With the start of the new Championship season set for this weekend, we're taking a look at the odds for each of the relegated sides to gain promotion back up to the Premier League.
QPR 13/8
They certainly seem to the bank roll and the talent within their squad to be capable of bouncing straight back up but have they got the right mentality? Last season they had arguably better players than most of the bottom half teams in the Premier League but their problems lay with said players' attitude.
This season however 'Arry seems to have invested a little more wisely. Richard Dunne will obviously bring some much needed leadership to the team, should he stay fit. As will Karl Henry, who was captain and Wolves for much of their Premier League days. Danny Simpson is also a handy full-back and when you add these three men to an already strong squad then they look a promotion certainty.
Reading 11/4
Reading were an odd team last season. They may have stayed up if they'd kept faith in Brian McDermott or if they decided not to wait until injury time to start mounting comebacks but as Brian Cowen would say, they are where they are, and the question now is can they mount a promotion push.
They've brought in Wayne Bridge so already the omens don't look great but perhaps the signing of former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe will provide some optimism, They've trimmed their squad substantially (bye bye Ian Harte) but have kept most of the first team players so they definitely will be there or thereabouts. Add Nigel Adkins' habit of gaining promotion from the lower leagues, and we think that they just might sneak a second place finish.
Wigan 10/3
Poor old Wigan. They captured everyone's hearts last season but now with the departure of Roberto Martinez it seems as if they're staring into the abyss.
Not only that but then Martinez goes and takes their two best players, Antolín Alcaraz and Arouna Koné, with him to Goodison. However new manager Owen Coyle seems to have actually strengthened the squad over the summer – albeit with very different types of players to those Wigan fans will be used to. So it will come down to how quick the club can make the transition from the continental style they used to play to what looks like a typical English 'Let's knock it up to Grant Holt' approach.
The Verdict
QPR seem a nailed on bet but as we know with the Championship nothing is ever that certain. Therefore their price of 13/8 is a little too short for our liking. Instead we'll be having a cheeky flutter on Reading 10/3.
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