Football League: Five new signings who could make big impacts in the Championship

By Steven Oldham

Ross McCormack's £11m move to Fulham may have captured the headlines this summer in the Championship, but the ex-Leeds striker is not the only man looking to make an impression for his new team on the season's opening weekend.

In this blog, I will look at five players who have moved onto pastures new over the summer break and who could play key roles in their club's fortunes as the season unfolds.

Of course, there are many players who have moved. Too many to mention in one blog post! So I've picked five players, all at different clubs, with a mixture of youth and experience.

Let me know who you think will be your team's most influential new signing here or on Twitter.

Britt Assombalonga
Peterborough United - NOTTINGHAM FOREST (£5.5m)

Britt Assombalonga (Getty Images)


The 21-year-old striker's cool £5.5m move from Peterborough to Forest is one that instantly catches the eye. Completed only yesterday, it represents something of a risk for Forest boss Stuart Pearce in that the Congolese player is unproven at Championship level.  However, he's signed a five-year deal at the City Ground, and it is high time he planted some roots. He's never stayed long at a club since debuting for Watford in 2011 - two loan spells in non-league followed before starting to make a name for himself at League Two Southend, where he spent the 2012/13 season on loan.  He scored 15 goals that season from 43 appearances, but would move on once more to Peterborough, who signed him from Watford for a club record £1.5m fee.  He proved to be one of the stars of the season in League One as the Posh missed out on promotion via the playoffs. Nevertheless, at a higher level, he played the same amount of games but increased his goal tally to 23. He has broken another club transfer record and it will be interesting to see how he performs at this level given he never really got the opportunity at Watford.  He's honed his skills further down the leagues but this could be his biggest chance to shine and an international call-up would not be a surprise - if he commits his future to DR Congo. (he is also eligible for England having moved here as a child)

Dean Moxey
Unattached - BOLTON WANDERERS

Dean Moxey (teamtalk.com)

Left back Moxey arrives at the Reebok after being deemed surplus to requirements by Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis after three and a half seasons with the London club. The versatile 28-year-old is now reunited with boss Dougie Freedman, whom he served under at Selhurst Park.  He is obviously well thought of by the Scot, who signed him for Palace from previous club Derby in 2011. He has plenty of experience at this level, having played four seasons in the division for Palace and Derby, including appearances in the playoffs when Palace went up. He will not be phased by the physical side of the Championship - he's not a player to duck out of a challenge.  He will also be an example to follow for the squad's younger players. Bolton could be challengers this season - they have seasoned campaigners such as Moxey, Neil Danns, and Kevin McNaughton, and Jay Spearing will continue to relish the responsibility of being captain. Jermaine Beckford is a proven goalscorer.  


Scott Hogan
Rochdale - BRENTFORD (Undisclosed fee)

Scott Hogan (Brentford FC)

Another front man rewarded for a fine season last time out, 22-year-old Scott Hogan is set to make the two division jump from League Two to the Championship.
His 17 league goals last season helped Rochdale to automatic qualification to League One, but Brentford stepped in and took him on after their own promotion to the second tier.
This will undoubtedly be the biggest test of the Salford-born attacker's career to date. A product of Rochdale's youth system,  he was eventually released without a game to his name, with an unused sub credit the nearest he came. He put the work in, and took in spells at no less than six non-league clubs before returning to his first club for the 2013/14 season. It proved an inspired decision by boss Keith Hill, as the striker weighed in with a quarter of the team's goals for the season. He will be frustrated to be ruled out of the season's early games with an ankle injury, and The Bees will be looking to him to use his pace and accurate finishing to help them establish themselves in the division.

Keiren Westwood
Unattached - SHEFFIELD WEDNEDSAY

Keiren Westwood (Sky Sports)

Sheffield Wednesday will not be short of quality in goal this season after they signed up Irish international Keiren Westwood on a free following his release from Sunderland. Existing 'keeper Chris Kirkland has also signed up for another season and the strength in depth the Owls now have in this department should give them a solid grounding to build on. At 29, Westwood should be entering his best years, and he will be looking to put a frustrating period at Sunderland behind him where he only made 19 appearances in three seasons, behind Simon Mignolet and then Vito Mannone in the pecking order. He will also be hoping to regain the Irish number one shirt from Millwall's David Forde who has made the most of Westwood's inactivity. Good both in the air and one-on-one, Westwood is already familiar with the Championship style of play, having spent three seasons at Coventry where he was highly impressive, making the PFA Team of the Year in his first season at this level. Should he get the nod over Kirkland tomorrow against, it will give a clear sign that Stuart Gray sees him as first choice.

