The Championship Form Guide

LEEDS

In: Kevin Nicholls (Luton, £750,000), David Livermore (Millwall, £400,000), Sebastien Carole (Brighton, free)

Out: Rob Hulse (Sheff Utd, £2.2m), David Livermore (Hull, undisclosed), Simon Walton (Charlton, £500,000), Danny Pugh (Preston, £250,000), Michael Ricketts (Southend), Jermaine Wright (Southampton), Ben Parker (Bradford, loan)

BBC Sport verdict: The brilliant rebuilding job Kevin Blackwell has carried out at Elland Road continued last season.

He has made more canny signings this summer, with Kevin Nicholls looking a steal at £750,000 from Luton Town.

After defeat in the play-off final in 2005, Blackwell will be looking for an automatic promotion place next spring.

Key man: Sean Gregan. Bustling midfielder who can use the ball too.

BARNSLEY
Nickname: The Tykes
Ground: Oakwell
Capacity: 23,009
Last season: 5th League One (Promoted through play-offs)
Manager: Andy Ritchie (March 2005)

In: Michael McIndoe (Doncaster, undisclosed), Sam Togwell (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Michael Coulson (Scarborough)

Out: Scott Flinders (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Chris Shuker (Tranmere), Barry Conlon (Darlington), Matt Carbon, Stephen McPhail (Cardiff)

BBC Sport verdict: Barnsley had to battle for promotion last season and things will not get any easier for them in the coming months.

Andy Ritchie is a capable manager who will get the best out of his squad.

But the Tykes will miss the quality of Stephen McPhail in midfield and unless Ritchie can drastically strengthen his squad a long, hard struggle is likely.

Key man: Michael McIndoe. Talented midfielder who needs to make his mark.

HULL CITY
Nickname: The Tigers
Ground: KC Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Last season: 18th
Manager: Phil Parkinson (June 2006)

In: David Livermore (Leeds, undisclosed), Michael Turner (Brentford, £350,000), Sam Ricketts (Swansea, £325,000), Dean Marney (Tottenham, undisclosed)

Out: Leon Cort (Crystal Palace, £1.25m), Robbie Stockdale (Tranmere), Kevin Ellison (Tranmere), Scott Wiseman (Rotherham, loan)

BBC Sport verdict: Last season was all about consolidation for Hull and losing boss Peter Taylor may hold them back for a while.

But Phil Parkinson is a young manager of huge potential and should be given time to settle in at the KC Stadium.

Leon Cort has followed Taylor to Palace but the capture of Dean Marney from Tottenham could be an inspired buy.

Key man: Jon Parkin. Combative striker who leads the line to great effect.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

In: Wade Small (MK Dons, undisclosed), Yoann Folly (Southampton, undisclosed), Madjid Bougherra (Gueugnon), Kenny Lunt (Crewe)

Out: Drissa Diallo (MK Dons), Craig Rocastle (Oldham), Ritchie Partridge (Rotherham), Jon-Paul McGovern (MK Dons), Patrick Collins (Darlington), David Lucas, David Graham (Bradford, loan)

BBC Sport verdict: The Owls found it tough going last year in their first season back in the Championship after a two-year absence.

Manager Paul Sturrock has bought well in Kenny Lunt, Yoann Folly and Madjid Bougherra but it remains to be seen how his side will gel together.

It may be a struggle for them to keep their heads above water again.

Key man: Steven MacLean. Classy striker fit again after a broken leg.