Sorry it’s late! 

With 2 weeks until the opener (because these things take time, y’know), here’s a countdown of all of the runners and riders, the movers and shakers, and the wingers and strikers the Championship has to offer. Here’s Part 2…

Cardiff

Last year: 13^th

Prediction: Dave Jones’ rollercoaster year last season saw them set the early pace, blazing a Michael Chopra-induced trail across the division, before crashing and burning spectacularly towards the close and finally settling at 13^th place. Things are never dull with our Dave. However, with their 22-goal frontman departing for the Royvolution at Sunderland and the deficiencies of a small squad fully evident by the end of 06/07, Dave Jones has moved quickly on his recruitment drive. High earners such as Robbie Fowler and Trevor Sinclair have arrived, wiping out much of the £5m raised from Chopra, and raising expectations even further. However, while these ageing stars move in, the team has been based on solid roots – players like Stephen Thompson or Riccy Scimeca are proven Championship performers, while Joe Ledley and Paul Parry provide inconsistent flair. The signing of Peter Whittingham, long admired by Jones, will also add a sweet left-foot to the flanks. However, I feel that much rests on the fitness of the squad, particularly its elder statesmen, if Cardiff are going to provide the mooted Playoff push.

Key player: Robbie Fowler – High hopes, high wages, high class, high risk. ‘The best natural finisher in England’ ™ needs to justify investment with goals. If he stays fit, you wouldn’t bet against him

One to watch: Chris Gunter – Everton target who is already a full Welsh international, and winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award. Plenty of potential in his 15 appearances thus far 

Charlton

Last year: 19^th (Premiership)

Prediction: Charlton’s relegation masked a distinct upturn in their play, if not their fortunes, following the appointment of Alan Pardew. While Darren Bent’s departure progressed as expected, the £16.5m windfall surprised many, and has allowed Pardew to hold on to much of the rest of his squad. Additions like the prolific (last season) Iwelumo and Varney, alongside Todorov and the other Bent, mean that Charlton’s forward line is the envy of the division, while a midfield comprising of Andy Reid, Matty Holland, Darren Ambrose and Jerome Thomas should hold enough quality for the top two. However, relegated teams have consistently failed to adapt to the Championship quickly, while the club’s winner of the player-of-the-season gong for the last 3 years have all departed this summer (Bent, Young and Carson). Their defence continues to look as flaky as a bathtub chocolate bar, and it remains to be seen whether Nicky Weaver is actually that good, despite plaudits at Citeh last year. On paper they should make the top two.

Key player: Andy Reid – the chubby midfielder showed flashes of inspiration last year, and his supply route will be essential for the massed ranks of the Charlton forward line

One to watch: Yassin Moutaouakil – French fullback signed for half a million pounds was a reputed target for Lazio and Celtic, among others 

Colchester

Last year: 10^th

Prediction: The surprise package of last season bar none, the U’s are looking to upset the odds again, based on their form at the fortress-like Layer Road. However, Geraint Williams has had to deal with the exits of star players Jamie Cureton, Chris Iwelumo and Wayne Brown, depriving the squad of goals and defensive rocks that were so important last year. Star signings have been few, though the mercurial Teddy Sheringham has brought his octogenarian talents to the club, alongside gambles like Platt, Yeates and Guttirdge. The defence should continue to be solid, with Duguid and Watson supplemented by Arsenal talent Matthew Connolly and Danny Granville, while Dean Gerken has made the keeping position his own. It is goals that seem to be the problem for the forthcoming season, with much of Colchester’s previous success based on the prolific nature of their strikeforce. Without further investment, I’m struggling to see that, over the course of the season, they will score enough…

Key player: Clive Platt – Everyone knows what they’re going to get from Teddy, but he is unlikely to hit 20 in a season. That leaves a goalscoring burden on the former MK Dons man, and he’ll want to prove his 18 goals last year weren’t simply a flash in the pan

One to watch: Dean Gerken – Newly contracted and highly rated, 21 year old stopper Gerken has finally made the gloves his own after a string of fine, Ray Clemence-watched, performances at the tail end of last year. The youngster has the class to continue that form into the new season 

Coventry

Last year: 17^th

Prediction: It’s all change for Iain Dowie’s Sky Blues this year, as protracted takeovers and a revolving door transfer policy has seen upheaval at the Midlands club. Coventry lost their star players Stern John and Gary McSheffrey to promoted teams last year, and had struggled to perform without those leading lights, ultimately finishing in a disappointing position. They’ve smartened up their defence with the long-in-the-tooth but good-at-the-back Arjan de Zeeuw, and have been busy trying to add quality to a workmanlike squad. Julian Gray is a good addition, while Leon Best and Robbie Simpson are young and highly-rated. Depth in the squad is an issue Dowie must be worried about, especially should injuries (or bigger clubs) blight Coventry’s steps again. The club’s potential new management won’t be patient in waiting for success, so this season must be an improvement on the disappointments of 06/07.

Key player: Arjan de Zeeuw – He is slow and can barely pass the ball, but Wigan’s former captain is a born leader and shouldn’t be exposed for pace too often at this level

One to Watch: Robbie Simpson – The 22 year-old’s transfer tribunal overshadowed his move to Coventry from Cambridge, where he scored 15 goals over the second part of the season to seal Dowie’s interest