The 2014-15 Football League season begins tomorrow night at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers host Cardiff City before the bulk of fixtures on Saturday.
The Championship appears to be as tough a call as ever but here, Sports Mole wonders who will emulate Leicester City, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers in going up and who will be those battling at the bottom.
We take a look at each side in turn - detailing their transfer activity, picking a key player and giving our general thoughts before predicting where they'll finish.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
In: David Cotterill (free from Doncaster Rovers), Clayton Donaldson (free from Brentford), Mark Duffy (free from Doncaster), David Edgar (free from Burnley), Stephen Gleeson (free from MK Dons), Jonathan Grounds (free from Oldham Athletic), Gavin Gunning (free from Dundee United), Grant Hall (loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Denny Johnstone (undisclosed from Celtic), Navid Nasseri (undisclosed from Bury), Wes Thomas (free from Rotherham United)
Out: Tom Adeyemi (undisclosed to Cardiff City), Darren Ambrose (released), Koby Arthur (loan to Cheltenham Town), Akwasi Asante (released), Amari'i Bell (loan to Mansfield Town), Chris Burke (free to Nottingham Forest), Wade Elliott (free to Bristol City), Reece Hales (released), Ryan Higgins (released), Brian Howard (released), Peter Lovenkrands (released), Aaron Martin (free to Yeovil Town), Hayden Mullins (free to Notts County), Nikola Zigic (released)
Last season: 21st
Key player: Darren Randolph
Sports Mole says
Lee Clark went bonkers when his side produced a truly miraculous comeback to stay up on the final day last season, but the Blues look set for another rough ride again. They've already lost one of their best players in Chris Burke and Tom Adeyemi looks likely to follow after handing in a transfer request. There has been a lot of change in the dressing room and the new recruits will have plenty to do.
Much of the onus might be on Duffy, who was one of Donny's most impressive players as they went down because of Birmingham's late exploits on the final day. Former Manchester United keeper Randolph kept Birmingham in many a game last season and his performances between the sticks could be key once again in 2014-15. A poor start to the campaign could see the end of Clark, who will be desperate to win a game at home after going on a record 18-game winless run from October until the end of last season.
First game: Middlesbrough (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 20th
BLACKBURN ROVERS
In: Chris Brown (free from Doncaster Rovers), Luke Varney (free from Leeds United), Alex Baptiste (loan from Bolton Wanderers)
Out: William Beesley (released), Leon Best (loan to Derby County), DJ Campbell (released), Robbie Cotton (released), Ryan Edwards (free to Morecambe), Dickson Etuhu (released), Hugo Fernandez Molina (released), David Goodwillie (free to Aberdeen), Alan Judge (undisclosed to Brentford), Josh Morris (loan to Fleetwood Town), Anthony O'Connor (loan to Plymouth Argyle), Timothy Payne (released), Deniz Pero (released), Ruben Rochina (undisclosed to Granada), Aaron Tumwa (released), Matthew Unwin (released).
Last season: 8th
Key player: Jordan Rhodes
Sports Mole says
After the calamity of 2012-13, Blackburn steadied themselves last season and now look comfortable in the hands of Gary Bowyer. At times they looked like one of the strongest teams in the league, but consistency was the problem last season as they finished just two points shy of the playoff places.
Although the incoming signings are far from inspiring, it looks like Blackburn's valuation of Rhodes is high enough to put off those sniffing around him and keeping their top marksman is the main priority this summer. The 24-year-old netted 25 league goals last season, making it 51 in the Championship since he joined Blackburn in 2012. His prowess in attack is key for Rovers as they again look to challenge in the top half of the table.
