2008–09 Football League Championship
2008–09 Football League Championship
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The Football League 2008–09 (called Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons), was the seventeenth season under its current league division format. It began in August 2008 and concluded on 25 May 2009, with the promotion play-off finals. The winners of the Championship in 2009 are Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Changes from last (2007–08) season
From Championship
Promoted to Premier League
Relegated to League One
To Championship
Relegated from Premier League
Promoted from League One
League table
Updated to games played on 3 May 2009
Source: The Football League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
1 Crystal Palace were give a one-point deduction for using an ineligible player during a match against Sheffield United on 3 May 2009.[3]
2 Southampton were given a ten-point deduction for breaching insolvency regulations, regarding their holding company. As they finished in the bottom three this season, the points deduction will be applied next season.[4]
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
Only applicable when the season is not finished:
(Q) = Qualified to the phase of tournament indicated; (TQ) = Qualified to tournament, but not yet to the particular phase indicated; (DQ) = Disqualified from tournament.
Playoffs
Results
| Home \ Away1 |
BAR |
BIR |
BLP |
BRI |
BUR |
CAR |
CHA |
COV |
CPA |
DER |
DON |
IPS |
NOR |
NOT |
PLY |
PRE |
QPR |
REA |
SHE |
SHW |
SOT |
SWA |
WAT |
WOL |
| Barnsley |
|
1–1 |
0–1 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
0–1 |
0–0 |
1–2 |
3–1 |
2–0 |
4–1 |
1–2 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
0–1 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
0–1 |
1–3 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
| Birmingham City |
2–0 |
|
0–1 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
3–2 |
0–1 |
1–0 |
1–0 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
1–0 |
1–3 |
1–0 |
3–1 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
2–0 |
| Blackpool |
1–0 |
2–0 |
|
0–1 |
0–1 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
3–2 |
2–3 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
0–1 |
1–3 |
0–3 |
2–2 |
1–3 |
0–2 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
0–2 |
2–2 |
| Bristol City |
2–0 |
1–2 |
0–0 |
|
1–2 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
4–1 |
1–1 |
1–0 |
2–2 |
2–2 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
1–4 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
| Burnley |
1–2 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
4–0 |
|
2–2 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
4–2 |
3–0 |
0–0 |
0–3 |
2–0 |
5–0 |
0–0 |
3–1 |
1–0 |
1–0 |
1–0 |
2–4 |
3–2 |
0–2 |
3–2 |
1–0 |
| Cardiff City |
3–1 |
1–2 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
3–1 |
|
2–0 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
4–1 |
3–0 |
0–3 |
2–2 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
2–2 |
0–3 |
2–0 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
2–1 |
1–2 |
| Charlton Athletic |
1–3 |
0–0 |
2–2 |
0–2 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
|
1–2 |
1–0 |
2–2 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
4–2 |
0–2 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
2–2 |
4–2 |
2–5 |
1–2 |
0–0 |
2–0 |
2–3 |
1–3 |
| Coventry City |
1–1 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
0–3 |
1–3 |
0–2 |
0–0 |
|
0–2 |
1–1 |
1–0 |
2–2 |
2–0 |
2–2 |
0–1 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
1–2 |
2–0 |
4–1 |
1–1 |
2–3 |
2–1 |
| Crystal Palace |
3–0 |
0–0 |
0–1 |
4–2 |
0–0 |
0–2 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
|
1–1 |
2–1 |
1–4 |
3–1 |
1–2 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
0–0 |
0–0 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
