Indholdsfortegnelse for Football 2017 i World Soccer

August 6: Community Shield, Leicester City v Manchester United, Wembley September: 4 England v Slovakia, World Cup qualifier, Wembley October 8 England v Malta, World Cup qualifier, Wembley October 11 Slovenia v England, World Cup qualifier November 11, England v Scotland, World Cup qualifier, Wembley January 7-8:, FA Cup third-round weekend February 26: League Cup Final, Wembley March 26: England v Lithuania, World Cup qualifier. Wembley May 13: Women’s FA Cup Final May 20 League One Play-Off Final May 21 FA Vase and Trophy Finals May 28: League Two Play-Off Final May 29: Championship Play-Off Final June 3: UEFA Champions League Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff June 10: Scotland v England, World Cup qualifier, Hampden Park, Glasgow Still to be confirmed: FA Cup Final, Wembley…

Jose Mourinho Club Manchester United Nationality Portuguese Age 53 Previously: manager of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan The Special One is back in English football. Just six months after he was sacked by Chelsea, Jose Mourinho was unveiled by Manchester United as the replacement for Louis Van Gaal. Mourinho has signed a three-year deal, with the open of a further year. “I am where I want to be,” he said. “I want to be at this club, in this country, in the Premier League.” Mourinho’s priority will be to get United back into the Champions League. “I feel a bit frustrated that I am not playing in the Champions League,” he admitted. “Man United is a Champions League club and we have to make sure that in July 2017, instead…

FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT After a brilliant first season in the English top flight, Bournemouth face the challenging of avoiding second-season syndrome. But under manager Eddie Howe, and with new signings Jordon Ibe (Liverpool, £15m), Lewis Cook (Leeds, £8m) Lys Mousset (Le Havre, £5m) and Nathan Ake (Chelsea, loan) the future looks bright. Midfielder Matt Ritchie, sold to Newcastle, was the main summer departure. Manager Eddie Howe, a former Bournemouth player, agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2020. Who’s the Daddy? Reclusive Russian Maxim Demin (below) backed successive promotions to the Premier League withe serious cash. Earlier this year he sold a 25 per cent stake in the club to American investment firm Peak 6 Investments. Annual wage bill £25m (2015). Annual income £70m (2015).…

IMPRESSIVE DEALS The run to last season’s FA Cup Final kept Alan Pardew in a job and disguised the weaknesses that were apparent in Palace’s collapse in league form during the second half of the campaign. Injuries played their part in the loss of form but Palace’s impressive early-summer signings – winger Andros Townsend from Newcastle, keeper Steve Mandanda from Marseille and defender James Tomkins from West Ham – suggest a desire to avoid a similar fate this year. Striker Dwight Gayle, sold to Newcastle, was the main summer sale. Manager Former Palace midfielder Alan Pardew was appointed in January 2015 following the sacking of Neil Warnock. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Steve Parish (above right) is one of four life-long fans who bought the club out of administration in 2010.…

BUSY SUMMER DEALS After their incredible 2015-16 season, Leicester did not rest on their laurels and have been busy in the summer transfer market. They brought in Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow for a club-record fee of £16m, as well as midfielder Nampalys Mendy from Nice on a four-year contract. Mendy played for manager Claudio Ranieri when he was at Monaco. Other new arrivals included goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler and Spanish defender Luis Hernandez but perhaps the biggest signing was the decision of Jamie Vardy to stay with the Foxes. Manager Claudio Ranieri was the surprise appointment to replace Nigel Pearson as Leicester boss last year. Who’s the Daddy? Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (below left), who made his fortune from the King Power duty-free shopping empire, bought City in August 2010.…

THE COST OF FAILURE The major changes at Old Trafford this summer - the arrival of Jose Mourinho and the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Borussia Dortmund) and Eric Bailly (Villarreal) – are an indication of just how far United have fallen behind local rivals Manchester City, as well as the teams from London. It remains to be seen whether the major financial outlay will be worth it, but things will be far from dull this season. Manager Jose Mourinho was appointed as United manager this summer on a three-year contract, replacing the sacked Louis Van Gaal. Who’s the Daddy? Former banker Ed Woodward (below left) helped the Glazer family complete their leveraged buyout of United in 2005 and now runs the club as chief executive. The…

STABILITY AND STYLE Last season Stoke finished in ninth place in the Premier League for the third year in a row. Stability is the watchword for manager Mark Hughes, who is now one of the longest-serving Premier League bosses after Arsene Wenger. Hughes has successfully shifted Stoke’s style of play away from the Pulis-ball employed by the club’s previous manager. But whether the club are prepared to make the investment required to take Stoke to the next level is debatable. Manager Mark Hughes replaced Tony Pulis in May 2013 and last year agreed a new contract that ties him to the club until 2019. Who’s the Daddy? Peter Coates (below left) and his family made their money from Bet365. Annual wage bill £72.3m (2015). Annual income £100m (2015). Stadium Bet365…

