Given the unpredictable nature of the championship these days some might argue that there is no such thing as a dark horse in English football’s second tier. Nevertheless ,here are a few sides who aren’t amongst the most prominent with the bookies – yet could well find themselves battling for a place in the promised land come the close of the season.
Derby County
With Nigel Clough now entering his fourth full season with the Rams, there is now a feeling that it is now or never for the Championship’s longest serving manager. In recent years his side has persistently flirted between the edge of the play offs and the verge of being dragged into a relegation battle. Having previously being plagued by losing key players in summer transfer windows things this summer seem a little more settled, whilst new comer Johnny Russell could finally be the man to end Derby’s endless search for a twenty goal a season striker. Possessing a squad that has been moulded together over several years and with a host of exciting young players to call on, such as the hugely rated Will Hughes; Derby will be hopeful that Clough can finally mount the promotion challenge that he has been building towards.
Charlton Athletic
It took Charlton a while to adapt to Championship life last year – however an impressive run of seven wins in their final eleven games saw them rise to a final position of ninth. If Chris Powell’s men can carry on where they left off then they could potentially get right amongst those sides chasing a playoff place, their undoing though could be that they still lack a genuine goal scorer – with Powell unfortunately lacking the finances that other managers in the division can call on. That said few teams can match the Addicts in terms of squad togetherness whilst the core of the side is strong – with a year’s experience in this league and with a little bit of luck they could well be worth a playoff punt.
Ipswich Town
Bizarrely, despite having one of the most successful second halves of last season and with seasoned Championship manager Mick McCarthy in charge – The Tractor boys are not considered amongst the favourites to take promotion. Few know this division better than McCarthy and if he can add a few astute additions to the squad then it’s hard to see Ipswich not finally putting together a season better than the mid-season mediocrity that their fans have been forced to endure during the past few seasons.
Bournemouth
Tipped for a season of mid table solidarity by many, the Cherries might just be worth a gamble on taking a playoff spot – particularly if Eddie Howe’s quite remarkable record at the club is anything to go by. Having re-joined the club where he made his managerial name midway through last season, Howe guided his boyhood club from being potential League One relegation candidates to promotion winners. Backed by a solid amount of financial investment and taking into account the wave of momentum they are currently riding on, Bournemouth could follow several other sides who have followed up promotion from League One will a successful Championship season.
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