SETH: LEEDS AND DERBY TO SHINE
FORMER Derby and Leeds star Seth Johnson is tipping both of his former clubs to be in the Championship shake-up this season.
Before both sides romped to 5-0 wins this weekend, the 38-year-old, who was capped once by England, predicted big things for the Rams and Whites.
Leeds have moved up to second under new boss Thomas Christiansen following their thumping victory against struggling Burton Albion.
“If Leeds can get in the play-offs, they can go up,” said Johnson. “You need consistency and if they don’t get it, they’ll finish midtable, but I think Leeds will have a great season.”
New signing Pierre Michel-Lasogga, 25, scored twice on his debut against the Brewers and Johnson is optimistic the Hamburg man can fill the void left by Chris Wood, who joined Premier League Burnley in the transfer window.
“The player I’m most excited to see is PierreMichel Lasogga,” said Johnson. “He’s been highly thought of and sounds like an exciting player.
Exciting
“They lost Chris Wood who was top goalscorer and a key player for them, so Lasogga is one that needs to hit the ground running. Kemar Roofe has come in and is scoring for the club, which is exciting as well.”
Derby are also showing signs of getting into the promotion race under manager Gary Rowett and Johnson, who also played for Crewe, believes he’s the right man for the job.
“He’s completely changing the club,” said the former midfielder. “Derby have had some really good players, including Will Hughes and Tom Ince, and he’s got rid of them to change to a more direct style.
“Hopefully with Gary Rowett, the board will give him the time. He knows the area, knows what the fans want and hopefully he’ll settle the club down.”
And Johnson is confident the Rams will be in the hunt come the business end of the season. “I think they’ll do well,” he added. “The likes of Middlesbrough and Wolves have spent a fortune in this window so it will be difficult to compete with those teams but Gary Rowett will make the team very hard to beat.
“I think they’ll be right in the play-offs come the end of the year. For me, they have to be aiming for the play-offs this season as a minimum, it will be a disappointing season otherwise.”