A Whole Different Ball Game
The main difference between the Championship and the Premier League is the competitiveness between teams in every match. Predicting the Top Four teams in the top division isn’t very difficult; it tends to be the same every season. In the Championship it’s a different kettle of fish, you just have to look at Hull finishing 18th in one season and then winning promotion the next.
There are no easy games; every game is a physical battle. Any team can get one over on you and with the speed of the game being so intense and players always being in your face you don’t have a chance to express yourself on the ball. There is definitely more respect for skilful players in the Premier League.
Tip for the Top
It’s very difficult to predict anything confidently but looking at the signings by Alec McLeish at Birmingham they’ll be a good shout. Kevin Phillips is the best signing of the lot, he’s guaranteed to score twenty goals in the Championship every season. The other teams who came down last year Derby and Reading will also be tough opposition, they’ll have their reputations to live up to although its very tough getting out again at the first time of asking. There are also teams who did well towards the end of last season like Crystal Palace who’ll be looking to push on.
Saints to Spring a Surprise
I think my team Southampton will surprise a few people this season; most of the guys who won the Reserve League last year are pushing for places in the first team. We’ve got loads of energy and quality and we’re going to go out there and play an attacking brand of football. It’s exciting times for the Club at the moment and I think we can definitely make the play-offs.
Our main centre forward is David McGoldrick, he’s shown great potential in the last few years when he’s been out on loan to the lower leagues. With a chance of a run in the first team he seems determined to make his mark. Our whole team is very young, I think even with a golden-oldie like me in the squad the average age is around 21yrs old. I’m noticeably one of the older guys in the dressing room but a blend of experience and youth is a necessity for success. I think I can help bring a bit of stability on the pitch and hope that the younger guys approach me for any advice that they may need. One guy who stands out for me at the moment is Adam Lallana, he’s a fantastic player who is very good at going forward, sees passes that others don’t and will score a few goals.
It’s a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by enthusiastic young players who know what they want to achieve, there are no egos either and everybody mucks in together. It’s been a pleasure watching them progress recently and gives me a boost of energy which I hope will help lengthen my career!
We were unlucky on the first day of the season, if it weren’t for a dodgy refereeing decision we would have got more out of the game at Cardiff. Hopefully with the support of big crowds at St. Mary’s we can get a win under our belt, when the stadium is full I don’t think there is a better atmosphere!
Good Luck to Luton
I really feel for my old club Luton at the moment. It’s a terrible situation and the only people getting penalised are the player’s and the fans. The people in the wrong aren’t even at the club anymore. I wish them all the best and hope that somehow they find a way to survive this year – I think they need 80 points just to survive!