August - The season gets underway...

So, the season has started with a bang for our local teams and judging by the start of this campaign, it's going to be a memorable one.

After missing out on another crack at the Premier League last time out, Sheffield United will be looking to go one step closer and try and tie up an automatic route back to the 'big time'. Boss Kevin Blackwell was close to quitting after the Play-off final upset at Wembley, but after licking his wounds over the summer months, Blackwell says that he is more motivated than ever to achieve promotion with The Blades.

They have also paid a respectable £3 million for their eye catching summer signing, Ched Evans from the highly wealthy, Manchester City. The Blades have also brought in the likes of Keith Treacy from Blackburn Rovers, Ryan France from Hull City and Glenn Little from Portsmouth, all with valuable Premiership experience.

Meanwhile, in S6, Sheffield Wednesday have had a rather productive pre-season, to say the least. Quick to move in the transfer market, Manager Brian Laws has managed to secure the services of two free agents. Midfielder Tommy Miller has joined from Ipswich, as well as new club captain, Darren Purse from Cardiff City. They have also signed former loanee from the last campaign, Darren Potter, who has joined the club after moving from newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he was surplus to requirements.

Both clubs are currently three games into the new season and things are already looking promising for both teams in Sheffield.

United started the campaign away at newly-relegated Middlesborough and played out a 0-0 draw on at the Riverside Stadium.

Then, after a humiliating Carling Cup defeat to Port Vale, United hosted Watford at Bramall Lane and won convincingly with a scoreline of 2-0.

The Blades then this week welcomed newly-promoted Leicester City, who impressed with an early goal to stun Kevin Blackwell's men. The Blades soon levelled though, with a spectacular 25-yard strike from new boy Keith Treacy. 1-1 it finished as The Blades currently sit 8th in the Championship league table on 5 points.

Wednesday started their push for the play-offs with a local derby. Barnsley were the visitors to Hillsborough and Wednesday let an early 2-0 lead slip through their hands as Barnsley rescued two goals back to end the game 2-2.

Then, after seeing off Rochdale 3-0 in the Carling Cup, Brian Law's team travelled to League 1 Runners-up Peterborough United, and did well to come away with a well earnt point with the scoreline 1-1.

This week, Wednesday were the visitors to St.James' Park to play a club in turmoil, Newcastle United. Despite a summer of upset and un-rest, the Geordies have actually made a decent start to life in The Championship and went ahead early through in-form Shola Ameobi. Despite playing some attractive and eye-catching football, The Owls suffered their first defeat of the season as it finished 1-0 to the home side.

Both clubs say that they could still bring in fresh faces to bolster their squads before the transfer market closes in a few weeks time.

An interesting start to say the least for our teams then, it promises to be a great season in The Championship.