From The Ground Up

With Chesterfield set to crown their debut season in the b2net Stadium as League Two champions, Nobes looks at how other clubs did after they move grounds.

John Sheridan' Chesterfield are on course to win the League Two title this season

So serene has Chesterfield's unflagging quest for the League Two title been that it's easy to forget the Derbyshire side and focus instead on the more competitive areas of the basement division.

It's a sign of just how imperious John Sheridan's men have been in a campaign that will surely see them crowned as worthy League Two winners and end their four year spell in the basement division.

Even more impressively, it has been done despite leaving their home of years in Saltergate and having to adjust to the new surroundings of the b2net Stadium.

However, as I reported earlier in the campaign, the move seems to have been the catalyst behind Chesterfield's renaissance for a dream debut season.

Not every club has welcomed a new ground in such a positive manner though. Here's my look on how it worked out for some of the others.


Oxford United 2001/2

The Oxen were relegated to League Two in their last season at the Manor Ground and hopes were high that they'd bounce back at the first attempt.

However, life in their new three-sided Kassam Stadium was difficult - losing their first two games in a campaign where they struggled towards the bottom and changed managers.

United ended the season in 21st - winning as many matches at home as they lost.


Leicester City - 2002/3

Having waved goodbye to Filbert Street by crashing out of the top flight, the financially troubled Foxes moved into the Walkers Stadium hoping for a change in fortunes.

And they got it. With a little help from a very generous CVA arrangement, City bounced back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as runners-up to Portsmouth.

Leicester won 16 games and lost just twice on their own patch as it served as the foundation for an impressive promotion under Micky Adams.

Leicester won promotion in their first season at the Walkers Stadium

Hull City - 2003

Hull made the unusual step of switching from their Boothferry Park home to the KC Stadium midway through an underwhelming 2002/3 season.

However, having got to grips with their new surroundings in the second half of their mid-table campaign, the Tigers made amends in 2003/4.

They finished as runners-up to Doncaster to gain promotion to League One with a record of 16 wins and three defeats at their new home.


Coventry City - 2005/6

The Sky Blues signed off from their Highfield Road ground with a 6-2 win and began life in the Ricoh Arena with a 3-0 victory.

However, while their final year at their old ground saw them flirt with the drop, their inaugural campaign at the Ricoh saw them post their best finish to date during ten years in the Championship.

Micky Adams's side won 12 and lost just four of their home matches that season and ended up in 8th.


Swansea City - 2005/6

Ending their final campaign at the Vetch Field by winning promotion to League One, the Swans set about welcoming in their new Liberty Stadium in the same fashion.

Kenny Jackett's men were amongst the front runners all season, albeit a late dip in form saw them having to settle for a place in the play offs.

No third tier side scored more goals at home that year than the Welsh club, who won 11 and lost just three on their own patch. They went on to be defeated on penalties by Barnsley in the play off final.

It was nearly a second successive promotion for the Swans at their new home

Doncaster Rovers - 2007

Like Hull, Rovers decided to opt for the mid-season switch as they changed grounds from the antiquated Belle Vue to the more modern and plush Keepmoat Stadium.

They ended the 2006/7 season in mid table before winning promotion to the second tier for the first time in half a century 12 months later.

Donny won 14 and lost five in their first full campaign at the Keepmoat, eventually succeeding through the play offs with a Wembley win against Leeds.


Milton Keynes Dons - 2007/8

The forerunners of Chesterfield. The Dons finally vacated the National Hockey Stadium and moved into their own home in 2007.

The new stadium:mk was given a rude awakening when Bury rolled into town and beat the Dons in its first match. Indeed, four other sides won there that year.

However, Paul Ince's men did win 11 on their own patch, and their formidable away record helped propel them to a double of the League Two title and Football League Trophy.


Shrewsbury Town 2007/8

Salop had gone out with a bang at their Gay Meadow home, reaching the play off final at Wembley - where they had lost to Bristol Rovers.

They were confident of building upon that when making the move to the New Meadow, and even opened up their new ground with four successive victories.

However, that bright start soon evaporated and they finished the campaign in a hugely disappointing 18th with nine wins and eight defeats in their new home.

Shrewsbury didn't do as well as expected when moving to the New Meadow

Colchester United - 2008/9

Having punched above their weight in the Championship for two seasons at Layer Road, the Essex outfit began life in their new stadium in League One.

However, a poor start to the season saw it take them seven matches to record a victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

That sluggish opening saw them end the campaign in mid table, with just seven wins and 12 defeats in their new surroundings.


Cardiff City - 2009/10

A disastrous end to the previous season had seen the Bluebirds depart from Ninian Park with a 3-0 loss and agonisingly missing out on the end of season play offs.

They bounced back in fine style though, winning their first two games at their new stadium 4-0 and 3-0.

It was to remain a fortress for them, with 12 wins and five losses in a season which took them to Wembley and a Championship play off final defeat against Blackpool.


Morecambe - 2010/11

Like Chesterfield, the Shrimps also began this season in new surroundings. However, they have found life a lot harder than their League Two rivals.

Finishing 4th in their last season at Christie Park and qualifying for the play offs, they had hoped to continue from where they left off at their new Globe Arena.

To date though they've won six and lost eight at the new stadium and are languishing in 15th. A far cry from last season's home form of 14 wins and three defeats.

The Boyos Are Back In Town

Turls looks at the renaissance in Welsh football taking place not just in the Championship but also in the Conference Premier.

Wrexham are in Conference play off contention under Dean Saunders

In a land dominated by Tom Jones, rugby, leeks, and Katherine Jenkins' knockers, it's difficult for anything else to get a look in.

The Welsh national football team is rubbish, and is currently ranked as the 113th best team in the world football - behind Central African Republic and Qatar, and just ahead of Suriname. In fact, according to FIFA, Wales are the eighth worst team in Europe.