SPURS ON A HIGH Another impressive season is on the cards for Spurs, following the signing of midfielder Victor Wanyama from Southampton and striker Vincent Janssen from Dutch side AZ. This season is likely to be the last at the current White Hart Lane stadium. Agreement has been reached to play games at Wembley in 2017-18 while the club’s new ground, alongside the existing one, is built. Manager Former Espanyol and Southampton boss Mauricio Pocchetino was appointed in May 2014 and signed a new contract this summer that ties him to the club until 2021. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Daniel Levy (below) is the toughnegotiating front man for ENIC, the investment company owned by Bahamas-based billionaire Joe Lewis. Annual wage bill £110.5m (2015). Annual income £196m (2015). Stadium White Hart…

OLYMPIC REVOLUTION A revolution is taking shape in East London this season, as West Ham start their new life at the Olympic stadium. The Hammers were busy in the European transfer market, signing Algerian midfielder Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia, free), Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit (Monchengladbach, free); Spanish forward Toni Martinez (Valencia Juvenil, £2.5m) and Turkey midfielder Gokhan Tore (Besiktas). Manager Croatian Slaven Bilic was appointed last summer after previously being in charge of Turkish side Besiktas. Who’s the Daddy? Joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan (below left) made their fortunes in the pornography business and used to own Birmingham City. Annual wage bill £69.5m (2015). Annual income £121m (2015). Stadium Olympic (60,010). Nickname Hammers. Odds 66/1 to win Premier League. FAN’S VIEW GUS SHARKEY West Ham Online www.westhamonline.net LAST SEASON…

BLUES REVIVAL TAKING SHAPE Things are looking up in the blue half of Birmingham. After a number of years of uncertainty under the disastrous ownership of Carsten Yeung, City are enjoying some much-needed stability. Money is still tight, but a new adidas kit deal offers hope for the future and in Gary Rowett (right), City have one of the most highly-rate young managers in the Football League. Early arrivals included Ryan Shotton from Derby and former loanee Robert Tesche (released by Forest). A top six finish is now a realistic target. Manager Gary Rowett is now one of the Championship’s longest-serving managers after joining City from Burton Albion in October 2014. Who’s the Daddy? Director Panos Pavlakis has been running the club as a takeover by Trillion Trophy Asia nears…

PLAY-OFF HEARTACHE Brighton missed out on automatic promotion last season on goal difference after finishing on 89 points, the same as promoted Middlesbrough. They then suffered the heartache of defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs, prompting CEO Paul Barber to propose a change in the play-off rules to Football League members. Manager Chris Hughton (right) took over from Sami Hyppia in December 2014 and oversaw a successful fight against relegation before last season’s promotion push. Who’s the Daddy? Professional gambler and boyhood fan Tony Bloom has pumped more than £150m into the club since becoming chairman in 2009. Stadium Amex (30,750). Nickname Seagulls. Odds 10/3 to win promotion. THE FAN SCOTT McCARTHY wearebrighton.com LAST SEASON WAS... Incredible. In 2014-15 we escaped relegation purely because there were somehow three worse…

CITY TURN TO TROLLOPE AFTER SLADE’S DEPARTURE It remains to be seen how much autonomy new manager Paul Trollope will be given by owner Vincent Tan, who continues to run the club despite criticism of his controversial methods. City reverted back to playing in blue in January 2015 after the Malaysian abandoned his plan to “re-brand” the club to appeal to Asian fans who he felt would be more attracted to a club playing in red. Manager Paul Trollope was previously coach working under “head of football” Russell Slade, who has now moved to be manager of Charlton. Trollope will be assisted by veteran coach Lennie Lawrence. Who’s the Daddy? Controversial Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan remains in charge. He also owns Bosnian club FK Sarajevo and Belgian KV Kortrijk. Stadium…

WAGNER GIVES TOWN A NEW DIRECTION Huddersfield made a bold appointment by replacing Chris Powell with David Wagner last November. Wagner had been tipped to join Jurgen Klopp’s coaching staff at Liverpool and has already used his contacts in German football to bring in new blood. Town paid what is believed to be a record fee of £1.8m to sign Christopher Schindler from 1860 Munich. Slovenian defender Jon Gorenc Stankovic also joined from Borussia Dortmund. Manager Former US international David Wagner was previously coach of Borussia Dortmund’s second team. Who’s the Daddy? Local businessman and lifelong fan Dean Hoyle is a multi-millionaire after selling his Card Factory business. Stadium John Smith’s (24,500). Nickname Terriers. Odds 12/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW SEAN MAKIN LAST SEASON WAS… Average. It started poorly…

RAFA LEADS THE FIGHTBACK The agony of relegation from the Premier League has quickly replaced by optimism on Tyneside following the decision by Rafa Benitez to stick around and oversee a swift return to the top flight. The signing of striker Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace) and midfielder Matt Ritchie (Bournemouth) on five-year deals is a sign that Newcastle are serious about a quick return to the Premier League. Manager Eight months after leaving Real Madrid Rafa Benitez (right) agreed to stay on as Newcastle boss in the Championship. Who’s the Daddy? Sports Direct Mike Ashley insists he has no intention of selling up, despite continued opposition from fans. Stadium St James’ Park (52,405). Nickname Magpies. Odds 8/13 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW MICHAEL MARTIN true faith fanzine true-faith.co.uk LAST SEASON…

