How will Swansea react to the loss of their talisman Ferrie Bodde who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering his second cruciate ligament injury in the space of twelve months? Their inspirational player had only just come back into action after being out for ten months with exactly the same injury. The Dutchman has made only ten appearances since being sidelined last season. Tragically the midfielder only lasted 9 minutes before being stretchered off the field of play. After his highly anticipated come back game, against Sheffield United that Swansea won 2-1, Bodde reassured fans on the club website that this was not an occurrence of the old injury.

During the off-season, a sense of expectation rushed through the veins of fans of twenty-four clubs who make up arguably the most competitive league in the world. There is no big four in this compelling competition - anyone can win it. With three of the biggest clubs in England relegated from the mighty Premier League, the new Championship season has an exciting feel to it. North-east giants Newcastle United and local foes Middlesbrough will both hope to mount a promotion rival, as will fierce Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby County. Not surprisingly, it is Newcastle United who have made the best start to the new season, and going into the recent international break they had opened up a two-point gap at the top of the standings.