The Welsh Premier League is even worse, and probably on a par with the sixth or seventh tier of English football. I don't think most people could name many clubs who play in the WPL other than PMS and Airtours FC.

Welsh football has been seen as a bit of a shambles for quite some time, but there are a few clubs who are trying to rescue the state of football in Cymru.

The funny thing is that, while two teams are scrapping it out to leave the Football League, two others are doing their best to get into it.

Swansea City and Cardiff City are both having great seasons so far, with both teams looking likely to be in the Championship promotion shake up come the end of the season. But we all know about these two teams.

Everyone knows about what's going on in Wales' two biggest cities and I'll have a little natter about them later. What about the other two clubs?

No, I'm not referring to Merthyr Town and Colwyn Bay, I am of course talking about Wrexham and Newport County.

Both teams are in the hunt for promotion out of the Conference Premier, but each team have taken different journeys to get where they are today. One came up, and the other came down.

Wrexham are looking to get back into the Football League at the third time of asking. Their 87-year stay in the Football League was ended in the 2007/8 season, but the writing had been on the wall for them for a few seasons.

Since being relegated, Wrexham haven't really looked like rejoining the 92 club and many people, including our very own Nobes, thought that, under Dean Saunders, the North Wales club would be very lucky to find themselves in a promotion battle.

Not many thought he had the experience required to guide them out of the Non League pyramid. At the moment, Nobes is wrong.

We may only be half way through the season, but T-Wrex are sitting in the play off positions and look like they may have the strength to last the distance.

It's being achieved on the back of a mean defence. Saunders' men have only conceded 23 goals and have one of the tightest backlines in the division.

They may not score as many goals as some of the other teams in the promotion hunt, but Saunders has turned the Racecourse Ground into a fortress - with the Red Dragons losing just one of their 13 games at home.

Newport County stormed to Conference South title success last term

Over at Newport County, their success was founded by the work of another inexperienced manager.

Unlike Wrexham though, the Exiles will be forced to continue their hunt for promotion without the man who helped them cruise to the Conference South title last season.

Dean Holdsworth left for Aldershot not too long ago, and many feel that he has taken County's hopes of promotion with him. Everything he touches turns to gold at the moment, with the Shots in fine form since he took over.

Who gives a monkey's what's happening at Aldershot though, because County have been left in the lurch. Holdsworth took the Exiles to the Conference South title in style - winning the league with two months of the season to spare and averaging more than two goals per game.

It was ridiculously easy, and they carried their momentum into the Conference Premier - losing only one of their first 11 matches.

However, upon Holdsworth's departure, a few fans are starting to panic and I honestly heard one fan discussing the distinct possibility of relegation. That may be a little extreme, but you can understand the fear factor surrounding the club under new circumstances.

Many cite Holdsworth as the sole reason for the club's new found success, while others have claimed it is nonsense to suggest man is responsible for the a whole team's success.

They probably won't get promoted, and I wouldn't be surprised if they started to drift down towards the middle of the table, but Holdsworth leaves behind a strong team with a determined work ethic.

If they can keep the core of the squad together, which is always a problem when losing a manager, they have the ability to maintain a steady presence in the Conference Premier.

Welsh football is clearly on the up. Cardiff and Swansea are looking to get promoted out of the Football League, while Newport are Wrexham hope to gain entry.

Still, until Jenkins dumps that Blue Peter chap, I refuse to accept Wales into my heart.

Don't Ever Change

Ahead of this weekend's South Wales derby, Nobes reflects on why continuity is key to the success of Championship high-fliers Cardiff City and Swansea City.

Old and New: Cardiff and Swansea's managers are key to their success

Two teams flying high in the Championship playing attractive, attacking football and scoring plenty of goals.

Throw in the spice of a local derby between two bitter rivals, and it's not hard to understand why the BBC cameras will be in Cardiff this weekend for live coverage of Swansea's visit.

However, it's not just the purists who would be well advised to tune in on Sunday lunchtime, but other clubs aspiring to be just as successful.

That's because this Welsh derby should not just be viewed as a feast of football, but a celebration of how continuity is the key to success. In different ways, the Bluebirds and Swans are reaping the benefits of having firm foundations.

For Cardiff, currently two points clear at the summit, boss Dave Jones is now in his sixth season in the Welsh capital.

Since 2005, he's twice taken City to Wembley for national finals. They finished runners-up to Portsmouth in the 2008 FA Cup and then, last term, were edged out 3-2 by Blackpool in the play off final.

It is testament to the former Wolves manager's experience that, instead of allowing the heartbreak of last term to negatively affect the club, he has instead used it to spur them to go one better this time.

It was the same motivational tool he used to great effect 12 months previously when, having missed out on a place in the top six only on the final day of the 2008/9 campaign, Cardiff came back stronger.

Critics will, quite rightly, point to the fact that Cardiff are a club who regularly appear to be living beyond their means.

Indeed, it seems like they've made more appearances in the High Court than the new 25,000 stadium they moved into last year.

The rights and wrongs of a club so frequently on the financial edge signing the likes of Craig Bellamy and Andy Keogh on loan are much debated.

It would be fair to say that, for Championship rivals, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth as they question how an almost perennially troubled club can afford to sign Bellamy and turn down offers for other stars like winger Peter Whittingham?

Ultimately, Cardiff's chickens may well come home to roost in the future if their financial footing is proven to be far less secure than City fans hope.

However, for now the firepower of their loan signings - allied to the attacking talents of Whittingham, Jay Bothroyd, Michael Chopra, and Chris Burke - provides Jones with striking power the envy of the rest of the league.

Bothroyd in particular, after a frustrating and often ill-disciplined start to his career, is now flourishing with 12 goals already this season.

