Championship Team of the Year...

So here it is – the Championship Team of the Year voted by you.

Goalkeeper: Kelvin Davis (Southampton)

Right Back: Graeme Alexander (Burnley)

Left Back: Kyle Walker (Sheffield United)

Centre Back: Clarke Carlisle (Burnley)

Centre Back: Richard Stearman (Wolves)

Right Midfield: Jordi Gomez (Swansea City)

Left Midfield: Robbie Blake (Burnley)

Centre Midfield: Karl Henry (Wolves)

Centre Midfield: Chris Cohen (Nottingham Forest)

Striker: Jason Scotland (Swansea City)

Striker: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves)

Many surprising inclusions and a far cry from the PFA Team of the Year.

Please leave your thoughts and feelings.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)

Championship Strikers of the Year..

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate concludes his investigation into the Championship team of the year, by focusing on the strikers.

You always need goals and these players certainly been in amongst them, some of them better than others but goals nevertheless.

Jason Scotland

This man can't stop performing. His goal scoring exploits for Swansea City have had many Premier League teams taking note. After scoring the goals to get the Welsh club promoted from League One, and the step to the Championship has not been a problem for the Trinidad and Tobago striker.

Scotland's goal ratio in the English League is over one goal in every two games and that can't be ignored.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Finished top scorer of the Championship as his goals played a huge role in Wolves' return to the top flight. After making his name as Plymouth Argyle, he moved to Wolves and provided them with a flurry of goals.

Goals are not only his major asset; he links play brilliantly and brings many midfielders in to the action.

Kevin Doyle

The Irishman hitman was on excellent form in the first half of the season; his goals contributed so much to Reading's fortunes. Although the goals did dry up in the second half of the season, his all round team play was impressive.

Premier League suitors couldn't do much worse than Doyle, as he has shown that he is able to score goals in the top flight as well. His future will be much talked about this summer.

Marcus Tudgay

The Sheffield Wednesday hit man may not have been as prolific as some players may but his impact and play can't be undermined. The striker has played in almost every position this term but is happy to help the team.

He won the PFA Fans Championship Player of the Year award, as well as his clubs honour as well. His goal against fierce rivals Sheffield United must be the highpoint in his season.

Ross McCormack

Although many of goals came from the penalty spot, his goals helped Cardiff propel up the league. He joined on a free at the beginning of the season and joined because of the presence of his boyhood hero Robbie Fowler.

He finished the season scoring 23 goals in all competitions despite missing some of the season through injury. He's now in talks with Cardiff about a new contract although a move up a league maybe on the cards.

Kevin Phillips

This man just performs wherever he goes. Phillips joined Birmingham on two-year contract after rejecting a one-year stay at West Brom. Alex McLeish must be pleased that Phillips agreed to them, his goals have done wonders and his impact was sorely missed.

When Phillips was injured, Birmingham found it difficult to score and his return saw him score a goal at Reading to give his side Promotion.

Championship Centre Midfielder of the Year...

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate continues his investigation into the Championship team of the year, by focusing on the centre midfield area.

The midfield general, the anchor, arguably the most influential position on a football pitch. They can change a game, one single pass, one superb tackle, or one inspiring turn can make the biggest of impacts. These players have certainly done that for their sides.


Joe Ledley

A general naturally gifted player and he is already known as one of the most gifted players in the championship. The Cardiff City playmaker has performed well as his side missed a play off place, his performances have impressed Wales boss John Toshack, as he has become pinnacle in their step up.

The Welsh youngster has built up a huge reputation, and a £6 million pound offer was rejected at the beginning of the season and he rewarded Cardiff with his loyalty, and proudly captained the side.

Lee Carsley

Carsley brought a wealth of experience to a Birmingham City side that was looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League. He rejected an offer of a contract extension from Everton to join his home-town club and what an inspiration he has been.

Club captain Damien Johnson was expected to miss much of the season through injury, therefore Carsley was given the captaincy to lead the team to promotion. He won Player's player of the season and rightfully too.