PUNCHING ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT PNE punched above their weight last season, finishing in a comfortable mid-table position in their first season back in the second tier. This season, a permanent deal has been done for keeper Anders Lindegaard, who spent last season on loan from West Brom, while Danish striker Simon Makienok has joined on loan from Italian side Palermo. Manager Simon Grayson (right) has been in charge since February 2013 following spells at Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield. Who’s the Daddy Owner Trevor Hemmings (below) is worth an estimated fortune of £675m, much of made from the sale of the Pontins holiday business. The club is effectively run by chairman Peter Ridsdale, a controversial figure having previously run Leeds United, Barnsley and Cardiff City. Stadium Deepdale (23,404). Nickname Lilywhites. Odds…

STUBBS BRINGS NEW LIFE TO RESCUED MILLERS After veteran manager Neil Warnock oversaw an escape from relegation, Rotherham have big plans for the coming season after hiring Alan Stubbs from Hibernian. Stubbs has promised a number of new recruits and says the club will probably break their transfer record. Manager Former Everton and Celtic defender Alan Stubbs joined this summer after winning the Scottish Cup with Hibernian. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Tony Stewart, the owner of a Rotherhambased lighting company, bought the club seven years ago when they were in administration. Stadium New York (12,021). Nickname The Millers. Odds 33/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW JAMIE NOBLE LAST SEASON WAS… The old cliche, story of two halves! We had a disappointing start to the season after a good preseason under…

UP FOR SALE Wolves spent much of last season in limbo after chairman Steve Morgan put the club up for sale. A proposed takeover by Spanish businessmen was on the cards as we went to press. Where any takeover would leave current boss Kenny Jackett is anybody’s guess. Until the amiable 54-year-old gets funds to improve the squad, Wolves are unlikely to improve on last season’s 14th place. Manager Former Swansea and Millwall boss Kenny Jackett took over in May 2013. Who’s the Daddy? Liverpool-born businessman Steve Morgan still owns the club but has stepped down as chairman and is looking for a buyer. Stadium Molineux (31,700). Nickname Wolves, Wanderers. Odds 9/2 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW THOMAS BAUGH wolvesblog.com LAST SEASON WAS… Disappointing. Key attacking players were either sold…

FAN’S VIEW SCOTT WALKINSHAW oxblogger LAST SEASON WAS… Promotion, Wembley, giant killings, derby wins - the most entertaining season I’ve seen in over 30 years watching the club. THIS SEASON WILL BE I hope allowing Premier League teams into the EFL Trophy is shown to be the farce it is. My fear is that even a good solid season will be considered an anti-climax. OUR BIGGEST HERO So many to choose from, but eccentric striker Danny Hylton made no sense in a team built on technique and sports science. He won Supporters’ Player of the Year ahead of Kemar Roofe, booked a referee, scored at Wembley, did interviews in one flip flop, won promotion and then turned down a new contract to sign for Luton. Absolutely nuts. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN…

FAN’S VIEW STEVE DAVIES Walsall Supporters Trust LAST SEASON WAS… So close but yet so far -good enough for promotion over 46 games but not over two (play-off semi-final). It was frustrating as we played some great stuff despite the managerial upheavals. THIS SEASON WILL BE… Interesting as the squad has been dismantled with eight players who were offered contracts leaving. Some will be big losses like Romaine Sawyers and Jason Dimitriou and much will depend on the new lads gelling and hitting the floor running. OUR BIGGEST HERO Tom Bradshaw (above right) notched 20 goals for the second successive season and forced himself into the Wales squad only to see injury ruin his chances of being part of the Euro squad. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN Dean Smith sold us the…

As the first signing of the Pep Guardiola era at Manchester City, German international midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to be a major figure in the tactical changes that the Spaniard plans to introduce to the club. Gundogan has been a central figure for Borussia Dortmund and the German national team (despite missing the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 through injury). His excellent technique and passing ability make him a prime contender to take on a playmaking role in Guardiola’s new set-up. He says: “My favourite position is something between No6 and No8, being creative, like a playmaker, to take the ball and give it to my team-mates, to create chances, to create positions. I love to have the ball and play with the ball.” Gundogan, who has been…

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal Bournemouth Burnley Chelsea Crystal Palace Everton Hull City Leicester City Liverpool Manchester City Manchester United Middlesbrough Southampton Stoke City Sunderland Swansea City Tottenham Hotspur Watford West Bromwich Albion West Ham United CHAMPIONSHIP Aston Villa Barnsley Birmingham City Blackburn Rovers Brentford Brighton & Hove Albion Bristol City Burton Albion Cardiff City Derby County Fulham Huddersfield Town Ipswich Town Leeds United Newcastle United Norwich City Nottingham Forest Preston North End Queens Park Rangers Reading Rotherham United Sheffield Wednesday Wigan Athletic Wolverhampton Wanderers LEAGUE ONE AFC Wimbledon Bolton Wanderers Bradford City Bristol Rovers Bury Charlton Athletic Chesterfield Coventry City Fleetwood Town Gillingham Millwall Milton Keynes Dons Northampton Town Oldham Athletic Oxford United Peterborough United Port Vale Rochdale Scunthorpe United Sheffield United Shrewsbury Town Southend United Swindon Town Walsall LEAGUE TWO…

