Premiership class in the Championship may be overrated. Many of the players that have made the transition, or ‘step down’ have struggled with keeping up with the pace and power of Championship football.
Whilst the massive players like James Beattie and Kevin Phillips have certainly flourished in the league as many others end up struggling.
Andy Cole was a prime example as he announced his retirement from Nottingham Forest. He found it difficult to adapt and Colin Calderwood simply choose not to select him.
No club has quite recaptured the form of the players just like Sheffield United. They have many ex-Premier League stars turning out for them each week and they have been performing well.
So far this season The Blades have not been doing so bad; sitting a healthy fifth position firmly in the promotion picture.
Kevin Blackwell assembled his squad with the tried and tested notion and it has pinnacle to his success.
The relegation in 2007 hit them hard, huge controversy surrounded the saga. Famously West Ham stayed up through a Carlos Tevez winner at Old Trafford. Last season was a year of transition and it is encouraging to see a good club like Sheffield United looking admirable again.
Last season they finished nineth but never looked the side that achieved promotion with Reading and Watford in 2006.
Ex-Premier League talent came pouring in and soon it became the norm at Bramall Lane, players with huge calibre and reaching the twilight of their careers were putting on the red and white strips. Blackwell made a shrewd move in bringing these players; it may be deemed that they may not be up to the task. However so far this season they have defied that believe.
The most prodigious one must be Beattie. He has been scoring goals for fun since his £4 million move in the summer of 2007. The expensive price tag was justified as he supplied 22 goals last term and 7 so far this term. He came with bags of Premier League and scoring known how. He scored plenty of goals for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, and Everton before deciding to take a step down to rediscover his touch.
Sun Jihai was a regular right back at Manchester City before joining the Blades, par his straight red card against Coventry City he has been performing well.
Gary Naysmith joined from Everton and is still good enough to be playing in a Premier League club. His £1 million pound transfer has been worthwhile has he has really tightened up the left side of defence.
Gary Speed has performed superbly at every club he has represented and it is no surprise that he has been doing the same. He currently holds the esteemed honour of ranking up more Premiership appearances than any other player. After joining in January 2008, Speed has been vital in United’s recent success.
Keith Gillespie was another Premier League startle who was touted for bug things, unfortunately he never really reached those expectations. Neil Warnock signed him in 2005 to add experience and flair to his midfield, but times have been difficult and he often is found fighting for a spot on the bench.
Ugo Ehiogu is another experience Premier League campaigner; he joined from Rangers also in January 2008. He certainly adds experience and much steel to the defence. Once costing £8 million, he has been the hairpin at the back and has formed a good partnership with Chris Morgan.
These players have dropped down to the league and have done a good job, Blackwell must have been trying to preserve these players and prolong their careers. So far, he has been able to do that. Well maybe leave out Lee Hendrie, who is on loan to Blackpool.
With more foreign influences invading the Premier League, the Championship may even the next call of protocol for the next breed of English talent.
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