Big Match Review - Bournemouth 1 Huddersfield 1

Bournemouth 1-1 Huddersfield Town

Saturday February 19, Dean Court, (Att:7,923)

A Danny Cadamarteri goal two minutes from time earned Huddersfield Town a precious point in their promotion six pointer against fellow high flyers Bournemouth.

In a tight first half of few chances, Gary Roberts had the best opportunity to put the visitors ahead when his left footed volley from outside the box fizzed over the crossbar.

The Cherries stepped things up in the second half as they went in search of the win that would take them level on points at the top with league leaders Brighton.

Marc Pugh's deflected free kick brought the best out of veteran Town keeper Ian Bennett, but the Terriers custodian was powerless to stop the home side taking the lead 16 minutes from time.

Liam Feeney's cross from the right being powered home by the head of Michael Symes to put the South Coast side on course for their 12th home win of the campaign.

However, Lee Clark's men rallied and restored parity as Roberts and Cadamarteri played a one-two and the latter managed to squeeze the ball past Shwan Jalal for the leveller.

The Dorset outfit almost immediately responded though, with Feeney finding too much time and space to fire a shot in at goal, only to see the legs of Bennett deny him a winner.

It ensured Huddersfield remain unbeaten in 2011 and sit in third, three points behind a Bournemouth team continuing to defy the odds.

Big Match Preview - Bournemouth vs. Huddersfield

Bournemouth vs. Huddersfield Town

Saturday February 19, 15:00, Dean Court

Precious League One promotion points are up for grabs on the South Coast at the weekend as second host third with Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town going head to head.

While the big-spending Yorkshire side were one of the pre-season favourites to be competing for a place in next season's Championship, the Cherries are the division's surprise package.

Considering the resources at the Dorset outfit, it's hard to underestimate their achievement in challenging for back-to-back promotions.

They have also had to contend with the loss of inspirational boss Eddie Howe who, after turning down the advances of several clubs, eventually left to join Championship side Burnley last month.

That saw senior player Lee Bradbury take over in the dugout, assisted by club legend Steve Fletcher - and the pair have ensured a seamless transition after Howe's departure.

With four wins and two draws in their half a dozen games, the Cherries head into the match just three points off top of the table Brighton and are the same distance above their weekend opponents.

They'll also be looking to build on an excellent home record, with 11 victories from their 15 home games being unmatched in the third tier. However, two sides - Colchester and Hartlepool - have beaten them at Dean Court this term.

Key men for Bournemouth this term have been midfielder Marc Pugh who is the side's top scorer with 11 after the sale of Josh McQuoid to Millwall. Michael Symes, who scored their winner at Walsall last weekend, will also be looked to for goals.

Lee Bradbury has made the transition for player to manager at Bournemouth

Huddersfield come into the game as the only unbeaten side in League One in 2011. Lee Clark's men have won five and drawn three of their fixtures since the turn of the year.

They also enjoyed profitable runs in the JPT and FA Cup, narrowly losing 2-1 to Arsenal in the Fourth Round at the Emirates. Now their focus is solely on winning promotion.

The Terriers were losers in the play offs last term and look likely to at least be in the top six again this term, if not going up automatically.

To do so, they'll need to improve upon a chequered away record. Six games have been won on the road, at Exeter, Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester, Notts County, and Leyton Orient.

However, they have also tasted defeat on half a dozen occasions at the likes of Peterborough, Rochdale, Swindon, Plymouth, Oldham, and Southampton.

Outstanding performers for Town this term have been top scorer Jordan Rhodes, with six goals to his name, and midfielders Anthony Pilkington and Gary Roberts - both in double figures themselves.

It's a sign of the attacking threat which Clark's men take with them on the long trip south as they seek to bring Bradbury's unbeaten start to management to an end.

I've a sneaky feeling that in-form Huddersfield are peaking at just the right time and will do just that to take all three points.

Nobes' Prediction: Bournemouth 1 Huddersfield Town 2

Classic Campaigns: Championship 2000/01

In the first of a new series looking back on Football League history, Nobes reflects on a classic campaign.

Today, he looks back on the Championship division of 2000/01.

It was a season of fantasy football, play off drama, but most notably one of the game's greatest escapes. However, could the Footballing Gods be about to write one club's perceived wrong?

Jean Tigana's stylish Fulham ran away with the Championship title in 2001

If a year is a long time in football, then ten years must feel like a lifetime. Imagine then, holding a grudge, hoping to exact a bit of revenge, for an entire decade.

Has the time finally come for that score to be settled though? Could fate possibly decree that, come the end of the season, one club's grudge has finally been laid to rest?

To explain, let me take you back. The date was May 6 2001 - the last day of the 2000/1 Championship campaign.

I find it hard to believe that was nearly a decade ago. I never thought that, ten years later, I would always remember sitting down that Sunday afternoon to listen to the final day of the season on the radio.