His injury and subsequent substitution in last May's play off final was undoubtedly a massive blow to City's chances on the day.

If he can remain fully fit - and not serving a suspension as he will be on Sunday - his goals can fire the Bluebirds into the top flight for the first time in over half a century.

However, perhaps even more key will be, for all the off-field worries, the stability from the dugout provided by the manager.

Cardiff's strength this term is not the result of a quick turnaround as with promotion rivals QPR. Rather it is the culmination of many years of building and Jones gradually improving his team's quality and depth.

It would have been easy for him to walk away after their near misses - or for the club to decide they needed a new man to take them one step further. Fortunately for all involved at Cardiff, neither party did.

Jay Bothroyd and Scott Sinclair are the main men for their clubs this term

In contrast to 54-year-old Jones, his opposite number this weekend, Brendan Rodgers, will be taking charge of his first South Wales derby.

The Northern Irishman was appointed to the Swans hot seat after Paulo Sousa jumped ship for Leicester - a move the club have come much better off from than the Portuguese.

It meant City, for the second year in a row, started the new season with a different man at the helm. Where's the continuity there, you might ask?

True, the man picking the team may be different, but it is the culture of the manager that is more important.

Ever since chairman Huw Jenkins replaced Kenny Jackett with former captain and club legend Roberto Martinez, City have been establishing their own brand of football.

Their easy on the eye, fluid, short passing game swept them to League One glory in 2008 under Spaniard Martinez, who followed it up with a more than respectable 8th placed finish back in the second tier.

However, Martinez's departure to Premier League Wigan left Swansea supporters angry and concerned that their progress was about to stall.

Not so, and Jenkins must take huge credit for it. After all, how many other chairmen have taken a gamble on appointing successive managers who have been sacked after short and difficult times at their previous clubs?

That was the case when Sousa was installed in 2009 - fresh from a trip on QPR's managerial conveyor belt. The Portuguese was still untried and untested.

However, Jenkins knew he was appointing someone who would buy into Swansea's philosophy. Last season's finish of 7th featured an agonising late slump which cost them a place in the play offs.

After the turmoil of Martinez's departure though, it had still been a season of success and progress for City.

The appointment of Rodgers - who was fired from Reading last December with the Berkshire club struggling towards the Championship's foot - seemed to be another gamble.

Swansea were once again looking for somebody who would continue to build on the foundations his predecessors had left though.

Unlike with Reading, Rodgers's approach to the game was already established, and this season's impressive start is testament to a manager and group of players in sync with one another.

His connections from days at Chelsea also allowed him to snap up winger Scott Sinclair who, with 11 goals so far, is proving one of the signings of the season.

Despite their lofty finish, City were the Championship's lowest scorers last term, but now with firepower added to their silky approach, they look genuine top six contenders currently sitting in 3rd.

While it remains early days, it now seems the top flight of the English game could feature at least one club from Wales next season for the first time in 30 years.

Welsh football has had new life breathed in to it. The idea of stability must now follow suit.

Getting The Breaks

Nobes looks at the managers in the Football League who Premier League clubs should consider if they are looking for a new boss.

Aidy Boothroyd's best hope of a top flight return is with promotion

There was a time when the departure of a top flight boss, as with Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill this week, would have seen movement in the managerial merry-go-round in the lower divisions.

The managerial 'food chain' would come into full flow, with each bigger club seeking to poach their new boss from a smaller team.

Someone who had impressed and was worth being given a shot in a bigger role would be sought.

Now, as in the transfer market, the focus appears to be overseas, with the big clubs looking to foreign, not home grown coaches, to fill their vacant managerial seats.

However, to do that is to overlook the genuine quality in the lower divisions with managers who have proven their ability and could be worth giving a chance to.

Of the 72 managers outside the Premier League, 17 have managed in the top flight before.

In the second tier that includes Steve Coppell, Neil Warnock, George Burley, and Gordon Strachan. All of these managers have just begun projects at ambitious clubs though, so would be unlikely to jump ship now.

Roy Keane at Ipswich has a combustible nature that might put off potential suitors, and there are question marks over the style of play used by Coventry's Aidy Boothroyd.

The most recent to gain Premier League experience was Brian Laws - a surprise appointment by Burnley last season. He endured a miserable run as he oversaw the Clarets's demotion last May though.

Outside the Championship, four bosses in League One have tasted top flight management - Peter Reid, Danny Wilson, Chris Hutchings, and Alan Pardew.

The former is someone whose career is now on a downward spiral and Wilson, once a promising star of the managerial game, has never recovered from a poor time at Sheffield Wednesday.

Hutchings failed at both Bradford and Wigan and is unlikely to ever get another opportunity. Only Pardew has any chance of ever making it back into the top flight.

In League Two, Bradford's Peter Taylor had a miserable spell at Leicester in the early Noughties, and Paul Sturrock lasted just a few months at Southampton.

Micky Adams took Leicester into the top flight in 2003 but they were promptly relegated a year later, and the experienced Graham Turner managed Aston Villa in the top flight during the '80s.

At 62, he's unlikely to want to manage at the top again, but there are young, hungry managers waiting to get their first break - or another - in the Premier League.

Here are some of the managers who top flight clubs could do a lot worse than choosing to fill their vacancy:


Sean O'Driscoll (Doncaster Rovers)

Was believed to be frontrunner for the Burnley job but when the Clarets couldn't agree compensation with current employers Doncaster, they opted for Brian Laws instead.

The softly-spoken 53-year-old has earned a reputation for producing teams who play pure passing football and are easy on the eye.

He has established Doncaster in the second tier and won promotion in the lower leagues with Bournemouth, too.

Used to working on a budget and getting teams to punch above their weight, O'Driscoll is quickly becoming a man in demand.

