Championship News Round-Up

Swansea have moved quickly to replace Wigan bound Roberto Martinez, appointing Paulo Sousa as their new manager.

Sousa was harshly sacked by QPR last season, but has been given the Swansea job after their board stated their belief that he was the right man to carry on the style of play that Martinez introduced to the club. However, he faces a difficult task in keeping hold of both players and staff. A make or break season for Swansea on the horizon.

Cardiff look set to lose their better players after yet again failing to reach the Premiership. First one out of the door appears to be Roger Johnson, who looks set for a £5m+ move to Birmingham.

Michael Owen has announced that he is to leave Newcastle this summer on a Bosman. The ex-England international striker wishes to play top flight football, but only Hull have so far shown a serious interest in the player (despite his agent leafleting clubs about his client’s ability) – a sign of how far his career has slid. In better news for Newcastle fans, it looks like the likes of Obafemi Martins want to stay at the club despite relegation… let’s see how much he fancies a cold, wet and windy Tuesday night at Bloomfield Road!

Newcastle however are still without a manager as their ownership saga drags on, and now have a custard cream-esque new away kit… it could be a difficult season at St. James’ yet again!

Watford have struck a deal to sign Scotland international midfielder Scott Severin on a free transfer from Aberdeen. He will link up with new Watford boss Malky Mackay, who has replaced Brendan Rodgers who is now at Reading.

West Brom’s Roman Bednar has been given a police caution after being caught buying drugs. He is still suspended from playing until the outcome of a club and FA investigation. Meanwhile, manager Tony Mowbray has of course left the club to join Celtic.

Derby chairman Adam Pearson has been appointed to the Board of the Football League, whilst Plymouth’s Phill Gill has resigned from his club’s board of directors.

Barnsley have sold goalkeeper Heinz Muller to FSV Mainz 05 for £600,000 despite the stopper being one of the best in the league. They have however turned down a £1 million bid for Brazilian midfielder Anderson De Silva from Bristol City, whilst having a bid for Rangers’ Charlie Adam (a target for Blackpool) rejected.

Moving onto Bristol City, striker Peter Styvar has joined Greek side Skoda Xanthi on loan for the season after failing to settle at Ashton Gate. Jennison Myrie-Williams, once touted as a great young prospect, has signed for Dundee United and ChrisWeale has left for Championship rivals Leicester.. But in better news for Robins fans, midfielder Marvin Elliott has signed a new three year deal with the club.

Next season could be a difficult one for Coventry. They have lost captain Scott Dann to Birmingham and striker Robbie Simpson to Huddersfield.

It could be a difficult season for Crystal Palace as well, as chairman Simon Jordan tightens the purse strings. They have, however, signed young striker Freddie Sears on a season’s loan from West Ham.

Middlesbrough assistant Malcolm Crosby has left the club, although many Boro fans will be asking why Gareth Southgate hasn’t joined him. Ex Pool loanee Graeme Owens has also left the North East club, joining Scottish side Kilmarnock. One player staying at the Riverside though is defender Matthew Bates, who has signed a new three year deal.

Another staff members leaving a club is Forest’s reserve team coach John Pemberton, who leaves the Midlands club by mutual consent.

Plymouth meanwhile have signed midfielder Carl Fletcher on a free from Crystal Palace and appointed keeper Romain Larrieu as club captain.

QPR meanwhile have of course appointed Jim Magilton as their new manager with John Gorman as his assistant. Zesh Rehman has left the club however, the ex Pool loanee joining Bradford.

Finally, Sheffield United have beaten Preston to the signing of midfielder Lee Williamson from Watford. Williamson has signed a three year deal and joins from a undisclosed fee.