</li>
<li>Saturday, November 22: Nottingham Forest v Norwich City</li>
<li>Sunday, November 30: Swansea City v Cardiff City</li>
</ul>
<p>Chances are quite good that these matches will also be shown on Setanta Sports for viewers in the United States.</p>


2008/2009 Championship TV Schedule On Sky Sports

2008/2009 Championship TV Schedule On Sky Sports - World Soccer Talk

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