Likely top flight destination: Born and raised in the Black Country, O'Driscoll is a lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers fan. If the Molineux job was to become free, he would find it difficult to turn down.

Why he wouldn't be picked: Not a big name, he spent the vast majority of his playing career in the lower divisions. Would he be respected by top players?

Would his purist footballing views also be counted against him when pragmatism is sometimes called for?


Billy Davies (Nottingham Forest)

A fiery Scot who has built a reputation as the best manager outside the top flight over the last few years.

Twice took Preston to the play offs, before being turned down for the vacant top flight job at Charlton.

He was then promoted to the Premier League with Derby in 2007 before being harshly sacked as the Rams struggled in the top flight.

Next turned up at rivals Nottingham Forest who he, again, led into the play offs last season.

A meticulous planner, he has the ability to produce sides pleasing on the eye as well as miserly at the back.


Likely top flight destination: Unlikely to be given a big job, a smaller club in trouble - the likes of Wigan - might be tempted on giving him another break in the top flight.

Why he wouldn't be picked: His torrid time at Derby will put out any potential top flight club. He also a reputation for falling out with his employers.


Dave Jones (Cardiff City)

Jones has twice managed in the top flight. Firstly, he managed to keep Southampton in the top flight before being replaced by Glenn Hoddle when having to fight a court case.

He bounced back to lead Wolves into the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2004.

He was unable to keep the club up and they were relegated in last place after just a season.

Built his reputation in the Football League with Stockport, and in his six years at Cardiff has taken them to the FA Cup final and last year's Championship play off final.


Likely top flight destination: Jones was linked with Fulham this summer and in the past was previously rumoured to, despite his Wolves connections, have attracted the interest of West Brom.

His experience and knowledge of relegation battles would be attractive to such a club.

Why he wouldn't be picked: Hard to say why. Being relegated with a newly promoted club is no disgrace and his record at Cardiff and Southampton demands respect. Is he already, at 53, seen as too old?


Nigel Pearson (Hull City)

Only newly appointed at the KC Stadium, but Pearson's track record suggests a man who doesn't bed down roots at a club and happily moves about frequently.

He enjoyed great success with Leicester over the last two years.

First guiding them to the 2009 League One title before taking them into last season's Championship play offs only to fall at the semi final stage.

Has worked at the likes of Newcastle and West Brom as a coach in the top flight before.


Likely top flight destination: Newcastle's Chris Hughton is the bookies' favourite to be the first manager sacked this season, and Pearson's connections with St James' Park could see him in contention for the role.

Why he wouldn't be picked: Still a relative managerial novice whose only real success has come with a big club in a small pond. It would be a big gamble.


Paul Lambert (Norwich City)

A year ago he was managing Colchester hoping for a top six place in the third tier.

Lambert's stock has been in meteoric rise since taking over at Norwich and storming to the League One title.

The impressive fashion with which the Canaries won the division scoring hatfuls of goals with an attacking brand of football also earned him plaudits.

After a distinguished playing career he started out coaching Livingston in the SPL before making the move to basement tier Wycombe - whom he guided into the League Two play offs in 2008.

Likely top flight destination: Lambert was linked with the Celtic job over the summer - proof that he is in vogue. Any bottom half Premier League team looking for a new manager are sure to consider the Norwich boss if he continues to impress.

Why he wouldn't be picked: Is he really ready? This is his first season in the Championship and he is completely untested in the higher divisions. One for the future, maybe, but not for the present.


Simon Grayson (Leeds United)

With two promotions - both gained by playing attractive football - on his managerial CV already, the 40-year-old is one of the hottest managerial prospects.

He took Blackpool to promotion to the Championship in his first full season before establishing them in the second tier.

When the call came from boyhood club Leeds though, he left the Seasiders and last season took the Elland Road outfit back into the Championship - again in his first full campaign.





Likely top flight destination: Arguably he's most likely to become a top flight manager by taking Leeds there. Refuted interest from ex-club Leicester in the summer to stay at the club he has always supported.

Why he wouldn't be picked: Like Lambert, he is still very young - although he has proven his ability to work within a budget and get results in the Championship.

Whether a club would be willing to pay the hefty compensation Leeds would ask for their man might be a large stumbling block though.


Alan Pardew (Southampton)

Despite currently being in League One, Pardew and the Saints are heavily tipped to be back on the way up to at least the Championship.

Pardew made his name at Reading - taking the Royals into the second tier before leaving for West Ham. He took the East Londoners back into the top flight and subsequently guided them to the 2006 FA Cup final.

He was dismissed a few months later after a poor start to the following campaign and then endured a disappointing reign at Charlton.



Likely top flight destination: Pardew is rebuilding his career on the South Coast and is unlikely to be tapped up or want to leave yet himself.

However, if he can resurrect the fortunes of Southampton then, either with the Saints or at another club, the 49-year-old can still bring his brand of good football to the Premier League.

Why he wouldn't be picked: His time at Charlton has probably laid the seeds of doubt in chairmen's minds. He failed to turn around a sinking ship at The Valley and, although he wasn't fully to blame, it will have put some clubs off.

All or Nothing

After Blackpool seal promotion to the Premier League with their play-off victory against Cardiff, Nobes considers what the future could hold for both teams.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway celebrates his team's play-off final triumph

To the neutral it probably didn't sound like the kind of final to get the pulse racing.

Indeed, money men aspiring to engineer a 39th top flight game played across the cities of Asia would have been less than impressed at the prospect of one of Blackpool or Cardiff joining England's elite.

It wouldn't have taken long for either party to change their pre-match conceptions. Insane, madness, and mental were just a few of the descriptions I saw used to describe the flurry of first half goals at Wembley on Saturday.

True, the mistakes which allowed Blackpool to lead 3-2 at the interval would have put shame to a pub team's back line. However, for sheer entertainment value, it made for a spectacle rarely surpassed in the top flight.

