Relegation dog fight – Wigan and Boro down

This is Part 3 of this 4 series Premieship predictions. Here you have Part 1 & Part 2.  

16th Position – Sunderland 

Roy Keane did a wonderful job for Sunderland last season and I think his grit and determination will be passed on to his players this season enabling them to beat the drop. I think Roy Keane has done well as a manager because he learnt a lot from Sir Alex and I can imagine him getting plenty of advice from his mentor throughout the season. The squad lacks quality for the time being but expect new signings before the transfer window closes.

Key man: Roy Keane 

17th Position – Birmingham City 

In my opinion Birmingham City will beat the drop, but only just. This one could go down to the wire. Steve Bruce has been there before and got relegated so I think he has learnt his lessons. He previously opted to buy experienced players who just seemed to pick up their wage packets. This time Bruce has opted for young, hungry players. His signings have been OK. They go into the season knowing they will be in a dog fight.

Key man: Gary McSheffrey 

18th Position – Middlesbrough 

Now this is a shock but I truly believe Boro will be in big big trouble this year. I think if they keep hold of Yakubu they could beat the drop but if he leaves (and he has stated he wants to leave) or even if he stays unwillingly, Boro will be in the Championship next season. Boro were average last season, and I think Gareth Southgate is too inexperienced to manage a Premiership team at this moment in time. Keeping Jonathan Woodgate fit (difficult task) is also essential for them to stay up.

Key man: Jonathan Woodgate 

19th Position – Wigan 

Loosing Paul Jewel, in my opinion, will result in Wigan getting relegated. Chris Hutchinson has taken over, but I am not convinced. He didn’t last long last time he was in the hot seat at Bradford City. He is also odds on to be the first Premiership manager to get the axe. His signings are very questionable, especially Titus Bramble. Last season they struggled but beat the drop, however, this year they won’t be so lucky.

Key man: Jason Koumas 

20th Position – Derby County It was amazing Derby County came up last season and Billy Jones Davies seems to be a really good manager. Nevertheless they haven’t got much quality and it seems it will be mission impossible to stay up. They are favourites to go down and expect to see them at the bottom as of Christmas time.

Key man: Robert Earnshaw

Keano finding it hard in the Premiership?

Over the last few days Roy Keane has missed out on two big transfer targets, these being goalkeeper Craig Gordon (Hearts) and left-back Leighton Baines (Wigan).

Last season Sunderland endured a nightmare start to the season, losing four of the first six games and dropping down to the foot of the table. Roy Keane then took over and performed what one might say a miracle finishing the season as Champions and as a result getting promoted to the Premiership. In his first season in the Championship he made some shrewd buys. BUT, what has happened this summer?

Having made the step up to the Premiership, Sunderland seem to be finding it difficult to attain the services of big/medium named players. So far they have signed relatively low-key names; Dickson Etuhu (Norwich, £1.5m), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United, £5.5m), Greg Halford (Reading, £2.5m), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen, £1m), Michael Chopra (Cardiff City, £5m), Paul McShane (West Brom, £2.5m).

The one that stands out is Kieran Richardson from Manchester United for £5.5million. You would have thought Sir Alex would be giving his close ally a helping hand (being new to the Premiership) but I am not so sure if it is Keane who is dishing out the favours signing Richardson for that inflated price!

Sunderland’s last season in the top flight ended in disaster, having won 4 games, scored a whopping 21 goals and acquired a Premiership record of only 19 points. Sunderland have a point to prove! Unless Roy can weave his magic before the transfer window closes (and there is still time) he might need more than his management skills to keep this team up, maybe even coming out of retirement??