Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Charlton v Wolves, 2008)

A definite contender for goal of the season this one. Ebanks-Blake shows unbelievable presence of mind to score this great goal for Wolves in their 3-2 victory over Charlton.

from www.youtube.com posted with vodpod

Best stadium in the league?

The Championship boasts 24 teams all playing their home matches at venues fit for kings. Well, perhaps just Marlon King, but that’s beside the point.

In fact, just six of the 24 grounds offer venues seating over 30,000 spectators, but maybe that’s no bad thing. From experience, I can tell you that at one of those grounds, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, attendances barely reach the 20,000 mark most home games.

Whist trying to forge an opinion towards the ‘best stadium’ in the league, there are several key elements that need to be considered, such as:

1) History - What has the stadium got to offer in terms of history. By that, I mean is there a stand that has become almost as famous as the ground itself, such as Anfield’s ‘Kop‘ or Manchester United’s ‘Stretford End‘? Or maybe this stadium was the first in the land to offer Balti Pies?

2) Facilities - First and foremost, are there toilets? Yes? Good. Other facilities that need to be considered are whether or not the fans are guaranteed a good view, no matter where they sit. Access to suitable pie and pint vendors is also vital.

3) Aesthetics – What does the ground look like from the outset? Is it a horrible blotch on the landscape? Or perhaps a delighfully picturesque landmark.

Personally, I would suggest that as an away fan, I tend to prefer the old fashioned grounds. The new plasticky styles don’t really whet my appetite (see here for what i mean). So I guess that rules out Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium, Leicester’s Walkers Stadium and Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

What I do like is a ground that offers an experience. A ground that you can almost smell the passion from the fans.

Burney’s Turf Moor is a good example of passionate fans creating an intense atmosphere, but the best in the league? Not quite. From the Midlands, both Molineux and The Hawthorns are always good for a day out, but again is the history really there? I’m not so sure.

So, after heavy debate, albeit with myself, I have conclusively decided that the best stadium in the division belongs to relegation candidates Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough.

Not only is it the largest ground in the league, housing near 40,000 fans, but it undoubtedly oozes character, and from my visits to the away section, I can promise you that the passion shown by the Wednesdayites is second to none. The facilities are arguably a little dated, but you soon forget that. I urge you to take a visit to one of the country’s most historical and beautiful grounds.

It doesn’t matter who you go and watch play and i’m no connoisseur but i’m sure you would have a great day out. Although i’ve been reliably informed that Sheffield Wednesday vs Crystal Palace is quite delightful at this time of year!

Want to learn more about The Championship stadiums? Click here.

Let the relegation battle commence

Just three games remain of the 07/08 English Championship season and remarkably still nine teams face the possibility of playing League One football next campaign.

Unfortunately both Colchester and Scunthorpe already have their fate’s decided and will be plying their trade in England’s third tier of football come August.

A quick look at the table shows that Leicester currently occupy the dreaded 22nd position, but they have games against both Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday which if won, would surely see them clear of trouble.

Pos	Team	Played	GD	Pts
14	QPR	43	-2	55
15	Preston	43	-3	54
16	Norwich	43	-9	52
17	Barnsley	43	-12	52
18	Blackpool	43	-3	50
19	Southampton	43	-16	50
20	Sheff Wed	43	-5	49
21	Coventry	43	-13	49
22	Leicester	43	-2	48
23	R Scunthorpe	43	-25	39
24	R Colchester	43	-19	37

Coventry look a side in real danger of the drop. A goal difference of -13 is far from ideal and with games against play off candidates Wolves and Charlton, an easier run in would have been much the preferred option for manager Chris Coleman.

In reality, it is impossible to call. It really will go down to the wire. From a personal point of view, I believe that 52 points will be the benchmark for safety. But we’ll see…