Championship Round-Up

Barnsley: New manager Mark Robins has impressed since taking over from Simon Davey. The Tykes have lost just one of his five games in charge, and the ex Rotherham manager has already dipped into the transfer market to strengthen his side; ex 'Pool loanee Carl Dickinson being one of his signings.

Blackpool: Marcel Seip has been given permission by Plymouth to play against them on Saturday, but it remains to be seen if Ian Holloway will give him the nod. Danny Coid looks set to be out until Christmas, but his testimonial events continue with a golf day recently being held. Chairman Karl Oyston appears to be in no rush to build the East stand, whilst Hamuer Bouazza looks set to become the first 'Pool player in a long time to play at a World Cup; he played the last half hour of his country's game at the weekend, as they sealed their passage to South Africa. It is also expected that Bouazza will be unavailable throughout January on African Cup of Nations duty.

Coventry: Striker Leon Best was named as September's Player of the Month after netting five times in five games. Last season Best only managed to find the back of the net four times in thirty five appearances for the Sky Blues.

Crystal Palace: The Eagles have been placed under another transfer embargo, this time after failing to pay Ipswich in full for striker Alan Lee. The current embargo follows one earlier in the season for failure to pay bonuses to former players. The embargo prevents Neil Warnock from making any loan signings.

Derby: Shaun Barker faces another spell on the sidelines following a recurrence of a thigh strain suffered earlier in the season. The ex 'Pool club captain has not enjoyed the best of starts to his Rams career, and is expected to be out for four weeks.

Doncaster: The Yorkshire club have dipped into the loan market to sign Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett on a two month loan deal. The ex 'Pool loanee will deputise for the injured Brian Stock, who is expected to be out of action for three months through injury.

Middlesbrough: Gareth Southgate continues to build a very Championship esque side with the loan signings of Sean St Ledger (a deal that further highlights Preston's financial problems) and Caleb Folan. Could Boro become the next yo-yo club?

Newcastle: The club's supporters' trust are attempting to buy shares in the club as the ownership saga rumbles on. Chairman Mike Ashley might be glad of any additional funds after being forced to pay Kevin Keegan £2 million in damages following his dismissal. On the pitch though, the Toon have signed Marlon Harewood on loan from Aston Villa and caretaker manager Chris Hughton has been named as Manager of the Month.

QPR: The Flavio Briatore saga rumbles on, with the Football League waiting on clarification of certain issues from the disgraced ex F1 boss before deciding whether or not he can remain as the Hoops' co-owner.

Sheffield United: The Blades have signed Richard Cresswell on a three month loan from Stoke, and the experienced front man has already had a big impact at Brammall Lane. Young striker Jordan Robertson has been jailed for thirty two months for causing death by dangerous driving.

Swansea: The Swans have been rocked by the news that midfield talisman Ferrie Bodde will be out for the entire season through injury.

Watford: The Hornets have re-signed legendary forward Heidar Helguson on loan.

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