First game: Cardiff City (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 11th
BLACKPOOL
In: Peter Clarke (free from Huddersfield Town), Jose Miguel Cubero (undisclosed from Herediano), Tomasz Cywka (free from Barnsley), Donervon Daniels (loan from West Bromwich Albion), Nathan Delfouneso (free from Aston Villa), Joe Lewis (loan from Cardiff City), John Lundstram (loan from Everton), Jacob Mellis (free from Barnsley), Ishmael Miller (free from Nottingham Forest), Tony McMahon (free from Sheffield United), Joan Oriol (free from Osasuna), Sergei Zenjov (free from FC Karpaty Lviv)
Out: Louis Almond (released), Anderson Banvo (released), Chris Basham (free to Sheffield United), Neal Bishop (free to Scunthrope United), Kirk Broadfoot (free to Rotherham United), Jake Caprice (released), Craig Cathcart (free to Watford), James Caton (free to Shrewsbury Town), Michael Chopra (released), Adam Dodd (released), Robert Earnshaw (released), Nathan Eccleston (released), Barry Ferguson (free to Clyde), Ricardo Fuller (free to Millwall), Mark Halstead (free to Shrewsbury Town), Matt Gilks (free to Burnley), Elliot Grandin (released), Faris Haroun (released), Thomas Ince (to Hull City, compensation), Chris Kettings (free to Crystal Palace), Alex Marrow (free to Carlisle United), Harrison McGahey (to Sheffield United, compensation) Isaiah Osbourne (released), Liam Tomsett (free to AFC Fylde), Nathan Tyson (free to Doncaster Rovers) Tony Warner (released)
Last season: 20th
Key player: Gary MacKenzie
Sports Mole says
Blackpool start the season as odds-on favourite to be relegated this season and you can see why. After holding top spot towards the start of last season, they gradually tumbled down the table and only stayed up by a couple of points in the end. They have a new manager in Jose Riga and have been scrambling to sign players over the past couple of weeks after cancelling their pre-season tour because their squad wasn't big enough.
With a squad jumbled together at the last minute, a good start seems unlikely. Bullish centre-back MacKenzie was arguably the Seasiders' best player last season and he will again need to be on form to keep the opposition out.
First game: Nottingham Forest (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 24th
BOLTON WANDERERS
In: Neil Danns (free from Leicester City), Dorian Dervite (free from Charlton Athletic), Liam Feeney (free from Millwall), Ross Fitzsimons (undisclosed from Crystal Palace), Andy Hughes (free from Charlton Athletic), Kevin McNaughton (loan from Cardiff City), Dean Moxey (free from Crystal Palace), Liam Trotter (free from Millwall)
Out: Sam Bailey (released), Cian Bolger (undisclosed to Southend United), Chris Eagles (released), Saul Hamer (released), Jordan Hendrie (released), James Kelly (released), Zat Knight (released), Arran Lee-Barrett (released), Jay Lynch (released), Tyrone Mears (released), Andre Moritz (released), Elliot Newby (released), Joe Riley (loan to Oxford United), Marvin Sordell (undisclosed to Burnley), Guillermo Torres (released)
Last season: 14th
Key player: Jermaine Beckford
Sports Mole says
Last season was a struggle for Trotters fans as they watched their club barely leave the bottom half of the table throughout the season. Dougie Freedman will no doubt be given time to prove his worth after his impressive stint at Crystal Palace, but signings have been hard to come by so far.
They were unable to re-sign Lukas Jutkiewicz after his loan spell last season and that will place a lot of goalscoring expectation on Jermaine Beckford, who has got good history in the second tier.
First game: Watford (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 19th
BOURNEMOUTH
In: Dan Gosling (free from Newcastle United), Junior Stanislas (free from Burnley), Callum Wilson (undisclosed from Coventry City)
Out: Miles Addison (loan to Scunthorpe United), Ryan Allsop (loan to Coventry City), Mohamed Coulibaly (loan to Coventry City), Lewis Grabban (undisclosed to Norwich City), Richard Hughes (retired), Shwan Jalal (free to Bury), Charlie Losasso (free to Eastbourne Borough), Josh McQuoid (loan to Coventry City), Stephen Purches (retired), Matt Tubbs (loan to AFC Wimbledon)
Last season: 10th
Key player: Callum Wilson
Sports Mole says
Eddie Howe guided the Cherries to their highest league finish in 25 years in 2013-14 as the club adapted to life back in the second tier with little fuss. Grabban was one of the division's top scorers, but he has now been poached by Norwich.
Apart from that, Howe has fended off bids to keep the core of his squad and Wilson will be expected to fill the void after netting more than 20 goals in League One for Coventry.