3–0 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
0–1 |
| Derby County |
0–0 |
1–1 |
4–1 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–2 |
|
0–1 |
0–1 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
0–2 |
0–2 |
2–1 |
3–0 |
0–1 |
2–2 |
1–0 |
2–3 |
| Doncaster Rovers |
0–1 |
0–2 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
0–1 |
1–0 |
2–0 |
2–1 |
|
1–0 |
1–1 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
0–2 |
2–0 |
0–1 |
0–2 |
1–0 |
0–2 |
0–0 |
1–2 |
0–1 |
| Ipswich Town |
3–0 |
0–1 |
1–1 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
1–3 |
|
3–2 |
2–1 |
0–0 |
1–2 |
2–0 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
0–3 |
2–2 |
0–0 |
0–2 |
| Norwich City |
4–0 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
1–2 |
1–2 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
2–0 |
|
2–3 |
1–0 |
2–2 |
0–1 |
0–2 |
1–0 |
0–1 |
2–2 |
2–3 |
2–0 |
5–2 |
| Nottingham Forest |
1–0 |
1–1 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
1–2 |
0–1 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
0–2 |
1–3 |
2–4 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
|
2–0 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
0–0 |
0–1 |
2–1 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
3–2 |
0–1 |
| Plymouth Argyle |
1–2 |
0–1 |
1–2 |
0–2 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
4–0 |
1–3 |
0–3 |
0–3 |
1–3 |
1–2 |
1–0 |
|
1–0 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
2–2 |
4–0 |
2–0 |
0–1 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
| Preston North End |
2–1 |
1–0 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
2–1 |
6–0 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
2–0 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
3–2 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
|
2–1 |
2–1 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
2–3 |
0–2 |
2–0 |
1–3 |
| Queens Park Rangers |
2–1 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
1–2 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–1 |
0–0 |
0–2 |
2–0 |
1–3 |
0–1 |
2–1 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
|
0–0 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
4–1 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
| Reading |
0–0 |
1–2 |
1–0 |
0–2 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
3–1 |
4–2 |
3–0 |
2–1 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
0–0 |
0–0 |
|
0–1 |
6–0 |
1–2 |
4–0 |
4–0 |
1–0 |
| Sheffield United |
2–1 |
2–1 |
2–2 |
3–0 |
2–3 |
0–0 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
4–2 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
2–0 |
1–0 |
3–0 |
0–2 |
|
1–2 |
0–0 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
1–3 |
| Sheffield Wednesday |
0–1 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
0–0 |
4–1 |
1–0 |
4–1 |
0–1 |
2–0 |
0–1 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
3–2 |
1–0 |
0–1 |
1–1 |
1–0 |
1–2 |
1–0 |
|
2–0 |
0–0 |
2–0 |
0–1 |
| Southampton |
0–0 |
1–2 |
0–1 |
0–1 |
2–2 |
1–0 |
2–3 |
1–1 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
2–2 |
2–0 |
0–2 |
0–0 |
3–1 |
0–0 |
1–1 |
1–2 |
1–1 |
|
2–2 |
0–3 |
1–2 |
| Swansea City |
2–2 |
2–3 |
0–1 |
1–0 |
1–1 |
2–2 |
1–1 |
0–0 |
1–3 |
1–1 |
3–1 |
3–0 |
2–1 |
3–1 |
1–0 |
4–1 |
0–0 |
2–0 |
1–1 |
1–1 |
3–0 |
|
3–1 |
3–1 |
| Watford |
1–1 |
0–1 |
3–4 |
2–4 |
3–0 |
2–2 |
1–0 |
2–1 |
2–0 |
3–1 |
1–1 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
1–2 |
2–1 |
3–0 |
2–2 |
0–2 |
2–2 |
2–2 |
2–0 |
|
2–3 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers |
2–0 |
1–1 |
2–0 |
2–0 |
2–0 |
2–2 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
2–1 |
3–0 |
1–0 |
0–0 |
3–3 |
5–1 |
0–1 |
1–3 |
1–0 |
0–3 |
1–1 |
4–1 |
3–0 |
2–1 |
3–1 |
|
Source: The Football League
1The home team is listed in the left-hand column.
Colours: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For coming matches, an a indicates there is an article about the match.
