Championship Round Up

It`s been another busy couple of weeks in The Championship…

Blackpool will be joined in the division by Middlesbrough and Newcastle next season after both clubs were relegated from the Premiership at the weekend. Scunthorpe will also be playing at this level next season, after their thrilling 3-2 win over Millwall in the League One Playoff Final. However, one team who will not be plying their trade in next season`s Championship is Burnley who have been promoted to the Premiership after beating Sheffield United 1-0 at Wembley.

Despite the defeat, Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has decided to stay on at the club after taking time out to consider his future.

Forest manager Billy Davies appears to have money to spend after making a £600,000 bid for Preston midfielder Paul McKenna. McKenna is thought to be amongst a number of targets for Davies, which include striker Dexter Blackstock, and defenders Joel Lynch and Chris Gunter. Meanwhile, Doncaster have denied rumours that they have turned down a substantial bid from Forest for defender Matthew Mills.

Paul McKenna may not be the only departure from Preston this summer, as rumours suggest that Reading want Alan Irvine to replace Steve Coppell as manager. However, PNE chairman Derek Shaw has said that no official approach for Irvine has been received.

In other manager news, under fire Barnsley manager Simon Davey looks set to stay in charge of the Tykes next season despite widespread media speculation about his future.

Meanwhile, Coventry have appointed the experienced Steve Harrison has Chris Coleman`s new number two, replacing Steve Kean. The ex Blackpool player has been out of the game since leaving Middlesbrough a year ago.

Also adding to their coaching staff are Derby County; manager Nigel Clough appointing Johnny Metgod to his coaching staff.

Further off the pitch changes are going on at Ipswich, with David Sheepshanks stepping down as chairman of the club and owner Marcus Evans replacing him.

On the pitch, and QPR have released five players, including ex Blackpool loanee Zesh Rehman and Irish international midfielder Liam Miller. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have signed midfielder Tommy Miller and defender Darren Purse on free transfers from Ipswich and Cardiff respectively.

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