First game: Huddersfield (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 13th
BRENTFORD
In: Andre Gray (undisclosed from Luton Town), Scott Hogan (undisclosed from Rochdale), Alan Judge (undisclosed from Blackburn Rovers), Moses Odubajo (£1m from Leyton Orient), Daniel O'Shaughnessy (free from Metz), Alex Pritchard (loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Nick Proschwitz (free from Hull City), Tommy Smith (free from Cardiff City), Marcos Tebar Ramiro (free from Almeria)
Out: Scott Barron (released), Sam Beale (free to Eastbourne Borough), Clayton Donaldson (free to Birmingham City), Farid El Alagui (free to Hibernian), Will Grigg (loan to MK Dons), Shaleum Logan (free to Aberdeen), Luke Norris (undisclosed to Gillingham), Liam O'Brien (free to Dagenham & Redbridge), Michael Onovwigun (free to Chesterfield), Aaron Pierre (undisclosed to Wycombe Wanderers)
Last season: 2nd in League One
Key player: Adam Forshaw
Sports Mole says
After being denied promotion in heartbreaking circumstances the season before last, Brentford proved their quality with a fine season last term. They lost manager Uwe Rosler to Wigan midway through the season, but it didn't affect them as Mark Warburton came in and they got better under him.
The overall quality of the team looks to have improved and they shouldn't struggle to adapt to life in the second tier. Forshaw was named in the League One team of the season for 2013-14 and Wigan Athletic have been told to drastically up their bid if they want to sign the former Everton man.
First game: Charlton Athletic (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 16th
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
In: Aaron Hughes (free from Queens Park Rangers), Chris O'Grady (undisclosed from Barnsley), David Stockdale (undisclosed from Fulham), Nzuzi Toko (free from Grasshopper)
Out: Keith Andrews (loan to Watford), Peter Brezovan (released), Brennan Dickenson (free to Gillingham), Will Hoskins (released), Tomasz Kuszczak (released), David Lopez (released), Jeffrey Monakana (loan to Aberdeen), Andrea Orlandi (released), David Rodriguez (released), Leonardo Ulloa (£7m to Leicester City), Matthew Upson (free to Leicester City)
Last season: 6th, lost in playoff semi-final to Derby County
Key player: Dale Stephens
Sports Mole says
For the second straight season, Brighton begin the campaign with a brand new manager making his debut in English football. Oscar Garcia led the club to the playoffs last term, and Sami Hyypia will be looking to emulate that in his first season back in England.
The former Liverpool defender has struggled to bring many new faces to the Amex and losing star striker Ulloa to Leicester will hurt them. Getting into the playoffs for a third straight season seems to be a tough ask for the Seagulls.
First game: Sheffield Wednesday (H), Full fixture list.
Prediction: 10th
CARDIFF CITY
In: Tom Adeyemi (undisclosed from Birmingham City), Guido Burgstaller (undisclosed from Rapid Vienna), Kagisho Dikgacoi (free from Crystal Palace), Javi Guerra (free from Real Valladolid), Adam Le Fondre (undisclosed from Reading, £1m), Federico Macheda (free from Manchester United)
Out: Craig Bellamy (retired), Fraizer Campbell (£900,000 to Crystal Palace), Steven Caulker (£8m to Queens Park Rangers), Luke Coulson (released), Don Cowie (free to Wigan Athletic), Ronnie Hawkins (released), Jo Inge Berget (loan to Celtic), Simon Lappin (released), Joe Lewis (loan to Blackpool), Jordan Mutch (£6m to Queens Park Rangers), Ben Nugent (loan to Yeovil Town), Tommy Smith (free to Brentford), Andrew Taylor (free to Wigan Athletic)
Last season: 20th in Premier League
Key player: Peter Whittingham
Sports Mole says
The Premier League's bottom club from last season might have lost some of their star players, but they still have a squad full of quality from top to bottom and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to look a little less out of his depth in the Championship.
In Le Fondre they have signed a solid goalscorer and there are also of players with Championship know-how in their ranks. Whittingham, especially, has often been one of this league's best players in the past and he should be a vital player for them this season.
First game: Blackburn (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 2nd
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
In: Zak Ansah (free from Arsenal), Tal Ben Haim (free from Standard Liege), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (free from AZ Alkmaar), Andre Bikey (free from Panetolikos), Yoni Buyens (loan from Standard Liege), Stephen Henderson (free from West Ham United), Franck Moussa (free from Coventry City), George Tucudean (free from Standard Liege), Igor Vetokele (undisclosed from Copenhagen)
Out: Adebayo Azeez (free to AFC Wimbledon), Jordan Cook (free to Walsall), Leon Cort (released), Dorian Dervite (free to Bolton Wanderers), Cedric Evina (free to Doncaster Rovers), Kevin Feely (free to Newport County), Reza Ghoochannejhad (loan to Al-Kuwait), Mark Gower (released), Danny Green (free to MK Dons), Ben Hamer (free to Leicester City), Danny Hollands (free to Portsmouth), Andy Hughes (free to Bolton Wanderers), Bradley Jordan (released), Harry Lennon (loan to Cambridge United), Diego Poyet (West Ham United, compensation), Bradley Pritchard (free to Leyton Orient), Richard Wood (free to Rotherham United)
Last season: 18th
Key player: Johnnie Jackson
Sports Mole says
Another team with a new man in charge are Charlton, who finished the season strongly to avoid relegation last season after an impressive finish in their first season back in the Championship in 2012-13.
