Game On: Quick Pics.

Hey Ho !
 Well bless my boots ! The footie season is back with us again. I have got to say,  each of the lower divisions  look trappy affairs, when it comes to spotting the winners.

For what it's worth ( not much) here are my selections for glory:

LEAGUE 2

 Champions:  Doncaster Rovers   ( 9/ 1 )

Runners up :  Plymouth (16/ 1 )

Each Way :     Cheltenham Town    ( 25 /1 )


The bookies make Portsmouth favourites, but they can be unreliable over a season. I prefer the chances of near neighbours and rivals Plymouth.

 Doncaster are always there or thereabouts and generally  set a high standard. They will do for me.


Cheltenham ( Robins) have just re-entered the league. They arrive brimful of confidence and if they make a good start, they can trouble the best.



LEAGUE 1

 Champions : Sheffield United (6 / 1 )

Runners up:   Millwall  (  11/ 1 )

Each Way:     Coventry   ( 18 / 1 )


The bookies make Sheffield Utd and Millwall first and second favourites. I cannot disagree with this. Both clubs have a big following and are used to the roly- poly of the league. Both will be hard to beat. Solid chances.

I feel Coventry are  slowly on the up. It's about time the ' Sky- Blues ' found good fortune. They have the 20,000 seater  Ricoh Arena , which they share with Wasps Rugby. Tony Mobray is a manager with midland experience. This could be their season.


CHAMPIONSHIP
Champions : Newcastle    ( 15/8 )

Runners up : Derby           ( 12/ 1 )

Each Way :  Bristol City      ( 40 / 1 )


There is of course only one winner of this division; my own Newcastle Utd. They should have never been relegated from the Premier League and that being the case must take the honours here. Any less placing will be unacceptable .

Reason dictates that I should have put Norwich and Aston Villa into the frame.
But I am prepared to take a pot on Derby County again. Always the perpetual bridesmaid,  but surely this time they will stay course and distance. Last Chance Saloon!

Having a romantic nature and on medication, I take a chance with Bristol City again. Manager Lee Johnson is the son of Gary Johnson, manager of Cheltenham Town.

If father and son could gain promotion, wouldn't  that be something?
Yes I know wishful thinking.

But on the optimistic side Bristol as a city is showing a sporting resurgence, Rovers have had successive promotions and Bristol Rugby are back in the Premier, after many years absent.

All this being so, City will want to make their mark,
won't they?

WE SHALL SEE.
 Best to all in the coming season. Premier League review next week.

(Betting odds from 'Oddschecker'. Best available as at Thursday 4th of July)





Fffffffffffffffffb




Full house at the college ground.



The excitement never wavered.


Sunday the 17th of July was a lovely hot, summer's day. K. and I were at the sell-out T20 Cricket Blast at the Cheltenham College ground  to see Gloucestershire play Essex .

 Glos. posted  212 for 1, with Michael Klinger scoring 95 and Ian Cockbain making an unbeaten 65 from only 35 balls. They easily defeated Essex by 30 runs.
It was a great afternoon of cricket, which will stay long in the memory.


Fffffffffffffffffb



The  lake at Arkesden.




"Constable " corn fields.

By chance , a week later D. and d and I visited my brother-in-law in Arkesden, near Saffron Waldron in Essex.
I have to say, the countryside looked a veritable picture. The two shots above were taken on a walk to the lakeside cafe  for our breakfast. The weather was hot and sunny. The air was still, making the lake languorous in the heat.
A great way to start the day.


Fffffffffffffffffb


I'm off to see the Robins take on Leyton Orient tomorrow. ( 6 / 8 /'16 ). Their first game of the new football season.
Tonight I will listen to the mighty Newcastle  at Fulham, marking the first match of the Championship (2016-17 ).
I hope to give a favourable report on both next week.

Enjoy the Olympics! It can't be four years since London, can it ?
Cheerio for now,
Ck.



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please feel free to comment and point out faults.
glad to have you aboard .

Curlykale.

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