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Birmingham City
Ground: St Andrews
Capacity 30,016 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.bcfc.com
MAD Website: www.birminghamcity-mad.co.uk Editor: Brian Cartlidge
Manager: Steve Bruce
2005-2006: 18th (Premiership)
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Monday 9th April 3pm
At St Andrews: Saturday 11th November 3pm
Barnsley v Birmingham Record:
Barnsley Wins: 19
Birmingham Wins: 32
Draws: 16
Barnsley Goals: 87
Birmingham Goals: 108
Last Game: Birmingham 1-0 Barnsley 16/2/02
Birmingham had a torrid time last season when their 4 year stay in England's top flight came to an end.
Despite spending heavily The Blues saw a late run by Portsmouth condemn them to relegation.
Only rock bottom Sunderland scored less than Birmingham and a woeful return of just 6 home victories saw them finish 4 points behind Pompey.
They havent wasted time trying to build a promotion winning side though with signings such as Cardiff top scorer Cameron Jerome and Premiership stars Stephen Kelly and Bruno N'Gotty and Colchester's star midfielder Neil Danns Birmingham are hot favourites to make a swift return to the Premiership under Bruce's guidance.
They have also just been boosted by the £5.5m sale of Emile Heskey so expect more signings at St Andrews before the big 5th August Kick-Off
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict:
Red hot favourites always seem to fail (bar Chelsea of course) but with the excellent players they have bought this summer Birmingham should breeze this league)
Prediction: 1st
Odds: (Ladbrokes.com)
League: 4/1
Promotion: Evens
(Favs)
Burnley
Ground: Turf Moor
Capacity: 22,546 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.burnleyfootballclub.com
MAD Website: www.clarets-mad.co.uk Editor: Tony Scholes
Manager: Steve Cotterill
2005-2006: 17th
Fixtures With The Reds:
At Oakwell: Tuesday 26th December 3pm
At Turf Moor: Tuesday 12th September 7:45pm
Barnsley v Burnley Record:
Barnsley Wins: 13
Burnley Wins: 25
Draws: 14
Barnsley Goals: 63
Burnley Goals: 89
Last Game: Burnley 3-0 Barnsley 20/9/05
Burnley finished a disappointing 17th in the Championship last season but are under the guidance of one of footballs bright young prospects Steve Cotterill after parting company with long serving Stan Ternent last term.
Burnley knocked the Reds out of the League Cup last season with a crushing 3-0 win at Turf Moor and have gone for Premiership experience with the acquisition of Wigan's Alan Mahon. They also beat the Reds in the race to sign defender Stephen Foster from Crewe and will be looking for a top half finish at the very least.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict:
Will be a tough team to beat but I can't see them troubling the promotion or relegation scraps. Prediction: 12th
Odds:
League: 66/1
Promotion: 20/1
Cardiff City
Ground: Ninian Park
Capacity: 21,000
Official Website: www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.cardiffcity-mad.co.uk Editor: Michael Morris
Manager: Dave Jones
2005-2006: 11th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 5th August 3pm
At Ninian Park: Saturday 3rd February 3pm
Barnsley v Cardiff Record:
Barnsley Wins: 11
Cardiff Wins: 13
Draws: 8
Barnsley Goals: 39
Cardiff Goals: 46
Last Game: Cardiff City 1-1 Barnsley 8/2/03
After a solid mid-table finish last season Cardiff are ready to trouble the promotion party in the Championship.
Buoyed by the £3m sale of top-scorer Cameron Jerome Cardiff have strengthened supremely with the captures of ex Red Stephen McPhail and ex Red Michael Chopra. McPhail will be expected to provide the ammunition and Chopra to score the goals. With Cardiff being Barnsley's first opponents of the season those 2 players in particular will be looking to make an early mark.
Under Dave Jones they have a manager with vast experience after negotiating continuous Premiership survival whilst manager of Southampton, and with Sam Hamman and Peter Ridsdale pulling the strings behind the scenes you know there will never be a dull moment in the Welsh capital.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict:
Have strengthened vastly with the captures of McPhail and Chopra and should definitely be in or around the Play-Offs. Prediction: 7th
Odds:
League: 25/1
Promotion: 7/1
Colchester United
Ground: Layer Road
Capacity: 6,200
Official Website: www.cu-fc.com
MAD Website: www.colchesterutd-mad.co.uk Editor: Vacant
Manager: Vacant
2005-2006: 2nd (League One)
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 10th February 3pm
At Layer Road: Saturday 12th August 3pm
Barnsley v Colchester Record:
Barnsley Wins: 10
Colchester Wins: 12
Draws: 10
Barnsley Goals: 43
Colchester Goals: 43
Last Game: Barnsley 1-0 Colchester United 25/2/06
Even Colchester fans were shocked when their team won promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time.