Certainly all the ingredients were there for a classic afternoon - with four sides battling to avoid joining QPR and Tranmere in League One for the new season.

At the other end, the story of the season had been Fulham. To say the Cottagers had impressed on their way to promotion back to the top flight would be a massive understatement.

Playing a swaggering brand of passing football under French legend Jean Tigana, the West London outfit ended the campaign with 101 points - a full ten clear of their nearest challengers.

It was their third promotion in five years and saw them back among England's elite for the first time since 1968. It was largely thanks, too, to the big-spending of owner Mohammed Al-Fayed.

This was also the season when another wealthy benefactor, Blackburn Rovers's Jack Walker, died. Walker's money had made the Lancashire club Premier League Champions in 1995.

Perhaps it was fitting then that Rovers returned to the top flight in 2001. A 1-0 win in their penultimate fixture at local rivals Preston North End helped Graeme Souness's charges edge out Bolton Wanderers to take second spot.

Those two would have their chance to follow Rovers into the Premier League at the end of the month. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - with Wembley being rebuilt - playing host to its first ever Championship play off final between the two.

Sam Allardyce's Bolton had been expected to challenge for promotion, but Preston were new to the division having won the third tier just 12 months previously.

Wanderers easily saw off West Brom - who had pipped another newly promoted side in Burnley to sixth spot - over two legs. The other play off was an altogether more tight affair though.

Preston travelled to Birmingham in the first leg and lost 1-0 and, with the score at 1-1 in the return leg at Deepdale, it was the Blues who were heading to Cardiff.

However, a dramatic last gasp goal for North End took the game into extra time and eventually penalties. Cue a further twist.

Furious at the ref's decision to take the shoot out in front of the Preston supporters rather than at the end containing both set of fans, Blues boss Trevor Francis hauled his side off the pitch - refusing to take part in penalties.

The game was delayed for several minutes until, eventually, Francis relented. Unsurprisingly, after such antics, his team ended up on the losing side. Preston would face local rivals Bolton in the play off final with the Premier League just 90 minutes away.

Ultimately, the PNE fairytale didn't have a happy ending, with their neighbours proving much too strong - running out 3-0 winners to shatter the dreams of North End and their young boss David Moyes.

It was a testament to the strength of all three of the promoted teams in 2000/01 that they all stayed up in the Premier League the next season. It was the first, and remains the only, time that has happened in its 18-year history.

However, it was the relegation battle in 2000/01's Championship which provided a thrilling climax to a classic campaign - and that ten year grudge.

Going into the final week of the campaign, Crystal Palace were staring League One in the face. The Eagles had reached the semi finals of the League Cup that year, but with two games remaining they sat three points adrift of fourth bottom Portsmouth.

Chairman Simon Jordan rolled the dice - sacking manager Alan Smith and putting club stalwart Steve Kember in charge as caretaker.

As fate would have it, Palace travelled to Fratton Park in the final week of the season - they simply couldn't afford to lose. In fact, they did much better, securing a 4-2 victory - enough to dump Pompey into the bottom three on goal difference.

It set up a thrilling final day:

Fixtures:

Grimsby vs. Fulham
Huddersfield vs. Birmingham
Portsmouth vs. Barnsley
Stockport vs. Crystal Palace

Table:

...............................P.....GD....PTS
19. Grimsby.............45....-20....49
20. Huddersfield.......45......-8....48
21. Crystal Palace.....45.....-14...46
-------------------------------------------
22. Portsmouth........45.....-15....46
23. QPR..................45.....-30....39
24. Tranmere...........45.....-31....37

Portsmouth now found themselves in the deepest trouble. Then again, it was the third time in six seasons that they had required a final day result for survival.

Anything less than a win against Barnsley at Fratton Park and they would be relying on Palace losing at Stockport.

Palace were the only one of the four teams in danger on their travels. Huddersfield knew a point at home to Birmingham would be enough for them and it was the same scenario for Grimsby who were hosting Champions Fulham.

Pompey got off to the perfect start as they scored early on. Meanwhile, at Blundell Park, a second-string Fulham side were 1-0 down at Grimsby thanks to a keeping howler from Marcus Hahnemann.

Huddersfield were trailing to Birmingham 1-0 but, with half time approaching, the Terriers levelled the match. However, the visitors went straight down the other end and restored their advantage at 2-1.

Attention switched to Edgeley Park therefore, where Palace and Stockport were goalless. The Londoners were going down if scores remained the same.

Things got worse for them in the second period. Portsmouth raced into a 3-0 lead against a Barnsley side already looking forward to their summer break. Palace now had to score otherwise they were down.

Time was running out, but then came a moment of great controversy. With three minutes remaining, Palace were defending a Stockport corner and the ball was headed out to the edge of the box.

There, Palace's David Hopkin palmed the ball away from a waiting Stockport man. The ref missed the handball, and Hopkin hoofed the ball up field as Palace looked for a break away.

