Nottingham Forest

2008-09 season finish: 19th

In: David McGoldrick (undisclosed, Southampton), Paul Anderson (£250k, Liverpool), Lee Camp (undisclosed, Queens Park Rangers), Dede Adebola (free, Bristol City), Chris Gunter (£1.75m, Tottenham Hotspur), Paul McKenna (£750k, Preston North End), Dexter Blackstock (undisclosed, Queens Park Rangers), Joel Lynch (£200k, Brighton and Hove Albion), Radoslaw Majewski (loan, Polonia Warsaw)

Out: Joe Heath (loan, Lincoln), Shane Redmond (loan, Burton Albion), James Reid (loan, Rushden & Diamonds), Hanza Bencherif (free, Macclesfield), Ian Breckin (released), Brendan Moloney (loan, Notts County), Mark Bryne (loan, Rushden and Diamonds), Mark Thornhill (loan, Brighton and Hove Albion), Liam Hook (released), Ryan Whitehurst (released), Richard Tait (released), Tom Sharpe (released), Emile Sinclair (released), Adam Newbol (released), Patrick Gamble (released)

Nottingham Forest’s summer spending spree has earned them the nickname, “the Real Madrid of the Championship”. The list of signings does look very impressive. No wonder, then, that many people are expecting the club to challenge for a play-off place.

Manager, Billy Davies, has splashed out on two Queens Park Rangers players, Lee Camp and Dexter Blackstock. Both were popular at Loftus Road and I am sure that many Rs supporters will be keeping a close eye on their progress at the City Ground.

For me, the signing of David McGoldrick is a real coup for Nottingham Forest. He notched 12 goals last season in what was a very poor Southampton side. At the age of 21, he could have a very bright future ahead of him. I must confess I can’t help thinking that QPR should have put in an offer.

As well as talented youngsters, Davies has also brought in experience in the shape of Dele Adebola and Paul Mckenna. The former spent a very successful few years at Bristol City and seems to have the irritating habit of causing problems whenever he plays against Queens Park Rangers. The latter spent twelve years with Preston North End, making 417 appearances, and will provide Forest with some much-needed stability in the heart of midfield.

It must be remembered that there are both advantages and disadvantages to summer spending sprees. Yes, Forest’s team looks excellent on paper, but it may take some time for the new-look team to gel. However, in Billy Davies, the Reds have the perfect man to mould these new signings into a side capable of promotion. I expect to see the former European Cup winners challenging for a play-off spot.

Godfather’s prediction: 6th place

Peterborough United

2008-09 season finish: 2nd (League One)

In: Tommy Rowe (undisclosed, Stockport County), Toumani Diagouraga (undisclosed, Hereford), Lee Frecklington (undisclosed, Lincoln City), Krystian Pearce (loan, Birmingham City), Romone McCrae (undisclosed, Crawley).

Out: Liam Hatch (loan, Luton Town), Alfie Potter (loan, Oxford United), Chris Westwood (free, Wycombe Wanderers).

Very few teams manage to achieve successive promotions. And yet that is exactly what Darren Ferguson has done. He is clearly following in his father’s footsteps and it’s not difficult to see why he was considered for the Queens Park Rangers job after Paulo Sousa’s sacking.

It is, however, somewhat surprising that Darren Ferguson has not spent money on players with Championship experience during the summer. With the exception of Krystian Pearce, a loan signing from Birmingham City, all of the players that the Posh have brought in are from League Two and Conference teams.

That’s not to say that Peterborough can’t make it in this division. Think back to the 2004/05 campaign. After QPR’s promotion, Ian Holloway kept the likes of Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen and Furlong in his starting line-ups and went on to achieve a respectable 11th placed finish.

Much depends on how the striking partnership of Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean fares next season. The two forwards tore most League One defences apart. Will they be able to do the same in the Championship? By not signing an experienced goalscorer proven at this level, Ferguson is taking a big risk.

London Road is always a difficult place to go to and if Peterborough can turn their stadium into a real fortress they could avoid relegation. Somehow I think they will survive. Don’t, however, expect them to pick up many points away from home.

Godfather’s prediction: 21st place.

Plymouth Argyle

2008-09 season finish: 21st

In: Carl Fletcher (free, Crystal Palace), Bradley Wright Phillips (free, Southampton), Reda Johnson (undisclosed, Amiens).

Out: Jermaine Easter (undisclosed, MK Dons), Emile Mpenza (free, FC Sion)

Plymouth really struggled in the 2009/010 Championship campaign, only avoiding relegation by gaining a point away at QPR on the penultimate day. And, from looking through their squad list, it looks like another difficult season could be ahead.