Conor Coady
Liverpool - HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (Undisclosed)

Conor Coady (TeamTalk.com)

Promising midfielder Conor Coady is set to spend his second season in Yorkshire having signed for Huddersfield Town on a three year deal. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Sheffield United in League Two so this move represents a step up from both last season and youth football at Liverpool. He's signed up for three years, and the Terriers should be applauded for their foresight in doing so - he's highly thought of both at Liverpool and in the England youth set up, where he is the current under 20 captain. Leadership seems to come naturally to him having held the same role in Liverpool's under 21s. He proved he had the legs last season, making 50 appearances for Sheffield United in all competitions, and weighed in with six goals. A disciplined, committed player, his presence in a holding role will provide more attacking minded players such as club player of the year Adam Clayton the confidence to get forward and join the attack.

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Ex Barrow and Stockport County defender Danny O'Donnell swaps Conference North for Australian adventure

 

 

 



Ex Barrow and Stockport County defender Danny O'Donnell swaps Conference North for Australian adventure

By Steven Oldham

Former Barrow and Stockport County defender Danny O'Donnell's latest career move is a world away from unwanted Tuesday night trips in the Conference North.

O'Donnell now lives and plays his football in Australia for the Ballarat Red Devils, a team from Victoria that plays in the National Premier Leagues. This is the second highest level of football in Australia, which is split geographically due to the country's sheer size.

A Liverpool trainee, Danny has also taken in spells at Shrewsbury and Crewe Alexandra and it was a Gresty Road connection that helped kick-start his move Down Under in January.

"I was approached about the possibility to come and play in the NPLV for a new franchise called the Ballarat Red Devils by James Robinson - a former Crewe player and now the team manager.

We have a couple of mutual friends. The opportunity to play at a higher level, coupled with the facilities and coaching options, were enough to convince me to move halfway across the world!," he explained.

The 28-year-old holds a UEFA 'B' coaching licence which he hopes to put to good use in his time abroad.

The Red Devils have academy teams from U12 to U18 so he is hopeful of developing his off-field attributes in his time there.

Danny was still at Barrow when the opportunity arose but was pleased with the encouragement his then-boss Darren Edmundson gave him.

"I had a great working relationship with the Barrow gaffer and as soon as I told him of the opportunity he said go for it! It was tough to leave Barrow though as I was captaining them and we were on a fantastic run of form at the time," he said.

Leadership seems to come naturally to the centre back who also wore the armband at Edgeley Park and for Liverpool's under-18s.

Having signed up for a season with both him and his girlfriend on 12-month visas, Danny is taking it one step at a time but admits he would like to return home eventually.

He said: "My role is full-time as a player - the club arranged for me and my girlfriend to emigrate over on a year's visa, so, as anything in football it's good just to take it a season at a time!

I would like to come home at some point to finish my coaching education and degree course, but in the short term I am just trying to learn from the experience."

Danny in his new colours (thanks to Ballarat Red Devils for picture)

Ten games into the season, the Red Devils have made a slow start with three wins and lie 12th of 14 in the league. 

Unlike in England, the top tier of Australian football - the A-League - is franchised so there is no promotion or relegation. The main ambition for clubs at NPL level is to reach the national end-of-season playoffs by winning their state title. The playoff winners are then crowned National Premier Leagues champions.

When asked to compare the standard of football to back home, he diplomatically sits on the fence.

"The standard of football is difficult to compare to back home. It is a different style - much more focused on possession - although I will say the fitness levels I would say are higher out here," he said.

Having spoken about the present and future, it only seems natural to look back on his career to date.  What are his best and worst moments as a footballer?

"I have some great memories from my career so far. Being named in the World Club Championship squad for my boyhood club Liverpool was fantastic.  My first senior goal in the Football League for Crewe was a great buzz too - a last minute equaliser at the Gresty Road end against Gillingham.  Also playing at Anfield for Crewe against Liverpool in the Carling Cup is up there too!

One of the worst moments was when I was playing at Stockport County - the worst was having to watch the club relegated from the Football League from the sidelines with a broken ankle and my leg in plaster.  When I came back from that injury though I scored the winner against Ebbsfleet at the Cheadle End and that was my best moment there. 