Aside from the usual talk of the glamour and riches of the Premier League awaiting the winner though, there was another underlying feeling about this year's final. For both Blackpool and Cardiff it was now, or never.

Indeed, those connected with the Welsh club even went as far as describing the clash as 'win or bust' for City. Bluebirds fans will now be hoping that was nothing more than typical pre-match hyperbole.

For the Lancashire outfit, perhaps their tenacity in twice coming from behind was evidence of their belief that, if they were to make the promised land, then they'd never have a better opportunity.

Now though, two clubs who went toe-to-toe in North London go their separate, and very different, ways for at least the next 12 months.

It would have been very tempting as the strains of the Dave Clark Five and 'Glad All Over' blasted out of the Wembley PA system for Blackpool to get too caught up in the Premier League odyssey they are now embarking on.

For a side who were one of the pre-season favourites for the drop from the Championship, a fixture list next term including the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United represents heady days indeed.

However, it is now crucial that their Latvian benefactor, Valeri Belokon, and chairman Karl Oyston ensure this Tangerine dream doesn't become a nightmare.

Encouragingly, Oyston has come out and said that pressing ahead with the construction of a fourth stand at Bloomfield Road will be a priority.

The third stand - dedicated to club legend Jimmy Armfield - was only opened at the tail end of the campaign. Until then, the club had been restricted to crowds around the 8,000 mark.

It's a further indication of the achievement Holloway has managed this term with a squad built on the cheap and the second lowest average attendances in the division.

In truth, just remaining amongst England's top-44 clubs is an achievement for the club in their current state. Now they'll be attempting to stay in the top-20.

Blackpool have only recently completed a third permanent stand at Bloomfield Road

Unsurprisingly, bookies already have Blackpool as strong favourites for an instant return in 12 months time.

Some observers have compared their meteoric rise to the top flight from nowhere to that of another Lancashire club last season - Burnley.

Despite the Clarets dropping straight back down though, such a comparison still being made in a year's time would not be such a bad thing for Pool.

Burnley have not 'bet on the farm' in the words of chairman Barry Kilby. They added modestly, and sensibly, to their promotion squad and the riches of the Premier League will stand them in good stead for the future.

Blackpool must spend their Premier League money, estimated to be around £90 million, in a similar fashion - using it to build a fourth stand and provide an improvement on training facilities Holloway described as a "horrible environment."

While their progress from the basement division has been rapid on the pitch, they have struggled to keep up with progress off it. Building an infrastructure that can help establish them in the Championship - not the Premier League - must be their primary aim.

After all, they need not look far for all the warning signs they need of what can happen when you win promotion and spend your money unwisely.

Bradford's signing of foreign stars on big wages crippled the club financially and relegation from the top flight was the beginning of a tumble down the divisions. They are languishing in League Two ten years later.

Another side from the other side of the Pennines, Hull City, are now in a similar position as they gear up for life in the Championship next season. The Tigers have a wage bill which threatens to tip them into financial peril.

It might sound like a defeatist attitude to simply take the money and run, but it is simply sensible.

By all means enjoy the top flight and the glamour it brings though. Judging by t-shirts on show at Wembley declaring 'Bye Bye Preston', Tangerines fans will also revel lauding it over their hated rivals from down the M55 - who are still to grace the Premier League.

As are Cardiff. For Dave Jones's side, after the most agonising of defeats, a summer of upheaval surely awaits.

The club is about to be transferred into the new ownership of a Malaysian consortium backed by billionaire businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun.

It's a move which will signal the end of chairman Peter Ridsdale's tenure at the club. Unfortunately for the controversial former Leeds man, he will forever be haunted by the financial meltdown he presided over at Elland Road.

Despite leaving City with debts estimated between £15 million and £30 million though, he has overseen a move to new training facilities and, most importantly, a new 25,000 stadium geared for the Premier League.

Cardiff City players contemplate missing out on the Premier League

Saturday's defeat is also likely to see departures on the playing front, with much sought-after midfielders Joe Ledley and Peter Whittingham leaving the club.

Striking trio Michael Chopra, Jay Bothroyd, and Ross McCormack could also be in demand.

For Jones, a manager who, despite his sometimes prickly attitude in post-match interviews, is well liked and respected, a major rebuilding job could be on the horizon.

He is already the division's longest serving manager - having been at the Welsh club since 2005 - and saw Wembley's final as the culmination of many year's work towards the Premier League.

Despite his experience of losing in the 2002 play-offs with Wolves only to triumph in them 12 months later, he will be aware that losing play-off finalists tend to find it hard to bounce back.

Sheffield United - beaten by Burnley in the final last year - only managed to finish 8th this time around.

He will also know that Cardiff have never had a better opportunity to make it back into the top flight after almost 50 years away.

Bristol City, another side never to have played in the Premier League, have only managed two mid-table finishes since losing the 2008 final to Hull.

Preston, too, have twice been losers in the final in the past decade and now, after a 17th placed finish this term, appear a long way from the top flight.

Barnsley, albeit having enjoyed one season in the Premier League, were defeated by Ipswich in the 2000 final and haven't finished in the Championship's top half since.

When the opportunity arises, smaller clubs must take it. When everything comes together and clicks, like Blackpool this term, and Hull and Watford in previous years - you must grab your chance to sit at football's top table. How long before Cardiff come as close again?

Well, if Jones remains at the helm then perhaps, with their new stadium and added financial backing, defeat at the national stadium need only be a temporary blip in Cardiff's Premier League ambitions.

More urgently however, the club - who have been dogged by financial problems throughout the season - have a date at the High Court next month to answer a winding up order.

Such was the thin line between success and failure - it is a meeting they will now be approaching with less confidence than had they beaten Blackpool at the weekend.

