Brighton and Hove Albion
Manager: Mark McGhee (Appointed October 2003)
Last Season: 20th
Players In: Jason Dodd (Southampton), Colin Kazam-Richards (Bury)
Players Out: Daniel Harding (Leeds United), Adam Virgo (Celtic), Nathan Jones (Yeovil Town), Maheta Molango (Lincoln City, loan), Paul Watson (released), Rami Shaaban (released), Joel Lynch (released), Dean Cox (released)
Key Player: Leon Knight
The Lowdown: More concerned in the long run with establishing a proper base for the club outside the Withdean Stadium, Albion look set to struggle again. Mark McGhee lost two of his stars over the summer in Adam Virgo and Daniel Harding, and has bemoaned the difficulty of attracting appropriate replacements to a club in transition. Jason Dodd will bring experience to the defence, beginning his first season outside of Southampton and the top division, while the goals of former Chelsea trainee Leon Knight could prove crucial in the battle for survival.
Burnley
Manager: Steve Cotterill (Appointed June 2004)
Last Season: 13th
Players In: Wayne Thomas, Gifton Noel-Williams (both Stoke City), Wade Elliott, Gareth
O’Connor (both Bournemouth), Daniel Karbassiyoon (Arsenal)
Players Out: Mo Camara (Celtic) Lee Roche (Wrexham), Matt O’Neill (Accrington Stanley), Joel Pilkington (released), Tony Grant (released), John Oster (Reading), Jean-Louis Valois (released), Paul Scott (released), Cayne Hanley (released), Mark Yates (released)
Key Player: Ade Akinbiyi
The Lowdown: Burnley boss Steve Cotterill tended to do his shopping in bulk this summer. First he went to Stoke to sign Wayne Thomas and striker Gifton Noel-Williams, who will partner fellow former Potter Ade Akinbiyi. The Clarets then captured Wade Elliott and Gareth O’Connor from Bournemouth. The signing which could prove a steal, however, is that of Arsenal youngster Daniel Karbassiyoon. Having followed up the loss of Robbie Blake and Richard Chaplow over the course of last season by shipping out experienced campaigners like Mo Camara and Tony Grant, Cotterill will be happy with a repeat of last season’s 13th.
Cardiff City
Manager: Dave Jones (Appointed May 2005)
Last Season: 16th
Players In: Jeff Whitley (Sunderland), Neil Cox (Watford), Kevin Cooper (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jason Koumas (West Bromwich Albion, loan), Phil Mulryne (Norwich City), Darren Purse (West Bromwich Albion)
Players Out: Daniel Gabbidon (West Ham United), James Collins (West Ham United), Peter Thorne (Norwich City), Darren Williams, Lee Bullock (both Hartlepool United), Jobi McAnuff (Crystal Palace), Arran Lee-Barrett (Weymouth), Tony Vidmar, Gary Croft, Michael Parkins, Kirk Huggins, Danny Thomas (all released)
Key Player: Jason Koumas
The Lowdown: A summer of renewal has left it difficult to judge the relative strength of a side who struggled last season as important players like Robert Earnshaw and Graham Kavanagh left Ninian Park. The heart of Lennie Lawrence’s side has gone, wages have been redistributed and a number of proven Championship players brought in. Darren Purse should fill the Daniel Gabbidon shaped hole in the defence, while Jeff Whitley, Kevin Cooper, Phil Mulryne and Jason Koumas should be a match for anyone on midfield. Once again, the Bluebirds could struggle in front of goal now Peter Thorne has left, a fact which looks set to hinder Dave Jones’ progress.
Coventry City
Micky Adams (Appointed January 2005)
Last Season: 19th
Players In: James Scowcroft, Matt Heath (both Leicester City), Clayton Ince (Crewe Alexandra), Mat Bailey (Stockport County), Steven Bywater (West Ham United, loan), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth, loan)
Players Out: Trevor Benjamin (Peterborough United), Scott Shearer (Bristol Rovers), Steve Staunton, Craig Paed (both Walsall), Sean Cooney, Kevin Pressman (both released)
Key Player: Gary McSheffrey
The Lowdown: Micky Adams had a fairly quiet summer for Coventry as they prepare for life at the spanking new (so much so they start the season on the road) Ricoh Arena. Adams raided his old club for James Scowcroft and Matt Heath, and will hope that, along with players like Gary McSheffrey, the Sky Blues can improve on a disappointing season last time. A lot will depend on how quickly the players, and to an extent the fans, can adapt to their new surroundings.
