Hat-trick of promotions is Norwood’s target
OLIVER NORWOOD said it is ‘open season’ in the Championship as he chases a hat-trick of promotions.
The Sheffield United midfielder, 27, helped Brighton (below) and Fulham (right) to the Premier League over the past two seasons.
And he believes there will be no runaway team like Wolves last term with the chase to the top flight wide open.
“We have seen 14 teams so far and I don’t think any of those were better than us,” said Norwood, who faces Wigan today with the Blades in third place on goal difference.
“The Championship this year is wide open, more than it has been for a while. No one team is going to run away with it. “I can say I look at those teams and think we are better than all of them. “We’ve been the dominant team in every game. Names mean nothing, it is 11 versus 11 out there. “Compared to the Brighton and Fulham teams I played in we are very similar. “The dressing room is very close-knit, we all get on well and all want each other to do well. There is no bitterness towards anyone.” The Northern Ireland star, who joined the Blades from Brighton in August for £2million, added: “The gaffer will make changes to the team throughout the season so we are all in this together.
“We all have the same goal here – we all want to be promoted to the Premier League and it’s important that we stick together.” Andy Barcham is out with a calf problem for the hosts and Anthony Wordsworth is struggling. Luton left-back Dan Potts is a doubt. Jordan Clark is banned for Accrington Stanley. Pompey’s Dion Donohue will miss a month with a hamstring injury. Barnsley’s Kenny Dougall has an ankle injury but Cauley Woodrow could play. Rovers look set to name an unchanged team. David Templeton is in contention for Nigel Clough’s Burton, while Sebastien Bassong could make his debut for Posh. Jordan Willis is to miss out again for the Sky Blues. Doncaster pair Andy Butler and Niall Mason are both suspended. Paddy Madden is set to return from a hamstring niggle for Fleetwood. Blackpool defender Marc Bola needs a fitness test. Gills could have Regan Charles-Cook available again, while Ryan McGowan and George Miller are banned for Bradford. U’s midfielder Shandon Baptiste faces shoulder surgery while Shaun Whalley is set to sit this one out for Shrewsbury. Magnus Norman could return in goal for Rochdale. Charlton pair Krystian Bielik and Igor Vetokele are available.