One step closer to the top

Charlton, Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday all have illustrious histories, with all three teams having regularly competed in England's top division for a large chunk of their existence. But they have since fallen in stature since their glory days, having dropped down the leagues rapidly and soon found themselves a long way from top flight football. However, after threatening to do so for seasons, both Charlton and Huddersfield were promoted, with Charlton being crowned Champions and Huddersfield promoted courtesy of a nervy penalties win against Sheffield United. Both teams have a strong squad, and both would be hoping to perform to a sufficient standard this season in order to retain their position as Championship clubs. Sheffield Wednesday were the other team to be promoted, beating rivals Sheffield United for that all important second promotion spot. They too have a very strong squad, and will be looking for a comfortable mid table finish under former Cardiff and Wolves manager Dave Jones. I will analyze the 3 teams squads, picking out their strengths and weaknesses and concluding how I think they will fare in their return to England's second tier.

Charlton Athletic - 1st (Champions)

If Wright-Phillips gets high on confidence, then his goals can
potentially lead Charlton to promotion

I may be slightly biased with Charlton being the team I support, but I think The Addicks are in for a really comfortable return to the Championship. After tearing up and disposing of all the competition in League 1, Charlton go into the new season with a sense of confidence and expectation. The Charlton fans have always been very ambitious, and the team may well have the quality to emulate and exceed their high expectations. The first strength of this Charlton side is their defensive capabilities. The Addicks are blessed with a solid defence containing the likes of Chris Solly and Michael Morrison. This meant that they could boast the best defence in League 1 last season, something that will most likely be extremely helpful in their pursuit for back to back promotions. Johnnie Jackson captains the side and provides an invaluable amount of goals from midfield, using his heading ability and left foot expertise to great effect, and can provide top quality deliveries for the lethal strike partnership of Yann Kermorgant and Bradley Wright-Phillips to convert into goals. However, there are potential flaws that could hinder Charlton's surge for promotion. Wright Phillips is a confidence player, and if he loses his confidence then he could be detrimental to his teams fortunes. In contrast if he is confident and firing in the goals, these goals could guide the way and lead the Addicks to back to back promotions.

Prediction: 9th
I would like to be really optimistic and say we'd blitz this league the same way we did last year, but it's not as simple as that. With Charlton not looking to be active on the transfer market, it looks like there will be no new additions that can give the team a quality boost. Nevertheless, a solid season should be expected, with a possible chance of promotion via the playoffs.

Sheffield Wednesday - 2nd (Runners-up)

Owls manager Dave Jones will have a huge challenge on his hands if
he wishes to achieve back to back promotions

The blue half of Sheffield were able to sneak in under the radar and finish strongly to secure the second automatic promotion spot at the expense of rivals Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town. What really impresses me about Sheffield Wednesday is that they have all round quality, and not too many weak links. Each and every player on the pitch work hard and run tirelessly for each other, and this dedication and team spirit meant they were able to keep up with the pacesetters and marginally snatch an automatic promotion spot from under the noses of their Sheffield rivals. Dave Jones must take a lot of credit, who took the reigns on the 1st March, and was able to eradicate their previous troubles and guide them up the table and into second place. The Owls also have a very strong spine in their ranks, with Nicky Weaver, Jose Semedo and Gary Madine, along with new signing Anthony Gardner all capable of providing the quality needed for Wednesday to be successful in the Championship. My only worry for Wednesday is that they have no stand out player. All of their players are too ordinary, meaning they don't have the potential to light up the Championship this season. However, that being said, their team probably does have the all round quality in order to stay in the division for another season, which is all that Wednesday fans will be asking for in their return to the Championship.

Prediction: 16th
The instalment of Dave Jones as manager would undoubtedly be very positive for Wednesday, but he will only be able to guide this group of ordinary players to a mid table finish at best.

Huddersfield Town - 4th (Playoff Winners)

Jordan Rhodes: will he stay or will he go?

Huddersfield had been threatening promotion for years, but one thing was different; Jordan Rhodes. The prolific Scottish striker attracted attention from all across Britain with his goal poaching ability and tireless work for his team. He ended the season with an incredible 40 Goals in all competitions for The Terriers, which is mainly the reason for their success this season. Despite having their 11 month and 43 game unbeaten run ended at Charlton in November, the Terriers bounced back well and were always in contention for the majority of the season. But for much of last season Huddersfield were considered a one man team. With highly rated Scotsman Jordan Rhodes expected to make the step up to bigger and better things in the Premiership, Huddersfield may well struggle to make an impression on the Championship in an attacking front. Securing the services of Jordan Rhodes for at least another season is extremely vital for Huddersfield, whose fortunes will most certainly be determined on whether he stays of leaves. The question is: can they repel the temptation of a big money offer from a Premiership club?

Prediction: With Rhodes: 15th Without Rhodes: 22nd
 If Rhodes stays, the Terriers will be well clear of safety, but if he goes; then it could be a swift return back to League 1 for Huddersfield.

A GOOD OMEN?
2 seasons ago, Norwich achieved back to back promotions from League 1 to the Premiership. Last season, Southampton emulated this achievement. Can any of the 3 teams above replicate this achievement and earn their way back into England's top division?