Crewe Alexandra
Manager: Dario Gradi (Appointed June 1983)
Last Season: 21st
Players In: Juan Ugarte (Wrexham), Eddie Johnson (Manchester United, loan)
Players Out: Clayton Ince (Coventry City), Neil Sorvel (Shrewsbury Town), Colin Murdock (Rotherham United), Andy White, Matthew Platt, Ryan Austin, James Robinson, Lloyd McGowan (all released)
Key Player: Juan Ugarte
The Lowdown: Having failed to win from the day they sold Dean Ashton until a nail biting end to the season, Crewe have attempted to replace their departed hero with Spanish hotshot and friend of Xabi Alonso, Juan Ugarte. At Wrexham last season, the Catalan tended to score three if he scored one, a trait that Dario Gradi will hope he brings with him to Gresty Road. The Railwaymen face an early reunion with Ashton at Carrow Road, but it could be a long season for a club who continue, admirably, to punch above their weight
Crystal Palace
Manager: Iain Dowie (Appointed December 2003)
Last Season: 18th in Barclays Premiership
Players In: Jon Macken (Manchester City), Darren Ward (Millwall), Jobi McAnuff (Cardiff City)
Players Out: Wayne Routledge (Tottenham Hotspur), Darren Powell (Southampton), Neil Shipperley (Sheffield United), Vassilis Lakis (AEK Athens), Cedric Berthelin, Ivan Kaveides, Lance Cronin (all released), Kit Symons (retired from playing)
Key Player: Andrew Johnson
The Lowdown: Iain Dowie will attempt to enhance his reputation by engineering an immediate return to the Premiership and showing the quality that he invented, bouncebackability. Palace have dealt sensibly with relegation, losing only Wayne Routledge, whose contract had expired, and Gonzalo Sorondo, whose loan ended. Most importantly, they have miraculously managed to hold onto Andrew Johnson, despite everybody assuming that the bald midget would wriggle away from Selhurst park and dive headlong for a top division side. If Johnson rediscovers the form which saw him hit more than 30 goals in his last season in the Championship, the Eagles should soar. Darren Ward and Jobi McAnuff should fit in well, and it could be a straight fight with Norwich for top spot.
Derby County
Manager: Phil Brown (Appointed July 2003)
Last Season: 4th
Players In: Marc Edworthy (Norwich City), Andrew Davies (Middlesbrough, loan)
Players Out: Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Ian Taylor (Northampton Town), Junior (Watford), Marco Reich (released)
Key Player: Inigo Idiakez
The Lowdown: Sam Allardyce’s trusted right hand man has finally been given the chance to succeed on his own and, in Derby County, has found a club with the raw materials for success. Brown has been quiet in the transfer market, but has crucially managed to retain two of the division’s best players in Inigo Idiakez and Gregor Raziak. Even with an endless stream of young talent coming through, however, it will be an achievement if the Rams can match last season’s play-off finish.
Hull City
Manager: Peter Taylor (Appointed October 2002)
Last Season: 2nd in Coca Cola League One
Players In: Daniel Coles (Bristol City), Curtis Woodhouse (Peterborough United), Keth Andrews (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Mark Lynch (Sunderland), Sergio Leite (Charlton Athletic)
Players Out: Clayton Donaldson (York City), Jonathan Walters (Wrexham), Aaron Wilbrahim (Milton Keynes Dons), Richard Hinds (Scunthorpe United)
Key Player: Nick Barmby
The Lowdown: Having shot straight up through League One, Peter Taylor would be entitled to have a breather on his way to making Hull City the big club that their city, stadium and support deserve. Given that Taylor spends his spare time managing the England under-21 side, however, it is unlikely that he knows how to relax. The Tigers may not be equipped to challenge the likes of Norwich and Palace, but they will spring a few surprises and should have no trouble establishing themselves as a Championship club. Nick Barmby is still more than capable of playing at this and higher levels, while Stuart Elliott will try to beat his remarkable goalscoring feats of last season.