Top scorers
Championship
Monthly awards
Team of the Year
Events
- Match 1: Derby continue their losing run from last season with a home loss against newly-promoted Doncaster Rovers, Lewis Guy scoring the goal. The other relegated team in action, Birmingham, snatch a last minute victory against Sheffield United with a goal from Kevin Phillips on his debut at St.Andrews, having signed from rivals West Brom. Elsewhere there were opening-day victories for Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Cardiff, Preston, Bristol City and Coventry while Crystal Palace – Watford and Plymouth – Wolves end in draws. On 10 August, Reading and Nottingham Forest, both returning to the division drew 0–0.
- Match 2: Derby began to turn round their losing streak with a 1–1 draw away to play-off hopefuls Bristol City, while Norwich City – Blackpool and Doncaster – Cardiff also ended with that score. Coventry enjoyed a narrow away win at Barnsley helped by a goal from ex-Wolves striker Freddy Eastwood. Ipswich Town put 3 past Burnley while Swansea City got their first win of the season against Nottingham Forest. Two Ibrahima Sonko goals saw Reading beat Plymouth while Sheffield United had a good home win against QPR thanks to a hat-trick from Billy Sharp. Wolves put four past Sheffield Wednesday, with two from summer signing Chris Iwelumo. Watford, Preston and Birmingham City also enjoyed wins.
- Match 3: Promotion hopefuls Birmingham City and Wolves continued their consistent start to the season, finishing 2–0 winners against Barnsley and Ipswich respectively, while Derby's dismal run continued with a 0–1 loss at home to Southampton. Crystal Palace and Burnley shared the points in their heated encounter, which featured eight yellow and two red cards ( to Palace duo Shaun Derry and Jamie Scowcroft), while Cardiff – Norwich (2–2, after Arturo Lupoli inspired Norwich to score twice late on) and Sheffield Wednesday – Preston both finished with draws. Two Tommy Smith goals were not enough for Watford to spoil Nottingham Forest's first win of the season, while The Valley saw another high-scoring game, with Charlton running out 4–2 winners against Reading. Matchday 3 also saw wins for Swansea, Sheffield United, QPR and Bristol City.
- Match 4: On a matchday with relatively low-scoring results, Wolves' 5–1 win against newly promoted Nottingham Forest, with Michael Kightly getting two, and Reading's 4–2 win over Crystal Palace in which Irish international striker Kevin Doyle scored a hat-trick, stood out as worthwhile encounters. Doncaster Rovers continued their good form in a new league with a 1–0 win over Coventry City, while Blackpool also beat Southampton by the same score. Derby dropped to the bottom of the league with a 0–2 loss at Barnsley, and Preston beat Charlton 2–1 to go second in the league. Watford emerged 2–1 winners against Ipswich with a late goal after the visitors had taken an early lead. Burnley – Plymouth and Sheffield United – Cardiff ended goalless while Bristol City – QPR, Norwich – Birmingham and Swansea – Sheffield Wednesday all ended in 1–1 draws.
- Match 5: Derby make headlines putting away Sheffield United 2–1 to end their curse. Former blade Rob Hulse scored 1 and had a hand in another. 10 man Birmingham beat Doncaster and Wolves account for Charlton to remain top. The svernside derby and Coventry-Preston were 0–0, while Crystal Palace, Norwich, Black pool and Sheffield Wednesday all win. The following day QPR beat Southampton.
- Match 6: Wolves stay top after beating Crystal palace, although only on Goal difference ahead of Birmingham, winners over Bristol City. A second straight home hat trick from Doyle and a brace from Noel Hunt help Reading catapult Wednesday 6–0, and Youl Mawene scores for both sides as Preston beat Notts forest. Charlton, Burnley and Plymoth also win, whilst Derby continue to improve with a draw at Swansea, and Sheffield utd-Coventry is a 1–1 stalemate. The following day, a Czech under 20 star named Tomas Pekhart gives Southampton a draw with Ipswich, saddled with the accompniment of QPR's 1–0 win at Norwich.
