“I think Middlesbrough will be there or thereabouts”

As a seasoned football enthusiast who’s seen more than a few seasons come and go, I must say, the anticipation for the 2024/25 Championship is palpable. The excitement is like a well-timed through ball, setting my heart racing with the promise of an unforgettable season ahead.

2024/25 Championship season is here now, bringing a new tide of enthusiasm among fans nationwide. Could this be their long-awaited moment?

Before the opening match on Friday night, broadcaster Sky Sports has been intensifying its pre-season promotions by gathering 92 fervent football supporters from every team in the Premier League and EFL to discuss their expectations for the 2024/25 season. Additionally, former defender Michael Dawson offers his predictions on RT.

So, who do you think will finish in the table’s top two?

Michael Dawson: Burnley or Leeds are the teams for me in the Championship.

As a movie buff who follows football closely, last year’s Premier League left me utterly astonished by Burnley’s performance. Given their ruthless dominance in the Championship two seasons prior, I had high expectations for Vincent Kompany to lead them into the Premier League and maintain their form, scoring goals comfortably along the way. Frankly, that wasn’t what happened, which came as a genuine shock to me considering their defensive lapses, the number of goals they conceded, and the lack of learning from those mistakes.

As a film enthusiast appreciating the diverse cast of soccer teams, Leeds is another squad that catches my eye. They boast some talented individuals, even though Archie Gray has moved to Spurs. If they manage to retain key players like Joël Piroe and Georginio Rutter, they’ve got some heavyweights on their roster – time will certainly tell. And, the return of Joe Rodon, whom I found exceptional during his loan spell from Spurs last season with Leeds, is an exciting addition that could potentially elevate their performance.

Sheffield United could potentially be among the top contenders, as Kieffer Moore is an excellent loan acquisition I appreciate. Callum O’Hare also catches my eye. However, given their experience with losses last season and Sheffield United’s underwhelming performance, it remains to be seen how they will fare this time around.

Who are your picks for this season’s dark horses?

In the Championship, among the teams that might surprise everyone, I believe Middlesbrough could be quite competitive, given Michael Carrick’s involvement.

Among the three packages that have arrived, there could be just one unexpected gift. However, we’ll only know for sure with the passing of time. Finances play a role in this too.

Which teams do you fear could be struggling at the bottom?

Moving to Plymouth will likely pose a significant challenge for Wayne Rooney. They earned promotion just twelve months ago by securing the League One title over Ipswich, who managed an impressive double promotion and returned to the Premier League – quite extraordinary.

Last season wasn’t great for Argyle, leading to the dismissal of their manager. Now that Wayne is joining during the summer, I believe they face an immense task ahead. Not only will they need to keep a watchful eye on other teams, but also on the three clubs promoted this season.

At the Euro 2024 tournament, England’s squad of 26 featured no less than 19 players who previously played in the English Football League (EFL). This group includes Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, Ivan Toney, and Ollie Watkins. Who do you believe could be the next player to join this list?

There’s an individual named Harry Gray who I believe will have a fantastic professional career ahead of him. At just 15 years old, he’s already training with the first team at Leeds. This year, you might catch him wearing the Leeds jersey, either in the Championship or Carabao Cup. He possesses an exceptional level of skill.

If we’re talking about rising talents in football, I’m particularly fond of Jaden Philogene, who recently returned to the Premier League. The lad at Middlesbrough, Hayden Hackney, is truly impressive. As for potential Premier League players, Liam Delap and Jack Clarke could very well be among them if they get their chance.

Any early picks for signing of the season?

1. Regarding Sheffield United with Callum O’Hare, but after the transfer window shuts, we might explore other options. Additionally, there’s Mikey Moore who recently joined Tottenham – will he be loaned out or remain at Spurs? That remains to be seen. If he moves to a Championship club, he could ignite the league, but he could equally stay at Spurs, play in Europe and get minutes in the Premier League. In my opinion, he has the potential to be exceptional.

2024-08-08 14:05

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