After milling around mid-table over the years nobody expected the Us to go up but under the guidance of Phil Parkinson and with the skills of Greg Halford and Neil Danns The Us shocked everybody to finish runners-up to Southend in League One.
Unfortunately for them though just 2 months after that dramatic 0-0 draw with Yeovil saw them secure 2nd spot only Halford of the Golden Trio remain.
Manager Parkinson who has worked wonders on a shoe-string budget is going through a protracted departure to manage Hull City and Danns has signed for Birmingham City. Money is also tight at Layer Road with an attendance of just over 6,000 making it the smallest ground in the Championship.
Just like down at Oakwell, team spirit could be the main strength to try and keep Colchester up but keeping hold of talents like Halford is a major certainty whilst the arrival of youngster Jackson from Spurs could give The Us some firepower. A new manager is first on the agenda for chairman Peter Heard.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: With the departure of Parkinson and Danns its going to be a long 9 months for The Us but their fans will make it a party no matter what. It will end in May though. Prediction: 24th.
Odds:
League: 100/1
Promotion: 33/1
Coventry City
Ground: Ricoh Arena
Capacity: 32,000 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.ccfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.coventrycity-mad.co.uk Editor: Covsupport
Manager: Micky Adams
2005-2006: 8th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 28th October 3pm
At Ricoh Arena: Saturday 17th March 3pm
Barnsley v Coventry Record:
Barnsley Wins: 14
Coventry Wins: 17
Draws: 11
Barnsley Goals: 58
Coventry Goals: 66
Last Game: Coventry City 4-0 Barnsley 23/2/02
Only a poor start saw Coventry miss out on the Play-Offs, a resurgence after Christmas saw them finish 8th but the poor start meant they were 12 points off 6th placed Crystal Palace.
Thus manager Micky Adams who has led Leicester to the Premiership in 2003 has wasted little time in rebuilding his squad with 6 additions already. Youth in Bischoff, Ward and Tabb (who Coventry beat Barnsley to) is complimented with the experience of Marshall, Cameron and Andrews. Adams wants to hit the ground running in their second season in the plush Ricoh Arena and not many would bet against them.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Could well be the surprise team this season as Micky Adams is a top notch manager who has signed some good players this summer. I'll even push them for the Automatics. Prediction 2nd.
Odds:
League: 14/1
Promotion: 7/2
Crystal Palace
Ground: Selhurst Park
Capacity: 26,309 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.cpfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.crystalpalace-mad.co.uk Editor: Nik Taylor
Manager: Peter Taylor
2005-2006: 6th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 21st April 3pm
At Selhurst Park: Saturday 18th November 3pm
Barnsley v Crystal Palace Record:
Barnsley Wins: 22
Crystal Palace Wins: 17
Draws: 7
Barnsley Goals: 67
Crystal Palace Goals: 59
Last Game: Barnsley 1-4 Crystal Palace 26/2/02
After being humiliated in the Play-Off Semis by Watford where they lost the first leg 3-0 Crystal Palace will be desperately hoping to avoid the Play-Off lottery this time around. With Ian Dowie defecting for Premiership Charlton, a move that has seen Eagles Chairman Simon Jordan sue Dowie, Peter Taylor has come from Hull with the task of spreading the Eagle wings again. He has so far only raided former club Hull for Leon Cort but with over £8m burning a large hole in his pocket from the sale of Andy Johnson to Everton, expect more transfer action in the coming weeks.