- Match 7: A shock win over Birmingham inspires Blackpool, meaning Wolves go top. Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo has an eventful game, scoring 3 and getting sent off at Preston for Violent conduct. Coventry beat Qpr, and aside from Bristol city and Plymoth winning, the other games are draws. In the Watford- Reading one there is Controversy (see Below)
- Match 8:Wolves win 2–0 over Bristol city to stay on top, despite Birmingham winning at Cardiff. Kevin Doyle just misses out on a hat trick of home hat tricks with a brace against Swansea. The Derby revival continues at QPR and Burnley beat Preston (see Controversy) In other round 8 games, Sheffield Wednesday beat Charlton, Sheffield United beat Watford, Southampton beat Doncaster, and Plymouth added to Forest's woes. The Barnsley-Norwich, Blackpool-Coventry and Ipswich-Crystal Palace games were draws.
- Match 9: Wolves' wins are ended by Reading, 3–0 victors at Molineux. Birmingham,however, only draw at Derby. Reuben Noble-Lazarus becomes the league's youngest player, despite his team,Barnsley, losing to Ipswich and Preston finally lose at Deepdale on a Tuesday night, to Swansea. Burnley, Palace, Sheffield united, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff and Southampton also win, whilst Bristol city- Plymouth and Qpr- Blackpool are all draws.
- Match 10: Birmingham move top, beating QPR, whilst Wolves lose at Swansea. Reading's win over Burnley and Plymouth's floor wiping of Wednesday (4–0) are the results of genuine Promotion battles. Derby,at Norwich, and Barnsley, against Doncaster, prosper with 10 men, whilst Sheffield United, Charlton, Watford and Coventry also win. Blackpool- Cardiff is the only draw.
- Match 11: results:Bristol city 1, Norwich 0; Burnley 1, Birmingham 1; Cardiff 2,Charlton 0; Palace 3, Barnsley 0; Derby 2, Plymouth 1; Doncaster 0, Blackpool 0; Ipswich 2, Swansea 2; Preston 2, Reading 1; Qpr 2, Nottingham forest- yet to gain a point on travels-1; Southampton 0-after 2 penalty misses- Watford 3; and Wolves 2, Coventry 1- Saturday kick offs. A Sheffield derby is a Sunday match and Wednesday win 1–0. Their player Jermaine Johnson and Sheffield united's Matt Kilgallon are redcarded and there are also 11 bookings. Oddly, Johnson's red card is after he is replaced by Akpo Sodje so Wednesday end with 11.
- Match 12: Barnsley 2–1 Sheff Wed ;Birmingham 1–0 Crystal Palace ; Blackpool 3–2 Derby; Charlton 0–2 Bristol C; Coventry 1–3 Burnley; Norwich 5–2 Wolves; Nottm Forest 1–1 Ipswich; Plymouth 1–0 Preston;Reading 2–1 Donncaster; Sheff Utd 0–0 Southampton; Swansea 0–0 QPR; Watford 2–2 Cardiff
- Match 13: Birmingham beat Sheffield Wednesday to stay top, despite Wolves' win at Watford. After his Hat Trick against Wolves in round 12, Leroy Lita nets a late winner for Norwich at home to Doncaster. Charlton only draw with Burnley and QPR, with Gareth Ainsworth as caretaker, hold Reading. Coventry- Derby, Barnsley- City and Blackpool-palace are also stalemates, whilst Cardiff, at Forest, Ipswich, at Plymouth, Swansea, at home to Southampton, and Sheffield utd, against Preston also win.