The ball was held up and the on-rushing Dougie Freedman was played through 25 yards from goal. Freedman proceeded to jink past two defenders and smash the ball home from eight yards out.

Palace had their goal and salvation was in sight. With final whistles going at Portsmouth and Grimsby, both of them knew they could look forward to another season in the second tier. All eyes turned to Huddersfield.

They were still playing at the Galpharm where the home side had, at the season's death, been plunged into the bottom three.

Even a loss to Birmingham would have been enough without Palace scoring, but now the Yorkshire club's fans desperately urged their team onwards knowing they had to score to save themselves and send the Eagles down.

Or maybe they didn't. A sudden buzz went around the stadium - Stockport had got an even later equaliser against Palace. Only they hadn't. Palace held on to win.

With the match across the Pennines still going on though, the London club's fans had to wait to celebrate survival. Four minutes later, and with time having run out on Huddersfield, Palace were confirmed as safe.

Palace players celebrate survival in 2001 with caretaker Steve Kember

At the Galpharm, everything had seemed to conspire against Huddersfield. From the Fulham keeper's error at Grimsby, to Barnsley's half-hearted effort on the South Coast, to the handball at Stockport.

All had come together, as well as their own inability to claim the one point they needed at home, to relegate Huddersfield from the Championship.

Final table:

..............................P.....GD....PTS
18. Grimsby.............46....-19.....52
19. Stockport...........46......-7.....51
20. Portsmouth........46.....-12.....49
21. Crystal Palace.....46.....-13....49
--------------------------------------------
22. Huddersfield.......46......-9.....48
23. QPR...................46.....-30.....40
24. Tranmere...........46.....-31.....38

Fast forward to the present day, though, and a resurgent Terriers under Lee Clark are gunning for promotion from League One to claim a return to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Palace - after another final day escape last term - are in the bottom three and embroiled in another relegation battle.

It couldn't actually happen, could it? Is it time for fate, rather than Hopkin, to lend a helping hand?

Big Match Review - Huddersfield 2 Bournemouth 2

Huddersfield Town 2-2 Bournemouth

Saturday September 4, Galpharm Stadium, (Att: 12,426)

Marc Pugh's equaliser 11 minutes from time rescued a point for Bournemouth in an entertaining encounter at the Galpharm Stadium.

The visitors had been in front with half time approaching, but goals either side of the break seemed to swing things Town's way until Pugh's late intervention.

It was through a predictable source that the away side got the scoring started. Just after the half hour mark, Josh McQouid curled a brilliant effort into the far corner past Alex Smithies for his fourth goal in three games.

He then missed a great opportunity to double his, and Bournemouth's, tally for the afternoon when he could only direct a low cross wide of the goal from close range.

It was to prove a costly miss as, in first half stoppage time, the home side equalised. Slack marking from a corner allowed Anthony Kay to power a header into the net to level matters at half time.

The goal seemed to buoy Town, and within three minutes of the re-start they found themselves ahead.

After the Cherries had failed to deal with a long throw into the area, Marvin Bartley brought down Gary Roberts for a penalty. Roberts stepped up to convert the kick himself and put Lee Clark's men in charge.

They should have extended that lead when a low cross from Roberts found Alan Lee, but the striker signed in midweek could only direct his effort onto the post.

The Dorset side made their hosts pay, too. A cross from Harry Arter found Pugh who headed the ball past Smithies for the leveller.

The Terriers almost snatched a late winner when Lee Novak forced Shwan Jalal into a great stop down low to his right, but both sides eventually had to settle for just a point.

Big Match Preview

Huddersfield Town vs. Bournemouth

Saturday September 4, 15:00, Galpharm Stadium

Two sides who have made promising starts to the new campaign clash in West Yorkshire on Saturday as big-spending Huddersfield entertain promoted Bournemouth.

Both teams occupy a spot in the top six after the first four games - level on seven points. However, whereas Bournemouth will be happy with such a positive start, it's the least that's expected of their opponents.

Town were beaten semi finalists in last term's League One play offs and are once again expected to at least claim a place in the top six - if not gain automatic promotion.

A sustained investment in the playing squad - both on transfer fees and wages - has occurred at the Galpharm Stadium over the past two years, and expectations are high for another fine season.

That puts the pressure firmly on young boss Lee Clark to deliver the goods. Fortunately, he has been to assemble one of the strongest squads in the division.

In the shape of Jordan Rhodes - with four goals to his name already - the Terriers have one of the top strikers in the third tier. He is ably supported by the likes of Gary Roberts, Theo Robinson, and Joe Garner.

Clark also looked to re-enforce his largely young team with a smattering of experience during the summer. Jamie McCombe from Bristol City and former top flight player Gary Naysmith were added to the defensive ranks in the close season.

