Team Of The Season so far…

After some controversial additions to Jack Goodwin’s team of the season released yesterdayhttps://theseconddivisionblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/championship-team-of-the-season/ here are my thoughts on who deserves a starting place in the best 11 from the championship season so far…

Goalkeeper: Joe Lumley (QPR)

10 clean sheets from 24 games is an impressive stat for any ‘keeper, never mind one in a mid table side that has at times struggled for form this season. Averaging well over 3 saves per game Joe Lumley certainly has earned his QPR side some valuable points this season, and often doesn’t receive the recognition for this that he deserves. At just 23 years of age Lumley still has bags of potential in him, and could really be one to look out for as a potential future England number one.

Right back: Reece James (Wigan Athletic)

At just 19 years of age, Reece James’ understanding of the game has been admirable at times this season. Yes he may not be part of the strongest defence this season, and he is in no way the ‘perfect full back’ with the odd mistake at times, however he has certainly been one of the few bright sparks to come out of the Latic’s season so far, and for that deserves a place in this team.

Centre back: Liam Cooper (Leeds United)

There is plenty of competition for this place inside the Championship, however it would be harsh to exclude the captain of the table toppers. His commanding presence has played a massive role in helping Leeds to the top, and his passion for the club cannot be questioned. Cooper will be hoping to continue his fine form and help Leeds secure that exclusive Premier League promotion spot.

Centre back: Aden Flint (Middlesbrough)

It would be impossible to not include at least one Boro defender in this team. The best defensive record in the league is partly down to Pulis’ tactics, but Aden Flint’s performances also deserve credit, his experience of the game being used to full effect with the defensive style of play.

Left back: Jamal Lewis (Norwich City)

Whilst he may not be the textbook defender, his overlapping runs and support going forward is exciting to watch. Another youngster to be included in this team, Lewis has already asserted himself as one of the first names on the Norwich line up week in week out, and I am excited to see just how good he can become over time.

Right Midfielder: Jarrod Bowen (Hull City)

Hull City fans simply cannot praise this young lad enough for what he has contributed to their side this season, however may want to be keep his success quiet as it is rumoured Spurs have been sniffing about the Englishman. Definitely one of the best dribblers in the league, Bowen has also proved his goal scoring ability with 14 goals this season, which is 34% of the Tigers’ total goals scored in the Championship. Bowen will be hoping he can help find his side a play off place, and if recent form is anything to go off, they should be able to do so.

Centre Midfield: Bradley Dack (Blackburn Rovers)

A huge fans favourite, Bradley Dack hasn’t struggled to make that leap in class after being promoted with Rovers from League One last season. 10 goals already this season, Dack has proved any doubters wrong about if he was good enough for this division, and is without question the best player in the Rovers squad.

Centre Midfield: Oliver Norwood (Sheffield United)

A true warrior in the middle of the pitch, Norwood has gone from strength to strength with his displays this season. Whilst his name isn’t common on the scoresheet, Norwood has shown he isn’t afraid of a tackle and has become a true rock for the Blades in helping them climb the table this season.

Left Midfield: Pablo Hernandez

Before you all start typing abuse at me in the comments, I am fully aware Pablo Hernandez prefers to play on the right or in the centre, I just thought he undoubtedly deserved some sort of spot in this team. The most assists in the league despite missing out on 7 games, incredible vision and a key eye for goal, it would be silly for anyone to not acknowledge him within the team of the season (so far).

Striker: Teemu Pukki (Norwich City)

I am a massive fan when it comes to this Scandinavian finisher, and it’s evident to see why. Once he found his feet in the Championship, there was no looking back for him and Norwich fans should feel lucky to have such a determined and exceptional finisher in their side this season.

Striker: Tammy Abraham (Aston Villa)

Top goalscorer in the league, just 21 years of age and rejected a move to the top flight to help his current side Villa fight for promotion… Need I say anymore? Tammy is one of my favourite strikers to watch at the moment and I couldn’t be happier to see him flourish in the league, and in my opinion it’s only a matter of time before he is one of the top strikers in England.

Honourable mentions:

Dean Henderson (Sheffield United)

Pontus Jansson (Leeds United)

Callum Robinson (Preston North End)

Kemar Roofe (Leeds United)

No doubt there will be some disagreement with some of the selections, so please let us know in the comments below who you’d include in your team so far, or get in touch via our twitter @thebigdivision.

Opinion: North End’s January business so far…

North End have announced the permanent signing of ‘keeper Connor Ripley from Middlesborough, making him this windows fourth signing for the North West club.

Ripley is joined by forward Jayden Stockley, midfielder Brad Potts and winger Josh Ginnelly in additions this January, as with recent form and injuries through the festive period it was evident that improvements had to be made. However North End have also been busy in departures this window, most noticeably ‘keeper Maxwell heading to Charlton Athletic till the end of the season, as well as Connor Simpson joining Carlisle United.

Here we take a closer look into the transfer business of North End, and what fans can expect to see from their new signings…

IN: RIPLEY, OUT: MAXWELL

Maxwell has proven many North End fans wrong since joining North End in the summer of 2016 from close neighbours Fleetwood Town. Whilst most expected Maxwell to be used as a back up to Lindegaard in his first season , he continued to surprise, and fought his way to the number one spot managing 41 appearances in all competitions. He was even rewarded with the Community Player Of The Year at the clubs annual event, and was quickly embraced by fans of North End. In the following season and then this current season Maxwell has been competing with Declan Rudd for a place in the starting 11, however having not made an appearance since early November it comes as no shock that he has moved on until at least the end of the season. Whilst he may not have been as important in recent weeks, North End fans were still sure to wish him all the best on social media, with many feeling he should have been first choice at North End.