A man to fill England's Johnson is the main priority and an unenviable task whilst The Reds have already turned down £500,000 from Palace for goal-keeper Scott Flinders.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Palace's season could well hinge on who Taylor replaces Johnson with as he scored 17 of Palace's 67 goals last term. The Play-Offs again look their best bet. Prediction 5th
Odds:
League: 10/1
Promotion: 9/4
Derby County
Ground: Pride Park
Capacity: 33,597 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.dcfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.derbycounty-mad.co.uk Editor: Rams Mad
Manager: Billy Davies
2005-2006: 20th
Fixtures with The Reds
At Oakwell: Saturday 31st March 3pm
At Pride Park: Wednesday 1st November 7:45pm
Barnsley v Derby County Record
Barnsley Wins: 15
Derby Wins: 24
Draws: 9
Barnsley Goals: 53
Derby Goals: 79
Last Game: Barnsley 1-0 Derby County 28/12/97
After reaching the Play-Offs in 2004-2005 Rams fans had high hopes for 2005-2006. Unfortunately it all went pear-shaped, manager George Burley defected to Scottish side Heart and Bolton coach Phil Brown was put in charge. By Christmas though The Rams were marooned in mid-table and continuing to spiral. They did manage to beat Crewe 5-1 in January but this was swiftly followed by a 6-1 thumping by Coventry and a 3-1 humiliation in the FA Cup by Colchester and Brown was out on his ear.
Assistant Terry Westley took over the reins and steered Derby to safety and now things definitely look rosy. A new board have come in with fresh funds and former Preston boss Billy Davies has been handed the reins. With a fantastic stadium to boot Derby could well be turning the corner.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: A lot to look forward to at Pride Park with a new board and manager but Davies will need more time to do what he did with Preston.
Prediction: 10th
Odds:
League: 33/1
Promotion: 9/1
Hull City
Ground: KC Stadium
Capacity: 25,504 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.hullcityafc.net
MAD Website: www.hullcity-mad.co.uk Editor: Andy Beill
Manager: Phil Parkinson (In-coming)
2005-2006: 18th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Tuesday 20th February 7:45pm
At KC Stadium: Tuesday 8th August 7:45pm
Barnsley v Hull Record:
Barnsley Wins: 35
Hull Wins: 34
Draws: 21
Barnsley Goals: 134
Hull Goals: 147
Last Game: Hull City 2-1 Barnsley 2/4/05
After gaining promotion to the Championship in 2004-2005 Hull achieved a respectable finish to preserve their Championship status. There has been a little turmoil during the summer though with the man who led Hull to two successive promotions, Peter Taylor, joining Crystal Palace and Hull been drawn into legal proceedings to be able to take Phil Parkinson from Colchester. Parkinson has now been confirmed as Hull's new manager and the club have replaced towering centre half Leon Cort who joined Taylor at Palace by signing Brentford's powerhouse Michael Turner. Parkinson managed to work wonders at Colchester with no money but due to the fantastic facilities Hull posses, Chairman Adam Pearson could loosen the purse-strings to take Hull into the top-half.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Still finding their feet in the Championship but Phil Parkinson is an excellent manager and should lead them into the top-half
Prediction: 11th
Odds:
League: 40/1
Promotion: 11/1
Ipswich Town
Ground: Portman Road
Capacity: 30,300 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.itfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.ipswichtown-mad.co.uk Editor: Russell Claydon.
Manager: Jim Magilton
2005-2006: 15th.
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 25th November 3pm
At Portman Road: Saturday 7th April 3pm
Barnsley v Ipswich Record:
Barnsley Wins: 9
Ipswich Wins: 15
Draws: 3
Barnsley Goals: 38
Ipswich Goals: 45
Last Game: Ipswich 4-2 Barnsley 29/5/00 (Play-Off Final)
2005-2006 wasn't all it was supposed to be for Ipswich. After qualifying for the Play-Offs for each of the previous two seasons, Town fans were expecting 3rd time lucky.
The sale of top-scorer Darren Bent hampered them severely however and they limped into 15th place as financial constraints and injury to Bent's replacement Sam Parkin got the better of Joe Royle. He was shown the exit door at the end of the season after 4 years in charge.
Many candidates were interviewed but chairman David Sheepshanks made the bold decision of placing long serving captain Jim Magilton in charge.
It's going to be tough for Magilton who led Ipswich into the Premiership as a player in 2000 when they defeated The Reds in the Play-Off Final, the last time the two teams met. And with Parkin back to fitness and the exciting Darren Currie pulling the strings, Ipswich should do better than last term. A Play-Off Place is again well within their grasp.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Fans favourite Jim Magilton is now in charge, a gamble that sometimes backfired as Barnsley fans know when John Hendrie took the Oakwell reins. I feel Magilton will have better luck though and with Barnsley scourge Sam Parkin back to peak fitness, Ipswich should once again extend their season past 46 games.