Bob Peeters has seen the club lose their best young prospect in Poyet and the Standard Liege-heavy arrivals won't best please the Charlton fans. Peeters has no experience of managing in England and he will need captain Jackson to lead the team well. Another battle at the bottom looks on the cards for the Addicks.
First game: Brentford (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 23rd
DERBY COUNTY
In: Leon Best (loan from Blackburn Rovers), Alban Bunjaku (free from Sevilla), Ivan Calero (free from Atletico Madrid), Cyrus Christie (undisclosed from Coventry City), Omar Mascarell (loan from Real Madrid), Jonathan Mitchell (free from Newcastle United), Alefe Santos (Bristol Rovers, compensation), George Thorne (undisclosed from West Bromwich Albion), Zak Whitbread (free from Leicester City)
Out: Ross Atkin (released), James Bailey (free to Barnsley), Callum Ball (free to St Mirren), Ben Davies (free to Sheffield United), Michael Hoganson (released), Valentin Gjokaj (released), Adam Legzdins (free to Leyton Orient), Josh Lelan (loan to Swindon Town, Loan), James O'Connor (free to Walsall)
Last season: 3rd, lost to Queens Park Rangers in playoff final
Key player: Will Hughes
Sports Mole says
Anyone who wasn't supporting QPR in the playoff final felt ever so sorry for Derby, who were by far the third-best team in the league last year but couldn't quite deliver at Wembley. Steve McClaren did a fine job after taking over from Nigel Clough and this summer they have only strengthened their squad.
Even though West Brom insisted that they would not sell Thorne, Derby wore them down and would have had a formidable central midfield with him, Craig Bryson and Hughes, if not for a serious knee injury that will see him sit out most of the season. Hughes may have been outshone by Bryson's brilliance last season, but this year could be his best yet. Derby are many pundits' favourites for promotion and there's little reason to doubt another high finish.
First game: Rotherham United (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 4th
FULHAM
In: Adil Chihi (free from Cologne), Nikolay Bodurov (undisclosed from Litex Lovech), Thomas Eisfeld (undisclosed from Arsenal), Tim Hoogland (free from Schalke), Shaun Hutchinson (free from Motherwell), Ross McCormack (undisclosed from Leeds United), Konstantinos Stafylidis (loan from Bayer Leverkusen), Adam Taggart (undisclosed from Newcastle Jets), Kay Voser (undisclosed from Basel)
Out: Charles Banya (released), Derek Boateng (free to Rayo Vallecano), Alexander Brister (released), Matthew Briggs (free to Millwall), Ashkan Dejagah (undisclosed to Al-Arabi), Mahamadou Diarra (released), Damien Duff (free to Melbourne City), Neil Etheridge (released), Brede Hangeland (free to Crystal Palace), John Heitinga (free to Hertha BSC), Dino Islamovic (released), Georgios Karagkounis (released), Pajtim Kasami (undisclosed to Olympiacos), Ronny Minkwitz (released), Max Oberschmidt (released), Josh Pritchard (free to Gillingham), Kieran Richardson (free to Aston Villa), Sascha Riether (undisclosed to Freiburg), John Arne Riise (released), Steve Sidwell (free to Stoke City), David Stockdale (undisclosed to Brighton & Hove Albion), Muamar Tankovic (free to AZ Alkmaar)
Last season: 19th in Premier League
Key player: Ross McCormack
Sports Mole says
After 13 seasons in the Premier League, Fulham were relegated last season. Although there have been plenty of comings and goings, on the whole the Cottagers appear to have a squad that can challenge for promotion.
The West London club forked out big bucks to land last season's top scorer in McCormack from Leeds and he will again be expected to find the net with regularity. The capture of Eisfeld is also an exciting one as just two or three seasons ago he was tipped to break into the Arsenal first team.
