Championship Awards

With just two games to go in the Championship season, I thought now would be as good a time as any to review the past eight months in the second tier.
With just 2nd place, the final play-off position and the final relegation place to play for, the season is pretty much tied up. My Championship awards for the season follow.

Player of the Season – Sylvan Ebanks Blake – The ex- Manchester United man claimed the Championship player of the season and his 25 goals for the season have powered Wolves to promotion. The England Under-21 cap has already stated his anticipation for the season ahead and will surely relish the prospect of facing Premier League opposition week in week out.
Performance of the Season – Sheffield United 2 Burnley 3 – Burnley have had a less than perfect record at Bramall Lane in recent years and this December win established them as true play-off contenders. An almost perfect performance from Chris Eagles helped claim the three points and a significant scalp for the season.
Overachievers of the Season – Swansea City – Just four years ago, Roberto Martinez’s men were promoted from League Two. Now they still have an outside shot of a place in the Championship play-offs. 20 draws have proved to be the difference between outsiders and promotion contenders, however their style of play will surely have the Swans challenging for promotion next season.
Underachievers of the Season – Charlton Athletic – A side that have proved to have the exact opposite effect of Swansea City. As Swansea were promoted from League Two, The Addicks were finishing 11th in the Premier League. Shocking mismanagement and an inability to replace Alan Curbishley has sent Athletic towards League One at a shocking pace. Just seven wins all season has forced Charlton to be relegated by a long way at the foot of the table.
Manager of the Year – Owen Coyle – The Burnley manager took over from Steve Cotterill with a side plummeting towards League One. A new style of play and some top quality signings have given the Clarets their best season since 2002. A fantastic Carling Cup run coupled with occupying 6th place in the Championship with two games to go surely puts Coyle on the list for Manager of the Year.