In 20-year-old Alex Smithies, Huddersfield also have a highly rated goalkeeper who has been attracting Premier League scouts over the past 12 months.

Town will also be looking to continuing the excellent home form - typified by their 3-1 defeat of Charlton last weekend - which was the bedrock of their success last season.

There are big expectations for Lee Clark and his Huddersfield team

All of which means that visitors Bournemouth face a severe test of their League One credentials on the long trip north.

Boss Eddie Howe worked wonders to get the Cherries promoted last term despite suffering a transfer embargo and operating with one of the smallest squads in the Football League.

It was work which saw him attracting the interests of then-Championship outfit Peterborough. Howe has also been linked with the now vacant position at near neighbours Southampton.

Bournemouth have made a solid start to life in their new division, although they were careless in allowing a 3-0 lead to slip against Notts County and only collecting a point last weekend.

Their previous two away matches have left mixed emotions too - an opening day loss at Charlton being followed by a 3-0 success at Tranmere on their next trip.

Howe has also had to contend with the sale of key striker Brett Pitman to Bristol City. However, youngster Josh McQuoid has stepped up to fill the breach - scoring three times in the last two games.

Saturday is likely to be the toughest game the team from Dorset have faced so far though. Huddersfield are a very difficult team to contend with on home soil.

With such a rich array of attacking options, it's hard to see past the Terriers notching their third win of the campaign as they will have too much for their opponents.

Nobes' Prediction Huddersfield Town 2 Bournemouth 0

Saints and Sinners

After Southampton's decision to fire boss Alan Pardew, Nobes looks at some of the other unwarranted managerial sackings that defied belief.

Pardew was given just three games at the start of the season at Saints

It's the kind of shocking sacking that, quite frankly, we shouldn't find so surprising.

Given the strength of their squad, Southampton's decision to sack Alan Pardew may not cost them promotion. It has certainly lost them much respect and raised questions about those running the club though.

The dismissal of the former West Ham boss just three games into the new season, and particularly after Saturday's 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers, seems incredibly harsh.

Whatever the reasons - results motivated or otherwise - it's hard to justify sacking a proven manager at that level.

Then again, it's not the first sacking, and certainly won't be the last, to bemuse onlookers. Here's my rundown of some of the worst Football League sackings of recent times.


10. Colin Lee - Walsall

You couldn't help but feel for Colin Lee when he was given the boot from the Saddlers in 2004.

After Plymouth expressed an interest in taking Lee to Home Park, Walsall gave him permission to talk to the Pilgrims.

However, after deciding to remain in the West Midlands, he was sacked by chairman Jeff Bonser for a lack of loyalty and creating 'uncertainty' around the club.

It was to prove costly for Walsall though. Up until then they had been winning their battle against relegation from the Championship.

After Lee's departure they lost three of their remaining four games and dropped into League One. They've never been back to the second tier since.


9. Eric Black - Coventry City

So angry were Coventry fans at the sacking of Eric Black in 2004 that they staged a 'Black Day' protest for replacement Peter Reid's first home game in charge.

The Scot had only been in charge of the Sky Blues for four months and had led them into the top half playing an attractive brand of football.

Despite picking up 29 points in his 18 games though, chairman Mike McGinnity said the team had been too 'inconsistent' and fired Black.

Replacement Reid failed to do anywhere near as well, and was sacked less than a year later after poor results and even worse football.


8. Peter Jackson - Huddersfield Town

Jackson had two spells in charge of the Terriers - whom he had played for during his career, too. It was his first departure which caused most angst, though.

He had taken over in 1997 with the Yorkshire outfit fighting relegation from the Championship.

After keeping them up he then took them to 10th the following campaign.

However, the popular manager was then sacked and replaced by 'big-name' Steve Bruce - who was sacked after a poor start to the 2000/1 season.

It ended with Town being relegated to the third, and later fourth, tier. Only on Jackson's return in 2003 did he immediately take Town back into League One and they only missed out on a return to the Championship in the play offs in 2006.


7. Gary Peters - Shrewsbury Town

The former Preston boss had turned around Salop's fortunes since joining them in 2004.

He kept Shrewsbury in the Football League and then set about building a team capable of challenging at the right end.

That culminated in the 2007 play off final where, despite taking the lead, they lost out to Bristol Rovers at Wembley.

Despite so much progress, a sticky spell in the following campaign - his first at the club - saw him promptly dismissed.

Successor Paul Simpson was granted huge funds to gain promotion but could only match Peters with a play off final defeat to Gillingham in 2009. Had Peters had similar money to spend, Town probably would have been promoted by now.


6. Gareth Southgate - Middlesbrough

Southgate had been at the helm as Boro crashed out of the Premier League after 11 seasons in the big time.

However, he had been given the opportunity to get them back at the first attempt - and seemed to be making a good fist of it.

A 2-0 win against Derby saw Boro lying 4th after 13 games - just a single point off top spot.

