Premier League Newcomers Transfer Update

    Promotion to the Premier League from the Championship brings about a massive challenge every year for the three clubs promoted. Usually, they're favorites for relegation, and to survive, let alone compete for spots higher up the table, is usually welcomed by fans as a success. Case in point; Hull City this past year. This new season sees Wolves, Birmingham City, and Burnley join the fray. Mick McCarthy, Alex McLeish, and Owen Coyle have been hard at working adding new talent to their squad and cutting the dead weight in hopes of competing in the top flight. Here's how they've done so far....

 WOLVES

 Additions: Kevin Doyle (from Reading), Greg Halford (Sunderland), Ronald Zubar (Marseille), Andrew Surman (Southampton), Marcus Hahnemann (Reading), Nenad Milijas (Red Star Belgrade)

 Analysis: Doyle adds a proven Premier League goalscorer to an already deep core of strikers including last year's leading scorer in the Championship, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, as well as Welsh youngster Sam Vokes and Chris Iwelumo. The Irishman could strike up a good partnership with Ebanks-Blake and fire Wolves to success. Halford adds to a defense that is strong in spots, namely right back with Kevin Foley and centre back with Christophe Berra, but is still lacking Prem experience and skill. Zubar should help to add that, and could start on opening day. Hahnemann will challenge for the number one shirt, and don't be surprised if the American takes it, either from day one or eventually. He has Premier League experience with Reading and is renowned as a solid keeper.Milijas is an experienced Serbian international, and also has European experience from his time with Red Star. This looks to be one of the better moves for an English team so far during the window, and young Surman, arriving from crisis club Southampton,is a pacy winger who can make an immediate impact despite his youth. Wolves look best-equipped in the depth catetgory of the three newcomers.

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Additions: Joe Hart (Man City, Loan), Lee Bowyer (West Ham), Scott Dann (Coventry City), Christian Benitez (Santos), Roger Johnson (Cardiff), Giovanny Espinoza (Barcelona SC)

Hart is a great signing for the Blues, one of the brightest European keepers who is unfortunate enough to be behind one of the best, Shay Given, at Eastlands. His desire for first team action and Hughes's capable backup in Schmeichel meant that McLeish and Birmingham could pounce on the England U21 star. Maik Taylor has served the club well, but the Northern Ireland international may not be up to Prem standard as he continues to age. Expect Hart to be first choice. Bowyer provides experience and creativity in a mixed midfield including Keith Fahey, Sebastian Larsson, and Lee Carsley. Dann, Johnson, and Espinoza bolster a back line which will be without Fulham bound Stephen Kelly. Expect Espinoza to start. Benitez is another seemingly brilliant move by McLeish, adds to an already impressive front line including Cameron Jerome, Marcus Bent, Garry O'Connor, and James McFadden. The Ecuadorian was full of goals for Santos, and McLeish is hoping he'll be a major contributor to the Blues' offensive this season. Alex McLeish is banking that the Blues can succeed on a mix of exuberant youth and rugged experience, and avoid relegation, unlike their last foray in the division.

BURNLEY

Additions: Steven Fletcher (Hibernian), David Edgar (Newcastle), Tyrone Mears (Derby County)

Manager Owen Coyle pulled off a remarkable piece of business by managing to convince Scottish frontman Steven Fletcher to choose the comforts of Turf Moor, and relegation, if the bookies are to be trusted, over the confines of Celtic Park and perennial trophies. Fletcher is a top class striker, which he proved during his time at Hibs, and Real Madrid even confirmed they were keeping an eye on him. Edgar struggled this past season at Newcastle, and still has a lot to learn should he be a successful centre back in the top flight. However Coyle will hope that he can mature into a reliable fixture of the starting eleven. Mears has bounced around England, and was one of the lone bright spots during Derby County's disastrous 07/08 campaign. He's been given a new chance to again prove himself at Burnley, and the pacy right back could cause opposing back lines headaches while also playing solid defence.Burnley need Coyle to make more signings like Fletcher and Mears if they hope to survive in the Premier League this upcoming season.

- Andrew McCarten