Karl Henry

What a season for this man. Henry led Wolves to the Premier League, he took over the captain's armband in the absence of the experienced Joey Craddock. His gritty displays gave him credit for doing the dirty work in the centre of midfield; he has established a wonderful partnership with David Jones as the pair has dominated most midfields they have come up against.

Henry lifted the trophy with Craddock as the captain of Wolves after the 1-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

Chris Cohen

The Nottingham Forest work horse has been subject to much praise from many admirers in the Championship and he has been rewarded with a new contract at the City Ground. His consistent displays for Forest won him player of the year from his fans.

Cohen was a product of the West Ham United Youth system and he will be an important player for the club next season.

Championship Right Midfielder of the Year

Champ Corner's Steven Woodgate continues his investigation into the Championship team of the year by focusing on the right wing spot.

These players have performed very well for their teams this season, and their influence has been essential for the team's outcome. Without these players, their clubs would be lost.

Tommy Smith

Smith probably had one of his best seasons this term as he finished the 2008.09 season with 17 league goals and made nine assists. Statistically he was named the Championship's top midfielder and was voted the clubs player of the season for the second year running.

Now 29 years old, he would be a perfect right midfielder for any club but this man has a deep lying love for Watford and it would be very difficult for him ever to leave.

Jordi Gomez

This Spaniard joined the revolution down at Swansea and been extremely impressive. Now departed manager Roberto Martinez was keen to extend the midfielder's stay at Swansea however, after the season he had he is destined on bigger things. A move to Scottish giants Celtic is on the cards.

He was a product of FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol's youth ranks and has bags of ability. Gomez's winning goal against fierce rivals Cardiff City will always be memorable for the fans.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce

This midfielder certainly has its followers, as there was a rumour that now departed Reading manager Steve Coppell was going to make a move on the speedy winger. He wrote his name into Barnsley folklore with a simply stunning goal at Hillsborough to sink Sheffield Wednesday; he also scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Plymouth that kept his side in the Championship.

The Jamaican international may be looking up the division and any team with promotion credentials should take a gamble on Jamal.

Wade Elliott

The man's goal ensured that Burnley would be playing Premier League football next term after a stunning curled shot goal in the playoff final was enough to beat Sheffield United.

He has been one of the constant performers for Burnley this term and hi has slotted brilliantly into a team that consists of Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles. Often Elliott's performance has kept Eagles on the bench; he will do well in the top flight.

Championship Left Midfielder of the Year..

The classic number 11 position is here, and many decent left footed players are hard to come by but these four certainly have had a huge impact on their teams.

Stephen Hunt

This man could have been playing his trade in the Premier League but opted to get Reading promoted at the first time of asking. It was evident that Reading's form dipped as soon as Hunt's did. Statistically, Hunt created the most chances of anyone in the league and no wonder why Kevin Doyle loves playing with his compatriot.

Now a move to the Premier League is a dead cert, there are many takers - Everton, Fulham and Wigan are all rumoured to fight for his signature.

Robbie Blake

What a year he has had for Burnley, he's been taken out of his ordinary strikers role and been placed in midfield to be effective in play. This tactic from Owen Coyle has done wonders as he's probably had his best ever season after guiding Burnley to promotion.

The playmaker has performed well; his experience to help the younger players of the squad can't be ignored.

Kris Commons

Hated in Nottingham but loved in Derby, the midfielder is not one to hide form controversy. His free transfer move created much hatred but Derby has benefit wholly from his talents. After his terrific exploits against Manchester United in the Carling Cup, he was linked with moves to Newcastle United and Wigan for £3 million.

Ross Wallace

Wallace initially turned down the chance to join Preston at the beginning of the season but after being told by then manager Roy Keane at Sunderland that e was further down the pecking than he thought, he jumped at the chance to join the Championship club.

