2009-2010 Championship Previews

Last updated : 05 August 2009 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Manager: Gareth Southgate

Odds to win: 6/1. Odds for Promotion: 7/4

2008-2009:

Position: 19th (Premier League) W:7 D:11 L:20 F:28 A:57 Points: 32

Top Scorer: Marlon King (7)

FA Cup: Quarter-Finals

League Cup: Third Round

Yellows: 54 Reds: 3

Results against Reds: N/A

2009-2010:

Name: Rob

Club: Middlesbrough FC

Level of Interest:( I.e Now and then, Every other week, season ticket holder etc) Season ticket holder

How has pre-season gone for you? Played 4, Won 3, Draw 1, Lost 0 - For 12, Against 2. Adam Johnson, Rhys Williams and new signing Mark Yeates have all impressed. Midfielder/Defender Matthew Bates suffered a recurring injury and is unlikely to play this season. We have a few other injury concerns going into the first game of the season.

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made? Brought in 2 new players, a goalkeeper (Danny Coyne) who looks to be a back up to Brad Jones, and a right winger (Mark Yeates) who has impressed during pre season. Could do with some new faces, upfront looks like an issue and a new keeper would be nice.

What realistically are you aiming for this season? Promotion

Which player has past his sell by date? Our #1 goal keeper Brad Jones. Been stuck behind Mark Schwarzer for 10 years, had his chance last season and blew it.

Have you got the right manager in charge? No, however I will always back what the club decides to do. Southgate likes to play players out of position and drop players when they find form.

What advice would you give him? Play players in their right position, buy a striker and goalkeeper.

Who do you see as your key player? Adam Johnson. Johnson has been understudy to Stewart Downing for a while but will get his chance this season. Has played at Championship level before with Wolves, scoring 5 goals in 12 games.

Who would you most like to beat this season? Has to be Newcastle United!

Where will you finish? Tough to call but hopefully top 2.

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish? Mid table. I think after last season's scare you should push on to a mid table position, although you never know with the Championship.