Prediction: 6th
Odds:
League: 40/1
Promotion: 11/1
Leeds United
Ground: Elland Road
Capacity: 40,204 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.leedsunited.com
MAD Website: www.leedsutd-mad.co.uk Editor: Kevin Markey
Manager: Kevin Blackwell
2005-2006: 5th
Fixtures with The Reds
At Oakwell: Saturday 4th November 3pm
At Elland Road: Saturday 2nd December 3pm
Barnsley v Leeds United Record:
Barnsley Wins: 14
Leeds Wins: 19
Draws: 14
Barnsley Goals: 55
Leeds Goals: 72
Last Game: Leeds United 1-0 Barnsley 6/1/01
Leeds United's fall from grace has been well-documented as The Whites fell from a Champions League Semi-Final to the Championship in just 3 short seasons as Peter Ridsdale's lavish spending quickly caught up with the club. Their fall from the Premiership in 2003-2004 was the final nail in the coffin for the old Leeds United.
Kevin Blackwell took over the reins in the summer of 2004 and has overseen a breath-taking revival culminating in reaching the Play-Off Final last season and being just 90 minutes away from a return to the Premiership. Unfortunately the players failed to turn up on the day and Leeds were crushed 3-0 by Watford.
There is still a lot of reason for optimism for the Elland Road faithful however as they know that 2 years ago they very nearly went out of existence.
With Ken Bates safely managing the ever decreasing debt and exciting talents such as David Healy, Eddie Lewis and the long-serving Gary Kelly on the pitch, Leeds could well make it back into the Big-Time this year but of course being Leeds United they are the scalp EVERYBODY wants!
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Strong squad, terrific fans and an ambitious manager and chairman! Could success be just around the corner... Will have to be in the Play-Offs.
Prediction: 3rd.
Odds:
League: 8/1
Promotion: 7/4
Leicester City
Ground: Walkers Stadium
Capacity: 32,500 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.lcfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.leicestercity-mad.co.uk Editor: Joe Harris
Manager: Rob Kelly
2005-2006: 16th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 28th April 3pm
At Walkers Stadium: Saturday 16th December 3pm
Barnsley v Leicester City Record:
Barnsley Wins: 23
Leicester Wins: 42
Draws: 31
Barnsley Goals: 103
Leicester Goals: 145
Last Game: Leicester City 1-0 Barnsley 2/5/98
Life has been far from plain sailing since relegation from the Premiership after one season in 2003-2004. Finishes of 15th and 16th in subsequent seasons shows sever underachievement at the Walkers Stadium.
After Micky Adams departed at the end of the Premiership adventure the arrival of forward-thinking Craig Levein was due to kick the Foxes back into life. 15th place in 2004-2005 was his warning, 3rd bottom in late January of 2005-2006 saw him given the boot. Rookie Rob Kelly was handed the reins and his impressive handling of the club in which he won 8 of his 17 games in charge, losing just 5 to haul Leicester to mid-table saw him handed the job full-time.
His signings have hardly set pulses racing however as two have arrived from League Two, but 2006-2007 is all about consolidation for Leicester.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Rob Kelly gets his chance after an impressive care-taker role and he should at least keep Leicester's head above water. It may not be enough for the baying Foxes fans though.
Prediction: 18th
Odds:
League: 20/1
Promotion: 5/1
Luton Town
Ground: Kenilworth Road
Capacity: 10,300 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.lutontown.co.uk
MAD Website: www.lutontown-mad.co.uk Editor: Peter Bulkeley
Manager: Mike Newell
2005-2006: 10th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 30th September 3pm
At Kenilworth Road: Saturday 20th January 3pm
Barnsley v Luton Town Record:
Barnsley Wins: 25
Luton Wins:22
Draws: 8
Barnsley Goals: 94
Luton Goals: 97
Last Game: Luton Town 1-3 Barnsley 25/3/05
Luton are currently riding on the crest of a wave after promotion as League One Champions in 2004-2005 was followed by a top ten finish in the Championship.
With a crumbling stadium that holds just over 10,000, money is never going to be in great supply. Yet manager Mike Newell has engineered a team spirit that is second to none and not many teams relish the trip to Kenilworth Road. The club ruffled the promotion packs feathers early on before just tailing off but it's always nice to see one of the so called "Unfashionable" clubs breaking into the big clubs monopoly. Long may it continue!