However, Southgate was then sacked and in came former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan.

The Teessiders' form dropped off remarkably and they ended the season in 11th - a full 40 points behind Champions Newcastle United.


5. Danny Wilson - Hartlepool United

After relegation to the basement division in 2006, Pools turned to the experienced Danny Wilson to help get them back up into League One.

He did so - and at the first time of asking.

United finished 2nd - missing out on the title by a single point - and then he helped re-establish them back in the third tier with a respectable finish of 15th.

A solid start to the next season saw Pools in the top half but, after successive draws saw them drop to 13th in December, he was sacked.

They finished that season in 19th - a single point above the drop zone, and last term only survived on goal difference. Slipping out of the top half suddenly doesn't seem so bad now.


4. Ian Atkins - Oxford United

When Oxford beat Cheltenham 1-0, they sat 4th in the League Two standings - a point off the automatic promotion places.

They had only been beaten once at home all season and, with nine games of the season remaining, looked a sure bet for at least a place in the play offs.

Despite that good form, manager Ian Atkins had not been offered a new deal.

With his current one due to expire in the summer, he signed a pre-contract agreement to take over at Bristol Rovers for the next season.

Chairman Firoz Kassam decided to fire Atkins and appointed Graham Rix in his stead.

However, Rix's attempt to get a direct team to play passing football failed spectacularly as one win in their last nine saw Oxford miss out on the top seven altogether.


3. Russell Slade - Yeovil Town

Most pundits predicted a struggle for Yeovil when Russell Slade was appointed in 2006.

However, the season ended with the Glovers at Wembley - where they only lost out to Blackpool in the play off final.

Slade had taken a club punching above their weight to stay in League One to within 90 minutes of the Championship.

On meagre resources, it was a fantastic achievement.

It saw him linked to other jobs, but Town rebuffed any approaches. Yeovil ended up 18th the next year and the following campaign was another battle against the drop - but four straight wins in the New Year saw them comfortably in mid table.

However, he was then jettisoned from Huish Park due to a 'breakdown' in his relationship with the board. Town won just three of their remaining 17 games and stayed up by just a couple of points.



2. Ronnie Moore - Tranmere Rovers

Moore had been a great striker for Rovers, and returned to the club as manager in 2006.

In his first two seasons in charge he guided the Wirral outfit to 9th and 11th in League One.

The next term saw Rovers once again mount a push for the top six and they finished 7th, only narrowly missing on the play offs out by a couple of points.

However, the board decided to axe Moore - blaming him for falling attendances - and appointed former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes as his replacement.

It was a disastrous decision. Barnes endured a torrid beginning to the 2009/10 campaign and Tranmere only escaped the drop on the final day of the season under his successor, Les Parry.


1. Alan Irvine - Preston North End

Alan Irvine had joined Preston with the club struggling at the foot of the Championship in 2007.

An improved second half of the season saw him guide North End to 15th and safety, though.

The next season they were fighting it out for a place in the play offs and four wins at the end of the season helped them edge out Cardiff for a place in the top six.

There they lost to Sheffield United, but a fine start to the 2009/10 once again had them in contention. Then a poor run - his first at the club - earned him a shock dismissal at the end of 2009.

Replacement Darren Ferguson oversaw a terrible run of results that saw them slide down the table - only narrowly securing another season of Championship football. They have continued to struggle at the start of the new season.

League One Play Offs: Ties Preview

After looking at the four teams involved earlier in the week, Nobes preview the League One play-off ties.




Millwall vs. Huddersfield Town

First leg: Saturday May 15, 12:15, Galpharm Stadium
Second leg: Tuesday May 18, 19:45, New Den


Form (last six games):

Millwall: WLWLDW
Huddersfield Town: LWWWWL

Previous meetings:

Huddersfield Town 1-0 Millwall, April 16, Galpharm Stadium
Millwall 3-1 Huddersfield Town, September 19, New Den

The tie:

Both Millwall and Huddersfield have proud home records that have been the bedrock of their success this season. Each team have lost just once at home all term.

It's no surprise therefore that, in the two games between the sides during the regular season, the home side came out on top.

The same may well happen during the course of the play-offs. This could even come down to who wins their home match by the largest margin - bearing in mind that away goals don't count.

While they may share a similar home record, the two play in very different styles. Millwall are more pragmatic and tactical, Huddersfield exuberant and expansive.

The Lions are certainly the more experienced of the sides as well, and, along with having home advantage in the second leg, must be favourites to go through.

Prediction: Millwall




Charlton Athletic vs. Swindon Town

First leg: Friday May 14, 19:45, County Ground
Second leg: Monday May 17, 19:45, The Valley

Form (last six games):

Charlton Athletic: WWDLWL
Swindon Town: LWDDDD

Previous meetings:

Swindon Town 1-1 Charlton Athletic, February 6, County Ground
Charlton Athletic 2-2 Swindon Town, December 26, The Valley

The tie:

Two draws between the two teams who, in their respective 46 games, lost just eight matches each this season.

