The official CHAMPIONSHIP Thread

Coppell's gone

Coppell Quit's after 5 1/2 years

was probably the right thing to do really

While I am guttered we won't be in the premiership, I am even more disappointed Coppell has gone. One of the very few frank and honest managers around, no ego and took a local club into the big time, on a shoestring budget.

I sincerely doubt there would be many clubs he is keen on. One thing he doesnt do is politics, and now there seems to be  layers upon layers or politics at most clubs (as well as the need to achive success instantly).

I'd have him at QPR in a flash!

If you look at my earlier posts, I had judged Reading as the best footballing team in the league (at least earlier in the season), but seemed to run out of belief, and even Coppell seemed to be suffering from the same problem. I thought he was pretty straight up and down and focused on the football. A lot less likeable managers out there.

And for those that missed the goals this morning, check these bad boys out! Sorry Reading13, but it's not often to get two goal-of-the-season candidates within 7 minutes.
http://en.soccerclips.net/videos/reading-0-1-burnley-paterson
http://en.soccerclips.net/videos/reading-0-2-burnley-thompson

Only Alan Partridge could do them justice .... Shhiiit!
Turfmoore2009-05-13 22:59:37

Good luck Burnley in the final.... I want them in the premiership judging by next seasons retro shirts alone!! HG - Coppell won't go where there is politics, and there is more politics at QPR now than Westminster!

If he scores another like that at Wembley manure will step in and buy him. Awesome goals to see again in a clearer video clip. Lonegunmen2009-05-14 22:33:15

Cold comfort, but I would have been backing Reading in the final had they made it. Flights all booked, now just the small matter of securing a ticket at Wembley. This is where supporting a small club has a distinct advantage. Of course, Burnley supporters are all coming out of the woodwork now. Never really associated us with glory hunters

You know who your supporters were on here from day one.

Time to bump the Championship thread with another shocking ref decision

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xwnvgs6BgI&feature=related

The goal that never was from the Crystal Palace v Bristol City game, How embarrassing...

looks tight this year  behind WBA and newcastle. 3rd to 12th seperated by 3 points

i think it would be cool to see QPR promoted

I hope West Brom and Plymouth get promoted. West Brom should, Plymouth probably not. Just for Woods and Fallons sake.

yea good point

Hope Reading don't get relagated. Newcastle and WBA should have no prob.

I see Reading managed has left now. On mutual consent or something. Briefly flicked past it on FB.

Ours too. Player power rules at QPR. BIG BAD mistake!! Rumour has it Part "Mr Relegation" Hart is numero uno to be announced.

i cant be bothered reading this whole topic so im just saying my team is (the owls)Sheffield Wednesday.

I have this seasons Owls top. was a present from a friend who went over there earlier this season.

with WBA getting promoted, chris wood can become next seasons epl top scorer

Yeah, I'm excited about Wood being a regular in the Premier League (hopefully).

Thank god we have sacked Brendan Rodgers!!!! The guy was a muppet, ironic too that we paid Watford compensation for him and now they in financial trouble.

It's a bit of a sorry state at Hillsbro at present. I was listening to BBCs Praise or Grumble this morning and the owls chaiman seems to be losing support of the fans fast. Will the investment they need come? They need a manager ASAP.

well he will get less support if he offers the post to Neil Warnock if the rumours are true. Also interesting is Preston about to make Darren Ferguson their new boss - will be following that with interest.

Fergie Jr has been appointed. Warnock I don't think is in the running. Megson isn't interested. Latest was that Southgate was in the mix too.

Hand of God's contribution to Championship awareness - http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/blogs/hand-of-god/3215432/Lovin-the-Championship

You picked up that Wee-Gordie Strachan is chasing Killen Marius ?

yeah, its mentioned in the blog - that would make four AWs in the Championship once SMith back from brentford

7:45

Burnley are back.

And so is this thread.

With Lonegunmen's lot at the top and Tractor Boys also looking handy, should be a fair bit of Fever interest (ie, banter) this season (+ with the highlights show on the telly).

Might need to do a roll call of the Fever "Championship club".

Up the Clarets!

U 'ULL!!!!

Re-igniting this thread given the manager merry-go-round in the Championship, and most replacements are now in place.

This has all happened in the last month ...

Burnley - Laws sacked, replaced by Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)[subject to rubber stamping]
Preston - Ferguson the Younger sacked, replaced by Phil Brown (out of work, ex-Hull)
Ipswich - Keane sacked, replaced by Paul Jewell (ex-Derby, and before that Wigan)
Crystal Palace - Burley Sacked, replaced by Dougie Freedman (internal staff / ex-player)
Sheffield United - Gary Speed left for Wales, replaced by Micky Adams (Port Vale)


And, not going anywhere: Paul Lambert (Norwich) & Malky Mackay (Watford), both of whom were linked with Burnley (Although I wouldn't be surprised if either or both don't move within the next 6 months - I'm done with being taken in by loyalty statements by Scottish managers!).

Interesting mix of experienced journeymen and up and comers (Howe is just 33, but has done brilliantly with Bournemouth over the past 2.5 seasons, and this is a first time appointment for Freedman).

Having been following it closely from a Burnley perspective, there was a lot of discussion re Old Head BTDT (been there done that) v Younger Manager on-the-rise. Personally pretty pleased to have snared Howe (hope it doesn't go pear shaped in the 11th hour!). Jeez, there was even some talk of Megson being a candidate! And BF Sam would have been in the frame had he not said no as Real Madrid may be available soon (I would have eaten my words and welcomed BFS on the Turf tbh).

My view is that Preston have needed to take a gamble and Phil Brown may be the right kind of gamble for them (I wouldn't have wanted him at Burnley though!).
Likewise Jewell has got to be an improvement on Keane, mainly because he fits the criteria of being "anybody".
Palace's is a bold move - there was talk about Howe (who turned them down) & Wise, but getting an insider may be a shrewd move. And it's usually cheaper.
Sheff Utd - don't know. Adams doesn't seem that inspirational, and there appears to be something badly amiss at Sheffield. They could go down.
The quietness of the transfer market suggests there's more beggars than choosers and I think most clubs have done pretty well.

Interested in the thoughts of other Championship team followers.

I believe there is even an Ipswich supporter out there.

Where?

There you are. I thought you'd be making a nuisance of yourself on the Arsenal thread!

I may have done that a little earlier in the week.

Now we've had this jolly little banter, everyone will miss My highly perceptive and comprehensive earlier post!

Happy with Jewell?

I've taken to reserving judgement.

pleased that we got Matty fryatt from leicester and that we are doing a good impersonation of Man U third team at the moment