- match 14:(returns of round 10 ties) Wolves regain the roost after beating Swansea, and finding the news of Birmingham losing to 10 man QPR. Frustration for Reading as they lose at Burnley, and Ipswich can only draw with Charlton at home. Preston beat Watford, Cardiff beat Blackpool, and Forest have the satisfaction of not 1, but 3, away points, following a 2–1 win at Palace. Derby beat Norwich, Barnsley beat Doncaster, and Wednesday's unbeaten home run is ended by Plymouth, but City- Sheffield utd and Southampton- Coventry are both draws
- Match 15: A last minute goal from Blackpool's Alan Gow gives the seasiders a 4–3 victory at watford (after being behind 3 times) and spells the end of Aidy Boothroyd's reign as hornets manager. Charlton gaffer Alan Pardew is under pressure after his team lose 3–1 to Barnsley and drop in the relegation zone, being replaced by Southampton, who recover a 2–0 deficit to win 3–2 at Preston. Doncaster are bottom of the table, after ruing Paul Heffernan's failiure to score what would have been the only goal against Swansea, but a point still keeps Doncaster in touch with the rest of the pack. Wolves extend their lead at the top after winning at Cardiff, whilst Reading win at Bristol city. Sheffield Utd beat Plymoth, whilst the other steel city team, Wednesday, hold Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Burnley beat Norwich and Ipswich beat QPR in the other Saturday kick offs. The following day, 2 November, sees Derby rue a dissallowed Miles Addison goal and a Nacer Barazite penalty miss. They draw 1–1 with Forest, Tito Villa scoring for both sides. The day after, Birmingham lose pace with Wolves at the top after losing at home to Coventry.
- Match 16: Wolves beat Burnley to extend their lead to 6 points, after Birmingham only draw with struggling Forest. Pardew thinks he is spared execution when Charlton lead at Plymouth, but Emile Mpenza restricts the addicks to a draw. Doncaster fall further behind the rest of the pack after losing to Sheffield Wednesday, but Norwich and Preston share a 2–2 stalemate. Reading beat Derby and QPR prosper over Cardiff, who finish with 9 men in the process. City win at Southampton, Palace prosper at Coventry, Sheffield United win at Barnsley and Ipswich stun Blackpool. The following day, Swansea meet managerless Watford and win comfortably.
- Match 17: Wolves win at Southampton, Birmingham beat Charlton, Burnley beat QPR, Reading beat Sheffield utd, Cardiff beat Palace, Swansea beat Norwich, Watford misery continues at Barnsley, Doncaster shock Ipswich, Forest hold Bristol city, Plymoth prevail over Coventry and Derby wipe the floor with Wednesday, who's away frustrations continue. On 16 November, Preston beat Blackpool away, 3–1.
- Match 18: The round starts on Friday 21 November and is full of bad news for Swansea fans. They lose to Birmingham after leading twice and have star player Ferrie Bodde ruled out for the rest of the competitive season with knee ligament damage. In the matches on the 22nd, Alan Pardew's Charlton reign is finally over after a 5–2 loss to Sheffield united. Paulo Sousa's QPR debut is spoilt by Watford, Wolves beat Blackpool, Southampton stun Reading and Crystal Palace beat Bristol City in a 6 goal thriller. Ipswich beat Derby and Doncaster hold Burnley in really quiet matches, but Sheffield Wednesday rue missed chances and a disallowed goal against Coventry, as they lose 1–0. Preston beat Barnsley in Alan Irvine's first anniversary as lillywhites manager, whilst Forest's good run ends abruptly with a failiure to break 10-man Norwich down. The canaries win 2–1.
- Match 19: Wolves win 3–1 at Sheffield utd to remain top. Birmingham, meanwhile, beat Ipswich. A Key promotion clash sees Reading and Cardiff share a draw at Ninian Park.Paulo Sousa breaks his QPR duck at the second attempt against managerless Charlton, whilst Watford hold Bristol City. For once, Wednesday perform well away, at Blackpool, and John Oster is the player that is Palace's hero when earning them a win at Carrow Road. The other games, including Doncaster-Forest, are draws.
- Match 20: The big game between Wolves and Birmingham at Molineux finishes 1–1, meaning that Reading, due to face Coventry on the Monday 1 December, are 13 points behind the wolves. Burnley move into 4th after a resounding triumph over Derby, and Sheffield Utd, in 5th, hold Ipswich. Forest, Blackpool and Wednesday also win, whilst Crystal Palace-QPR and Charlton-Sothampton are 0–0 and Watford-Doncaster is 1–1. Bristol City lose 2–0 at Preston in the late kickoff, and there's a Welsh derby on the 30 November, a fiery 2–2 draw. Reading cut their deficit from the top to 10 points after their match with Coventry is a 3–1 win.