That period definitely made me stronger as a player.  I was lucky enough to work under Ray Mathias who is a great man, and I learnt a lot about the tactical side of the game under Jim Gannon."

How long he stays in Australia remains to be seen, but it is unlikely to be the final port of call for the friendly Scouser.

You can follow Danny's progress in Australia via Twitter - @DODONNELL5

Football League will benefit from two former members going up from the Conference

By Steven Oldham

Conference champions Luton Town could break through the 100 point barrier in this weekend's last game of the season away at already-relegated Hyde.

Having already wrapped up the title and scored 101 goals, a three digit points total would be the perfect way to bookend their season (neatly against the bottom placed club).

It is the sort of romp to the championship that many have expected of Luton for several seasons since their relegation to non-league five years ago.

Few in the football world begrudge Luton their success, a famous old Football League name for nearly 90 years before their recent demise.

The battle to join them in League Two next season is far from over though with Cambridge United, Grimsby Town joined in the playoffs by two from FC Halifax, Gateshead and Braintree Town.

Reaching the playoffs is an achievement for any team - but it's even more impressive for Halifax and Braintree should they make it, who remain part time and have eclipsed bigger names such as Barnet and Wrexham this season.

In recent years, the Skrill Premier has become a bit of a graveyard for former Football League teams who've fallen on hard times.  As well as Luton, the likes of Cambridge, Grimsby, Wrexham, Lincoln, Hereford and Barnet have failed to bounce back in to the 92 in quick fashion.  Indeed, Hereford are in grave danger of being relegated once again sitting in the bottom four with one left to play.

This is why I'm glad this season two of the old names are set to contend for the second promotion slot.  Recent years have seen many clubs making their Football League debuts rising from the Conference, including Stevenage, Crawley, Fleetwood and Dagenham & Redbridge.

While these clubs are well-run, professional outfits who have earned and consolidated their places, they lack the Football League history of these clubs who have clashed many times over the years albeit in a higher division than they currently lie.

If Luton thought five years was bad enough, Cambridge have been attempting to rejoin the Football League since relegation in 2005.  Twice beaten playoff finalists, this will be the first time in five seasons they will be competing in the end-of-season showdown.

It is also likely the clubs already operating on professional status will stand a better chance of survival in League Two, rather than jumping from semi-pro to full time over the summer.  This would probably prove too big a leap for the part-timers in such a short space of time.

One pitfall of the bigger clubs leaving is the drop in attendances that will be felt by all Conference sides next season - none of the clubs in contention for relegation to the division attract as sizable a crowd as Luton.  While The Hatters may not think this is a good thing, their stay in non-league has boosted many club's bank accounts in recent years.

It's not a foregone conclusion that either Cambridge or Grimsby will make the final either - United have lost three straight games while Town tripped up against likely semi final opponents Halifax last week.

Putting the stats aside however I feel the Football League will be richer for having two of it's old members back next year rather than one.  Which one, should they reach the final, is anyone's guess.

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By Steven Oldham

At both ends of League Two, there are no certainties over promotion or relegation with just three games left for most teams.

With Scunthorpe, Chesterfield and Rochdale all fluffing their lines in today's games and failing to take a win between them, it is no clearer who will take the title with two points covering the three teams.

At the bottom end of League Two there is an even bigger battle on to avoid relegation to the Conference.  It will now take a miracle for Torquay to survive, and to add insult to injury, will see their relegation sealed if they fail to beat rivals Exeter in their next match.  They lie eight points adrift of safety with nine left to play for.

So, one slot to non-league is filled.  But who will join them? As things stand, just seven points separate Newport County in 13th on 54 points and Northampton Town in 23rd on 47.  Such a close season is now entering its most exciting phase with less than a month on the calendar.  Let's look at the teams in danger.

Newport can still be relegated mathematically but it's almost impossible they will drop back to the Conference after one season in the 92.  Their run in however is tough and they won't sit in 13th by the time the season ends.  A gaggle of matches against sides chasing the playoffs and promotion (Burton, York and Rochdale) will probably prove slim pickings for the Welshmen.

One place and one point behind Newport lie AFC Wimbledon.  The Dons have been steadily picking up points in recent weeks, and have lost one in five.  Tellingly though they have only won one too.  A trip to Plymouth next time out will be a tough ask but they should have enough to make home advantage pay over Morecambe.  An improvement on last year's 20th place is a good base for next season for Neal Ardley's team.