It is also the kind of scenario the Seasiders must strive that their Premier League jackpot ensures they never get into. Heavy losses on the pitch next season pale into insignificance compared to heavy losses off it.

Promotion has given this proud old club and their passionate support a chance to rebuild themselves for the future. They have taken the first opportunity with promotion, now they mustn't waste this next one.

Relegation next season may hurt temporarily, but the long term future for Blackpool can be promising and ensure they can feel glad - all over again.

Championship Play Off Final: Preview

Championship Play Off Final

Blackpool vs. Cardiff City

Saturday May 22, 15:00, Wembley

So it all comes down to this. The £40 million match. The most profitable game in football. And it will include DJ Campbell. Or does he prefer to be known as Dudley these days?

I'll try my best to hide my disgust and disappointment but I can't help but feel as if the Championship has been slightly cheated with this final.

A team who are in serious amounts of debt as they have continued to spend way beyond their means against a team who are unable to fill a stadium that has a smaller capacity than my father's shed.

Not that I'm bitter at them doing better than Forest.

Still, lets take nothing away from either team. They deserve to be in this final. Why? Because they are in the final. That means they were good enough to progress to the final. Do you follow?

On to the game. Blackpool vs. Cardiff may not get most people's pulses racing, but this is going to be a very exciting games between two teams who know how to find the back of the net.

I'm predicting full throttle action with goals a-plenty. Between them, these two teams have racked up 147 goals in the league.

Blackpool progressed to the final by beating Nottingham Forest 6-4 on aggregate, with four of those goals coming at the City Ground.

The previously mentioned Campbell managed to bag a hat-trick on that occasion so he will certainly be a player to watch out for but the man Cardiff most need to be aware of is Charlie Adam.

The lad spells goals - if you're dyslexic - and is one of the reasons Ian Holloway's Tangerines managed to get into the play-offs.

He's scored 17 league goals - including the play-offs - so far and with Denzel Junior (DJ) Campbell hitting a hat-trick in the semi-finals, they don't look short up top.

Ian Holloway will be leading his boys out and don't be too surprised if he turns up in a tangerine suit. The former QPR and Leicester boss is a bit of a joker but he knows how to produce a good team.

Only Leicester fans can have genuine complaints about his managerial quality and I can imagine a few of the Premier League higher-ups are concerned about his potential presence in the top-flight.

Both games between Blackpool and Cardiff this season have ended 1-1

I have a little bit of a soft spot for Blackpool, despite having Lakes constantly bleating about how disgusting and disgraceful they are. However, I have absolutely no time for Cardiff.

I don't like their chairman, I don't like their manager, I don't like their players and I don't like their fans. I'm not a fan of their financial policy and am fearful that in a few years time, Cardiff City may be in serious trouble as a result of today's splurges.

However, these splurges have produced goals. They have two of the top six scorers in the division — Peter Whittingham with 22 goals and Michael Chopra on 17 goals, and they have the surprisingly impressive Bothroyd chipping in as well.

They'll be tough to contain but they do have a tendency to bottle it on the grand stage. A month or so ago, it looked likely that Cardiff were going to drop out of the play-offs altogether.

No-one seemed surprised because they have developed a reputation of leaving before the party has finished. However, they put a tasty run together and now find themselves in pole position for promotion.

I don't expect a cagey affair and, as already mentioned, I'm expecting goals.

It may not be the high profile final fans were hoping for but Blackpool and Cardiff fans alike won't give two hoots about them. It's got passion, it's got drama and it will have excitement.

Whoever goes up is going to come straight back down with a black eye and a sore arse but they don't want to mess up this opportunity because it could very well be their last chance for a while to make it into the big time.

Turls' Prediction: Cardiff City 3 Blackpool 2

Championship Play Offs: Ties Preview

After an in-depth look at the four teams involved, we now take a look at the ties in question.

Nobes previews the two Championship play off semi finals - and sticks his neck on the line over who will contest the final.




Nottingham Forest vs. Blackpool

First leg: Saturday May 8, 12:45, Bloomfield Road
Second leg: Tuesday May 11, 19:45, City Ground

Form (last six games):

Nottingham Forest: DWLWDD
Blackpool: DWWLWW

Previous meetings:

Blackpool 3-1 Nottingham Forest, April 17, Bloomfield Road
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Blackpool, September 19, City Ground

The tie:

Having sneaked into the top six in the final two weeks of the season, surprise package Blackpool are now just three games away from the Premier League.

Ian Holloway's revolution by the seaside has transformed one of the pre-season favourites for the drop into a team who have battled all term for a play-off place.

Standing between them and a shot at promotion at Wembley are Nottingham Forest.

The men from the City Ground posed the only real threat to Newcastle and West Brom's domination of the division this season, but Billy Davies's side utlimately had to settle for a spot in the end of season lottery.

Ironically, their opponents were the last team to beat them on home soil - and the only team to take six points off them this term. An element of revenge will no doubt be on the mind of the former Preston boss therefore.

This is a match-up between two teams whose home form is much better than their results on the road. Forest haven't won away in 11, and only recently lost on a visit to Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders almost always score at home, but have proved vulnerable on their travels, and will need to take some kind of lead to protect into the second leg if they're to stand a chance.

Play-off encounters are usually tighter than regular games during the season, and the fact the two teams have met recently could also be a factor.

However, with Forest being so strong at home and playing the second leg there, they may just have too much for Blackpool.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest





Cardiff City vs. Leicester City
First leg: Sunday May 9, 13:15, Walkers Stadium
Second leg: Wednesday May 12, 19:45, Cardiff City Stadium

Form (last six games):

Cardiff City: LWWDDW
Leicester City: WWWWWL

Previous meetings:

Cardiff City 2-1 Leicester City, March 30, Cardiff City Stadium
Leicester City 1-0 Cardiff City, March 13, Walkers Stadium

The tie:

It's almost been impossible to separate Cardiff and Leicester this season. They both won their home games against one in the regular season - matches which happened in the space of three weeks.

