Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
I always think that it is the unpredictability of the Football League that makes it so compelling, and even after just one game there is a sense that this season could be as unpredictable as ever. In the Championship, Brighton made a stunning comeback against Doncaster to win their first game at the Amex Stadium after two late goals from debutant Will Buckley.
I think that Brighton are an interesting team and potential dark horses in the Championship this season. They were streets ahead of their League One rivals last year and Gus Poyet has made some very astute signings in the close season, including striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who was so impressive for Peterborough last season. They are a good passing team and will make tough Championship opposition, especially at home in their new stadium.
Elsewhere in the Championship, new boys Southampton showed their potential by storming to a 3-1 win against promotion tipped Leeds, and Ipswich had a very good win against Bristol City, beating them 3-0 at Ashton Gate. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the sides relegated from the Premiership last season either. Blackpool got off to a winning start which will please Ian Holloway, but Sam Allardyce and Chris Hughton will have to do some thinking as West Ham and Birmingham both suffered opening day defeats.
There is no doubt that West Ham are the favourites for the title this year, and have spent heavily over the summer in an attempt to secure a quick return to the top flight, but they will quickly learn that the Championship is a tough league which doesn’t always reward the heaviest spenders.
On a personal note, it was pleasing to see Sheffield Wednesday get off to a winning start as my club aim for promotion from League One this season. Goals from newly appointed captain Rob Jones and a screaming left footed volley from David Prutton in front of the Kop at Hillsborough secured a 2-0 victory over Rochdale. Wednesday have gone through a torrid time in recent seasons, but there is a genuine belief amongst the fans that this season could be different under the stewardship of Gary Megson and Milan Manderic, especially if they can bolster the squad with another striker to add depth.
I think that this statement is something that most football fans can identify with, especially at the start of the season where anything is possible. When it gets to this time of year, no fan looks to the past, only to the possibility of a brighter future for their team. Inevitably, in a few months, it will be the case that perhaps 50% of these fans will be a lot more pessimistic about their team’s chances, potentially me included! However, for now, it’s nice to start thinking with optimism and dreaming about what may happen in the season ahead.
Just noticed this, good summary on the more interesting part of English fooball 
.
One comment though - it was in fact Brighton's second game at the Amex stadium, with their victory in the Sussex Senior Cup Final the first!
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