How much of a chance do the newly promoted Premier League teams have?
Cardiff, Hull and Crystal Palace will be the new faces in the Premier League come the start of the new season in August so let’s take this opportunity to asses each club’s chances of making it more than a one season hurrah in the top division.
As the likes of Swansea and Norwich have proved recently, newly promoted teams should not fear going head to head with the Premier League’s finest. Swansea, especially, have prospered in the top flight and thanks to sensible signings (Michu), excellent management (Rodgers and Laudrup) and a sound footballing philosophy they have achieved mid table finishes in each of their first two seasons in the top flight. Not to mention that nice and shiny Capital One Cup they won back in February.
In light of this, there is no reason to think that Cardiff, who have solid financial backing, won’t replicate the success of their Welsh neighbours and enjoy a comfortable first season in the Premier League. Out of the three newly promoted teams they are the ones who are lacking in experience with regards to playing in the top tier but they won the Championship at a canter.
Their squad isn’t too shabby, either, with Peter Whittingham their midfield stalwart and Craig Bellamy providing the creative spark. Cardiff have just acquired the young mercurial talents of Paul Ince, too, so watch out for him to make an impact on the big stage.
It wasn’t so long ago that Hull were enjoying a fine spell in the Premier League, memorably beating Arsenal at the Emirates 2-1. But those good vibes soon faded as did then manager Phil Brown’s ridiculous tan and Mr Orange was soon told to pack his bags and leave as Hull were relegated to the Championship.
In steps Steve Bruce at the beginning of last season and the former Wigan manager was able to steer Hull back to the Premier League in quite stealthy fashion. Considering his past experience as a Premier League manager, Bruce could well keep Hull away from relegation.
Crystal Palace sneaked back into the Premier League thanks to a Kevin Phillips’s penalty late into extra time at Wembley. This is nothing new for Palace as they often jump between the Championship and Premier League like it is going out of fashion. Problem is, though, they can’t seem to stay in the top division for more than one season.
Ian Holloway will be looking to rectify that and has already splashed some of that Premier League money on Peterborough’s Dwight Gayle as he looks to bolster his striking options following the departure of Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United. The Eagles will be hoping that their stay in the Premier League can be extending further than just one season but considering the club were on the brink of administration not so long, getting back to this point is a superb achievement.
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