BOUNCING BACK Twelve months ago Burnley were preparing for a season back in the Championship without several key players who had left following relegation from the Premier League. A year on and the Clarets have bounced back to the top flight as champions of the second tier. They can count among their ranks England goalkeeper Tom Heaton, last season’s Championship top scorer Andre Gray and one of Wales’ Euro 2016 heroes, Sam Vokes. Manager Gravel-voiced Sean Dyche (below left) has been in charge since 2012, earning praise for his no-nonsense approach. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Mike Garlick took on sole responsibility last year after co-chairman John Banaszkiewicz stepped down and chief executive Lee Hoos quit to join Queens Park Rangers. Annual wage bill £29.4m (2015) Annual income £78.8m (2015) Stadium…

KOEMAN USHERS IN GOODISON’S NEW ERA A new regime for 2016-17 at Everton with Dutchman Ronald Koeman filling the void left by Roberto Martinez, who was sacked towards the end of last season. New shareholder Farhad Moshiri is promising major funds for new signings but the future of the club’s two biggest assets, John Stones and Romelu Lukaku, remained uncertain. Manager Former Dutch international Ronald Koeman (below) was hired this summer on a three-year contract after Everton agreed to pay Southampton a reported £5m in compensation. Who’s the Daddy? Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri bought a 49.9 per cent stake in the club earlier this year. Moshiri is a close associate of Arsenal director Alisher Usmanov. Annual wage bill £74.7m (2015). Annual income £126m (2015). Stadium Goodison Park (40,221). Nickname The…

HIGH HOPES FOR KLOPP’S NEW GUARD Expectations on Merseyside are high after Jurgen Klopp steered Liverpool to two Finals, the Europa League and the League Cup last seasons. They failed to win either but the summer arrivals – Senegal forward Sadio Mane from Southampton, Cameroonian defender Joel Matip (Schalke) and German goalkeeper Loris Karius (Mainz) – offer considerable hope for the coming campaign. Manager Former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was appointed last autumn following the departure of Brendan Rodgers. This summer, he was awarded a new five-year contract. Who’s the Daddy? American businessman John W. Henry (below left) the club’s principal owner, acquired Liverpool from Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010. Annual wage bill £152m (2015). Annual income £298m (2015). Stadium Anfield (44,742). Nickname Reds. Odds 8/1 to…

BACK IN THE BIG TIME Boro are back in the big time after seven seasons in the Championship. Spanish manager Aitor Karanka was able to buy expensive reinforcements in the January transfer, including Jordan Rhodes (£11m, Blackburn). This summer, the recruitment has continued with Colombian defender Bernardo Espinosa arriving on a free transfer from Gijon and Danish starlet Viktor Fischer from Ajax for £5m. Manager Former Spain defender Aitor Karanka cut his coaching teeth as Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid and took his first managerial job with Boro in November 2013. He signed a new four-year deal last summer but experienced a wobble in March when he reportedly walked out, only to be persuaded to stay. Who’s the Daddy? Middlesbroughborn millionaire Steve Gibson (above right) is still a local…

ON THE UP WITH SAM Last season Sam Allardyce maintained his record of not being relegated despite taking over a Sunderland side that had lost its first eight Premier League games. If the Black Cats can maintain their end-of-season form – only one defeat in 11 games, unbeaten in their last six – then the chances of them being dragged into another relegation battle will be slim. Manager Sam Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat in October 2015 on a two-year contract. Who’s the Daddy? American financier Ellis Short (below left) replaced Niall Quinn as chairman in October 2011. Annual wage bill £71m (2015). Annual income £101m (2015). Stadium Stadium of Light (49,000). Nickname Black Cats. Odds 1000/1 to win Premier League. FAN’S VIEW PAUL DOBSON A Love Supreme www.a-love-supreme.com LAST SEASON…

LIFE AFTER QUIQUE In their first season back in the top flight, Spaniard Quique Sanchez Flores steered Watford to an FA Cup semi-final and a highly credible 13th place in the Premier League. But it was not enough for Sanchez Flores to keep his job. This summer, Watford have continued to scour Europe for signings. The latest are Belgian defender Christian Kabasele (Genk, £5m), Nigerian forward Isaac Success (Granada, £12m) and Ecuadorean defender Pervis Estupinan (Udinese, loan). Manager Italian Walter Mazzarri was hired this summer after previously coaching Sampdoria, Napoli and Internazionale. Who’s the Daddy? Italian Giampaolo Pozzo (above right) took over Watford in 2012. He has faced criticism for changing coaches and moving players between his clubs: Watford and Italy’s Udinese. Annual wage bill £20m (2015). Annual income £18m…

ALL CHANGE AT VILLA After being relegated from the top flight for the first time since 1988, Villa are bidding to bounce back at the first attempt. New owner Tony Xia (below left with manager Roberto Di Matteo) insists there will be £30m available for transfers. Defender Tommy Elphick was the first to arrive, a £3m signing from Bournemouth. Manager Roberto Di Matteo was appointed following Villa’s relegation. The Italian had been out of work since leaving German club Schalke in May 2015. He won promotion to the Premier League with West Brom in 2010 and was caretaker boss of Chelsea when they won the 2012 Champions League. Who’s the Daddy? Chinese businessman Tony Xia bought the club from American Randy Lerner for a reported £76m earlier this year. He…