- Match 21: Wolves lose at QPR and Birmingham scrape past Watford, so Burnley, who reached the Football League Cup 2008-09 semi finals by giant killing F.A. Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal during the previous month, gain the plaudits after winning at Bramall Lane. Liam Dickinson gets his 2nd brace in 2 games after signing for Blackpool from Huddersfield, against crisis-club Charlton. Doncaster, Reading, Cardiff and Palace also win and Southampton-Wednesday, Coventry-Forest and Bristol City-Swansea are draws. Norwich beat Ipswich in the Sunday match.
- Match 22: Palace beat Southampton on the Monday night, and a day afterwards, Wolves beat Derby, Birmingham win at Plymouth, Reading beat Blackpool, Coventry further the misery of Charlton, Preston beat Doncaster, Wednesday beat QPR and the Burnley-Cardiff and Swansea-Barnsley matches are 2–2. The day after, Watford and Ipswich both win.
- Match 23: Wolves' routine win over Barnsley extends their advantage, after Birmingham's loss at Deepdale. Reading edge Norwich whilst Burnley and Cardiff win. Sheffield utd and Swansea share the points at morfa, whilst in-form Wednesday only draw at home to struggling Bristol City. Watford beat Coventry and Palace beat Doncaster, but all the other games, including the Monday night Charlton-Derby match, are stalemates.
- match 24: Reading leapfrog Birmingham into 2nd after winning at St Andrews, so Wolves extend their lead in the least pretty manner possible, scraping past Doncaster. Cardiff edge Sheffield Wednesday, despite being dominant, Burnley beat Bristol city, and Crystal Palace leave it very late to draw at Sheffield United. Norwich beat Charlton and Forest beat Southampton in Relegation battles, but Derby, Barnsley, Blackpool and Coventry ease any relegation worries, and in a potential play off battle, Qpr win 3–2 over Preston.
- Match 25:(returns of round 19 ties)Boxing day is full of drama. Wolves draw, and as a result of goalkeeper Adam Federici netting an equaliser for his team against Cardiff, Reading do as well. Birmingham win for the first time in three rounds, and Charlton still find an inability to win. After losing boss Simon Grayson to Leeds, and forward DIckinson, allowed to return to Derby, Blackpool draw at Hillsborough. Bristol city win for the first time in over 40 days to beat Watford, and Forest lose at home to Doncaster and so round 26 ends Colin Calderwood's tenure at Forest as gaffer.
- Match 26:(Returns of round 18 games) Swansea's stalemate streak maintains at Birmingham, and Reading are also held, at Southampton, and Sheffield united and Cardiff surge in on them, whilst QPR, Preston, Burnley and Crystal palace hit the brakes in their playoff contention. Coventry put Wednesday back in to a relegation dogfight, whilst managerless Forest beat Norwich away, and Ipswich win at Derby, resulting in Paul Jewell joining the Managerial Merry-Go-Round after resigning as Derby boss. The following day, Blackpool and Wolves share a 2–2.
- Match 27:(Returns of round 7 ties) 4 of the games are delayed by a cold snap, including Birmingham's trip to Blackpool, but there's no stopping Preston winning at Wolves, Swansea stunning Turf Moor, Reading beating Watford, Billy Davis' Notts forest winning at Charlton, and Coventry hold Queens park rangers.
- Match 28:(returns of round 8 ties)
- Match 45: Wolves clinched the Championship with a 1–1 draw at Barnsley on 25 April 2009 with Kyel Reid scoring the equalising goal in the 84th minute.
Controversy
- On 20 September 2008, during Watford's seventh game of the season at home to Reading, the assistant referee Nigel Banister adjudged that a John Eustace own goal had opened the scoring for Reading. In fact the ball had gone four yards wide after Eustace challenged Royals forward Noel Hunt. A corner should have been given.[20] The next day Reading manager Steve Coppell said that he was happy for the game to be replayed.[21] His offer was turned down when an official said, "the referee's decision is final."