This play-off tie has all the hallmarks of one that could go all the way to penalties.

Swindon's recent form has not been good, although they have still proved difficult to beat. They will want to take a lead to The Valley though, which they will feel they can protect in the second leg.

That could actually lead to a more open first leg and one team going into the return leg with an advantage to protect.

Swindon, rather than Charlton, are more likely to be that side, and having home advantage first could actually work in their favour.

Prediction: Swindon Town

League One Play Offs: Teams Preview

The League One play-offs kick off this weekend as four sides battle to join Norwich and Leeds in next term's Championship.

A dramatic final day eventually confirmed Millwall will face Huddersfield and Charlton and Swindon will meet one another.

Nobes takes a look at the four teams involved.


Final top of the table:

.............................P.....GD.....PTS
1. Norwich..............46.....42......95
2. Leeds.................46.....33......86
--------------------------------------------
3. Millwall...............46.....32......85
4. Charlton.............46......23......84
5. Swindon.............46......16......82
6. Huddersfield.......46......26......80
--------------------------------------------
7. Southampton......46......38......73



Millwall






Story of the season:

Millwall were slow starters to the campaign after losing in last May's play-off final.

However, the Lions got things together in the New Year - putting together a run of just one defeat in 18 games in 2010.

That saw them in contention for an automatic promotion position as Leeds stumbled, but two defeats in their last four meant they eventually had to settle for 3rd.

Manager:

Kenny Jackett is aiming to avoid a third loss in the League One play-off final. As well as last year's final with Millwall, the 48-year-old's Swansea team lost to Barnsley in the 2006 final.

A highly-rated coach who has worked with Graham Taylor and Ian Holloway, Jackett has a reputation for building teams who are high on organisation and defensive strength.

Has taken Millwall to a second consecutive play-off finish since his appointment in 2007.

Strength:

That organisation at the back helped the Lions to the joint-best defensive record in League One this season. Just 44 goals were leaked in 46 games.

They also boasted the best home record in the division - unbeaten in 14, just one defeat all season, the fewest goals leaked, and 56 points collected.

Last year's failure has also given them good experience.

Weakness:

The Lions have shown a greater vulnerability on the road this term compared to their form at the New Den.

They failed to score in recent defeats at Tranmere and play-off opponents Huddersfield and had the worst scoring record away from home in the top six.

Their poor play-off record could also be a burden on the players - especially those with memories of last season's disappointment.

Key players:

A summer signing from Non League Stevenage, forward Steve Morison [left] has been a revelation for Jackett's men. He's notched 22 goals and been a key member of their promotion challenge.

Experienced striker Neil Harris - who won this division with the Lions in 2001 - has also been a important, scoring 18 goals in total.

Keeper David Forde has continued to establish his reputation as one of the best custodians in the lower divisions and has kept 16 clean sheets this term.


Play-off history:

This is Millwall's fifth appearance in the play-offs, and they've yet to win promotion via them.

Their first experience was in the Championship play-offs in 1991 where Bruce Rioch's men lost out to Brighton in the semis. Three years later, and under Mick McCarthy, they fell at the same hurdle - this time to Derby.

Their next taste of the end of season lottery was in 2000. Joint-bosses Keith Stevens and Alan McLeary saw their Lions side beaten by Wigan in the League One play-off semis.

Finally, last year, they did manage to reach the play-off final. Jackett's men saw off Leeds over two legs, but threw away a 2-1 lead to lose to Scunthorpe at Wembley.

Championship pedigree:

It's twenty years since Millwall were relegated from the top flight of English football. Since then they've spent the majority of their time in the Championship.

That included top six finishes on three occasions, and generally solid mid table finishes. but have slipped down to League One




Charlton Athletic






Story of the season:

Raced out of the blocks. The Addicks won their opening six games and lost just one of their first 14 matches to keep pace with table topping Leeds.

Charlton held down a place in the top two for the first half of the season before a rocky start to 2010 saw them slip away.

However, they recovered and were in top two contention going into the final day, ultimately ending up in 4th.

Manager:

Phil Parkinson has experience of promotion from this division - having gone up automatically with Colchester in 2006.

That was the high point of what has been a mixed managerial record. He endured a tough few months at Hull before being sacked and couldn't prevent Charlton's relegation last year.

However, has fashioned an Athletic team who have proved very resilient this term as well as playing positive, attacking football.

Strength:

No side lost fewer games than the Addicks - just eight of their 46 matches. That always gives them a chance going into two play-off matches.

They also have the best away record of the teams in the play-offs, which will give them comfort they can go away from home and bring a result back to The Valley for the second leg.

Weakness:

There's probably the greatest sense of expectation, and therefore pressure, on the former Premier League team. They really need to bounce back from last season's relegation.