COYLE TAKES ON ROVERS CHALLENGE Still uncertain times for Rovers. New boss Owen Coyle has close connections with Rovers’ rivals but fans hope he will be the man to bring some stability to the club after the departures of Gary Bowyer and Paul Lambert last season. Former Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, fresh from his Scottish Cup success with Hibernian, was the main summer arrival, along with ex-Bolton winger Liam Feeney. Manager Former Burnley, Bolton and Wigan boss Owen Coyle was appointed this summer, not long after he left Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. Who’s the Daddy? Indian poultry company Venky’s have run up large debts since buying the club in 2010. Stadium Ewood Park (31,637). Nickname Rovers. Odds 16/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW SIMON SMITH LAST SEASON WAS……

FAITH IN JOHNSON AFTER ESCAPE City had a difficult season back in the Championship last year. Steve Cotterill, the manager behind their League One title-winning campaign in 2014-15, departed in January to be replaced by Lee Johnson. For the coming campaign, former Middlesbrough and Peterborough midfielder Lee Tomlin has joined from Bournemouth on a three-year deal after his loan spell at Ashton Gate last season. Manager Lee Johnson steered the club to safety after taking over from Steve Cotterill. Son of former City boss Gary Johnson. Who’s the Daddy? Steve Lansdown is one of the West Country’s richest men, with ambitious plans for City. Stadium Ashton Gate (16,600). Nickname Robins. Odds 10/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW PAUL BINNING exiledrobin.blogspot.com LAST SEASON WAS… Hugely disappointing, in the main. Having come…

AMBITIOUS RAMS TURN TO PEARSON After the disappointment of spending big but losing to Hull City in last season’s play-offs, County turned to Nigel Pearson who had been out of work since leaving Leicester in the summer of 2015. Pearson won promotions from League One and the Championship with Leicester, but was less of a success during a spell with Hull City. Manager Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson (below) was appointed this summer. Who’s the Daddy? Owner Mel Morris made his millions – an estimated total of £500m – in the digital media, including the Candy Crush computer game. Stadium iPro (33,597). Nickname Rams. Odds 7/2 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW CHRIS SMITH, ramspace.co.uk LAST SEASON WAS… Harrowing. Big-money signings and Real Madrid’s coach got us to the top of…

SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS UNDER MCCARTHY Ipswich are fast becoming the Steady Eddies of the Championship, making slow but solid progress under long-serving manager Mick McCarthy despite operating on a small budget. This summer’s arrivals have been typically low-key: defenders Paul Digby (a free transfer from Barnsley) and Adam Webster (Portsmouth for £750,000, a record under McCarthy). Manager Mick McCarthy is the Championship’s longest-serving boss, having been in charge of Ipswich since 2012. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Marcus Evans is a controversial figure whose sports hospitality business was reported to be in trouble with UEFA over the re-sale of Euro 2016 tickets. Stadium Portman Road (30,311). Nickname Tractor Boys. Odds 9/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW PHIL HAM TWTD.co.uk LAST SEASON WAS… The pre-season aim was a second successive play-off…

CARRY ON YO-YO-ING Too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League – that’s the “Yo-yo” dilemma Norwich find themselves in after being relegated from the Premier League just a season after winning the Championship play-off final. The Canaries sold winger Nathan Redmond to Southampton over the summer but agreed new contracts with Graham Dorrans, Cameron Jerome and Wes Hoolahan. Manager Alex Neil replaced Neil Adams in January 2015. Who’s the Daddy? Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones (below) own a majority stake in the club while former Labour MP Ed Balls is club chairman. Stadium Carrow Road (27,244). Nickname Canaries. Odds 5/2 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW JACOB SINKINS, TheCarrowCrowd.com LAST SEASON WAS… A poor summer window came back to bite us, we tried…

PUTTING THEIR FAITH IN YOUTH This summer, Rangers continued with the poliicy of replacing big-money signings with younger talent. Matt Phillips went to West Brom, Leroy Fer to Swansea and Robert Green to Leeds. In came left-back Jake Bidwell from Brentford, central defender Joel Lynch from Huddersfield and Polish midfielder Ariel Borysiuk from Legia Warsaw. Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink joined from Burton Albion in December 2015. Who’s the Daddy? Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes became chairman in 2011 after buying a majority stake from motor-racing supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Stadium Loftus Road (18,489). Nickname Rangers. Odds 8/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW Dave Thomas, Kick Up the Rs LAST SEASON WAS… After a second relegation from the Premier League in three seasons, the club decided it was time to change a philosophy…

REVIVED WEDNESDAY TARGET TOP-SIX FINISH After exceeding expectations by reaching last season’s Championship play-off Wednesday fans are rightly targeting another top-six finish. With players of the calibre of Barry Bannan, Fernando Forestieri and new signing Steven Fletcher, that ambition is entirely reasonable. Manager Former Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas boss Carlos Carvalhal took charge in summer 2015. Who’s the Daddy? Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri bought Wednesday from Milan Mandaric for £37.5m in January 2015. Stadium Hillsborough (39,732). Nickname The Owls. Odds 4/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW RICHARD BROOK LAST SEASON WAS… Wednesday surpassed expectations. Owner Dejphon Chansiri stated when he took control that promotion within two seasons was the objective. A play-off final at the first attempt is enough to suggest such comments were more than mere post-takeover bravado. THIS…