Ipswich Town
Manager: Joe Royle (Appointed October 2002)
Last Season: 3rd
Players In: Dean McDonald (Arsenal), Jamie Peters (Canada), Sam Parkin (Swindon Town), Nicky Forster (Reading), Jimmy Juan (Monaco, loan)
Players Out: Kelvin Davies, Tommy Miller (both Sunderland), Darren Bent (Charlton Athletic), Shefki Kuqi (Blackburn Rovers), Pablo Counago, Drissa Diallo, Adem Atay, Jerome Sobers, Ben Patten (all released)
Key Player: Sam Parkin
The Lowdown: Joe Royle faces a real battle to keep Ipswich in contention after the backbone was ripped out of their side over the summer. Kelvin Davies, Tommy Miller, Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi were probably the four Tractor Boys most people could name, but they have all grown impatient waiting for Premiership football at Portman Road and found it elsewhere. Nicky Forster and Sam Parkin should score goals if unknown quantities like Jimmy Juan and Jamie Peters can lay on the chances. A repeat of last season’s third place looks beyond Royle’s side in what will be a season of transition.
Leeds United
Manager: Kevin Blackwell (Appointed June 2004)
Last Season: 14th
Players In: Robbie Blake (Birmingham City), Rob Hulse (West Bromwich Albion), Daniel Harding (Brighton and Hove Albion), Eddie Lewis (Preston North End), Steve Stone (Portsmouth), Ian Bennett (Birmingham City)
Players Out: Julian Joachim (Boston United), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur, Simon Johnson (Darlington), Sean McDaid (Doncaster Rovers), Paul Keegan, Robert Constable, Sasa Ilic, William Coyles, Gavin Rothery (all released), Lucas Radebe (retired)
Key Player: Robbie Blake
The Lowdown: Having dealt with unprecedented levels of player traffic in his 12 months in charge, Kevin Blackwell looks to have the makings of a side capable of challenging for promotion. This summer’s signings will undoubtedly improve the team going forward, with Eddie Lewis and Steve Stone expected to supply ammunition from the wings for Rob Hulse and Robbie Blake. Ken Bates is beavering away behind the scenes to try to work the sort of miracles he gets so little credit for at Chelsea, and anything lower than a play-off finish will be a disappointment to the Elland Road faithful.
Leicester City
Manager: Craig Levein (Appointed November 2004)
Last Season: 15th
Players In: Momo Sylla, Rab Douglas (both Celtic), Nils-Eric Johansson (Blackburn Rovers), Peter Gilbert (Plymouth Argyle), Paul Henderson (Bradford City)
Players Out: Ian Walker (Bolton Wanderers), Matt Heath and James Scowcroft (both Coventry City), Jordan Stewart (Watford), Lilian Nalis (Sheffield United), Chris Makin (Reading), Nathan Blake, Nikos Dabizas, Stephen Dawson, Lars Hirschfeld, Scott Gemmill, Keith Gillespie (all released)
Key Player: David Connolly
The Lowdown: Craig Levein’s policy of buying mediocre Scottish Premier League players has failed to inspire many observers. A number of experienced players left over the summer and, while those who were brought in should improve the first XI, the impact on the depth of the squad is likely to preclude involvement at the top end of the table in the spring. If David Connolly can find his scoring boots, however, they could be an outside bet for the play-offs.
Luton Town
Manager: Mike Newell (Appointed June 2003)
Last Season: 1st in Coca Cola League One
Players In: Rowan Vine (Portsmouth), Carlos Edwards (Wrexham), Markus Heikkinen (Aberdeen), Dean Morgan (Reading)
Players Out: David Bayliss (Wrexham), Lee Mansell (Oxford United), David Deeney, Stuart Sinclair, Calvin Andrew, Max Howell (all released)
Key Player: Steve Howard
The Lowdown: The 2005/06 season represents a big step in the career of burgeoning managerial talent Mike Newell. The Luton boss was reportedly considered for the Blackburn job last term, and further progress in the Championship will make it difficult to keep him on the bench at Kenilworth Road. Such was the Hatters’ dominance of last year’s League One, it seems implausible that they will struggle, but their players will have to adapt quickly to a division of unprecendented strength. Ahmet Brkovic and Steve Howard will get their first chances at this level and will hope to enhance their reputations.