That could lead to a nervous atmosphere in the second leg in front of their own fans. Charlton have lost more home games than any other of their play-off rivals.

Key players:

Midfielder Nicky Bailey has been at the heart of Charlton's good play this term. He's scored 13 from the centre of the park and needs to be contained.

Experienced former Premier League striker Deon Burton has scored a similar total. He remains a dangerous attacking outlet.

Young keeper Darren Randolph has recently forced his way into the first team and made some key saves during the run-in.



Play-off history:

The Addicks have only featured once before in the play-offs, in 1998, winning promotion from the Championship in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Having seen off Ipswich over two legs in the semis, they faced Sunderland in the final at Wembley.

The two teams played out a rollercoaster 4-4 draw. Eventually, after extra time, the game went to penalties where Athletic triumphed 7-6.

Championship pedigree:

Charlton were Premier League regulars during the last decade, spending eight out of nine seasons in the top flight between 1998 and 2007.

When they weren't mixing it with the big boys, they were solidly in the second tier.

However, they were relegated from the Championship last season - ending a run of almost 30 years outside the bottom two tiers of the Football League.




Swindon Town






Story of the season:

An inconsistent beginning to the campaign, Swindon were on the fringes of the top six before stringing together a 13-match unbeaten run at the turn of the year.

That put that firmly in play-off contention and another unbeaten run of six saw them force their way into the automatic promotion places.

However, just one win in their remaining six games meant they had to settle for 4th.

Manager:

The vastly experienced Danny Wilson has been the mastermind behind Town's top six challenge.

With some astute summer signings and a commitment to playing the attractive brand of football that is his trademark, Swindon have been a surprise challenger at the very top.

He took Bristol City into the League One play-offs twice, once losing in the semi final and once in the final.

Strength:

Swindon's eight defeats means that, along with play-off opponents Charlton, they were the hardest team to beat in the division.

Their record against the top teams is also good. They lost just one of their six games against the other three play-off teams, held Norwich, and beat Leeds 3-0 twice.

The experience of Wilson in play-off situations may also work in their favour.

Weakness:

Swindon have the leakiest defence of any of the top six teams, as well as the smallest goal difference.

Their end of season form was also not clever - they failed to capitalise on a favourable run-in against teams they should have beaten.

Despite his experience in them, too, the manager has never managed to get a team promoted via the play-offs.

Key players:

Billy Paynter has been a revelation for the Robins this season - scoring 29 goals in all competitions. His goals could again be vital.

As could those of strike partner Charlie Austin [left]. The find of the season - the former Poole Town forward has scored 19 in his League One debut campaign.

Wide man Jon-Paul McGovern has been a vital creative influence and has experience of winning the League One play-offs with Sheffield Wednesday.



Play-off history:

Swindon have appeared in the play-offs on numerous occasions. They won promotion from the third tier play-offs in 1987 under Lou Macari.

In 1989, they missed out on promotion to the top flight after losing in the play-off semis to Crystal Palace.

Twelve months later, despite beating Sunderland in the play-off final, they were denied promotion due to financial irregularities.

They made up for that disappointment by winning the Championship play-offs in 1993 after Glenn Hoddle's side's thrilling 4-3 final win over Leicester.

Their most recent appearance came in the League One play-offs in 2004 under Andy King. However, they lost out to eventual winners Brighton in the semis.

Championship pedigree:

Promotion to the Championship would end a decade spent outside the top two tiers following relegation in 2000.

That followed a successful period in the '90s where they spent a season in the top flight and, despite relegation from the Championship in 1995, they immediately bounced back as third tier winners.





Huddersfield Town





Story of the season:

Strongly tipped before a ball had been kicked, Huddersfield began with a bang and were firmly in the top six throughout the first few months.

That good form continued until three successive defeats at the start of March left them five points off the play-offs with ten games to go.

Six wins and a draw later, and they had secured their spot in the play-offs with two games to spare. A last day loss at Exeter saw them end up 6th.

Manager:

Rookie Lee Clark joined the club in 2008 and is in his first managerial job at the Galpharm Stadium.

The former Norwich coach has been backed in the transfer market and recruited several impressive young players during the summer.

Has encouraged his team to play in an adventurous, enterprising style that has led to plenty of goals at both ends.

Strength:

The Terriers are an attacking force to be reckoned with. Only Champions Norwich and Southampton scored more goals than Town's 82.

They scored more goals at home than any other side, and lost just once at the Galpharm - to Norwich - all season.

Having looked like they had blown their chance a couple of months back, Huddersfield also come into the play-offs happy to be there and in good form. Their young team has nothing to fear.

Weakness:

In contrast to their home form, Huddersfield's away record is the weakest of the top six. They lost 11 of their 23 games, conceding more than away other team.

This is also a very young and largely inexperienced team, and Clark is similarly a managerial novice. Will they be able to handle the situation?

