Sam Allardyce is on course to guide West Ham back to the Premier League

Part two of our Championship review takes us from Ipswich Town to West Ham United.

IPSWICH TOWN

Current Position: 20th

With 19 players joining the club either permanently or on loan, Paul Jewell’s Tractor Boys were one the teams fancied to challenge for promotion. However, a disastrous run of form on the back of a calamitous defence has seen Ipswich switch their focus to staying in the division. Jewell, who has been told his job is safe, will have to work on the leakiest rear-guard in the league if his team are climb into the safety of mid-table. Midfielder Keith Andrews, on-loan from Blackburn, has been impressive with nine goals from midfield and Ipswich will be anxious for him to remain at the club.

LEEDS UNITED

Current Position: 8th

Leeds continue to make progress under Simon Grayson with the objective of challenging for a top-six finish, and the Elland Road outfit will be hopeful they can improve enough to get there. Grayson has watched on helplessly as needless errors have, at times, cost him team vital points, but with the poignancy and threat of Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack going forward Leeds are a danger to any opposing defence. Having already made the signing of Danny Pugh from Stoke permanent, Leeds will be hoping to add more depth to the squad as they aim for promotion.

LEICESTER CITY

Current Position: 12^th

Among the big spenders of the division, Leicester under Sven-Goran Eriksson were tipped for promotion. However, despite being close to the play-off places, Sven was sacked and replaced by former Foxes boss Nigel Pearson. They continue to be inconsistent as the manager works on gelling his expensively assembled side and while they sit just four points from the top six, having previously guided Leicester to the play-offs, Pearson will be aware of where his attention needs to focus.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Current Position: 4^th

Middlesbrough have been typical of a Tony Mowbray side this season; easy on the eye possession football, but lacking just a bit of cutting edge in the final third. Boro, however, will be content with their progress this season, currently sitting just two points off the top. While Marvin Emnes has surprised many with his goalscoring exploits this season, Mowbray is said to be in the market for a striker who can lead the Boro line and his team into the Premier League.

MILLWALL

Current Position: 21^st

Millwall seem beset by second season syndrome as patient manager Kenny Jackett sees his side struggle at the wrong end of the table just two points outside the relegation zone. While Steve Morison’s departure to Norwich was a blow, the goals of Darius Henderson, the engine of Liam Trotter, and wing craft of Warren Feeney have been the bright spots for Millwall in an otherwise disappointing season to date. Jackett will no doubt be focusing on strengthening his defence as the Lions look to beat the dreaded drop.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Current Position: 22^nd

Another failed play-off season saw manager Billy Davies leave the City Ground to be replaced by former England boss Steve McClaren. However, Forest struggled under the former England boss and he was soon replaced by former Pompey manager Steve Cotterill. After an initial impact, Forest have slumped back into their early season form and recently went seven games without scoring and have the fourth worst defensive record in the division. Cotterill will have his work cut out to improve his team at both ends to enable them to avoid relegation.

PETERBOROUGH UNITED

Current Position: 15^th

One of the favourites for the drop pre-season, Posh have been the team to watch for entertainment this season. Games involving Darren Ferguson’s side have seen 85 goals scored in just 25 games. Having lost 35-goal Craig Mackail-Smith in the summer, Ferguson invested wisely and has seen Emile Sinclair join Paul Taylor in stepping up to Championship football. Their key man has been George Boyd and Posh will be determined to hold onto their man in January to maintain the security of mid-table.

PORTSMOUTH

Current Position: 17^th

Another season, yet more off the field troubles for Pompey. With an owner arrested, a holding company forced into administration and a manager leaving, Michael Appleton, in his first managerial role, has done well to steady the ship and provide the Pompey faithful with some comfort. Veteran midfielder Hayden Mullins has been inspirational for the south coast side this term, helping them achieve a seven point safety cushion. Using his West Brom connection, Appleton has signed Joe Mattock on loan and is on the look-out for a striker.

READING

Current Position: 5^th

Last season’s losing play-off finalists have picked up where they left off and after a slow start find themselves in the top six. Losing Shane Long was a big blow to the Royals, but Brian McDermott has seen Simon Church step up to the plate. Skipper Jobi McAnuff has been in excellent form and his trickery is complemented on the opposite flank by Jimmy Kebe’s pace. The concern for McDermott will be the size of his squad, but the under-rated manager will be determined to match last season’s achievements.

SOUTHAMPTON

Current Position: 1^st

One win in six following the festive fixtures should not deter from what has been a highly productive year for Nigel Adkins’ Saints. After promotion from League One, Southampton took this season by storm, winning their first ten home games in the process. They have lead the division for most of the season and in Rickie Lambert have the division’s top marksman. Adkins will be hoping to add to his squad in January as he tries to get the Saints back to the Premier League.

WATFORD

Current Position: 18th

Following Malky Mackay’s departure, Watford continued their recent trend of in-house appointments, handing the role to Sean Dyche. Expected to struggle by many, the Hornets have been clear of the bottom three for much of the season, opening up a six point gap. Young striker Marvin Sordell has gained plenty of attention following a call-up to the England Under-21 squad and Watford’s fortunes will depend very much on whether they can keep hold of their prized asset.

WEST HAM UNITED

Current Position: 2nd

A strange season for the Irons; joint top of the league yet it would be difficult to describe them as the Happy Hammers. Sam Allardyce has stamped his mark on the team and spent big by Championship standards yet the Upton Park faithful are not completely content, mainly due to the style of football deployed. Despite this, Sam Baldock, signed from MK Dons, has been a highlight for the Irons and with the experience of the likes of Robert Green, Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole it is to be expected that they will seal a return to the top flight at the first attempt.