Wallace last minute free kick winner against Birmingham gave Preston a glimmer of hope of reaching the playoffs, and that playoff place was secured at the expense of Cardiff. Wallace's excellent crossing made him a fans' favourite and soon he signed permanently.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)

Championship Centre Back of the Year..

The rock of any team, the centre back position is vital to any team and sometimes they can make or break a good team. A long list to choose from but here is six players that had very good seasons.

Richard Stearman

Stearman has certainly come on leaps and bounds recently and his potential has be showcased. The former Leicester City man performances this term has made him a certain first choice and looks that the step up to the Premier League won't be that big.

On May 3rd, he scored an injury time winner against Doncaster Rovers, which was his first for the club as he finished the season on a high note. He will be lofting his Championship winners medal proudly.

Roger Johnson

His constant decent performances this term impressed the Cardiff City faithful so much they made him the club's player of the year. After missing out on promotion this term, Cardiff may find it hard to keep the defender as he won many admirers from many top division clubs.

His defensive partnership with Glenn Loovens has proved the real force as Cardiff missed out on the playoffs.

Matthew Kilgallon

Kilgallon joined Sheffield United on a huge fee from Leeds back in 2007 and at present he looks worth every penny. He has played 42 games this term and built a very good understanding with partner Chris Morgan as they are the Blades' rock at the back.

After Sheffield's failure to get out of the Championship, a move to the Premier League beckons and on this seasons' form it would be hard to argue otherwise.

Clarke Carlisle

Reached the playoff final fighting tooth and nail for the club, and duly took the man of the match award for Burnley in the final. The game finished 1-0 and that clean sheet was down to the tough tackling of Carlisle.

His fight back from numerous injuries and an alcohol problem makes Carlisle raise to the top even more inspiring. He will be playing more Premier League football next term.

Matthew Mills

Arguably, Doncaster City has been the surprise package of the championship and Mills' involvement must be credited. A tall, athletic and composed centre back was Doncaster's record signing and proved good value.

Previously at Manchester City, he's adapted to the Championship quickly and effectively as he looks a good prospect for the future.

Championship Left Back of the Year...

Left backs are often a good outlet for attacks and defending, getting up and down the pitch is not easy but these four candidates have been the pick of a good bunch and all have had excellent seasons, for one reason or another.

Chris Armstrong

Somehow Armstrong's first team opportunities were rather limited at Sheffield United, so Steve Coppell spent £500,000 for the left back's signature. Originally, he had a tough task in replacing Nicky Shorey but he easily rose to the challenge and was named fans' player of the season.

He was consistently Reading's best player and has been very dependable, even chipping in with a stunning goal against Watford.

Daniel Fox

The Coventry City youngster has been banging on the door of the England Under 21 squad after a very impressive season. Impressive enough that Newcastle United, when in the Premier League, made firm interest in Fox to sort out their defensive woes.

Mature head on young shoulders, Fox has committed himself to the Sky Blues as he wants first team football.

Frank Queudrue

The Birmingham City defender used all of his know how and experience to guide his side back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. He was voted the fans' player and Birmingham Mail's player of the season after a string of good performances.

He was one manager Alex McLeish turned too in inspiring his team. Queudrue attitude was always known and a certain blonde streak in his hair helped fans identify his differences of attitude compared to the other players.

Kyle Walker

The Sheffield United youngster still may be a bit of a novice when it comes to playing in the Championship, but his performances are anything like the ones in the playoffs this season he will certainly by one to catch the eye next term.

He was on loan at Northampton Town earlier in the season but impressive games from January onwards shows how good this youngster is.

Championship Right Back of the Year...

The right back position can be vital for any team; it could start an attack or break up an opposition threat. It’s often a position that is underrated but for some Championship sides this term, their right back have been vital in their success.
The nominations for the Championship Right Back of the Year are:

Graham Alexander

The Scot found himself playing anchor in midfield towards the end of the season, but the right back berth is often his natural position. The Burnley captain led his troops to an unprecedented amount of games and he hasn’t disappointed.