First game: Ipswich Town (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 3rd
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
In: Conor Coady (undisclosed from Liverpool), Radoslaw Majewski (loan from Nottingham Forest), Joe Murphy (free from Coventry City), Lee Peltier (free from Leeds United)
Out: Chris Atkinson (free to Crewe Alexandra), Ian Bennett (released), Peter Clarke (free to Blackpool), Cristian Lopez (released), Paul Mullin (free to Morecambe), Anton Robinson (released), Keith Southern (free to Fleetwood Town), Calum Woods (free to Preston North End)
Last season: 17th
Key player: Nahki Wells
Sports Mole says
It's hard to see anything other that another season of struggle for the Terriers. If their front line of Wells and James Vaughan is on song they should score goals, but they are reportedly soon to lose central midfielder Adam Clayton to either Brighton or Middlesbrough.
The backbone of their side looks particularly weak and you just feel that they might be edged out in close games and be fighting for their lives near the bottom.
First game: Bournemouth (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 22nd
IPSWICH TOWN
In: Balint Bajner (free from Borussia Dortmund), Bartosz Bialkowski (undisclosed from Notts County), Kevin Bru (free from Levski Sofia), Alex Henshall (free from Manchester City), Darren McQueen (free from Tottenham Hotspur), Jonathan Parr (free from Crystal Palace), Cameron Stewart (free from Hull City)
Out: Jordan Adekunle (released), Aaron Cresswell (undisclosed to West Ham United), Carlos Edwards (free to Millwall), Jonathan Leddy (released), Scott Loach (free to Rotherham United), David October (released), Mark Timlin (released), Frederic Veseli (loan to Port Vale), Tom Winter (released)
Last season: 9th
Key player: David McGoldrick
Sports Mole says
He stabilised the club when he took in 2012-13 and then led the Tractor Boys to the brink of the playoffs last season. Can Ipswich Town improve further under Mick McCarthy this season? At first glance, it appears unlikely that Ipswich will end their 12-year stay in the second tier. The Suffolk side have lost their best player in Cresswell to West Ham and will need number-one marksman McGoldrick to be back on form after a lengthy injury layoff.
McCarthy has made Ipswich a stubborn defensive team but there is little to excite between the back and front. The Blues need a midfielder or two and McCarthy has hinted that he may target an expensive loan with the Cresswell cash. One plus for the supporters is the return of arch rivals Norwich City to the league and the 'Old Farm' derby is just two weeks away.
First game: Fulham (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 8th
LEEDS UNITED
In: Nicky Ajose (undisclosed from Peterborough), Zan Benedicic (loan from AC Milan), Gaetano Berardi (undisclosed from Sampdoria), Tommaso Bianchi (undisclosed from Sassuolo), Souleymane Doukara (loan from Catania), Marco Silvestri (undisclosed from Chievo), Stuart Taylor (free form Reading)
Out: Gboly Ariyibi (released), Jamie Ashdown (released), Michael Brown (released), El-Hadji Diouf (released), Adam Drury (released), Paul Green (free to Rotherham United), Tom Lees (undisclosed to Sheffield Wednesday), Simon Lenighan (free to Harrogate Town), Ross McCormack (undisclosed to Fulham), Lee Peltier (free to Huddersfield Town), Danny Pugh (free to Coventry City), Lewis Turner (free to Harrogate Town), Nathan Turner (free to Bradford Park Avenue), Luke Varney (free to Blackburn Rovers), Marius Zaliukas (free to Rangers)
Last season: 15th
Key player: Tommaso Bianchi
Sports Mole says
Probably the hardest team to call in the division is Leeds. After a turbulent few months, the club now has a new owner in Massimo Cellino and new manager in Dave Hockaday. Cellino was insistent that he wanted an English manager, but didn't apply that homegrown ethos to the squad as he has invested heavily in players using his contacts in Serie A.
Whoever gets the nod to start up front will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders to fill McCormack's boots, but their key man this season could be playmaker Bianchi, who is set to get plenty of midfield responsibility under Hockaday. The new man in charge has absolutely no experience anywhere near this level, but don't bet against Leeds quite yet.