Millwall
Manager: Colin Lee (Appointed July 2005)
Last Season: 10th
Players In: Sammy Igoe (Swindon Town)
Players Out: Phil Ifill (Sheffield United), Dennis Wise (Southampton), Daniele Dichio (Preston North End), Peter Sweeney (Stoke City), Joe Dolan (Leyton Orient), Darren Ward (Crystal Palace), Kevin Muscat, Mark Quigley, Charley Hearn, Will Hendry (all released)
Key Player: David Livermore
The Lowdown: A disastrous summer has left the Lions in all sorts of trouble from boardroom to boot room. The brief tenure of Steve Claridge saw a promising signing in Sammy Igoe, but Colin Lee will have to hope that the highly rated David Livermore doesn’t follow everybody else out of the Den door. Sadly for Millwall, several seasons spent establishing themselves at this level could be undone in one fell swoop if order isn’t restored soon.
Norwich City
Manager: Nigel Worthington (Appointed December 2000)
Last Season: 19th in Barclays Premiership
Players In: Peter Thorne (Cardiff City), Jason Jarrett (Wigan Athletic), Andy Hughes (Reading), Matthieu Louis-Jean (Nottingham Forest), Jurgen Colin (PSV Eindhoven) Dean Marney (Tottenham Hotspur, loan)
Players Out: Marc Edworthy (Derby County), Danny Crow (Peterborough United), Phil Mulryne (Cardiff City), Thomas Helveg (Borussia Monchengladbach), Mattias Jonson (Djurgarden), Mathias Svensson (Elfsborg), Gary Holt (Nottingham Forest), Graham Stuart (retired)
Key Player: Dean Ashton
The Lowdown: Just as Nigel Worthington’s side went into the final match of last season knowing that if they did themselves justice they would stay in the Premiership, they are entirely in control of their own destiny this time around. With players like Dean Ashton, Darren Huckerby and Robert Green in the side, the Canaries possess more quality than two seasons ago, when they took the Championship title. A squad which suffered in the middle of last season with a succession of injuries has been bolstered by a number of versatile summer signings. Anything less than promotion will be a failure.
Plymouth Argyle
Manager: Bobby Williamson (Appointed April 2004)
Last Season: 18th
Players In: Bojan Djordic (Glasgow Rangers), Anthony Barness (Bolton Wanderers), Taribo West (Al-Arabi), Rufus Brevett (West Ham United)
Players Out: Peter Gilbert (Leicester City), Matt Villis (Torquay United), David Worrell (Rotherham United), Graham Coughlan (Sheffield Wednesday), Steven Milne (St Johnstone)
Key Player: Taribo West
The Lowdown: The award for most eye catching summer signing goes to Plymouth Argyle’s Bobby Williamson for his astonishing capture of Nigerian international Taribo West. The eccentric defender is joined at Home Park by experienced campaigners Rufus Brevett and Anthony Barness, as well as former Manchester United youngster Bojan Djordic. The Pilgrims are still establishing themselves in this division, and could probably do with a goalscorer, but will hope to build on some promising signs from last term.
Preston North End
Manager: Billy Davies (Appointed September 2004)
Last Season: 5th
Players In: Daniele Dichio (Millwall), Lewis Neal (Stoke City), Joe Anyinsah (Bristol City), Dave Hibbert (Port Vale) David Jones (Manchester United, loan)
Players Out: Eddie Lewis (Leeds United), Marlon Broomes (Stoke City), Simon Lynch (Dundee), Alan McCormack (Motherwell, loan), Joe O’Neill (released)
Key Player: Chris Sedgwick
The Lowdown: Defeat in the play-off final meant that Preston lost the highly rated Eddie Lewis, but the side which performed so well last season has been augmented by a couple of shrewd summer signings. Daniele Dichio should add goals, while great things are expected of David Jones, borrowed from Old Trafford for the season and following in the footsteps of David Beckham. Billy Davies probably overachieved last time around, but will be disappointed if North End are not in the promotion frame.
