Coca Cola Football League Promotion Betting 2009-2010

Internet Football Betting fans will be relishing the prospect of the new Coca Cola Football League season getting under way, with many online soccer punters under the impression that this is the real face of English football. Throwing scorn over the place of the Barclays Premier League in the hearts of the true interactive betting fraternity, online football gamblers fervently believe that the often wide-open betting fields offered by the Coca Cola Championship and League's One and Two allows for far more opportunity to make money.

And it's difficult to argue otherwise when you look into matters. Whilst not going as far as to suggest that the Premiership is a closed betting shop, the weekly predictability of scores and consequent league positioning makes for rather bland online betting when compared to leagues that could just as easily witness teams at the foot of tables swap places with those at the top. All-in-all this makes Coca Cola Football League promotion betting 2009-2010 far more relevant in our book.

So looking ahead to those teams who the online bookmakers believe are best placed to make the leap of faith from the highest reaches of the league in which they currently ply their trade to the lowest reaches of the one directly above 9 months later, we take a ganders at which clubs are being tipped for future greatness, and whether we think they're worth a punt as this Coca Cola football league promotion betting 2009-2010 season unfolds. As ever we're telling it exactly as it is, warts and all, yet covering Coca Cola League Football Betting in its entirity.

Coca Cola Football League Promotion Betting 2009-2010 - Championship Preview

What is fast becoming a graveyard for football teams that used to command the attention of BBC1's Match Of The Day viewers and the respect of fellow Barclays Premier League supporters, the Coca Cola Championship is wedged with many an ex-Premiership side that were always considered 'too big' to go down. Until they actually bode farewell to their high profile chums and disappeared through the big league's trap door, only to wind up facing the likes of Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough United less than three months down the road. Yet as realistically as far away from Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield as the outer rings of Jupiter.

Of course things change pretty quick once this happens, and there's no time to rest on your laurels. The big time Charlie's are the first to jump ship just as soon as they work out where Doncaster and Peterborough are, and if they don't (and are of any value to the newly-relegated club) they'll have a price tag slapped on their forehead and put in the (club) shop window quick smart. That's whilst the die-hard fans pledge their allegiances at any cost (yup, the clubs don'tt realise that they'll have to slash season ticket costs as their followers might not be enamoured at the historical footballing context at which they find themselves part of when warming their winter backsides on the cheap seats at some far-flung soccer outpost). And still in a state of denial, flummoxed club chairmen and disillusioned management teams alike bleat on about 'bouncing back' at the first time of asking when pressed by countless interviewers, clearly ignoring the plight of Manchester City who clawed their way back from the brink more times than they'd like to recall now that they're Middle Eastern saviours are flashing the cash, and Leeds United who are still going through the motions in League One, as are Southampton and Charlton Athletic who are in apparent free-fall.

Internet Football Betting Fans Spoilt For Promotion Favourite Choices In Coca Cola Championship

If managers are in any doubt as to the challenge that lies in wait for them, then they need look no further than the current Championship line-up. Complete with blasts from the footballing greats past who all have their own particular (sorry) story to tell, yet some who last graced the top flight of English football when Sir Stanley Matthew and Tom Finney were zipping down the flanks in their ridiculously baggy shorts. Derby County, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Reading, Coventry City, Leicester City, QPR, Watford and the Sheffield's of Wednesday and United are testament to Premier League teams that have fallen on hard times despite a proud footballing heritage. And are still getting meager pickings as they embark on their numerous Coca Cola Championship campaign, still unable to 'bounce back' as quickly as they thought. Add to this the latest clutch of other famous (and famously underachieving in recent years) clubs with much Premier League mileage under their belts - Newcastle United and Middlesbrough - lining up to cross swords and you can begin to understand perhaps why the second tier of English domestic soccer is regarded as almost impossible to rise above.