FAN’S VIEW NATHAN BEES LAST SEASON WAS… One of the most dramatic and exciting in the club’s history. To seal third place and automatic promotion in the 92nd minute of the final match in front of 11,000 Gasheads was absolutely incredible. THIS SEASON WILL BE… I have full confidence in manager Darrell Clarke and believe we can enjoy another season of progression in League One. My one concern is how some of our promotion heroes will handle the step up considering they were nonleague players two seasons ago. OUR BIGGEST HERO Matty Taylor’s goalscoring exploits made him the headline maker, but Rovers’ greatest strength last season was the team’s collective quality rather than any one individual. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN Accrington Stanley. John Coleman’s side would not slip up to put…

FAN’S VIEW BEN LITTLEWOOD LAST SEASON WAS… In short, disappointing. Being involved in a relegation battle after a play-off attempt in the previous campaign was a shock to the system. THIS SEASON WILL BE… My main hope is that the club improves on last season’s 18thplaced finish, one obvious fear is the prospect of relegation and being subjected to a lower standard of football. OUR BIGGEST HERO Lee Novak contributed at pivotal moments, helping the Spireites secure their place in League One for the upcoming campaign. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN Among supporters, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake received the most criticism because the striker failed to meet initial expectations. BEST SONG LAST SEASON “We’ve got Novak, super Lee Novak”. Fairly unimaginative, but it’s the best of a bad bunch. YOUNGSTER TO WATCH Connor Dimaio…

FAN’S VIEW DANNY BROTHERS LAST SEASON WAS… The biggest roller coaster season in our history. From almost going out of business in November (including results being ground out while players and staff weren’t being paid) to new ownership and an incredible run to the League Two title. Breathtaking. THIS SEASON WILL BE… Now that Chris Wilder has moved on to Sheffield United and key players like Ricky Holmes have made moves away, new manager Rob Page has a big job on his hands to continue the momentum. I’d take a season of consolidation! OUR BIGGEST HERO Ricky Holmes - one of the finest talents to don the claret for many a year. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN? Michael Appleton. The Oxford manager ludicrously claimed that his side were the “best side in…

Antonio Conte Club: Chelsea Nationality: Italian Age: 46 Previously: Coach of Italian national side, Juventus, Siena, Atalanta Antonio Conte was one of the stars of Euro 2016, helping the Italian national side to punch above their weight by reaching the quarter-finals and losing on penalties to Germany. Now he has accepted the challenge of steering Chelsea back into the Champions League after the disappointment of last season and the departure of Jose Mourinho. Conte admits that he missed the cut-andthrust of day-to-day club coaching. Above all, he is a natural competitor. Winning is more important than anything else. As he says: “There is no young or old, just success or failure.” A combative midfielder as player, he won a clean sweep of trophies during 13 seasons at Juventus, as well…

Although he only played briefly for Belgium at Euro 2016, Chelsea’s new £33m summer signing is desperate to prove just why he became so highly-rated in France during two years at Marseille. The 22-year-old Belgian is determined to score the goals that take Chelsea back into the Chmpions League. “It’s very important because Chelsea deserve to be at the top of the league and to play in the Champions League,” he says. “I’m going to do everything I can so that they do. “I’m a versatile player, I’m a technical player and I play with my head but I can progress further.” Time spent with Belgium at Euro 2016 gave Batshuayi the chance to talk to national teammates Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois about life at Stamford Bridge. “It’s a…

SEARCH FOR A STRIKER Many Arsenal fans were left kicking themselves last season after throwing away their best chance to win the Premier League in more than a decade. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka was the big summer signing, but the search for a striker continued after prime target Jamie Vardy opted to stay at Leicester. Manager Arsene Wenger will be 67 this year and his current contract expires next summer. Who’s the Daddy? American billionaire Stan Kroenke (below) continues to live up to his “Silent Stan” nickname, refusing to give interviews and mostly staying away from Arsenal home games. That is despite being the club’s majority shareholder. Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who is estimated by Forbes to be Russia’s richest man, owns just under 30 per cent of the club…

COUNTING ON CONTE It’s been all change this summer at Stamford Bridge, where Italian Antonio Conte has arrived to shake things up. The first major arrival was young Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille, with others set to follow. Early departures included Brazilian Alexandro Pato and Radomel Falcao, who returned to Monaco. Manager Antonio Conte agreed a three-year deal to coach Chelsea after he stepped down as Italy manager after Euro 2016. Who’s the Daddy? Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich (below) shows no signs of losing interest in his pet project. He has spent more than a billion pounds on Chelsea since 2003 and has ambitious plans to expand Stamford Bridge. American lawyer Bruce Buck is the club chairman but the real power lies with Abramovich acolyte Maria Granovskaia. Annual wage…

BRUCE’S FORESIGHT Hull bounced back to the Premier League after just one season away – albeit via the play-offs. Steve Bruce remains as manager after he was given re-assurances about the club’s future spending plans and plans for squad reinforcements. Manager Steve Bruce has been in charge since June 2012 and agreed a three-year contract extension in March 2015. Who’s the Daddy? Egypt-born businessman Assem Allam (below left) remains the owner despite putting the club up for sale after proposing to change the club’s name to Hull City Tigers. Annual wage bill 56m (2015). Annual income £84m (2015). Stadium KCOM (25,450). Nickname The Tigers. Odds 1000/1 to win Premier League. FAN’S VIEW IAN WATERSON City Independent www.cityindependent.net LAST SEASON WAS… As it was a promotion season and winning at Wembley,…