- On the 10th round, 4 October, the Football Association accused a Far East gambler of fixing a match between Norwich and Derby. However, The FA later ruled that there was no evidence of irregularities and the matter was closed.
- On 6 December 2008 an apparent Bristol City goal against Swansea City was not given after the linesman and referee failed to see the ball cross the line. This led Bristol City manager Gary Johnson to add to calls for goal-line technology.[22]
Southampton F.C. administration
On 23 April 2009, The Football League announced that Southampton F.C. had been placed into administration. The ruling occurred after the deadline for immediate points deduction application, so the points deduction would have to await whether or not Southampton, in 22nd place at the time of the announcement, were relegated. If they had remained in the Championship, then the 10 points would have been deducted from its points for the current year. However, since their relegation was confirmed following their 45th match, their 10-point penalty would be applied the next season in League One.[23]
Managers
Stadia (& location map)
Locations of the Championship 2008–09 teams
| Team |
Stadium |
Capacity |
| Sheffield Wednesday |
Hillsborough Stadium |
39,814 |
| Derby County |
Pride Park Stadium |
33,597 |
| Southampton |
St Mary's Stadium |
32,689 |
| Coventry City |
Ricoh Arena |
32,609 |
| Sheffield United |
Bramall Lane |
32,609 |
| Nottingham Forest |
City Ground |
30,602 |
| Ipswich Town |
Portman Road |
30,311 |
| Birmingham City |
St Andrew's Stadium |
30,009 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers |
Molineux Stadium |
28,525 |
| Charlton Athletic |
The Valley |
27,111 |
| Crystal Palace |
Selhurst Park |
26,309 |
| Norwich City |
Carrow Road |
26,034 |
| Preston North End |
Deepdale |
24,500 |
| Reading |
Madejski Stadium |
24,161 |
| Barnsley |
Oakwell |
23,009 |
| Burnley |
Turf Moor |
22,546 |
| Cardiff City |
Ninian Park |
22,008 |
| Bristol City |
Ashton Gate |
21,497 |
| Swansea City |
Liberty Stadium |
20,532 |
| Watford |
Vicarage Road |
19,920 |
| Plymouth Argyle |
Home Park |
19,500 |
| Queens Park Rangers |
Loftus Road |
19,128 |
| Doncaster Rovers |
Keepmoat Stadium |
15,231 |
| Blackpool |
Bloomfield Road |
9,788 |
Kit
Managerial changes
Notes
- ^ "Football League crowds on the up (championship Attendance figure included)". BBC Sport. 12 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8045781.stm. Retrieved 3 June 2009.
- ^ "Crystal Palace have one point deduction for fielding ineligible Rui Fonte". The Guardian. 1 June 2009. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/01/crystal-palace-point-deducted-rui-fonte. Retrieved 1 June 2009.
- ^ "Southampton Football Club". The Football League. 23 April 2009. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/News/ChampionshipNewsDetail/0,,10794~1636735,00.html. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ "Wolves boss scoops monthly award". BBC Sport. 9 August 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/7598391.stm. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
- ^ "Player of the Month Awards announced". Setanta Sports. 9 August 2008. http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/09/08/Football-League-Powerade-awards-announced/?facets/sport-space/football/great-britain-locale/The-Coca-Cola-Football-League-Championship/. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
- ^ "Coyle named manager of the month". BBC Sport. 2 October 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/7648565.stm. Retrieved 2 October 2008.
- ^ "Doyle is Championship Payer of the Month". Skysports. 7 October 2008. http://www.goal.com/en-india/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=900860. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
- ^ "Dave is manager of the month – and Chops is back". News Wales. 6 November 2008. http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Sport&F=1&id=15581. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
- ^ "Rob Hulse Wins in Championship". Barnsley Official Site. 8 November 2008. http://www.barnsleyfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~1447877,00.html. Retrieved 8 November 2008.
