Ritchie providing his expert views

ATHLETIC legend Andy Ritchie has become a blogger after being signed up to write a weekly column on the Football League’s website.

The former Boundary Park player has been invited to comment on League One after managing Athletic and Huddersfield and playing for Leeds.

In his opening blog, Ritchie says it is unusual to find so many big clubs in the division.

He says the smart money is on Leeds and Charlton for the two automatic promotion places, but believes Norwich, Colchester and Huddersfield can also figure.

Ritchie, who regularly watches Leeds through his media work, has been impressed by what he has seen.

He said: “They are a team completely revitalised and rejuvenated under Simon Grayson.

“They are virtually unrecognisable from the team he inherited - strong in defence, confident going forward and throughout the side they seem to have far more belief.

“The same applies to Charlton, who have done well to hang on to most of their better players despite being relegated.

“They have a quality squad and one that looks equipped to handle most of what teams in League One will throw at them.”

Ritchie was saddened by the dismissals of John Barnes and Peter Taylor at Tranmere and Wycombe respectively.

He says while it is important supporters have their say, he believes fan power can have too much impact, as appeared to be the case in the dismissal of Barnes.

Ritchie also sympathises with Taylor, who was dismissed by Wycombe not long after guiding them to promotion, something he says happened to him at Barnsley.