Manager, Paul Sturrock has completed three signings this summer. Carl Fletcher, a Welsh international midfielder, has joined on a free transfer after a brief loan spell at Home Park at the end of last season. Sturrock has also secured the services of Bradley Wright-Phillips from Southampton, the 24 year-old who allegedly stole cash and mobile phones from a bar in Southsea. Finally, Icelandic defender, Reda Johnson has joined the Pilgrims from French club, Amiens.

Plymouth fans should expect another nerve-racking season fighting at the bottom of the league. However, for me, there are worse sides in the Championship. I predict that they will avoid the drop once again.

Godfather’s Prediction: 20th place.

Preston North End

2008-09 season finish: 6th place.

In: None.

Out: Chris Neal (undisclosed, Shrewsbury), Paul McKenna (£750k, Nottingham Forest), Simon Whaley (undisclosed, Norwich City)

Preston North End enjoyed a very successful 2008/09 campaign, which saw them sneak into 6th place on the final day thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over QPR. Alan Irvine’s side were eventually knocked out by Sheffield United in the play-off semi-final. Will they be able to achieve the same again next season? I’m not so sure.

Much of the Lilywhites’ success last season was due to the form of strikers, Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin. Both were not afraid to get stuck in and the sheer physical presence of the two forwards meant that defenders often found it very difficult to cope. With target-men up front, the team’s main tactic seemed to be to launch long-balls up the pitch. Whilst this was effective during the previous campaign, it could become predictable. I think Irvine will need to consider adding an extra dimension to North End’s attack.

Irvine has not made any additions to his squad and quite frankly I can’t see Preston competing with the big spenders (the likes of Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town). I expect to see North End sink into mid-table mediocrity next season.

Godfather’s Prediction: 15th place.

Queens Park Rangers

2008-09 season finish: 11th

In: Faurlin (a deal “worth” 3.5 million), Taraabt (season-long loan, Tottenham), Pellicori (free transfer).

Out: Zeshan Rehman (free, Bradford City), Damien Delaney (undisclosed, Ipswich), Lee Camp (undisclosed, Nottingham Forest), Jake Cole (free, Barnet), Dexter Blackstock (undisclosed, Nottingham Forest).

Supporting Queens Park Rangers is like going on a rollercoaster ride. There are high points; there are low points. That’s how it’s always been ever since I started supporting the Hoops. I’m sure the 2009/010 season will be no different.

It’s fair to say that most Hoops supporters will be hoping for a top-six finish. Is it achievable? Possibly. Providing that the likes of Buzsaky, Rowlands, Vine and Taraabt stay fit, a promotion bid isn’t out of the question.

A successful season depends on several things. Stability is key. Jim Magilton was the Board’s appointment – it is their responsibility to make it work. There is no point in sacking him after a few disappointing results - he will need to be given time to make his mark on the side. It is also important that the manager is handed full control of first-team affairs. How can Magilton succeed if all the decisions are made in the boardroom?

My concern is that the Rs lack firepower up front. For years now Queens Park Rangers fans have bemoaned the lack of a quality striker. After the departure of Blackstock, Magilton will be relying on new signing Alessandro Pellicori for the goals. The Italian scored 18 times in 38 games in Serie B last season but I can’t help thinking that Rangers should be looking at strikers with proven track records in this division.

Unfortunately I still think QPR are a few players short of what is required to reach the play-offs. For me, the Rs haven’t brought in enough players who are proven at this level. Of course, Faurlin could turn out to be absolutely brilliant but I feel Magilton has taken a big risk in signing the Argentinean. Taraabt is clearly a very talented young player but will the more aggressive defenders (Chris Morgan) in this division target him?

Of course, we all hope Queens Park Rangers reach the play-offs this season. It certainly isn’t out of the question providing that our key players stay fit. However, for the reasons stated above, I’m going to let my head rule my heart with my prediction.

Godfather’s Prediction: 7th place.

Reading

2008-09 season finish: 4th place

In: None.

Out: Marcus Hahnemann (free, Wolves), Kevin Doyle (£6.5m, Wolves), Scott Golbourne (free, Exeter City), Michael Duberry (free, Wycombe Wanderers), Alex McCarthy (loan, Yeovil Town), Danny Spence (free, Salisbury).

New Reading manager, Brendan Rodgers, faces the task of returning the Royals back to the Promised Land of the Premier League. Even after the departure of their top striker, Kevin Doyle, Reading’s squad still looks very impressive on paper.

