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Champions: Bournemouth.
Formed in 1890 next season will see Dean Court host the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. Celebrations on the beach were the likes of which have never been seen for the club whose previous managers included current West Brom Manager, Tony Pulis and ex QPR and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.
The fans will be celebrating for a long time to come but, for the Chairman and Management team some serious questions need to be asked. First of all the stadium only holds around 12,000 fans, which will not benefit the club as far as ticket sales go. Also I think it would be fair to say that some of the members of the championship winning side will not be there come August. Look to a lot of loan signings and older professionals out of contract. If the Cherries can stay in the League then maybe Stadium development could be viable further down the road.
Also promoted as runners up are Watford who, unlike Bournemouth, have played in the Premiership twice before. Each campaign ended in relegation after the single season, in twentieth position, with a combined eleven wins.
In their history the glory years were the early 1980's when the Hornets were runners up in the top division, finishing second to winners Liverpool, after only just being promoted the previous season.
Play Offs:
Brentford v Middlesbrough:
The first game will be held at Griffin Park on Friday 8th May before the return leg takes place a week later at the Riverside. The 2004 League Cup winners had reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2006 in a glorious period for Boro. 2009 though saw the side end their eleven year stay in the Premiership and are now looking to return after six years away.
Middlesbrough should comfortably come through this test and set up a Wembley Final. This season Boro got the better of Brentford on both occasions, conceding no goals in the two games and, in fact, you would have to go back to an FA Cup game in 1964 for the last time not only Brentford won against Boro, but even scored a goal against them. Middlesbrough will go through comfortably.
Ipswich v Norwich:
The East Anglian rivals meet to sort out who will go to Wembley and possibly onto the Premiership. Portman Road will host a no doubt tasty affair on Saturday before Carrow Road sees the return leg.
Historically Ipswich have the advantage, winning six more League games against their rivals. More recent history though is fully with the Canaries. This season City won both games, conceding no goals but the season before Norwich scored nine to the Ipswich two.
So is this the biggest game between the two rivals? I think certainly the only other big stakes game for the two was back just over thirty years ago in the Milk Cup, now League Cup. City beat Ipswich over two legs, 2-1 after going to Ipswich first. The final was at the old Wembley against Sunderland, who are actually only a forty minute drive away from their likely opponents, Middlesbrough. Norwich to go through by the odd goal.
That means the biggest money game in the English game will see Boro face Norwich City. This time however I think the side from the North East will be victorious, Boro to go up.
Relegated:
Millwall: I have never been a big fan of Millwall but to say I am glad they are falling down the League would be wrong. It’s been twenty five years since they last played top flight football and I don’t know of many Premiership fans who have missed them. They are wounded Lions right now but I am sure they will be back in the Championship soon, but hopefully not higher than that.
Wigan: It has been a crazy few seasons for Wigan. After defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup in 2013 they have suffered two relegation seasons. The side did really well to enjoy a successful spell in the Premiership which lasted eight seasons. The last two seasons though have seen quite a bit of drama behind the scenes. If they can stop the rot and get things back on track I think they could certainly bounce right back. However, the city is a rugby city, the football spotlight was on it for while, but now I fear it will transition back to rugby.
Blackpool: Relegated despite playing a game less than their rivals. A protest from disillusioned fans brought a halt to the last game of the season and the powers that be have decided not to replay it as it has no affect on anything. Points deduction for next season though? Possibly.
If something doesn’t change at Bloomfield road then I can see this stone continuing to drop down the Leagues.
Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979
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