A dour start to the Championship this season with no team really setting the opening day alight. Relegated Midlands duo West Bromich Albion and Birmingham City got off to winning starts, with the Baggies being the most impressive of the two. John Hartson scored twice to make him an instant hero among the Hawthorns faithful. At St. Andrews Birmingham toiled towards a 2-1 win and Steve Bruce’s men will have to improve if he is to keep his job. With the talent on show anything less than automatic promotion would surely be viewed as a failure. New £3 million signing Cameron Jerome now faces a three match ban after being sent off, in reality though it was another ridiculous refereeing decision. He looked to brush the player with his shoulder, the ref on the other hand saw a deliberate elbow. Luton were among my favourites to struggle this year but if they play like they did against Leicester, they’ll definitely be at the right end of the table. Their second goal, scored by World Cup hero Carlos Edwards, shows they have the ability to play some nice stuff. While in 37 year old keeper Marlon Beresford, they have a man who has bags of experience and great credentials as shot stopper and expert penalty saver. At Deepdale Preston failed to break down ten-man Sheffield Wednesday and I get the feeling that Paul Simpson may struggle this year. Not because he isn’t a good manager but Preston have chopped and changed managers’ too often (through no fault of their own) in recent years. It’s hard to keep the continuity when you continually have a new man in charge. The other relegated side, Sunderland, earned a draw after a lucky deflected goal. Wolves had the heroic display of keeper Matt Murray to thank for still being in the game, after the Pilgrims inspired by new gaffer Ian Holloway ripped through the Wolves back line. I expect Wolves to come good, the football won’t be as pretty as under Hoddle but it may be more effective. Other key results were Burnley’s 2-0 romp at Turf Moor (see report) and Crystal Palace’s 2-1 win at Portman Road.