Reading challenged at the top of the league throughout the 2008/09 season and some would argue that they were unlucky not to sneak into the automatic promotion places. A 1-2 defeat to Birmingham City on the final day of the campaign meant that Steve Coppell’s side had to settle for a play-off position. Despite being tipped to reach Wembley Stadium, the Royals were knocked out in the semis by eventual winners, Burnley. Coppell resigned soon afterwards.

The Hunt brothers, Noel and Stephen, will need to be on top form if Reading are to finally achieve promotion back to the Premiership. Noel netted eleven goals last season and Stephen was responsible for creating the majority of the team’s scoring opportunities.

In conclusion, I expect the Royals to be challenging at the top of the league. However, once again, I think they may have to settle for a place in the play-offs.

Godfather’s Prediction: 4th place

S****horpe United

2008-09 season finish: 6th (promoted via League One play-offs)

In: Josh Wright (free, Charlton Athletic), Michael O’Connor (£250k, Crewe Alexandra), Rob Jones (undisclosed, Hibernian), Adam Boyes (undisclosed, York City).

Out: Michael Lea (free, Chester City)

S****horpe United returned to the Championship at the first time of asking last season. Despite only just managing to reach the top-six, the Iron overcame MK Dons and Millwall to lift the League One play-off trophy and gain promotion to the second tier of English football once again.

The 2009/010 campaign is going to be a very difficult one for United. Manager, Nigel Adkins, has only brought in one player with Championship experience during the summer – Josh Wright from Charlton Athletic. The young midfielder has earned himself call-ups to the England Under 19 squad.

Without doubt, S****horpe will need to rely on striker, Gary Hooper, to get the goals needed for the club to stay in this league. The 21 year-old scored 24 times last season. Will he be able to achieve the same sort of goal-scoring total against Championship opposition? Nigel Adkins will be hoping so.

Football fans who watched the League One play-off final may remember Matt Sparrow, who netted two of S****horpe’s goals in the 3-2 victory over Millwall. The midfielder was absolutely terrific that day and was arguably the difference between the two sides. If the 27 year-old is able to produce those sorts of performances on a regular basis, he could play a key role in the Iron’s campaign.

Do S****horpe have enough quality to survive? Probably not. Unfortunately I just can’t see them picking up many points, particularly away from home.

Godfather’s Prediction: 24th place.

Sheffield United

Season 2008-09 finish: 3rd place

In: Lee Williamson (undisclosed, Watford), Kyel Reid (free, West Ham), Andy Taylor (undisclosed, Tranmere Rovers), Ryan France (free, Hull City), Ched Evans (£3m, Manchester City), Keith Treacy (loan, Blackburn Rovers)

Out: Keith Quinn (released), Ben Starosta (released), Danny Webber (released), Ugo Ehiogu (released), Adam Chapman (nominal, Oxford United), Nicky Law (free, Rotherham United), Jamie Annerson (free, Rotherham United), Kyle Naughton (undisclosed, Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (undisclosed, Tottenham Hotspur)

It is always devastating to be defeated in a play-off final. What sets the winners apart from the losers is how they react to the disappointment. And, in Kevin Blackwell, Sheffield United have the perfect manager to inspire the players to bounce back.

Losing the gifted Kyle Naughton to Tottenham Hotspur has dealt a blow to the Blades’ hopes, but Kevin Blackwell has responded by bringing in several talented players. In particular, the signing of Ched Evans from Manchester City could turn out to be an excellent buy (although certainly not a bargain at 3 million pounds). Evans, who has been repeatedly linked with Queens Park Rangers over the last couple of years, is a very talented striker. Expect to see him among the top goal-scorers next season.

Lee Williamson could also turn out to be a superb signing. The midfielder has impressed me on a number of occasions, particularly during the QPR V Watford match last season when he sent a free-kick crashing against the crossbar.

The Blades look strong in every area of the pitch and it’s difficult to see them missing out on promotion this time round. Expect to see United emerge as one of the leading contenders for the top two places.

Godfather’s Prediction: 2nd place.

Sheffield Wednesday

2008-09 season finish: 12th place

In: Tommy Miller (free, Ipswich), Darren Purse (free, Cardiff), Darren Potter (undisclosed, Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Out: Kenny Lunt (free, Hereford United)

Too inconsistent to mount a play-off challenge, Sheffield Wednesday spent last season occupying the middle positions of the Championship league table. Manager, Brian Laws, will be hoping for an improvement, but in all honesty, from looking through their squad, it looks like another mediocre season could be ahead.

Laws has made three signings this summer, the most impressive of which looks to be Darren Potter from Wolves. The 24 year-old possesses a lot of talent and is renowned for his ability with set-pieces. In fact, during his debut at Hillsborough last season (he joined the Owls on loan), he netted a stunning free-kick and scored an incredible 30-yard drive. No wonder, then, that the manager has secured Potter’s services on a permanent deal this summer.