He played in every single game for the Clarets and was influential with everything they did. His penalty taking exploits also helped with the nine goals he contributed he certainly helped Owen Coyle’s side reach the Premier League. Alexander’s penalty against Reading in the Playoff Semi finals practically sealed their place in the final.

Kyle Naughton

After a loan spell at Scottish side Gretna, Kyle came back to Sheffield United determined to make that right back position his own, duly he did. He cemented his place in the side with a string of impressive performances that made Stuart Pearce to take note and a call up to the England U21 soon followed.

The Blades’ revival towards the end of the season helped Naughton, his pace, discipline, positioning helped him become recognised, and it allows him to offer more than the ordinary right back.

Kevin McNaughton

The Cardiff City ace has always been consistent this year and passed his 100th appearance for the Bluebirds against Watford in October. He’s always been reliable under the Dave Jones’ reign, he’s tied up the right side tightly and never puts a foot wrong.

Many words fling to mind when speaking of McNaughton – consistent, high work-rate, determination and impressive all feature heavily and he once again proves that he provides Cardiff with adequate service. The Scot will be pinnacle for Cardiff’s promotion challenge next term.

Angel Rangel

The Spanish star helped Swansea City almost close in on a playoff place. This season especially he’s become popular with the Swansea faithful with a string of many brilliant performances, particularly in going forward.

Rumours circulate that he will be on the move to Wigan Athletic or Manchester City for a substantial sum this summer. No doubt, one of the better right backs in the Championship.

(Champ Corner, Football FanCast, 2009)

Championship Goalkeeper of the Year...

So, it comes to this – a summer without a ball being kicked and now I want us to look back at the Championship season that’s just past and vote for the best eleven, one occupying every position to find the team of the season.

No doubt there will be tough decisions to be made, so we are leaving it to you the readership to vote for your best. Please come back regularly and vote for each position and find out what the team of the year will be – there may be some surprises.

The 2008/09 Championship Goalkeeper of the Year

The Nominations are:

Wayne Hennessey

The Wolves stopper is only 22 years old and he has managed to establish himself as his clubs and his countries Number 1. His massive six and a half foot frame would be an asset to any team; he has been a vital part of Wolves’ success this term and will not be out of place in the Premier League.

His record-breaking spell at Stockport County showed us what he is capable off and Hennessey was at his best, making many crucial saves in the game against QPR, which culminated in a 1-0 victory taking Wolves back into the Premier League.
Kieren Westwood

Where would Coventry City be without this man? He is arguably their best player and their greatest asset, after his release from Manchester City, he has made his name at Carlisle as they propelled through the leagues. Coventry made a smart purchase, and he has shown why he is worth every penny of the £500,000 they paid for him.

Despite Coventry having a somewhat indifferent season, Westwood has been in good form and he will be a big part player next term if a move to the Premier League don’t materialise.

Brian Jensen

Burnley’s season has been a thrilling one and Jenson deserves many plaudits for his efforts this term. The club reached the Premier League, and his value can’t be underestimated. He performed superbly against Premier League clubs in the Carling and FA Cups as well as being solid throughout the playoffs. He will be busier in the top flight next season. Notably, Jensen saved two Chelsea penalties to claim victory in the Carling Cup.

The Dane has been loyal to the Clarets, playing over 200 games for the club, and that loyalty certain paid off. He managed to oust first choice Gabo Kiraly and keep the number 1 spot from January for the remainder of the season.

Kelvin Davis

He has become somewhat of a cult figure at St. Marys. After a season to forget for Southampton, Davis was one of the bright spots – he led a team of youngsters as they made a brave fight to survive from relegation before being condemned to League One by the Football League. It will be a sad day when he leaves the club he loves but he is one of the better goalkeepers in the Championship.

Saints fans voted the goalkeeper their player of the season and his wholehearted efforts deserve praise. The defence in front of him is far from adequate in this Championship and he singlehandedly kept many score lines modest.