Of the 24 clubs that comprise the 2009-2010 Coca Cola League Championship, 15 have tasted Barclays Premiership successes. Or at least seen how the other half live first hand. And it's therefore no surprise to see that the core of these have been automatically installed as leading promotion candidates for the 2009-2010 Coca Cola League Championship season. Indeed, West Bromwich Albion (6 - 4), Middlesbrough (13 - 8) and Newcastle United (13 - 8) are perceived to be the teams to beat for the chasing pack. But as the odds reflect, any team is capable of beating another, which is essentially why predicting which teams will get promoted is something of a science. Or to put it another way, damn near impossible.

Newcastle, Middlesbrough And West Brom Tipped By Online Bookmakers As Promotion Candidates

West Bromwich Albion have decided to stick rather than twist in terms of playing personnel, which could work to their long-term advantage from the outset of the Championship campaign as the team know each other inside out. Including their bad habits. They are more or less the nucleus of the side that was relegated from the Premier League last term, yet also the same team that almost made a mockery of the league the year before that as they ran away with the title. No-nonsense boss, Tony Mowbray might have done one to Celtic over the summer, but in Roberto Di Matteo they have a much fancied young boss who was well thought of during his tenure at MK Dons.

Middlesbrough are also one of the favourites to enjoy promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and by retaining the managerial services of Gareth Southgate - along with the core of last season's key staff, including some promising academy talent coming through the ranks - means they remain as a stable footballing unit. They might have lost Stewart Downing, whilst Tuncay is faltering on signing on the dotted line to extend his stay at the Riverside, but otherwise familiarity will far from breed contempt as 'Boro adapt to life in the Championship.

Newcastle United's prospects of returning to whence they came in the blink of an eye (and so pretend this whole sorry chapter in the footballing history never actually took place at all) hangs on a couple of issues. One very much down to the Magpies' on-field application and work ethic, the other more of what's going on behind the scenes. Which arguably brought about their introduction to the life and times of a Championship club. Hoping they're not around long enough to have to acclimatise to their seemingly alien, uncompromising new environment will depend on the likes of the experienced and savvy internationals Nicky Butt and Damien Duff rallying the troops and leading by example, now the Toon have shorn themselves of the over-earning, under-performing Michael Owen and co. yet the neutral cant help but feel that it's what happens next in the Mike Ashley episode of the long-running Newcastle United sitcom that will determine the geordie's season. Stability off the pitch courtesy of some new owners with investment plans and the recapturing of Alan Shearer as boss will ensure giant leaps. Anything less simply wont appease their long-suffering, yet resolutely loyal fans.

Roy Keane's Ipswich Town Proving Popular Promotion Selection For Internet Football Betting

Only Newcastle United have more bets riding on them winning the Championship than Roy Keane's Ipswich Town revolution (11 - 2). Which speaks volumes as to where the pundits think the Tractor Boys will end the Championship season. And if you care to look at the fiery Irishman's record in this notoriously challenging league - guiding Sunderland up, up and away from nigh on the bottom a few seasons ago against all odds - then you'll understand why the Portman Road outfit are up their with the betting pace-setters in this league.

Nottingham Forest (12 - 1) are the second most backed team to win promotion in terms of betting ahead of the new campaign, and in ex-Preston and Derby gaffer, Billy Davies they have an experienced man-manager who can steer them through the choppy Championship waters to emerge there or thereabouts by the time the proverbial fat lady sings. Having splashed out in the summer transfer window, Forest are ultimately looking in their best shape for years and well worth an each way punt in our book.

Peterborough United (20 - 1) pose an interesting thought. Well, the league's most unlikely newcomers do should Posh believe in the impossible dream enough to live it - and by that token we somehow win promotion. Then impressive young boss Darren Ferguson will sit in the away dug-out at Old Trafford within spitting distance of his slightly more famous father, and United whip-cracker, Sir Alex next t season. Potentially creating history by being the first father and son managers to face each other over a dividing technical area in English top flight football. Now there's a thought. All Peterborough United have to do to ensure this whimsical vision becomes reality, is to overcome the likes of Newcastle United, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Sheffield United both home and away in a league they know absolutely zilch about.