The truth is also that, had Southampton not been deducted ten points, Huddersfield wouldn't be competing in the play-offs.

Key players:

Unsurprisingly for such an attacking team, the form of top scorer Jordan Rhodes [left] will be key for Town. He's found the back of net 23 times this term.

Left winger Gary Roberts is a threat from the wide positions with his pace and direct running. He's also chipped in with nine goals.

Young keeper Alex Smithies is always likely to be busy in such an attacking team. His performances have reportedly caught the eye of Premier League scouts.



Play-off history:

Huddersfield have competed in the play-offs on five occasions - emerging as winners twice.

Their first taste of the end of season lottery was in 1992, where they were beaten by Peterborough in the League One semis.

However, they were victors against Bristol Rovers in the 1995 play-off final to earn promotion to the Championship.

Their next play-off experience was in 2002, where Lou Macari's Town were beaten by Brentford in the League One semis.

They were more successful in the 2004 League Two play-offs. Under Peter Jackson they saw off Lincoln in the semis and beat Mansfield on penalties in the final to win promotion.

Two years later, and Jackson's men lost out in the League One play-offs to county rivals Barnsley in the semi finals.

Championship pedigree:

Huddersfield were relegated on the final day of the Championship season in 2001. That ended a run of six consecutive seasons in the second tier.

Since then they've plummeted all the way down to the basement division - although they instantly bounced back.

Big Match Review - Huddersfield 3 Southampton 1

League One

Huddersfield Town 3-1 Southampton (Att: 12,449)

Saturday August 15, 15:00, Galpharm Stadium

Huddersfield continued their good start to the season with a dominant win over a rock-bottom Southampton. Two goals from summer signing Jordan Rhodes set Town on their way to a victory that lifted them up to 4th in the table.

It was a frustrating first half for the Terriers as visiting keeper Kelvin Davies put in an inspired display. First he blocked Lee Novak's close range drive and then tipped Peter Clarke's deflected shot just wide of the post.

However, just five minutes into the second period, the home side made the breakthrough. Chris Perry's clumsy foul on Lee Novak gifted Lee Clark's men a penalty and, although Davies saved Rhodes's initial effort, the striker was on hand to stick away the rebound.

The goal appeared to spark Saints into life, and they were back on level terms just three minutes later. New signing Rickie Lambert heading in Adam Lallana's corner to restore parity for Alan Pardew's side.

Huddersfield hit back though and, once again, Rhodes was on hand to bag his fifth goal in three games. Anthony Pilkington's initial corner was cleared only back to the midfielder, who swung in the ball for Rhodes to glance home.

And it was Pilkington's delivery that provided Town with their third. This time a free-kick from deep was headed against the post but Anthony Kay was on hand to head in the rebound and wrap up the points.

A second home win in a week for the West Yorkshire club then, but Southampton remain nine points adrift at the bottom as they continue to play catch-up with the rest of the division.

Nobes.

Big Match Preview

League One

Huddersfield Town vs. Southampton

Saturday August 15, 15:00, Galpharm Stadium

Rarely could two sides have had more contrasting summers. However, as two of League One's strongest sides square up in West Yorkshire, Southampton know even a win will see them still rooted to the bottom.

The Saints, in the Premier League as recently as 2004, were deducted 10 points after their former parent company entered administration towards the end of last season.

The deduction was carried over after the relegation from the Championship, and the club almost went out of business before Swiss billionaire Marcus Liebner took over the ailing Hampshire outfit.

Now under the guidance of former West Ham boss Alan Pardew, who won promotion from this level with Reading in 2002, they're looking at wiping out the points deficit and playing catch-up with the division's top teams.

It's a description Huddersfield hope will apply to them. After another summer of heavy spending, the Terriers are expected to challenge strongly for promotion to the second tier.

Huddersfield boss Clark is targeting a promotion push

Rookie boss Lee Clark splashed out around half a million pounds in the summer bringing in Coventry's Robbie Simpson and Ipswich youngster Jordan Rhodes. With the latter having notched three goals already, the manager believes they now have the required firepower to launch a promotion push.

Two of those goals for Rhodes came in Town's 3-1 win over Stockport in the League Cup in midweek, following up their 2-2 comeback draw at Southend on the opening day.

The visitors have a similar record after their first two appearances of the campaign too, a 1-1 home draw with Millwall was followed by Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Northampton at St. Mary's.

It was a game that saw a debut goal from Southampton's new million pound forward Rickie Lambert, who bagged 29 goals for Bristol Rovers last year. Pardew will be hoping for a similar haul over the coming months.

Saturday could well be one of their toughest examinations of the season though. Huddersfield are an established side at this level, and are difficult to play at home. Their attacking style of play always guarantees goals, and with new boy Rhodes already finding the back of the net, it could be a difficult day for Saints.

Nobes' Prediction: Huddersfield Town 2 Southampton 1