Review of the season 2008/9
Wolves won the title – and deserved to after dominating from start to finish. Birmingham were promoted too on the back of a very strong defence and some hefty wage earners up front. The rest was depressingly familiar. Preston failed in the play-offs, Reading shot themselves in the foot with an appalling run-in as did Cardiff. Burnley were the only surprise package, deserving to return to the top flight with some engaging football. And their cup runs, knocking out a number of big Premier League teams suggests that they may not come straight back down. Just imagine, Hull and Burnley in the Premier League.

Significant summer signings
As is always the case in the Championship, much of the significant transfer moves revolve around the clubs relegated from the Premiership.
Middlesbrough have lost two significant players in winger Stewart Downing and young rated keeper Ross Turnbull to Aston Villa and chelsea respectively.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s summer transfer policy remains in limbo while the tussle for control of the club continues. Michael Owen, of course, has gone to Man Utd, while it is difficult to believe that either Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, among up to seven others will be there at the start of the season.
However, the club have imposed a transfer embargo on the temporary manager until Newcastle is sold, which could cost them a fortune.
Watch this space.

Elsewhere, Bristol City have been busy with the acquisitions of Danny Haynes (Ipswich), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Andre Blackman (Portsmouth) and Scottish striker David Clarkson (Motherwell) – all significant additions.

Cardiff have been busy again, resigning Michael Chopra among others, while much will depend at West Brom on whether new boss Roberto Di Matteo can keep hold of Jonathan Greening and keeper Scott Carson.

Relegation tussle
There could be quite a battle at the bottom, although it is difficult to see Blackpool remaining a Championship club, despite the tenacious spirit of new boss Ian Holloway.

Peterborough are one of the favourites to go donw, but they are a good tight unit that should surprise a few in this league.
Perhaps the best bet for the drop may be Plymouth, who struggled at the tail-end of last season and seem to lack the ambition to stay out of trouble this time around. William Hill, Coral and Bet365 have them at a tempting 5/2 (3.5) for the drop.

What to watch out for
Leicester are a big club with momentum – they could upset the apple cart. Everyone will have one eye on Newcastle. And those of us in the know will be watching their crowd sizes, too. Newcastle fans may pride themselves on being a well-supported club but historically they have a tendency to avoid matchday when things are going wrong – as it did before Kevin Keegan’s first arrival. Back then they could barely manage 12,500.

Champs
Wolves were obvious last year, this year’s relegated fare may have mixed results.
West Brom look focused on a quick return to the top flight, while Bristol City and Cardiff will be live contenders for the play-offs along with Preston, Sheffield United and Reading.
The surprises in 2009/10 could come from Peterborough, QPR, Leicester and a newly acquired Sheffield Wednesday.

Chumps
Blackpool will be the whipping boys, followed by Plymouth and Watford. Don’t discount a poor season from Newcastle – keep an eye on the boardroom early on