I had Watford down as possible relegation candidates, but now they are poised for an Italian takeover with a £15m cash injection and Gianfranco Zola as manager: Watford
However, Hornets fans are sceptical about whether they are to join the ranks of the massive clubs in the Championship. Rather than becoming the Sheffield Wednesday of Hertfordshire, they fear that they could become a nursery club devoted to the development of young Italian players.
Charlton start their Championship programme with an away trip to hospitable Birmingham City on August 18th. They then face the Foxes at home three days later: Fixtures
It's a challenging start to the season. If CAFC win the CO Cup against Leyton Orient then they will have to play 6 games in 18 days. However, injuries and suspensions are less of a problem at the start of the season.
Charlton entertain Crystal Palace on 15 September and visit the New Den on 1 December with the return fixture in March. They face a truly massive game on 22 December when they have the honour of playing at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday.
The last home game of the season should provide any needed points when the Addicks entertain Bristol City at home on May 4th.
This page will get a proper re-launch before the Crown Berger Cup against Welling (the links need updating). Meanwhile, Charlton are 10th in the table just ahead of Crystal Palace who have moved up after their lowly finish.
The teams in the Championship can be divided into three categories:
Massive
Sheffield Wednesday (super massive); Blackburn Rovers; Wolves. Erfawr: Cardiff City. Candidate massive (pending takeovers): Leeds United, Nottingham Forest.
Really Rather Big
Birmingham City (provided financial problems do not get worse); Bolton Wanderers; Brighton; Derby County; Hull City; Leicester City; Middlesbrough
Potential relegation candidates
Blackpool (wheels could come off, but a long shot); Bristol City; Burnley; Crystal Palace; Huddersfield (only one point for a draw); Ipswich Town; Millwall; Peterborough United; Watford.
If we treat Charlton as a medium-sized club, this would see them finishing 14th. If we add in the extra Powell ingredient, it could be higher. It's all to play for!
