Andy Thorn's Sky Blues prop up the division

As we enter the second half of the 2011/2012 campaign and the Championship starts to take shape, some clubs are clearly exceeding expectations while others are falling short. Footy Matters reflects on each club’s season to date with part one taking us from Barnsley to Hull.

BARNSLEY

Current Position: 16^th

Tipped by many to struggle this season, the Tykes currently sit nine points clear of the drop zone as manager Keith Hill instils organisation to go with his brand of passing football. Craig Davies has been an inspired summer signing from Chesterfield, with the Welshman bagging nine goals this season. The loss through injury of influential midfielder Jacob Butterfield for the rest of the campaign, however, is a major blow for the Tykes.

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Current Position: 14^th

One of the favourites for promotion, the Blues find themselves mid-table at the halfway point. Playing in the Europa League has meant fixture congestion and despite never challenging at the top, Birmingham could be in the top six if they win their games in hand. The emergence of Nathan Redmond has been the highlight of their season to date. With just the league to focus on now, Chris Hughton will hope his side can put a run of form together that would see them prominently in the promotion picture.

BLACKPOOL

Current Position: 7^th

The surprise package of the Championship two seasons ago, Blackpool’s inconsistency has meant they have spent much of this season on the periphery the play-off places. The summer exits of Charlie Adam and David Vaughan were never going to be easy to overcome and the creativity of Jonjo Shelvey, recalled by Liverpool from his loan spell, will need to be replaced in January if Ian Holloway is to see his side bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt.

BRIGHTON

Current Position: 13^th

Newly promoted, new stadium and a record signing – Brighton started the season in optimistic fashion and seemed like early contenders for back-to-back promotions. But a ten game winless run, £3m man Craig Mackail-Smith’s dry patch, and inconsistency since October has seen the Seasiders slump into mid-table. While Gus Poyet may be content with a season of consolidation, the ambitious owners and fans may have their sights set higher. Brighton will need to keep hold of defender Lewis Dunk, who has been linked with a January move.

BRISTOL CITY

Current Position: 19^th

City’s early season form saw them sit bottom of the league and cost Keith Millen his job. Following Derek McInnes’ arrival results immediately improved, pulling the Robins out of the bottom three. After a dip in form, City beat pace-setters Southampton to finish 2011 on a high. Much sought after forward Nicky Maynard has been transfer-listed and City will need to replace their top scorer carefully if they are to avoid dropping into the relegation zone.

BURNLEY

Current Position: 10^th

After a slow start to the season the Clarets have turned the corner in some style and have moved to within three points of a play-off place. Looking strong and the league’s form team, if Burnley can keep hold of top scorer Jay Rodriguez they could be the team to beat in the second half of the season. Having already signed Kieran Tripper from Manchester City on a permanent basis, Eddie Howe has demonstrated his ambition to move the club forward.

CARDIFF CITY

Current Position: 3^rd

Following another play-off disappointment last season, Cardiff replaced Dave Jones with Malky Mackay and the move appears to be paying off. After a huge turnover of players over the summer, the Bluebirds have kept pace with the top two thus far, currently placed just two points from top spot. Peter Whittingham has rediscovered his form of two years ago and his set pieces, goals and creativity have been the catalyst for Cardiff’s drive for promotion.

COVENTRY CITY

Current Position: 24th

While many expected the Sky Blues to have a season of struggle, there will be disappointment among the faithful that they are seven points from safety just into the second half of the season. Former scout Andy Thorn, a battle hardened centre-half as a player, will need to prepare his young and small squad for a tough five months as they look to climb off the foot of the table. Forward Lukas Jutkiewicz has been in good form and he will need to maintain this if Coventry are to avoid League One football next season.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Current Position: 11^th

After two seasons of relegation battles, the Eagles will be delighted to be sitting three points outside the top six. Dougie Freedman has quietly turned the club around, tightening up the defence and adding steel to the midfield. Youngsters Nathanial Clyne and Wilfred Zaha are attracting Premier League attention but Palace will be determined to keep the pair as they aim to progress in the second half of the season. The recent resurgence of Darren Ambrose could help the Eagles cause a few more upsets between now and May.

DERBY COUNTY

Current Position: 9th

A real up and down season thus far for Nigel Clough’s Rams. After keeping pace with the leading sides at the start of the season, a major stutter saw Derby drop to mid-table with relegation form. Four wins in five mean they are back on track, but the owners have made it clear the squad will be trimmed in January. On-loan keeper Frank Fielding has been one the league’s best this campaign and he will be key to where the Rams finish this season.

DONCASTER ROVERS

Current Position: 23^rd

A poor start to season saw one of the league’s most popular managers, Sean O’Driscoll, surprisingly sacked and former Wales international Dean Saunders take the reins at the Keepmoat. With this change, the philosophy of the club altered with a series of Premier League players joining on loan, but it has been the goals of Billy Sharp which have kept Donny within touching distance of safety. With a £1.8m release clause in his contract, whether Sharp stays or goes will key in their battle against the drop.

HULL CITY

Current Position: 6^th

Nigel Pearson’s shock return to Leicester has not dampened the Tigers’ desire to return to the Premier League, with Nick Barmby taking over and guiding them into the top six. Midfielder Robert Koren’s incisive passing and goals have been key as has the return of long-term absentee Cameron Stewart and with the promise of funding for new signings forthcoming, Hull could feature heavily in the promotion picture come May.