Queens Park Rangers
Manager: Ian Holloway (Appointed February 2001)
Last Season: 11th
Players In: Tom Doherty (Bristol City), Simon Royce (Charlton Athletic), Ian Evatt (Chesterfield), Stefan Moore (Aston Villa)
Players Out: Gino Padula (Nottingham Forest), Chris Day (Oldham Athletic), Jamie Cureton, Tony Thorpe (both Swindon Town), Richard Edghill, Nick Culkin, Generoso Rossi, Jack Perry, Lewis Hamilton, Richard Johnson, Arthur Gnohere, Scott Mulholland (all released)
Key Player: Kevin Gallen
The Lowdown: The entertaining Ian Holloway has trimmed his squad and brought in a handful of new faces as he attempts to build on a promising first season back in the Championship. Stefan Moore will try to prove David O’Leary wrong by scoring goals at Loftus Road, and Ian Evatt and Tom Doherty step up a level after impressing in lower divisions. A place in the play-offs is not out of the question, but in a stronger division Rangers should at least be pleased to improve on last season’s showing.
Reading
Manager: Steve Coppell (Appointed October 2003)
Last Season: 7th
Players In: Shane Long, Kevin Doyle (both Cork City), John Oster (Burnley), Leroy Lita (Bristol City), Steve Hunt (Brentford), Brynjar Gunnarsson (Watford), Chris Makin (Leicester City), Graham Stack (Arsenal, loan)
Players Out: Andy Hughes (Norwich City), Nicky Forster (Ipswich Town), Paul Brooker, Lloyd Owusu, Ricky Nemwan (all Brentford), Dean Morgan (Luton Town), Sean Goater (Southend United), Jamie Young (Rushden and Diamonds, loan), Steve Brown, Bas Savage, Ahmet Rifat, Les Ferdinand, Martin Keown (all released)
Key Player: Steve Sidwell
The Lowdown: Steve Coppell has managed to retain the highly rated Steve Sidwell and has refreshed a squad who have threatened to challenge but failed to sustain their form over a full season. The capture of Leroy Lita, at no small expense, is a gamble that deserves to pay off, and Royal Berkshire’s finest should be there or thereabouts, especially if they can avoid the mid-season stutter which undermined them last term.
Sheffield United
Manager: Neil Warnock (Appointed December 1999)
Last Season: 8th
Players In: Danny Webber (Watford), Phil Ifill (Millwall), Kyle Nix (Aston Villa), Neil Shipperley (Crystal Palace), San Lee (Brentford), Gary Mulligan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lilian Nalis (Leicester City)
Players Out: Andy Liddell (Oldham Athletic), Luke Beckett (Oldham Athletic, loan), Danny Cullip (Nottingham Forest), Tommy Johnson (Scunthorpe United), Danny Cadamarteri (Bradford City), Danny Haystead, Ashley Ward (released)
Key Player: Paddy Kenny
The Lowdown: Since being relegated from the Premiership over a decade ago, the Blades have been one of the most consistent teams in the country in terms of league position. With a number of new signings, Neil Warnock’s side are in their best shape for some time, and nobody will look forward to going to Bramhall Lane. Retaining Paddy Kenny and Phil Jagielka was as important as bringing in Neil Shipperley and Danny Webber, who should have plenty of goals in them. Expect a play-off finish at least.
Sheffield Wednesday
Manager: Paul Sturrock (Appointed September 2004)
Last Season: 5th in Coca Cola League One
Players In: Chris Eagles (Manchester United, loan), Graham Coughlan (Plymouth Argyle), Burton O’Brien (Livingston), Frankie Simek (Arsenal), John Hills (Gillingham)
Players Out: Lewis McMahon (Notts County), Zigor Aranalde (Carlisle United), Patrick Collins (Swindon Town, loan), Luke Foster (Lincoln City), Chris Carr, Matthew Hamshaw, Chris Marsden, Liam Needham, Kim Olsen, Robert Poulter, James Quinn, Ross Greenwood, Paul Smith (all released)
Key Player: Steven McClean
The Lowdown: Back where they belong, Wednesday fans will expect their side to be immediately competitive in their new division. Paul Sturrock will be on a personal mission to finish ahead of Southampton given their shoddy treatment of him, and has delved into Alex Ferguson’s box of treats to take Chris Eagles for the first half of the season. Consolidation is the name of the game for the Owls and they should be happy to steer clear of relegation and hopefully get one over their steel city rivals.