And finally, here's one for the statisticians. Both Doncaster Rovers (33 - 1) and Derby County's (7 - 1) end of season form during the 2008-2009 campaign would have earned them enough points to storm the play-off zone had they strung the run together much earlier. As for dark horses for the Championship this year? Well Leicester City (11 - 2), Swansea City (14 - 1), Sheffield Wednesday (16 - 1), Crystal Palace (10 - 1) and QPR (13 - 2) could all make a fist of it, yet conversely, make a ham-fist of it too.

Coca Cola Football League Promotion Betting 2009-2010 - League One Preview

One name continues to generate the most interest in this league as per usual, and that's Leeds United's (7 - 2 on average) on-going saga of 'will they, won't they' ever return to the big time (23% of bets placed on the League One title have got Leeds' name written on them). The once mighty super whites are preparing for their third consecutive season in what is effectively the old Third Division, having flattered to deceive on two previous campaigns. Having lost hot prospect Fabian Delph to Aston Villa over the summer, boss Simon Grayson has managed to hold on to equally as sought after striker, Jermaine Beckford as the former Yorkshire giants aims for third time lucky. Although with league rivals approaching Leeds fixtures with a cup final mentality, the Elland Road outfit will have to be equally up for the cup weekend in, weekend out.

Elsewhere and their near neighbours, Huddersfield Town - under bright young manager Lee Clark - appear good value for money as the season gets under way proper. Available to back at up to 20 - 1, the Tykes have bought shrewdly during the close season, adding exciting attacking options Antony Kay, Robbie Simpson and Theo Robinson to their squad ahead of the big kick off and sending out all the right signals regarding their short-term ambition in the league.

Leeds, Huddersfield, Norwich And Charlton Receiving Coca Cola League One Promotion Backing

Meanwhile a couple of the teams dropping down from the Coca Cola Championship figure prominently in the interactive betting markets, with Norwich City and Charlton Athletic tipped make some of the early winning by the online bookies. Despite loosing their manager and ex-goalkeeping legend, Bryan Gunn after just the one game (and defeat) of the new season, the Canaries are deemed well placed in the opinion of the experts to go straight back up (7 - 1 across the markets), perhaps with a nod to ex-Shrewsbury Town striker and goal machine, Grant Holt on board, along with a sea of new faces that will be looking to make Carrow Road a difficult place for visiting teams. Charlton Athletic are available at around the 10 - 1 mark with most leading bookies, whilst fellow south London club with fresh memories of the big time, Millwall, can be backed at 16 - 1.

Southampton might be worth a punt too, with prices of 25 - 1 being bandied around due to them having to avail a 10-point deduction gained before even kicking a ball in angst courtesy of irregular finances or somethingorother. With Alan Pardew in charge of on-field affairs, we believe a backs-against-the-wall attitude could easily result in a tilt at the play-offs come the spring reckoning. Further along the south coast, and Brighton and Hove Albion have also got the virtual bookmakers in a bit of a tizz, thanks to manager Russell Slade making some wise acquisitions that might prove more than fruitful as the season progresses. 14 - 1 in general says they won't be far from the shouting at the end if you're keen on your Coca Cola League One Football Betting.

Liverpool Old Boys Network Key To MK Dons And Tranmere Promotion Charges

MK Dons have recruited the services of ex-gaffer Paul Ince to guide them toward the play-offs after his less than impressive spell at Premier League Blackburn Rovers, and if he emulates his record of achievement experienced during his last stint at the helm (e.g, winning the League), then the 'Dons (10 - 1) might well be in the shake up come next May. Another management team made up of ex-Barclays Premiership players of note are being put through their League One paces on Merseyside, as former Liverpool legend John Barnes (and his willing sidekick then and now, Jason McAteer) look to recreate the glory days at Tranmere Rovers. During the 1990's the Prenton Park club were regularly pushing for promotion to the Premier League, whilst asking tricky questions of Aston Villa and Newcastle as part of various cup runs. If Barnes and McAteer can get the Birkenhead team (11 - 1) playing the old pass and move game favoured by Liverpool teams of yore, who knows what might happen. Although money's said to be tight, so they'll be knocking on Rafa Benitez's Anfield door and enquiring about loan deals we should imagine if they're to make a lasting mark in this league.