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: The honeymoon period is now over so Luton may find things a little more difficult this time around. They should stay well clear of relegation danger though.
Prediction: 13th.
Odds:
League: 40/1
Promotion: 11/1
Norwich City
Ground: Carrow Road
Capacity: 26,034 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.canaries.co.uk
MAD Website: www.norwichcity-mad.co.uk Editor: Richard Lamb
Manager: Nigel Worthington
2005-2006: 9th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 3rd March 3pm
At Carrow Road: Saturday 26th August 3pm
Barnsley v Norwich City Record:
Barnsley Wins: 9
Norwich Wins: 10
Draws: 11
Barnsley Goals: 33
Norwich Goals 36
Last Game: Barnsley 0-2 Norwich City 13/4/02
After spending just the one season in the top-flight in 2004-2005 many Norwich supporters expected their side to fly straight back up. Unfortunately for them The Canaries wings got slightly clipped. They failed to win a single game in the opening month and soon calls were heard for the head of manager Worthington. Wisely chairman Roger Munby kept his finger away from the trigger and Norwich gradually eased their way back up the table.
The sale of striker Dean Ashton to West Ham in January hampered them slightly but the £7.25m they received from the Hammers enabled them to sign Robert Earnshaw and The Canaries finished a respectable 9th. Again expectations are for promotion but with players like Earnshaw and Darren Huckerby in the side there's no reason why those expectations should be dulled.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Should be a lot better season for Worthy and his boys and I reckon they'll make the Play-Offs.
Prediction: 4th.
Odds:
League: 12/1
Promotion: 11/4
Plymouth Argyle
Ground: Home Park
Capacity: 20,922
Official Website: www.pafc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.plymouthargyle-mad.co.uk Editor: Tom Kirk
Manager: Ian Holloway
2005-2006: 14th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Tuesday 17th October 7:45pm
At Home Park: Tuesday 13th March 7:45pm
Barnsley v Plymouth Argyle Record:
Barnsley Wins: 13
Plymouth Wins: 28
Draws: 16
Barnsley Goals: 58
Plymouth Goals: 99
Last Game: Barnsley 1-0 Plymouth Argyle 3/4/04
Plymouth have had a bit of a bumpy ride in the Championship since winning the Division Two title in 03-04.
They saw manager Paul Sturrock defect to Southampton even before they had sewed up the Division Two championship. His replacement Bobby Williamson steered Argyle to 17th in their first season in the Championship but was booted out just one month into 2005-2006 after just one win (on the opening day) and 4 defeats left Plymouth hovering over the relegation zone. Tony Pulis took over for the remainder of the season and guided Plymouth to a respectable 14th.
Former QPR man Ian Holloway has now been handed the reins and Plymouth must at least look at breaking into the top 10 and with a passionate Green Army behind Holloway and his team don't expect the trip to Home Park on a cold Tuesday evening to be a fun one.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Ian Holloway has a tough job on his hands as Argyle fans expect vast improvements and the glory Sturrock days to return. They will take the fight to the last day before grabbing the final spot. That's the final relegation spot.
Prediction: 22nd.
Odds:
League:50/1
Promotion: 14/1
Preston North End
Ground: Deepdale
Capacity: 22,225
Official Website: www.pnefc.net
MAD Website: www.prestonnorthend-mad.co.uk Editor: Ob790
Manager: Paul Simpson
2005-2006: 4th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 13th January 3pm
At Deepdale: Friday 22nd September 7:45pm
Barnsley v Preston North End Record:
Barnsley Wins: 13
Preston Wins: 17
Draws: 10
Barnsley Goals: 51
Preston Goals: 77
Last Game: Preston North End 2-2 Barnsley (AET) Barnsley won 5-4 on pens. 23/8/05
The Lillywhites are going through a summer of change after two successive Play-Off failures. One hugely talented young manager in Billy Davies has been replaced by another hugely talented young manager in Paul Simpson from Carlisle. Simpson has led Carlisle from the Conference to League One in successive seasons and now will manage in the Championship.
Davies decided to join the revolution at Derby County and it is Simpson who is handed the task of making it third time lucky and leading Preston into the Premiership.
Preston had a great campaign last season finishing 4th but after taking a great 1-1 at Leeds in the Semi-Final First Leg but crumbled 2-0 at Deepdale. Following on from their stumble in the Final to West Ham the previous season, Preston like teams such as Ipswich will be desperately hoping to make the top 2.
