Alan Hansen On Promotion Race

Alan Hansen, pundit for the New Football Pools on promotion from the Championship.

'What an exciting end to the Championship promotion race we have in store this weekend. Birmingham looked to have sowed up the 2nd automatic spot but defeat against Preston has left them facing a tough trip to Reading. The Royals are not in the best of home form at the moment but with promotion there to be won, I am sure they will be well up for this one.

The other automatic promotion contenders are Sheffield United who travel to Crystal Palace this weekend. Funnily enough former long-term Blades boss Neil Warnock may block his old club`s attempt to go up automatically.

Anything is possible on the day which is what you want for an exciting end of season climax. The question as to which of these 3 clubs would do better in the Premier League next season is an easy one to answer. It boils down to who has the most money as to bridge the massive gulf between the Championship and the Premier League requires serious and astute investment.

Wolves have already gained promotion and I must say I am delighted for Mick McCarthy who has done a great job at Molineux with a relatively young team. I am also pleased for Chairman Steve Morgan who has backed his manager and will help Mick build for next season. Wolves are a big club with big support and it`s great to have them back in the Premier League.'

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