Coca Cola Football League Promotion Betting 2009-2010 - League Two Preview

Talk in Coca Cola League Two Football Betting circles is dominated by Notts County (7 - 4), the oldest football club in the English domestic league apparently, and where the Sven-Goran Eriksson roadshow has pitched up. Yup, the rum ex-England boss with an eye for crumpet has been swayed by the tantalizing aroma of sweet wonga that hangs heavy in the Nottinghamshire air now that County have a moneybags new owner. Approached with a fistful of folding stuff, it didn't take long for the former Mexico manager to say 'Ariba!' to the offer of the Director of Football gig up for grabs at Meadow Lane, believing that within 5 years Notts County will be Premiership material. Bit like UFO-obsessed former Carlisle owner Michael Knighton foresaw years ago after he failed to buy Manchester United on the cheap.  Not that we like to hamper ambition.

Providing ex-Oldham Athletic and West Brom bad boy, Lee Hughes stays on the right side of the law long enough, he – along with fellow new recruit Luke Rodgers and Karl Hawley (300 career goals between them no less) - should fire the Magpies up the League Two table and out of sight by Christmas.

Rotherham United (9 - 1) are supposedly another team to watch this season, and in ex-Plymouth Argyle trainee, Reuben Reid who bagged 18 goals in 38 starts last term, they are considered a League Two team in the ascendancy. Which is just as well really, as the Blue Square League awaits those clubs without the grapple hooks. Overcoming a 17-point deduction last season, the Millers still ruffled feathers amongst their peers, and starting on level terms for the new campaign means they'll definitely ruffle a lot more. Northampton Town (16 - 1) are hoping to bounce straight back up to League One, and are in the frame as promotion contenders courtesy of some useful summer purchases and the Cobblers are aiming for a repeat performance of their 2005-2006 season when they finished runners-up in the league and duly promoted. League Two play-off beaten finalists back in May, Shrewsbury Town (25 - 1) are equipped with the necessary understanding of what it takes to mount a promotion charge in this division, yet will have to arrest their terrible away form (just three victories away from Gay Meadow last year) if they're to go the extra distance this time.

Crewe, Chesterfield And Cheltenham Amongst Coca Cola League Two 2009-2010 Promotion Rivals

Mike Newall's much fancied Grimsby Town (yet a tempting 80 - 1 with the bookies) are proving popular with the online punters as an outside bet, sensing that the former Luton Town and Hartlepool boss has the measure of this league; especially since plotting the later's escape under his watch. Chesterfield (14 - 1) are also attracting plenty of ante-post interest and will be looking to improve on last season's 10th place finish, where they ended just five points off the play-off zone, whilst Barnet (50 - 1) could mix things up a bit when the chips are down as veteran striker Paul Furlong shows no signs of losing his touch in front of goal and serving as the voice of experience alongside young hotshot, 21-year old Albert Adomah and John Flynn, who grabbed 17 singlehandedly.

Otherwise, Crewe Alexandra (16 - 1) will be desperate to claw their way back up the footballing pyramid from the first whistle after their sorry fall from League One grace last time around, while both Cheltenham Town (20 - 1) and Hereford United (66 - 1) have recent memories of what it takes to battle their way out of the old Fourth Division of the English game. League Two new boys, Torquay United (33 - 1) and Burton Albion (66 - 1) are brimming over with players with career-long experience at this level, and will therefore be looking to more than survive.