ALL EYES ON PEP No pressure then, Pep. City fans expect new boss Pep Guardiola to take them to the next level after he arrived in a blaze of publicity this summer. The former Spain midfielder has an exceptional record with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but will be expected to deliver from the start in Manchester. New signings Nolito (Celta Vigo) and Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund) are a sign of the shape of things to come at the City of Manchester stadium. Manager Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has agreed a three-year contract to manage City. Who’s the Daddy? Owner Sheikh Mansour (below left) is the deputy prime minister of United Arab Emirates and member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. He has invested more than…

SAINTS PLAYER SALES CONTINUE Ronald Koeman left for Everton after guiding Saints to sixth place in last season’s Premier League – but how long can they keep selling their best players? Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Graziano Pelle (China) and Victor Wanyama (Tottenham) were the latest to depart but new boss Claude Puel can call upon exciting young winger Nathan Redmond, signed from relegated Norwich, and Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Manager Claude Puel joined this summer after an impressive career in his native France, managing Monaco, Lille, Lyon and Nice. Who’s the Daddy? Swiss heiress Katharina Liebherr (below left) inherited the club following the death of her billionaire father Markus in 2010. But despite fears that she would not maintain his commitment to the club, she has stuck with Saints. Annual wage…

SWANS IN THE GROOVE After a jittery spell last season that led to the departure of Garry Monk as manager, Swansea found their groove under Italian Francesco Guidolin and comfortably avoided relegation. New investment from the USA could fund new transfers. Early summer arrivals included Dutch Under-21 defender Mike Van der Hoorn (£2m from Ajax), Tyler Reid from Manchester United and a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Leroy Fer from QPR. Manager Italian Francesco Guidolin was appointed in January 2016 and agreed a two-year contract at the end of last season. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Huw Jenkins (below left) has remained in place despite an American investment group led by Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan buying a 60 per cent stake in the club this summer. Annual wage bill £51m…

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD? It’s hard for West Brom fans to get too excited about the new season. Matt Phillips, a £5m arrival from QPR, was the first signing, while Victor Anichebe, Stephane Sessegnon and Anders Lindegaard left at the end of their contracts. Manager Tony Pulis was appointed in January 2015. His current contract expires next summer. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Jeremy Peace (below) has been owner since 2002 but has been looking to sell up for the past year. Annual wage bill £68.5m (2015) Annual income £96m (2015) Stadium Hawthorns (26,852) Nickname Baggies Odds 1000/1 to win Premier League. FAN’S VIEW MARK THOMAS Albion Till We Die www.albiontillwedie.co.uk LAST SEASON WAS... Difficult to watch and quite forgettable. While safety was achieved fairly comfortably, the mood around The Hawthorns was…

TYKES ON THE RISE Barnsley are back in the Championship after a rollercoaster 2015-16 season in which they flirted with relegation but turned things around under new boss Paul Heckingbottom. They played – and won – two Wembley finals, the Johnston Paint trophy and the League Two play-off. Money is still tight, and a number of players were released over the summer. Defender George Williams rejoined MK Dons after his release by the Tykes but striker Elliot Lee, son of former England midfielder Rob Lee, joined from West Ham. Manager Paul Heckingbottom (above) took over as caretaker following Lee Johnson’s move to Bristol City and was handed a rolling 12-month contract this summer. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Maurice Watkins was previously a director of Manchester United. Stadium Oakwell (23,009). Nickname…

BEES CARRY ON HIRING & FIRING This season, more players have been brought in from lower divisions, including defender John Egan (Gillingham), midfielder Romaine Sawyers (Walsall) and goalkeeper Daniel Bentley (Southend). Manager Dean Smith left Walsall to take charge of Brentford in November last year. Who’s the Daddy? Matthew Benham is also owner of Danish champions Midtjylland. Stadium Griffin Park (12,300). Nickname Bees. Odds 10/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW BILLY GRANT, Beesotted LAST SEASON WAS… Last season was a huge learning curve as we made loads of mistakes - the wrong manager in summer followed by fielding a team with too many ‘Championship-green’ players, untold long-term injuries and an unplayable pitch. Saying that, we still finished 9th after all that. THIS SEASON WILL BE… Dean Smith has now brought…

HISTORIC PROMOTION Burton are preparing for an historic first season the second tier of English football after just seven years in the Football League and following back-to-back promotions from League Two. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink guided the Brewers out of League Two as champions but left in December last season to join Queens Park Rangers with Albion top of League One. The club turned to former boss Nigel Clough, who completed the job of taking Albion into the Championship. Manager Nigel Clough (above left) is back in charge, having overseen the club’s rise to the brink of the Football League during his first, 11-year spell at the club, before time at Derby and Sheffield United. Who’s the Daddy? Chairman Ben Robinson (above right) has been on the board since the 1970s…