In Connor Ripley Preston have signed a bright lad with time on his hands at just 25 years old. Having spent half a season on loan in League One with Accrington Stanley, he has helped his side defy the odds and stay well clear of a relegation battle much thanks to some admirable Ripley displays. Whilst he may not have the experience of some of the keepers Preston have been linked with (Joe Hart), Ripley averages nearly double the amount of saves per game as Rudd and more then Maxwell this season, and will for sure bring the competition back for that number one jersey. It’s also worth noting Maxwell was brought in from a League One side and at the time had roughly the same experience, and most North End fans will agree he turned out to be a great signing.

IN: JOSH GINNELLY

North End fans are used to signings that they haven’t really heard of before they joined in at Deepdale, however in Ginnelly I truly believe they’ve signed somewhat of a hidden gem. At just 21 years of age, Ginnelly offers pace and flare on the wing, with a mean left footed shot to go with it.

Having made 25 appearances so far for Walsall this season and asserted himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, most Walsall fans will be upset to see him leave, and at such a young age there is bags of potential within him. Whilst Ginnelly won’t find it as easy to be a regular starter for Preston this season, he will certainly be an excellent back up to Callum Robinson on the left wing, and has a bright future ahead of him that North End fans such eagerly look forward to seeing in action.

IN: BRAD POTTS

A former player at bitter rivals Blackpool, Potts joins North End also from League One, having spent the last 18 months with Barnsley. Also young at 24 years of age, Potts has bagged 7 goals so far this season for Barnsley, nearly double his entire tally from the season before (4 goals). As an attacking midfielder Potts is in good company, with Graham Burke occupying that role in recent weeks and Alan Browne returning from injury last week. Potts will definitely need to be on top of his game if he wants to break into the starting line up, and he did struggle at times with Barnsley last season when they were in the Championship. Whether or not Potts will be used as an impact player on the bench or a regular starter remains to be seen, however it will certainly be interesting to see how he gets on second time round in the Championship.

IN: JAYDEN STOCKLEY

Current top scorer in League 2, more goals then Salah in the 2018 calendar year, and more headed goals in 2018 then any player in Europe’s top 4 leagues… What isn’t to love about Stockley! At 6 foot 3 inches tall, Stockley certainly provides a threat in the air that will hopefully combine well with North End’s wingers, has a sharp eye for goal and is only 25 years old! Obviously having arrived from league 2, the question as always is will he be able to compete at this level, however with those stats there’s no reason as to why he shouldn’t at least be given a chance! With first choice striker Sean Maguire often struggling with injury problems, and Louis Moult struggling with consistent performances, Stockley provides another option in front of goal that Alex Neil is lucky to have acquired, as there was fierce competition for his signature.

With weeks still remaining in the transfer window, anything can still happen, and with Premier League clubs rumoured to be sniffing around top players such as Ben Pearson and Callum Robinson, this Janaury month could still turn sour for North End fans. On a positive note though, so far Preston have had an excellent window with some impressive additions, and fans will be hoping that these new signings can help turn their recent form around for the better.

So what do you think North End fans? Happy so far? Let us know by getting in touch via our twitter page @TheBigDivision.

 

THE LAST SEVEN:

TEAM OF THE WEEK: GAME WEEK 20

TEAM OF THE WEEK- GAMEWEEK 19

4231

GOALKEEPER- JOHN RUDDY

On paper conceding a goal against bottom of the league never looks too good for a keeper. But the Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper kept Bolton at bay and contributed massively to the 3 points. 

THE WEEKEND ROUND UP! 25/26 NOV

Championship weekend roundup! 25/26 Nov 2017
As always, it’s been a jolly good weekend in England’s beloved second tier with plenty of goals and statistics that you just need to know about!
Leeds bounced back from their defeat at Wolves as goals from Samuel Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski saw them win 2-0 over Barnsley at Oakwell.

THE BIG PREDICTION:GAMEWEEK 19

 

This week I predict how things will go in gameweek 19 where there are many big fixtures to be played out, and many possible upsets on the table.

CLUB FOCUS: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Let’s not hold back with the plaudits; Wolves have been outstanding this season in every possible way.
Their squad of trusted Championship pedigree and luxurious foreign imports has effortlessly gelled. Their average attendance of nearly 27000 is a figure some Premier League clubs would crave. And the architect that the club have managed to secure, the man who has masterminded all the success, a certain Nuno Esprito Santo, is probably the biggest managerial coup of the season.

INSIDE THE TECHNICAL AREA: SUNDERLAND

MANAGER AREA: FOCUS ON SUNDERLAND

THE BIG PREDICTION: GAMEWEEK 18

In this weeks Prediction face off, Sean Byrne goes head to head with the statto himself; Jack Goodwin
JACK GOODWIN
IPSWICH 1-2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
I can see this being a tight game as both teams will be afraid to lose. It’s not been an ideal season for either team, but I can see Wednesday having the extra quality just to edge this one.

Assombalonga Vs Rhodes: Who’s the better signing?

In a bid to bounce straight back to the top flight of English football Middelsborough have been keeping busy during the summer break with their transfer business.

Argubly the biggest deal so far coming from the Riverside is the signature of Britt Assombalonga from league rivals Nottingham Forest, following the departure of Jordan Rhodes earlier on in the window. Now we look to see whether Middelsborough will live to regret letting their record signing leave to Sheffield Wednesday, or if Assombalonga is theright man to take them back to the Premier League.