First game: Millwall (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 15th
MIDDLESBROUGH
In: James Husband (undisclosed + swap from Doncaster Rovers), Kike (undisclosed from Real Murcia), Tomas Mejias (undisclosed from Real Madrid), Emilio Nsue (undisclosed from Real Mallorca), Kenneth Omeruo (loan from Chelsea)
Out: Matthew Bates (free to Hartlepool United), Matthew Dolan (free to Bradford City), Marvin Emnes (undisclosed to Swansea City), Jake Fowler (released), Lukas Jutkiewicz (£1.5m to Burnley), Jayson Leutwiler (free to Shrewsbury Town), Curtis Main (swap with Doncaster Rovers), Birger Meling (released), Cameron Park (released), Stuart Parnaby (free to Hartlepool United), Frazer Richardson (free to Rotherham United), Lewis Sirrell (released), Matthew Waters (released)
Last season: 12th
Key player: Kenneth Omeruo
Sports Mole says
Many are expecting Spanish-flavoured Middlesbrough to challenge in the top half under Aitor Karanka this season, but there has been a lot of change at the Riverside and squad harmony could be an issue.
Big-money signings Kikie and Emilio Nsue will be expected to provide goals going forward, but Boro's best piece of business is likely to be the re-capture of Omeruo on loan. The Chelsea man impressed with the Teesside club last year and then was one of Nigeria's best players at the World Cup in Brazil.
First game: Birmingham (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 12th
MILLWALL
In: Matthew Briggs (free from Fulham), Carlos Edwards (free from Ipswich Town), Ricardo Fuller (free from Blackpool), Lee Gregory (undisclosed from Halifax Town), Magaye Gueye (free from Everton), Byron Webster (free from Yeovil Town)
Out: Tom Beadle (free to Margate), Liam Feeney (free to Bolton Wanderers), Andy Keogh (free to Perth Glory), Shane Lowry (free to Leyton Orient), Charlie Penny (free to Welling United), Paul Robinson (loan to Portsmouth), Jack Smith (free to AFC Wimbledon), Liam Trotter (free to Bolton Wanderers)
Last season: 19th
Key player: David Forde
Sports Mole says
Ian Holloway has been in a bullish pre-season mood, claiming that he expects the Lions to be challenging towards the top this season. Even though 'Olly' has had plenty of success in the Championship, the squad at his disposal is going to struggle to even finish in the top half.
He has taken a punt on Gregory and Gueye will need to rediscover his mojo after a couple of lost seasons at Everton. Forde is one of the club's best ever servants and the veteran Irishman needs to have another strong season between the sticks.
First game: Leeds United (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 17th
NORWICH CITY
In: Lewis Grabban (undisclosed from Bournemouth), Kyle Lafferty (undisclosed from Palermo), Gary O'Neil (free from Queens Park Rangers)
Out: Harry Barker (released), David Fox (released), Ewan McNeil (released), Carlton Morris (loan to Oxford United, Loan), Carlo Nash (released), Robert Snodgrass (undisclosed to Hull City), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (loan to Saint-Etienne), Rod Young (free to Welling United)
Last season: 18th in Premier League
Key player: Gary Hooper
Sports Mole says
Some Norwich fans might have been a little miffed by the appointment of Neil Adams, but he brings a squad bursting with talent down into the Championship. Snodgrass has gone and Leroy Fer is expected to follow, but the club still has the likes of John Ruddy, Martin Olsson, Jonny Howson and many more who should thrive in the second tier.
Van Wolfswinkel flopped and has been loaned out, but much will be expected of Hooper in the Championship, which is much more comparable to the SPL where he scored bags of goals for Celtic. Alongside Grabban, who was one of the league's top scorers last season, the Canaries shouldn't have trouble finding the net.
First game: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 5th
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
In: Michail Antonio (£1.5m from Sheffield Wednesday), Britt Assombalonga (£5.5m from Peterborough United), Chris Burke (free from Birmingham City), Danny Fox (free from Southampton), Matty Fryatt (free from Hull City), Jack Hunt (loan from Crystal Palace), Louis Laing (free from Sunderland), Michael Mancienne (£1m from Hamburg) Roger Riera (free from Barcelona), Lars Veldwijk (Excelsior, Undisclosed)
Out: Simon Cox (undisclosed to Reading), Matt Derbyshire (free to Rotherham United), Simon Gillett (released), Jonathan Greening (released), Darius Henderson (free to Leyton Orient), Gonzalo Jara (released), Radoslaw Majewski (loan to Huddersfield Town), Ishmael Miller (free to Blackpool), Guy Moussi (released), Marcus Tudgay (free to Coventry City)
Last season: 11th
Key player: Andy Reid
Sports Mole says
Stuart Pearce is back in club football and with a big-spending owner behind him, plenty is expected of Forest this term. Last year they held position in the playoffs for the first half of the season but then their form drastically changed and they only just finished in the top half.