They have been weakened by the sale of captain Luketti and Davis to Sheffield United whilst the talented Mears has joined Luketti and Davis in the Premiership by joining West Ham. Danny Pugh and Sean St Ledger have been brought in and both have huge potential that Simpson looks to have the ability to unlock.
Will it be 3 promotions in a row for Simpson or will Preston fans again be left heart-broken.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Any squad that includes the talent of David Nugent will always be challenging at the top end of the table but the departure of Davies could hit the club hard. Simpson is an astounding young manager but to win a 3rd successive promotion in his first season may be asking just a little too much.
Prediction: 8th
Odds:
League: 12/1
Promotion: 11/4
Queens Park Rangers
Ground: Loftus Road
Capacity: 18,500 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.qpr.co.uk
MAD Website: www.qpr-mad.co.uk Editor: Edward Dunne.
Manager: Gary Waddock
2005-2006: 21st
Fixtures With Reds:
At Oakwell: Tuesday 30th January 7:45pm
At Loftus Road: Saturday 23rd December 3pm
Barnsley v Queens Park Rangers Record:
Barnsley Wins: 12
Q.P.R Wins: 17
Draws: 9
Barnsley Goals: 64
Q.P.R Goals: 62
Last Game: Barnsley 3-3 Queens Park Rangers 12/4/04
Well last season can only be described as a disaster for QPR. After a credible 11th placed finish in their first season back in England's second flight in 2004-2005 many thought Rangers would push on to claim their place back at football's top table. But boy did it not happen!
2005-2006 was rocked with scandal as allegations were fired of blackmail and violence threats against chairman Gianni Paladini. On the football side QPR were already out of the promotion race when manager Ian Holloway was put on "gardening leave" in February after been linked with the then vacant managerial job at Leicester City. Gary Waddock was placed in temporary charge and Rangers continued to spiral. Waddock won just 2 of his 15 games in charge as Rangers fell from 14th to 21st and escaped relegation by just 8 points.
A run of just 2 wins would end the reign of any manager but not Waddock. He has now been placed in permanent charge and with QPR reported to be around £18m in debt they could be returning to the league they thought they had left forever in 2004.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Poor manager, thread-bare squad low capacity huge debt only one more thing to add. Relegation.
Prediction: 23rd
Odds:
League: 66/1
Promotion: 20/1
Sheffield Wednesday
Ground: Hillsborough
Capacity: 39,814 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.swfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.sheffieldwednesday-mad.co.uk Editor: Andy Parsons.
Manager: Paul Sturrock
2005-2006: 19th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 30th December 3pm
At Hillsborough: Saturday 14th October 3pm
Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday Record:
Barnsley Wins: 19
Sheffield Wednesday Wins: 27
Draws: 10
Barnsley Goals: 71
Sheffield Wednesday Goals: 86
Last Game: Barnsley 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday 5/2/05
Well it's the return of the old nemesis and Wednesday fans have cause for optimism.
After finishing 5th in League One and winning the Play-Offs in 2004-2005 (like Barnsley last season) they bravely fought off the threat of relegation and with one of the best fan bases in England behind them they will be looking to return to the place where they call home, The Premiership.
With a fine tactician in Paul Sturrock as manager Wednesday have become a team that has both strength and flair. Whilst the signings of Small, Bougherra and Lunt may not exactly sound like fantasy signings if anybody can get the best out of them its Sturrock. Wednesday fans aren't naive enough to expect promotion this season but they should most definitely build on last seasons 19th place finish.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: Will be one of those teams nobody relishes facing next season and with over 30,000 roaring them on Hillsborough will again be an intimidating arena.
Prediction. 14th
Odds:
League: 50/1
Promotion: 14/1
Southampton
Ground: St Mary's Stadium
Capacity: 32,251 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.saintsfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.southampton-mad.co.uk Editor: Chris C
Manager: George Burley
2005-2006: 12th
Fixtures With The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 19th August 3pm
At St Mary's Stadium: Saturday 17th February 3pm
Barnsley v Southampton Record:
Barnsley Wins: 20
Southampton Wins: 18
Draws: 10
Barnsley Goals: 73
Southampton Goals: 82
Last Game: Barnsley 4-3 Southampton 14/3/98
After Southampton's 26 year stay in England's top flight ended in 2004-2005 most people tipped the Saints to go marching straight back up. But just like a lot of well fancied teams last season they fell flat on their face.
