2009-2010 Championship Previews

Last updated : 03 August 2009 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Manager: Roy Keane

Odds to win: 10/1. Odds for Promotion: 11/4

2008-2009:

Position: 9th W:17 D:15 L:14 F:62 A:53 Points: 66

Top Scorer: Jon Stead (13)

FA Cup: Fourth Round

League Cup: Fifth Round

Yellows: 74 Reds: 4

Results against Reds:

30/9/08 Ipswich 3-0 Barnsley. 27/1/09 Barnsley 1-2 Ipswich

2009-2010:

Name: Mark T

Club: Ipswich

Level of Interest:

Season ticket holder, and go to most away games.

How has pre-season gone for you?

Not too bad personally, gave me some time so save up money and buy a car, and the cricket isnt a bad substitute for football.

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?

I'm pleased with the signing of Delaney, from what i saw of him at QPR last season he looks quite good at the back, but i guess we will see how he does for us. As for the other signings, all I have seen of Lee Martin is a goal he scored for United in pre season last year (which was a cracker!). Ive not been to any pre season games and wont be able to make any because of work so i will have to wait for the start of the season to look at the others signings. I still feel we need a good striker though if we are to battle for the play offs/promotion.

What realistically are you aiming for this season?

With all the money available to the owner alot of Ipswich fans have us down as run away winners of the Championship this year, but I think it will be alot harder than they think, if we get a good goal scorer in then i would be happy with the play offs.

Which player has past his sell by date?

I wouldnt say past his sell by date because he is still only 30, but Kevin Lisbie last season was quite slow for a striker although i have heard good things said about his pre season performances so far.

Have you got the right manager in charge?

I think so, Roy Keane knows how to get a team out the division like he did with Sunderland, so hopefully we can get out of the division this year!

What advice would you give him?

Although you have alot of money to spend on bringing in new players, keep in mind that we do still have alot of young talent coming up through the academy.

Who do you see as your key player?

I think players such as Gareth McAuley, David Norris and when he is back from injury Luciano Cevilli will have a big influence on our season, they are all class players which i think were under performing under the management of Magilton.

Who would you most like to beat this season?

Winning at Newcastle on the penultimate game of the season to secure promotion would be good, and would lead to a very good night out in toon land

Where will you finish?

I would be happy with a play off place finish, but with the current squad i would say 8th, get in a 20/30 goal a season striker and play offs would be reachable.

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

I think Barnsley will finish around mid table this season, you have a manager which i believe is capable of getting you out of this division given the right finances. You have been linked this summer with our winger Alan Quinn, he would be a great addition to your team if you do sign him. I think you will finish 14th.