Pearce and Fawaz Al-Hasawi have already had a dispute over the proposed sale of Karl Darlow and Jamaal Lascelles to Newcastle United. The pair will be loaned back to the City Ground, but Pearce wanted them to hold out on selling a little longer. The duo's return will certainly be a boost for their promotion ambitions and another factor will be whether Reid can show the same form of last season before his season derailed because of injury.
First game: Blackpool (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 6th
READING
In: Simon Cox (undisclosed from Nottingham Forest)
Out: Nick Arnold (released), Wayne Bridge (released), Daniel Carrico (undisclosed to Sevilla), Lawson D'Ath (released), Kaspars Gorkss (released), Adam Le Fondre (undisclosed to Cardiff City), Mikele Leigertwood (released), Jobi McAnuff (free to Leyton Orient), Matt Partridge (free to Dagenham & Redbridge), Stuart Taylor (free to Leeds United), Gozie Ugwu (released),
Last season: 7th
Key player: Garath McCleary
Sports Mole says
After missing out on the playoffs in the final moments of last season, Reading have endured a tough summer. Nigel Adkins only made his first signing earlier today because it has taken a long time for the club's Thai takeover to be completed.
Repeating last year's playoff push will be tough, especially as the Royals let captain Jobi McAnuff and another experienced head in Mikele Leigertwood go. McCleary is perhaps their best player and he will be expected to provide goals and assists from the wing.
First game: Wigan (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 14th
ROTHERHAM UNITED
In: Jordan Bowery (undisclosed from Aston Villa), Febian Brandy (free from Sheffield United), Kirk Broadfoot (free from Blackpool), Matt Derbyshire (free from Nottingham Forest), Paul Green (free from Leeds United), Ryan Hall (free from MK Dons), Scott Loach (free from Ipswich Town), Conor Newton (free from Newcastle United), Frazer Richardson (free from Middlesbrough), Mat Sadler (free from Crawley Town), John Swift (loan from Chelsea), Richard Wood (free from Charlton Athletic)
Out: Nicky Adams (undisclosed to Bury), Lionel Ainsworth (released), James Cadman (free to Stalybridge Celtic), Claude Davis (released), Danny Hylton (free to Oxford United), David Noble (released), Michael O'Connor (released), Kayode Odejayi (free to Tranmere Rovers), Mitch Rose (loan to Crawley Town), Danny Rowe (loan to Wycombe Wanderers), Danny Schofield (released), Scott Shearer (free to Crewe),Wes Thomas (free to Birmingham City), Nicky Walker (loan to Wycombe Wanderers), Harley Wigley (free to Stalybridge Celtic), David Worrall (free to Southend United)
Last season: Won League One playoff final after finishing 4th
Key player: Matt Derbyshire
Sports Mole says
Steve Evans didn't waste any time at the start of the transfer window, bringing in several free agents and also breaking the Millers' transfer record to land Bowery from Villa. The club is trying to make sure they have a squad capable of competing in the Championship after back-to-back promotions and they have probably achieved that.
But with so many new faces in the dressing room and up against much stiffer competition, staying in the division will be the main target. Of the new recruits, frontman Derbyshire might have the biggest impact after some important goals for Forest last season.
First game: Derby County (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 18th
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
In: Ryan Croasdale (free from Preston North End), Sam Hutchinson (free from Chelsea), Dejan Kelhar (free from Red Star Belgrade), Tom Lees (undisclosed from Leeds United), Paul McElroy (free from Hull City), Ed Sanders (free from Stoke City), Kieren Westwood (free from Sunderland), Matt Young (free from Southampton),
Out: Michail Antonio (£1.5m to Nottingham Forest), Adam Davies (free to Barnsley), Anthony Gardner (released), Adam Harvey (free to Bedlington Terriers), Arron Jameson (released), Jermaine Johnson (released), Reda Johnson (free to Coventry City), Miguel Llera (free to Scunthorpe United), Danny Mayor (undisclosed to Bury), Taylor McKenzie (free to Notts County), David Prutton (released), Martin Taylor (released)
Last season: 16th
Key player: Chris Maguire
Sports Mole says
As things stand, two days before their first game, Wednesday appear to have a squad that will be fighting it out in the bottom half. However, their Azerbaijani takeover should soon be green-lighted and then they can flex their muscles in the market.
