Villa, Newcastle & Norwich

[MattyRangers]

So Rafa Benitez has signed for three years at Newcastle. Is it a foregone conclusion they will win the league or is he in for a real shock trying to play football in this division?

How things change eh, being the manager facing Barcelona last year, its Burton Albion and Rotherham this year. Ha ha ha ha,

£5m a year to manager in the Championship is madness.

[Ramsey is god]

Confirms they will win the league i would have thought.

If struggling come January, they will plow a load of money back into it.

[jmelanie]

£5m a year to manager in the Championship is madness.

How much was Harry getting?

[Hubble]

Crazy money, but also a laugh. I like the idea of Rafa managing in the Champ. Adds some sparkle.

[Shepherds Mush]

They'll be up there but chucking money at it won't guarantee promotion.

[CroydonCaptainJack]

Confirms they will win the league i would have thought.

If struggling come January, they will plow a load of money back into it.

They plowed a considerable amount in this season and look where that got them.
I was amazed they went down after the purchases they made in January.

[Martinmalta]

I think they (Newcastle) will run away with this league.

[jmelanie]

There will be a lot of pressure on them. Every team will want to beat them and possibly make a special effort.

[easthertsr]

Way, way too early to make meaningful predictions for next season until we have an idea what squads clubs will have. Despite the hype, I think it is a massive gamble to have Benitez managing in the Championship, a long,physically tough league, with players technically much weaker than he is used to, is completely out of his comfort zone. it could easily go t*ts up very quickly!

[West Acton]

Newcastle will not go up automatically

[gator]

Way, way too early to make meaningful predictions for next season until we have an idea what squads clubs will have. Despite the hype, I think it is a massive gamble to have Benitez managing in the Championship, a long,physically tough league, with players technically much weaker than he is used to, is completely out of his comfort zone. it could easily go t*ts up very quickly!

You could be right, it's not always as straight forward as people think, it's a tough division and will be a bit of a shock playing in some of these smaller older grounds on a Tuesday night! I tend to think they will bounce right back up but I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't! I can't wait for the new season to start!

[Kevin Mcleod]

Di Matteo appointed Villa boss.

[Shepherds Mush]

Di Matteo appointed Villa boss.

Makes no difference IMO...they will be strugglers.

[WeAreQPR12]

Totally agree, villas problems are deeper than a change of manager. Newcastle will win the league.

[lymehoop]

Di Matteo appointed Villa boss.

good appointment, but it be a minor miracle if he can get Villa in or around the play-offs