Manager Harry Redknapp went back to Portsmouth in December by which time Southampton were 12th after winning just 5 of their first 20 games. Draws were their main burden as they had also only been defeated 3 times.
George Burley took over and managed to steady what was becoming a very rocky ship at St Marys. He sold teenage sensation Theo Walcott to Arsenal and this summer has set about trying to rebuild the squad. Southampton won this year's Coca Cola Win A Player competition and signed Bradley Wright-Phillips and have just purchased Jermaine Wright from Leeds.
The pressure is now on Burley as Southampton fans aren't prepared to wait too long for a Premiership return.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: I'm sorry to tell Southampton fans but I see this as being another year of consolidation. George Burley has got the tools but I can't see him achieving what he did with Derby just yet.
Prediction: 16th
Odds:
League: 12/1
Promotion: 11/4
Southend United
Ground: Roots Hall
Capacity: 12,392 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.southendunited.co.uk
MAD Website: www.littlegazette.com Editor: Adam Duffill
Manager: Steve Tilson
2005-2006: 1st (League One Champions)
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Tuesday 28th November 7:45pm
At Roots Hall: Saturday 14th April 3pm
Barnsley v Southend Record:
Barnsley Wins: 10
Southend Wins: 14
Draws: 14
Barnsley Goals: 48
Southend Goals: 58
Last Game: Barnsley 2-2 Southend United 17/4/06
Southend are really buzzing at the moment after two successive promotions has taken them from League Two to the Championship.
A barn-storming 8 match winning run mid-season helped take them to the League One championship finishing 3 points clear of nearest challengers Colchester with the best goal-difference in the league.
Freddy Eastwood is their star man and a real diamond in the making after scoring 25 goals last season to make him League One's Top Scorer. Shrimper's fans will again be looking to Freddy to fire them to safety in the Championship. T
The legendary Shaun Goater has retired but Tilson has countered that with the coup of former England International Michael Ricketts. Ricketts has had a tough time since winning his one and only England cap but if anybody can get him firing like in his Bolton days then its Steve Tilson.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: I reckon Southend will finally encounter a tough season but with Freddy Eastwood and Michael Ricketts upfront they will surely survive.
Prediction: 20th
Odds:
League: 80/1
Promotion: 25/1
Stoke City
Ground: Britannia Stadium
Capacity: 28,218 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.stokecityfc.co.uk
MAD Website: www.stokecity-mad.co.uk Editor: Rob Stanway
Manager: Tony Pulis
2005-2006: 13th
Fixtures With The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 9th September 3pm
At Britannia Stadium: Saturday 24th February 3pm
Barnsley v Stoke City Record:
Barnsley Wins: 21
Stoke Wins: 20
Draws: 13
Barnsley Goals: 74
Stoke Goals: 75
Last Game: Stoke City 3-2 Barnsley 1/11/00
Stoke are hoping to build on an average 2005-2006. Stoke finished 13th last term with 17 wins (1 more than 7th place Wolves) but 22 defeats (the most out side the relegation zone) Inconsistent would be the best way to describe Stoke last season 11 defeats both home and away left them sitting ducks most of the season.
There has been a managerial change at the Britannia Stadium this season with Tony Pulis returning to replace Dutchman Johan Boskamp and he has looked for Premiership experience with the purchase of Vincent Pericard. Keeping shut at the other end is the only way Stoke can progress though as they found a winning habit last term but unfortunately it went hand in hand with a losing one.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: The last time Stoke tasted promotion ex Red boss Gudjon Thordason was the boss. That will still be the case come May.