Although Antonio's loss will hurt, £1.5m is a decent fee to get for the winger and Owls fans will be hoping that it is reinvested straight away. Maguire thrived under Gray last season and he will hope to be both a scorer and creator in attack.
First game: Brighton & Hove Albion (A). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 21st
WATFORD
In: Keith Andrews (loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Lloyd Dyer (free from Leicester City), Heurelho Gomes (free from Tottenham Hotspur), Odion Ighalo (loan from Udinese), Juan Carlos Paredes (undisclosed from Granada), Gabriel Tamas (free from Doncaster Rovers), Daniel Tozser (loan from Parma), Matej Vydra (loan from Udinese)
Out: Javier Acuna (undisclosed to Olimpia Asuncion), Manuel Almunia (released), Bobson Bawling (free to Crawley Town), Reece Brown (undisclosed to Barnsley), Marco Cassetti (released), Ollie Cox (free to Hemel Hempstead), Fitz Hall (released), Ross Jenkins (released), Lucas Neill (released), Nyron Nosworthy (released), Albert Riera (released), Gary Woods (free to Leyton Orient)
Last season: 13th
Key player: Matej Vydra
Sports Mole says
The Hornets weren't at their best under Giuseppe Sannino last term and although they have continued their loan loving, experienced Championship players have also arrived at Vicarage Road this summer.
Dyer was one of Leicester's best players in their title-winning side last season and Andrews has the know-how to play at Championship level. Bids are still expected for Troy Deeney this summer and if he has to be sold, Vydra will need to find the net like he did when he was on loan with Watford in 2012-13. He wasn't on form for West Bromwich Albion last season, but should find his feet again in the Championship.
First game: Bolton Wanderers (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 9th
WIGAN ATHLETIC
In: Don Cowie (free from Cardiff City), Emyr Huws (loan from Manchester City), Oriol Riera (undisclosed from Osasuna), James Tavernier (undisclosed from Newcastle United), Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (free from Partick Thistle), Andrew Taylor (free from Cardiff City)
Out: Jean Beausejour (released), Adam Buxton (free to Accrington Stanley), Stephen Crainey (free to Fleetwood Town), Markus Holgersson (released), Jordi Gomez (free to Sunderland), Jordan Mustoe (released), Danny Redmond (free to Hamilton Academical)
Last season: 5th, lost in playoff semi-final to Queens Park Rangers
Key player: Emyr Huws
Sports Mole says
Uwe Rosler guided Wigan up the table and into the playoffs last season, but they came up short against eventual winners QPR. A similarly high finish is expected this season with the majority of the squad intact and midfielders Ben Watson and Chris McCann to return from injury before long.
With Watson and McCann easing themselves back, Manchester City youngster Huws will see plenty of the ball in the middle and big things are expected after an impressive loan spell at Birmingham City last season. We like the Latics - they're our 2014-15 champions.
First game: Reading (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 1st
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
In: Tommy Rowe (Peterborough United), Rajiv van La Parra (Heerenveen)
Out: Jake Cassidy (loan to Notts County), Jordan Cranston (released), George Elokobi (released), Kortney Hause (loan to Gillingham), Michael Ihiekwe (free to Tranmere Rovers), Zeli Ismail (loan to Notts County), Tim Jakobsson (released), Kristian Kostrna (released), David Moli (released), Danny Murray (free to Stockport County), Robbie Parry (released), Jamie Reckord (released), Jamie Tank (released), Sam Whittall (released),
Last season: 1st in League One
Key player: Kevin Doyle
Sports Mole says
Kenny Jackett led Wolves to a record points total in League One last season as they wasted no time getting themselves back in the Championship. Just two players have been signed this summer, but the Black Country club should still be mixing it towards the top of the table.
The one area where Wolves look a little light is in attack, but if Doyle, who was on loan at QPR last season, can get back to his best then many a defence will need to be worried. Surely the best-equipped of the promoted clubs to go for back-to-back promotions.
First game: Norwich City (H). Full fixture list.
Prediction: 7th
FINAL PREDICTION TABLE
1. Wigan
2. Cardiff
3. Fulham
4. Derby
5. Norwich
6. Forest
7. Wolves
8. Ipswich
9. Brighton
10. Watford
11. Blackburn
12. Middlesbrough
13. Bournemouth
14. Reading
15. Leeds
16. Brentford
17. Millwall
18. Rotherham
19. Bolton
20. Birmingham
21. Wednesday
22. Huddersfield
23. Charlton
24. Blackpool