Wednesday have also brought in experience in the shape of central defender, Darren Purse. He was once an excellent defender at this level of the English game, but at the age of 32, other teams may look to exploit his lack of pace. Laws, however, is clearly very pleased with this signing and immediately appointed Purse as the club captain.

Unfortunately for Owls supporters, in what will be an even more competitive Championship next season, I can see yet another dull campaign ahead for the club. I predict a 14th place finish.

Godfather’s Prediction: 14th place

Swansea City

2008-09 season finish: 8th place

In: Stephen Dobbie (free, Queen of the South), Nathan Dyer (£400k, Southampton), Jordi Lopez (undisclosed, Mallorca).

Out: Owain Tudur Jones (£250k, Norwich City), Jason Scotland (£2m, Wigan Athletic).

After their promotion, many people expected Swansea City to struggle in their first season in the Championship. How wrong were they? Under Roberto Martinez, the team emerged as contenders for the play-offs and in the end were unlucky to miss out. However, without the talented Martinez and star striker, Jason Scotland, will the Swans be able to achieve the same sort of success in the 2009/010 campaign?

Former Queens Park Rangers manager, Paulo Sousa, was announced as Martinez’s successor. It’s not difficult to see why. Like the Spaniard, Sousa prefers his teams to play in a continental style. Whilst this was not particularly effective during his time with QPR, it could reap more success with players who are used to playing in this way.

The most impressive of Sousa’s signings looks to be Jordi Lopez. I was really impressed with the Spaniard when he joined QPR towards the end of last season. His skill on the ball, distribution and set-piece abilities were all excellent and I think it’s a real shame that the Rs didn’t offer him a contract.

However, we all saw how Sousa’s tactics suffered without a decent striker last season. I think the departure of Jason Scotland has dealt a real blow to the Swans’ hopes next season. Unless Stephen Dobbie, the Scottish forward who scored 47 goals in 83 appearances for Queen of the South can produce the same sort of goal-scoring form as Scotland did, expect to see City sink into mid-table.

Godfather’s Prediction: 13th place

Watford

2008-09 season finish: 13th place

In: Scott Severin (free, Aberdeen), Danny Graham (free, Carlisle United), Jure Travner (undisclosed, CMC Publikum Celje).

Out: Lee Williamson (undisclosed, Sheffield United), Theo Robinson (undisclosed, Huddersfield Town), Stuart Searle (released)

After a terrible start to the 2008/09 season, manager, Brendan Rodgers, steadied the ship and guided the team to a respectable 13th placed finish. However, news of Rodgers’ departure to Reading has dealt a real blow to the Hornets’ hopes for the forthcoming campaign. With the inexperienced Malky Mackay in charge and a rather weak-looking squad, it looks like the club could really struggle next season.

New signing, Scott Severin, will play an important role during the 2009/010 season. The Scottish international and former Aberdeen club captain can play in central defence or in midfield. His versatility will be a key asset to the Hornets next season.

Watford will also have to rely on skilful winger, Tommy Smith, to provide the team with scoring opportunities next season. Malky Mackay desperately needs the 29 year-old to perform to the very best of his ability.

As already stated, I think the 2009/010 campaign is going to be very tough indeed for Malky Mackay’s team. It seems like a long time ago that they were challenging at the top of the Championship league table. I expect that they will survive the drop – but Watford fans should be prepared for a very nerve-racking relegation battle.

Godfather’s Prediction: 18th place.

West Bromwich Albion

2008-09 season finish: 20th place (Premier League).

In: Simon Cox (£1.5m, Swindon Town)

Out: Paul Robinson (loan, Bolton Wanderers), Luke Daniels (loan, Tranmere Rovers), Sherjill MacDonald (£650k, Germinal), Do-Heon Kim (£360k, Suwon Samsung Blueswings).

New West Brom manager, Roberto Di Matteo, will be aiming for an automatic promotion place next season. With a talented set of players who have already shown that they have what it takes at this level, the Baggies should reach a place in the top two at the end of the 2009/010 campaign.

Di Matteo recently splashed out £1.5 million on Swindon Town striker, Simon Cox, who scored an incredible total of 29 goals last season. For me, this seems like a lot of money for a player who is unproven at this level.

However, with players like Ishmael Miller, Roman Bednar, Jonathan Greening and Chris Brunt in the side, Albion have got to be the favourites for promotion. Providing that Di Matteo continues the good work from his time with MK Dons, I expect WBA to win the league quite comfortably.

Godfather’s Prediction: 1st place