Southampton
Manager: Harry Redknapp (Appointed December 2004)
Last Season: 20th in Barclays Premiership
Players In: Ricardo Fuller (Portsmouth), Dennis Wise (Millwall), Darren Powell (Crystal Palace), Tomasz Hajto (Nuremberg)
Players Out: Kevin Phillips (Aston Villa), Paul Telfer (Celtic), Jamie Redknapp, Graeme Le Saux (both retired), Jason Dodd (Brighton and Hove Albion), Alledine Yahia (St Etienne), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jelle Van Damme (Werder Bremen, loan), Mike Williamson (Wycombe Wanderers), Andreas Jakobsson, Eddie Anaclet, Andrew Surman, Olivier Bernard (all released)
Key Player: Antti Niemi
The Lowdown: Having lost all their firepower and a large chunk of their squad, Harry Redknapp’s side will do well to be in the promotion shake up from the off. Twenty-seven years since they were last at this level, much will depend on how quickly the players adapt. Replacing the goals of Peter Crouch and Kevin Phillips is an almost impossible task, and Ricardo Fuller must stay fit if the Saints are to stand a chance. If Annti Niemi is happy to stay it will make a massive difference.
Stoke City
Manager: Johan Boskamp (Appointed July 2005)
Last Season: 12th
Players In: Marlon Broomes (Preston North End), Mamady Sidibe (Gillingham), Peter Sweeney (Millwall), Carl Hoefkens (Germinal), Bruce Dyer (Watford), Martin Kolar, Gabriel Ngalula-Mbuyi (both Anderlecht, loan), Luke Chadwick (West Ham United, loan)
Players Out: Wayne Thomas and Gifton Noel-Williams (both Burnley), Jay Denny (Shrewsbury Town), Chris Greenacre (Tranmere Rovers), Ben Foster (Manchester United), Clive Clarke (West Ham United), Lewis Neal (Preston North End), Jermaine Palmer (Grimsby Town), Gareth Owen (Oldham Athletic)
Key Player: Martin Kolar
The Lowdown: Having dismissed Tony Pulis for failing to exploit the foreign transfer market, Stoke City have gone Belgium crazy. New coach Johan Boskamp has used his contacts on the continent to bring in Martin Kolar and Gabriel Ngalula-Mbuyi on loan from Anderlecht and Carl Hoefkens from Germinal. From closer to home, Bruce Dyer, Peter Sweeney and Luke Chadwick should improve the side, but until the big kick-off, the Potters are something of an unknown quantity.
Watford
Manager: Adrian Boothroyd (Appointed March 2005)
Last Season: 18th
Players In: Junior (Derby County), Martin Devaney (Cheltenham Town), Jordan Stewart (Leicester City), Marlon King (Nottingham Forest, loan)
Players Out: Danny Webber (Sheffield United), Neil Cox, Jermaine Darlington (both Cardiff City), Brynjar Gunnarsson (Reading), Heidar Helguson (Fulham), Jack Smith (Swindon Town), Paul Mayo (Lincoln City), Jason Norville (Barnet), Bruce Dyer (Stoke City), Ben Herd (Shrewsbury Town), Jamie Collins, Joel Grant, Reece Kirk, Andy Ferrell, Sean Dyche (all released)
Key Player: Marlon King
The Lowdown: The dismissal of Ray Lewington towards the end of last season could begin to look very foolish if things do not start well for Adrian Boothroyd. The loss of Heidar Helguson and Brynjar Gunnarson is a blow, and it is unclear whether Marlon King and Junior will be able to score the goals to keep the Hornets up. Expect them to struggle.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manager: Glenn Hoddle (Appointed December 2004)
Last Season: 9th
Players In: Jackie McNamara (Celtic), Rohan Ricketts (Tottenham Hotspur)
Players Out: Kevin Cooper (Cardiff City), Gary Mulligan (Sheffield United), Silas (Belenenses, loan), Keith Andrews (Hull City), Joachim Bjorklund, Christopher Cornes, Lewis Gobern, Keith Lowe (all released)
Key Player: Kenny Miller
The Lowdown: A quiet summer in the transfer market has done little to deter the bookmakers from making Wolves among the favourites to reach the Premiership in May. An unbeaten run from the turn of the year failed to get Glenn Hoddle’s side into the play-offs, but if they can convert some of their many draws into victories they look a good bet. Hoddle has tried to bring in Idiakez from Derby, among others, but is happy to have kept hold of his ‘Platini’, Kenny Miller. Paul Ince will retire at the end of the season, and will no doubt want to go out with a bang.