Prediction: 17th
Odds:
League: 50/1
Promotion: 14/1
Sunderland
Ground: Stadium Of Light
Capacity: 48,300 (All-Seated
Official Website: www.safc.com
MAD Website: www.sunderland-mad.co.uk Editor: Martyn Bowers
Manager: Vacant
2005-2006: 20th (Premiership)
Fixtures With The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 10th March 3pm
At Stadium of Light: Saturday 21st October 3pm
Barnsley v Sunderland Record:
Barnsley Wins: 8
Sunderland Wins: 12
Draws: 2
Barnsley Goals: 27
Sunderland Goals: 32
:Last Game: Barnsley 1-3 Sunderland 16/4/99
Last season can only be described as a complete disaster and maybe the worst in the club's history. After the excellent Championship title win in 2004-2005 big things were expected of Sunderland. But they went on to beat their own worst Premiership points record, finishing rock bottom with just 3 wins and 15 points from their 38 games. Barnsley legend Mick McCarthy was fired in March on just 10 points. Kevin Ball took over for the remainder of the season and managed to scrape together another 5. The club are currently without a full-time manager due to Niall Quinn's impeding takeover but Martin O'Neill is being rumoured to be lined up.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: A lot depends on who Quinn appoints as the new manager but this season will all be about restoring their battered pride and reputation:
Prediction: 19th
Odds:
League:8/1
Promotion: 2/1
West Bromwich Albion
Ground: Hawthorns
Capacity: 28,003 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.wba.co.uk
MAD Website: www.westbromwichalbion-mad.co.uk Editor: Site Editor
Manager: Bryan Robson
2005-2006: 19th (Premiership)
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 9th December 3pm
At Hawthorns: Sunday 6th May 3pm
Barnsley v West Bromwich Albion Record:
Barnsley Wins: 19
WBA Wins: 21
Draws: 20
Barnsley Goals: 87
WBA Goals: 102
Last Game: West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Barnsley 30/3/02
After the dramatic escape of 2004-2005 when West Brom became the first team to be bottom of the Premiership at Christmas at survive, many Baggies fans hoped for a mid-table finish in 05-06. West Brom though failed to show their grit and determination and finished 2nd bottom, 8 points adrift of safety.
Baggies fans will now be looking at manager Bryan Robson to mastermind a quick promotion and a couple of wins over hated rivals Birmingham and Wolves.
The signings of John Hartson and Chris Perry are excellent signings for both ends of the pitch and Hartson in particular should be a real handful for Championship defences.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: John Hartson should be one of the stars of the Championship but it won't be the Baggies year in 06-07.
Prediction: 9th
Odds:
League: 11/2
Promotion: 5/4
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ground: Molineux
Capacity: 29,400 (All-Seated)
Official Website: www.wolves.co.uk
MAD Website: www.wolves-mad.co.uk Editor: Site Editor
Manager: Vacant
2005-2006: 7th
Fixtures with The Reds:
At Oakwell: Saturday 16th September 3pm
At Molineux: Monday 1st January 3pm
Barnsley v Wolves Record:
Barnsley Wins: 26
Wolves Wins: 28
Draws: 17
Barnsley Goals: 108
Wolves Goals: 122
Last Game: Barnsley 1-0 Wolves 29/2/02
Wolves pre-season plans have been thrown into disarray with the shock resignation of manager Glenn Hoddle after Wolves narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term. Coupled with the fact that Wolves have now lost the parachute payments from the Premiership, this could well be a transitional season for the club. Due to the parachute payments ended Wolves have been forced to sell key players such as Seol Ki-Hyeon and Mark Kennedy. Chief Executive Jez Moxeys main aim is now to install a new man at the helm who can deal with the fans expectations. Ex West Brom and Nottingham Forest gaffer Gary Megson is the favourite.
BarnsleyBoy's Verdict: The loss of parachute payments, Hoddle and key players could leave Wolves in midtable next season, something that will not go down well with a hugely ambitious board and fans. Moxey must now find the right manager.
Prediction: 15th
Odds:
League: 18/1
Promotion: 9/2
Note: The league predictions are done with the hope that Barnsley finish 21st in the Championship, preferably after Michael Coulson grabs a hat-trick at West Brom on the final day. Well ok maybe just 2 then...
BarnsleyBoy's Final Table Prediction:
1st Birmingham City
2nd Coventry City
3rd Leeds United
4th Norwich City
5th Crystal Palace
6th Ipswich Town
7th Cardiff City
8th Preston North End
9th West Bromwich Albion
10th Derby County
11th Hull City
12th Burnley
13th Luton Town
14th Sheffield Wednesday
15 Wolverhampton Wanderers
16 Southampton
17th Stoke City
18th Leicester City
19 Sunderland
20th Southend United
21 Barnsley
22nd Plymouth Argyle
23rd Queens Park Rangers
24th Colchester United
With thanks to:www.barnsleyfc.co.uk
www.soccerbase.com
www.footballgroundguide.co.uk