Season Preview - Part Three

Plymouth Argyle

After two successive promotions Plymouth are likely to find this season much tougher.

Bobby Williamson replaced Paul Sturrock  who joined Southampton. There have been a number of new players to join the Devon club including Scottish International Stevie Crawford.

Whether the players who have helped the club with two seasons of silverware can once again defeat the odds is unlikely and expect Plymouth this time around in with a chance of relegation back to League One.

Player To Look Out For - David Friio

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom Three

Preston North End

Preston again failed to make the grade as they finished mid table ;last season, star striker Ricardo Fuller looked to be heading to Portsmouth only to fail a medical. 

Certainly the players are there for North End to mirror the season they had when the first got promoted to The Championship. A few new signings have joined including ex Reading loanee Omar Daley and former Derby centre half Youl Mawene..

Player To Look Out For - Ricardo Fuller

1871Royals Prediction - Mid table

Queens Park Rangers

QPR have finally made a return to the Championship after the heartache of Play Off defeat to Cardiff City the season before.

Under the guidance of the the sometimes outrageous, Ian Holloway the super hoops secured promotion in second place on the final day just piping Bristol City to the post. There is certainly enough quality in the squad to suggest they will be more then able to cope in the league.

There is the experience of Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen mixed with the youth of Marc Bircham and Dan Shittu.

Player To Look Out For - Marc Bircham 

1871Royals Prediction - Top Ten

Reading 

Consistency is the key if Reading want to realise their dream of a place in the Premiership. The Summer signings of Ibrahima Sonko, Glen Little, Paul Brooker and USA International Bobby Convey are certainly steps in the right direction.

The Royals have held onto star player Steve Sidwell and not only that but the former Arsenal youngster has signed a three year extension to his contract.

Player To Look Out For - Steve Sidwell

1871Royals Prediction - Play Off's

Rotherham United

Rotherham are likely to find themselves fighting for their lives again next season with money tight at the Yorkshire club. Also the bad news of striker Martin Butler who called be out of action for six months of contracting the bug Hepatitis A.

The Miller also lost out on Jody Morris to Millwall. It looks like being a difficult campaign at the club and they are likely to be one of the favourite for the drop into League One.

Player To Look Out For - Andy Monkhouse

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom Three

Sheffield United

Just when it mattered it looked as if United just didn't have the quality to mount a promotion challenge. They still have plenty of good young players such as Michael Tonge and goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

The Blades have strengthened upfront with a number of recruits including former Fulham striker Barry Hayles. 

Though Sheffield United could again find themselves just outside the Play Off places at the end of the season.

Player To Look Out For - Michael Tonge

1871Royals Prediction - Top Ten