The two clubs also finished level on points after 46 matches - with Cardiff having a superior goal difference of just three.

All of which means that deciding who will have the edge over two play-off ties is very difficult to call.

Do Cardiff have the advantage playing at home in the second leg? Do Leicester actually prefer making the most out of a home advantage in the first game and taking a lead to Wales to defend?

This one could go all the way into extra time and penalties - they might even need to toss a coin to decide who goes to Wembley. Leicester look favourites so, because strange things happen in the play-offs, I'll go for Cardiff.

Prediction: Cardiff City

Championship Play Offs: Teams Preview

The Championship play-offs kick off this weekend. We'll take a closer look at the matches later in the week.

First of all, Nobes takes a look at the four teams fighting it out for a place in next season's Premier League.

Final top of the table:

.............................P.....GD.....PTS
1. Newcastle..........46.....55......102
2. West Brom.........46.....41.......91
--------------------------------------------
3. Nottm. Forest.....46.....25.......79
4. Cardiff...............46.....19.......76
5. Leicester............46.....16.......76
6. Blackpool...........46.....16.......70
--------------------------------------------
7. Swansea............46......3........69





Nottingham Forest






Story of the season:

After narrowly avoiding the drop last term, Forest have been rejuvenated under the wily Billy Davies.

An expensive summer rebuilding job took time to settle in, but the team went on a 20-match unbeaten run from September to January lifting them right into the automatic promotion mix.

Ultimately, they were unable to last the pace with Newcastle and West Brom, but comfortably took 3rd place.

Manager:

Billy Davies kept up his proud record of never finishing outside the top six in the Championship when in charge for a full season. The 45-year-old is now embarking on his fourth play-off campaign.

He twice lost with Preston, in the 2005 final and 2006 semis, and was promoted with Derby through the play-offs in 2007.

A passionate Scot, he is known for his attention to detail on the training ground and fiery temperament on the touchline. Tactically very shrewd.

Strength:

Forest have turned the City Ground into a fortress. They have lost just three times on home soil and are unbeaten there since September - a run of 19 matches.

They've also conceded just 13 goals at home this season, including keeping clean sheets in nine of their last ten City Ground contests.

The experience of manager Davies in play-off situations must also count in their favour.

Weakness:

Davies's men were the last professional team to be unbeaten away from home this season. However, after going 13 games without defeat on the road, they've failed to win any of their last 11 away matches.

Having finished third, Forest will also have pressure on them - and expectations will be high that they can improve upon their disappointing play-off record and return to the top flight.

Key players:

Forest have conceded just 40 goals in their 46 games, and have an excellent defensive unit - including keeper Lee Camp [left]. His performances this season have led to him being suggested for the England World Cup squad.

He's also taken as captain after a long-term injury to influential midfield man Paul McKenna.

That also increases the importance of winger Paul Anderson. The former Liverpool man has shown glimpses of pure quality this term and his pace can electrify any encounter.

Powerful and pacy striker Dexter Blackstock - who's found the back of the net 14 times this season - could also play an important role.

Play-off history:

Forest have appeared in the play-offs twice - losing in the semi finals both times.

In 2002/3, under Paul Hart, they lost to Sheffield United 5-4 over the two legs in the Championship play-offs.

In 2006/7, Colin Calderwood's Forest team threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 5-2 in the second leg to Yeovil in the League One play-offs.

Top flight pedigree

Unbelievably, promotion to the Premier League would see Forest make their first appearance in the top flight since 1999.

The former English and European Champions were constant members of the top flight during the '80s and most of the '90s.

They have fallen on harder times recently - including a three year spell in League One - but can still legitimately claim to be at home in the Premier League.





Cardiff City






Story of the season:

One of the pre-season favourites for the top six, Cardiff have, for once, lived up to their billing and consistently held down a play-off spot this term.

They missed out on the top six by the narrowest of margins on the final day last season. However, this time they have put off-field financial worries aside and shown greater resilience.

Rarely out of the top six, they have shown the typical attacking flair and quality associated with their play to take 4th.

Manager:

Dave Jones has been in charge in the Welsh capital for five seasons, and has finally taken them into the play-offs.

The Scouser has experience in the end of season lottery - taking Wolverhampton Wanderers into the play-offs twice - winning them the second time around.

At 53, he is the oldest manager in the play-offs, and likes to encourage his team to play good football and entertain.

Strength:

Quite simply, on their day, Cardiff have the ability to score plenty of goals and beat anyone in the division.

They hit Derby and Bristol City for six, and scored four past Sheffield United, Scunthorpe, Watford, Peterborough, and play-off opponents Leicester.

A rich array of attacking quality up-front, in midfield, and out wide makes containing them a difficult prospect.

Weakness:
Even with them making the top six this term, Cardiff have still shown the kind of brittleness associated with previous campaigns.

Throwing away a 4-0 lead at struggling Peterborough was typical of their ability to squander good positions. A willingness to play good football can often lead them to being exposed at the back too.

Key players:

With Cardiff's attacking emphasis, striker Michael Chopra can always be guaranteed good service and plenty of opportunities. He's found the back of the net 19 times.

City's top scorer though is actually midfielder Peter Whittingham [left]. The left winger and dead-ball specialist has notched up an outstanding 23 goals for the Bluebirds this term.

At the back, summer signing from Walsall, Anthony Gerrard, has matured into an excellent centre back whose presence at the back will be important if Cardiff are to prosper.

Play-off history:

This may be Cardiff's first time in the Championship play-offs, but they've appeared twice in the end of season lottery in the lower leagues.