On 52 points are Cheltenham.  A disappointing season for The Robins after making the playoffs two years running.  The Robins have suffered lately with a run of games against teams fighting for honours - Scunthorpe, Southend and Fleetwood.  However they have a kinder run in than some others who are still not safe, with points to be gained against Mansfield and Dagenham.

Accrington's gamble on giving James Beattie his first taste of management appears to have paid off with the club doing better than many predicted before the season started.  They have only lost twice in their last ten and this late season run of consistent points scoring has probably done enough to keep them up for another year.  Trips to Oxford and Southend are not something they will relish while they remain relegation contenders but their important 1-0 victory over Exeter in late March could prove the key point of their season.



James Beattie has done well on a small budget at Accrington
Photo Credit: Getty/BBC



It's sad to even include Portsmouth in this post.  Few, if any, clubs have fallen from grace as quickly as Pompey have in recent years.  Stockport County's similar, more prolonged demise is a sore spot for this writer so I empathise with Portsmouth fans.  Two successive relegations however should not become three, with caretaker boss Andy Awford leading his team to three successive wins since he took over.  In his second reign as caretaker in one season, Awford's loyalty should be rewarded with the full time job.  His in-form team should increase Bristol Rovers' relegation worries tomorrow and there are points to be had from games against Northampton and Plymouth.

Morecambe have 50 points and should be the first of the teams seriously looking over their shoulder.  Winless in eight games, they look set to record their worst season under Jim Bentley to date, who has led the team to respectable mid-table finishes in his two seasons in charge.  Positively, they have held high flying Scunthorpe and Fleetwood to draws in their last two games.

Their next game against Hartlepool is crucial for both teams.  Luckily for Morecambe, 'Pool are in even worse form than they are, losing five on the bounce.  Trips to Burton and Plymouth are unlikely to improve this run and they made need their final game against Exeter to guarantee League Two football for another season, just one season after coming down from the tier above.

Hartlepool vs Exeter on the final day of the season could be crucial
Photo Credit: Hartlepool Mail

Exeter could not hope for a better time for a Devon derby.  They will seal Torquay's fate as long as they avoid defeat to their rivals and this should boost the St James' Park team in their own survival bid.  The Grecians have been declining however and have picked up just two points from 12.  A victory over Torquay would leave their fate in their own hands as they face a tough game against Scunthorpe before finishing the season with the long trip to Hartlepool.

Wycombe are the first of a trio on 47 points and will be hugely disappointed to be battling a second relegation in three years.  Gareth Ainsworth's team drew with Northampton today - a result which neither team any favours - ahead of an unwanted trip to Fleetwood next time out.  Wanderers will have no one but themselves to blame if they don't avoid the drop though, with their final games against Bristol Rovers and Torquay.  To survive you need to beat the teams around you, and if Wycombe can't they may find themselves back in the Conference for the first time since 1993.



Northampton & Bristol Rovers - will they survive?
Photo credit: Andrew Kearns

Trailing Wycombe only on goals scored are Bristol Rovers who meet Portsmouth away tomorrow.  After that they might be able to squeeze a point against Rochdale who have stuttered in their bid for promotion in recent games.  John Joe O'Toole's ability to find the net could be the difference between survival and relegation.  His record of 13 goals from midfield is almost a third of his side's tally for the entire season and gives the most obvious reason Rovers are in real danger of losing their league status.  I think Rovers and Northampton will both end up with 49 points.

In 23rd place at the moment are Northampton Town who one year ago were preparing for the playoffs.  It's fair to say a lot can change in 12 months as Town are, like Bristol Rovers, at real risk of being relegated to non-league for the first time.  The Cobblers are actually one of the form teams of the bottom half of League Two over the last five games, gaining eight points from 15.  Wins over Accrington and Burton prove there is some fight left in the team, but their goal difference is a big worry.  They need an eleven goal swing just to overtake Rovers should they end on the same points which is unlikely at best.

So who's for the drop? Ultimately I think it's between Bristol Rovers and Northampton.  I think both teams have left it too late to put together a run that will realistically drag any of the other teams into the fight.  They both have games against a team with nothing to play for (Rovers v Mansfield and Northampton v Dagenham & Redbridge) so they may be able to pull off a victory and worry the likes of Hartlepool and Morecambe.

Unfortunately for Northampton I don't think they will survive this year.  It will be close, but their poor goal difference and tough games against Oxford and Portsmouth make it unlikely to me they can stay up.  They've left themselves too much too do and I think Rovers will survive by the skin of their teeth.

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