JOKANOVIC TARGETS TOP-SIX FINISH After avoiding relegation last season Fulham boss Slavia Jokanovic has set a top-six target for this campaign. However, he will have to do without youngster Moussa Dembele, who has joined Celtic. Others leaving included Alexander Kacaniklic and Jamie O’Hara (both released) and USA midfielder Emerson Hyndman, who moved to Bournemouth as a free agent. New arrivals include Togo international Floyd Ayite (Bastia), Austrian defender Michael Madl after his loan spell last season and striker Sone Aluko, a free agent after leaving Hull City. Manager Former Chelsea midfielder Slavia Jokanovic replaced Kit Symons in November last year. He won promotion with Watford in May 2015 but was sacked and then had a short spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Who’s the Daddy? American businessman Shahid Khan bought the…

MONK THE LATEST FALL GUY… Another busy summer at Elland Road. Garry Monk became the sixth head coach of the Massimo Cellino era. Lewis Cook was sold to Bournemouth but Leeds signed two promising youngsters in Kemar Roofe (Oxford United) and Matt Grimes (Swansea City), as well as former England keeper Rob Green. Manager Former Swansea boss Garry Monk (below) was appointed in June 2016, replacing Steve Evans. Who’s the Daddy? Italian businessman Massimo Cellino bought Leeds in April 2014. He became notorious in Italy for getting through 36 coaches in 22 years at Cagliari. Stadium Elland Road (37,890). Nickname Whites. Odds 10/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW THE SCRATCHING SHED www.thescratchingshed.com LAST SEASON WAS… Oh, y’know… Just the usual, soul-destroying slog to a depressing midtable finish. THIS SEASON WILL…

ALL CHANGE AT THE CITY GROUND It’s been all change this summer at the City Ground. There’s a new continental structure with Pedro Pereira, previously of Braga and Fiorentina, as director of football and Frenchman Philippe Montanier as first-team coach. Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis was close to a takeover and fans hope he brings some much-needed stability and investment to the club. New signings this summer included former Everton striker Apostolos Vellios and Finland defender Thomas Lam from Dutch side NEC Zwolle. Manager Philippe Montanier, the former coach of Real Socieded and Rennes, was appointed in June 2016. Who’s the Daddy? Forest were in talks with Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis over the sale of a majority share. Stadium City Ground (30,445). Nickname Forest. Odds 8/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW…

STAM SURPRISE All is not well in Reading. After working their way through two managers, Steve Clarke and Brian McDermott, the club’s Thai owners apologised to the fans for “another disappointing campaign” and admitted that they “we are still learning”. Along with new manager Jaap Stam, the Dutch influence is growing, with Heerenveen midfielder Joey Van den Berg arriving on a free transfer. Manager Former Man United and Holland defender Jaap Stam (below) was the surprise choice to replace Brian McDermott. Who’s the Daddy? John Madejski is still club chairman but the club is now owned by Thais Sasima Srivikorn, Narin Niruttinanon and Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth. Stadium Madejski Stadium (24,161). Nickname Royals. Odds 10/1 to win promotion. FAN’S VIEW DAN WIMBUSH From the Tilehurst End LAST SEASON WAS… A thoroughly depressing…

LATICS ON FIRE A year after being relegated from the Championship, Wigan bounced back at the first attempt as League One champions under new manager Gary Caldwell. Will Grigg, signed from Brentford, finished as club and league top scorer, prompting the now worldfamous chant. Signings for 2016-17 included defender Dan Burn (Fulham) and midfielder Alex Gilbey (Colchester Utd) while on-loan defender Stephen Warnock has signed permanently from Derby. Manager Former Celtic and Wigan defender Gary Caldwell was appointed as manager in April 2015 following the sacking of Malky Mackay and only weeks after he announced his retirement as a player. Who’s the Daddy? David Sharpe, the grandson of owner Dave Whelan, took over from his granddad as chairman in March 2015. Stadium DW (25,138). Nickname Latics. Odds 8/1 to win…

FAN’S VIEW AARON SMITH LAST SEASON WAS… Slightly dull mid-table after a few years of end of season excitement. That just isn’t the Swindon way. THIS SEASON WILL BE… The same fear as every season at this time, will we have enough players and for how late will Lee Power (above) leave it to fill the squad. The hope is that we finish higher than Bristol Rovers and Oxford. OUR BIGGEST HERO Nicky Ajose scored plenty of goals, then he left for peanuts, not even dry roasted. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN Lawrence Vigouroux for having his loan terminated for paying a £50 fine in pennies after turning up late to training. Turned out it didn’t do any lasting harm as we’ve just signed him permanently. BEST SONG LAST SEASON None, as…

FAN’S VIEW ANDY CHAPMAN LAST SEASON WAS… Thrown away. Wembley disappointment in the play-off Final we should not have needed having led the table until injuries, and not strengthening in January, ultimately cost us. THIS SEASON WILL BE… Mid-table mediocrity. Traditionally losing finalists struggle the following season and we’ve had a high summer churn of players with no guarantee of gelling. OUR BIGGEST HERO Graham Carey, probably the best midfielder in the league and thankfully staying. OUR BIGGEST VILLAIN Kelvin Mellor was the man fans loved to hate. BEST SONG LAST SEASON “We’re Plymouth Argyle and we come from behind!” - following a 2-1 win at Newport, to their then manager John Sheridan, who, in his tenure at Home Park, remarkably only won once from being behind! YOUNGSTER TO WATCH…