Guest Article – A View From The Championship (Issue 5)

It’s time for another guest article now as Reading fan Oliver Walsh – who you can follow on Twitter here  returns. This week Oliver gives us his view on how Newcastle and Brighton will perform in next season’s Premier League. As always Oliver it’s over to you

Newcastle United and Brighton Hove Albion have been a cut above the rest in the Championship this year and with seven games remaining until the season comes to an end, the two dominant sides will almost certainly compete in the upper echelon of English football next season. But the biq question is just how will they fare in the Premier League?, I’m now going to give my view on how the division’s current top two will fare should they secure promotion to the Premier League.

Newcastle

Newcastle are Premier League regulars and one of the biggest clubs in the country.

With a stadium which consistently yields crowds of over 50,000, the Magpies boast a remarkably large and committed fan base. However the Tyne-wear based club consistently failed to break into the top half of the Premier League.

This failure to fill their potential was customarily accredited to their poor management and money-driven ownership, with lacklustre managers such as Alan Pardew and Steve Mcclaren driving them towards relegation threatening positions, as well as frowned upon billionaire Mike Ashley seemingly putting little emphasis on Newcastle’s results or end of season finishes.

Despite their history, the Magpies have impressed under Champions League winning manager Rafa Benitez, who has propelled them to the top of the table.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool gaffer undoubtedly has the pedigree and tactical nous to lead Newcastle in the Premier League.

Although they have a manager capable of competing in the top flight, their squad may need to be strengthened if they have ambitions of not only avoiding relegation, but also pushing into a secure mid-table position.

The Magpies have players such as Dwight Gayle, Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie who have been pivotal in the second division and have the quality and experience to start in the Premier League.

However Benitez will be hoping to invest in some proven quality to implement his ideas in the top flight, with areas such as full back, attacking midfield and up front necessitating reinforcement.

Overall, Newcastle United have the club structure, manager and core players to ensure they perform well and solidify their position back where they belong.

 

Brighton

In contrast to Newcastle, Brighton have never reached the Premier League since the first division was rebranded in 1992, despite multiple playoff heartbreaks.

The Seagulls are managed by Chris Hughton, who earned Newcastle promotion in the 2008/09 season, however has struggled to keep his club’s in a stable Premier League position once he’s reached the top flight.

The Irishman has built an exciting attacking side, built on reassuring defensive solidity, with Glen Murray, Anthony Knockaert and Sam Baldock all exceeding 10 goals this season but the squad will need a great deal of investment and strengthening if they are aspiring to avoid a relegation battle next year.

Although Brighton have some quality players with the potential to perform well in the Premier League, such as hard working and skilful winger Knockaert as well as 25-year-old centre back Lewis Dunk, they have a few aging starters and will need to invest in some quality all around the pitch.

Bruno, Steve Sidwell and Glen Murray have been exceptional in their title push this season, however with all three of them being over 33 years old they will need replacing, or at least require reinforcement in their positions.

Furthermore, the coastal club have multiple players who may not be of the standard to compete in the top flight, such as Tomer Hemed and Oliver Norwood.

After an agonising wait for Brighton fans to reach the Premier League, following many playoff losses, they will be hoping their beloved club invest the required money to keep the Seagulls in the top flight.

 

Thanks Oliver and as always I look forward to your next installment

If you would like to give a view from your club or a particular competition on a weekly basis then please get in touch – you can email me at – realfootballmanwordpress@gmail.com