- ^ "McCarthy is pick of the bunch". Football League. 4 December 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipManageroftheMonth/0,,10794~1476009,00.html. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
- ^ "Iwelumo is Championship's top man". Football League. 9 December 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipPlayeroftheMonth/0,,10794,00.html. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
- ^ "Coppell crowned championship's best". Football League. 4 December 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipManageroftheMonth/0,,10794,00.html. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
- ^ "Hunt named player of the month". Football League. 9 December 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipPlayeroftheMonth/0,,10794~1517784,00.html. Retrieved 17 January 2009.
- ^ "Martinez named championship's best". Football League. 5 February 2009. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/News/ChampionshipNewsDetail/0,,10794~1546464,00.html. Retrieved 5 February 2009.
- ^ "Ledley the Championship's best". Football League. 9 February 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipPlayeroftheMonth/0,,10794~1551426,00.html. Retrieved 17 February 2009.
- ^ "Coleman hoping to silence oggy". Football League. 6 March 2009. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/ChampionshipManageroftheMonth/0,,10794~1581320,00.html. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
- ^ "Blackwell speeds to award". Football League. 2 April 2009. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/News/ChampionshipNewsDetail/0,,10794~1610504,00.html. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
- ^ "Blake wins monthly accolade". Football League. 6 April 2008. http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/News/ChampionshipNewsDetail/0,,10794~1615032,00.html. Retrieved 8 April 2009.
- ^ "Watford 2–2 Reading". BBC Sport. 20 September 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7614022.stm. Retrieved 29 January 2009.
- ^ "Coppell happy to replay Watford". BBC Sport. 21 September 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7628234.stm. Retrieved 29 January 2009.
- ^ "Bristol City boss Johnson calls for introduction of goalline technology". 8 December 2008. http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/bristolcity/news/Bristol-City-boss-Johnson-calls-introduction-goalline-technologyarticle-529315-details/article.html.
- ^ Statement on Southampton Football Club from The Football League, 23 April 2009
- ^ "QPR part company with boss Dowie". BBC Sport. 24 October 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7689062.stm. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ "Sousa is new QPR first-team coach". BBC Sport. 19 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7736118.stm. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
- ^ "Boothroyd and Watford part company". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/7707054.stm.
- ^ "Rodgers named new Watford manager". BBC Sport. 24 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/7744881.stm. Retrieved 24 November 2008.
- ^ "Alan Pardew leaves The Valley". Charlton Athletics. 22 November 2008. http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=33276.
- ^ "Addicks appoint Parkinson as boss". BBC Sport. 31 December 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/7806330.stm. Retrieved 31 December 2008.
- ^ "Grayson appointed Leeds Manager". BBC Sport. 23 December 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/7796182.stm. Retrieved 23 December 2008.
- ^ "Calderwood sacked as Forest boss". BBC Sport. 26 December 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/nottm_forest/7800688.stm. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
- ^ "Davies appointed Forest manager". BBC Sport. 1 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/nottm_forest/7805993.stm. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
- ^ "Jewell resigns as Derby manager". BBC Sport. 29 December 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7802617.stm. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
- ^ "Clough takes over as Derby boss". BBC Sport. 6 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7813858.stm. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
- ^ "Roeder sacked as Norwich manager". BBC Sport. 14 January 2000. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7828617.stm. Retrieved 14 January 2009.
- ^ "Norwich name Gunn boss for season". BBC Sport. 21 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7841754.stm. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ^ a b "Poortvliet resigns as Saints boss". BBC Sport. 23 January 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/7848414.stm. Retrieved 23 January 2009.
- ^ "QPR axe Sousa after just 26 games". BBC Sport. 9 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/7993079.stm. Retrieved 9 April 2009.
- ^ "Magilton sacked as Ipswich boss". BBC Sport. 22 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/ipswich_town/8012301.stm. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
- ^ "Keane appointed Ipswich manager". BBC Sport. 23 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/i/ipswich_town/8013572.stm. Retrieved 23 April 2009.
- ^ "Magilton sacked as Ipswich boss". BBC Sport. 22 April 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/8047177.stm. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
External links