In 1996/7 they lost out to Northampton in the League Two play-offs in the semi finals.

However, they had more success in League One in 2003. After seeing off Severnside rivals Bristol City in the semis, they defeated QPR in the final to seal promotion to the Championship.

Top flight pedigree:

Cardiff have never played in the Premier League. Indeed, it's been 48 years since City appeared in the top flight of English football.

During the '80s and '90s, City struggled along in the lower two tiers before winning promotion to the Championship in 2003.

That's where they have remained ever since - flirting with the play-offs on occasions and holding down a comfortable mid-table position.





Leicester City






Story of the season:

The Foxes were last season's League One winners, and have continued their form this term as they have mounted a second successive promotion campaign.

They've never dropped lower than 10th, and were always in the running for the play offs.

A run of four straight defeats late on threatened their top six position, but City recovered to win their last five games and secure 5th spot.

Manager:

Nigel Pearson has been the architect of Leicester's renaissance after taking charge of the club in 2008.

City walked away with the League One title in his first season at the helm, and the step-up in division hasn't stopped them from continuing the same impressive form.

A talented coach, he has marshalled a team who work very hard and are well organised. His record in the transfer market has also been very good.

Strength:

A side with an excellent work ethic and organisation, who have the ability to play good football, but also deal with the physical side of the game.

Leicester also have a group of players who are used to winning and have developed a great team spirit and unity over the past two years.

Five successive wins also means they come into the play-offs in good form.

Weakness:

Pearson is the only one of the four managers to have never experienced play-off football before. Can he prepare his side for the mental battle ahead in dealing with the pressure?

Given their form, winning mentality, play-off history, and impressive home record, it could be argued too that Leicester are the favourites. Can they handle that title?

Key Players:

Joint top scorer Matty Fryatt [left] is returning from injury and is always a reliable source of goals for the Foxes - particularly in key games where chances may be few and far between.

Midfield man Richie Wellens has been a steadying presence on the ball for City this term and has the vision and guile that may be needed to open up a tight encounter.

Andy King has had another excellent season - getting into double figures in the scoring charts.


Play-off history:

Leicester are looking to make it a hat-trick of promotions via the Championship play-offs.

They've actually made the play-offs five times, losing the 1992 final to Blackburn and the 1993 final to Swindon.

However, they were finally promoted in the 1994 final under Brian Little after beating local rivals Derby County 2-1.

Two years later, and this time under Martin O'Neill, they were 2-1 victors over Crystal Palace at Wembley to gain promotion again.

Top flight pedigree:

After promotion in 1994, Leicester were instantly relegated but bounced back at the first attempt. That heralded the start of six successive seasons in the top flight before relegation in 2002.

They once again bounced back at the first time of asking, but were immediately relegated. Before this season, they've rarely looked like returning to the Premier League, and even suffered relegation to League One in 2008.





Blackpool






Story of the season:

The surprise package of the Championship. Despite having one of the smallest budgets and crowds in the division, the Seasiders have been a revelation.

They made a solid start to the season, without ever looking like top six challengers. However, by Christmas, they were firmly in the play off race.

An inconsistent spell at the start of 2010 left them five points off the play-offs with eight to play.

Six wins from seven saw them edge out Swansea on the penultimate weekend and a last day draw secured them 6th and the final play-off berth.

Manager:

After a disastrous tenure at Leicester, Ian Holloway has rebuilt his reputation with Blackpool.

Tipped to struggle before a ball had been kicked, the popular Bristolian was backed in the transfer market - including the signing of midfielder Charlie Adam for £500,000.

After a reputation for producing effective if dour sides at Plymouth and QPR, Holloway has the Tangerines playing an attractive, adventurous style of play which has won as many plaudits as points.

Strength:

They are massive underdogs. Nobody expected Blackpool to be in the play-offs, and their hopes looked dead and buried a couple of months ago.

They now come into the play-offs in good form and have turned Bloomfield Road into a difficult place for opponents to visit - only faiing to score once at home all season.

They will also be pleased with facing Forest - they are the only side to do the 'double' over the East Midlands side this term.

Weakness:

How much more can they give? Holloway has overachieved getting Pool this far - can they continue their fairytale over two legs in the pressure cooker environment of the play-offs?

They've also lost more games away from home than any other top six side - and must travel for the all-important second leg.

Key players:

The driving force behind Pool's play-off charge has been former Rangers man Charlie Adam [left]. With 17 goals and numerous assists to his name this term, he will be vital to any hope they have of promotion.

Keeper Matt Gilks has taken over as the Number 1 at Bloomfield Road. An excellent shot stopper, he may be called upon regularly in the play-offs.

Veteran striker Brett Ormerod - in his second spell at the club - has been in typically good scoring form with 12 goals over the campaign. His goals could be key again.


Play-off history:

The Seasiders are appearing in the play-offs for the sixth time and have had a mixed bag of results.

They lost the 1991 League Two final to Torquay on penalties, but 12 months later were victorious at the same stage on spot kicks against Scunthorpe.

Their next taste of the play-offs came in 1996, where Sam Allardyce's Blackpool threw away a 2-0 first leg advantage to lose to Bradford 3-2 in the semis.

In 2001, they were promoted from League Two via the play-offs under Steve McMahon after a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient in the final.

Most recently, they gained promotion to the Championship after beating Yeovil 2-0 in the 2007 final to win the League One play-offs under Simon Grayson.

Top flight pedigree:

Promotion to the Premier League would be a first for Blackpool. The Lancashire team haven't played in the top flight of English football since 1971.

Since then, they've tumbled all the way down to the lower reaches of the basement division and, before their 2007 promotion to the Championship, yo-yoed between the bottom two divisions in the Football League.


We'll have an in-depth look at the two Championship play-off ties later in the week.