QPR (Queens Park Rangers), Norwich and Swansea were certainly not the names that would get the public running to their televisions (in our case). They’re in a totally different level than the Manchester United’s, Chelsea’s and Manchester City’s. But, with 20 percent of the season gone (8 games played), I’m guessing their fans are repeating the cliché “Action speaks more than a thousand words.” So, it’s about time we gave the new boys a nod of the hat or two.

QPR returned to top-flight action after 15 years in the lower levels. They’ve seen club ownership changes that have resulted in injections of investments into the club during the past three years that have certainly played their part in QPR’s return to the Premiership. Neil Warnock is known to be outspoken and daring, but the captures of Joey Barton, Shaun Wright Philips and D.J. Campbell on transfer deadline day showed the intent he and the club had. They’ve had a mixed start to the season, with excellent away wins at Everton and Wolves while home form has been quite a nuisance as they have found scoring at home an issue even when playing well (vs. Newcastle 0-0). Currently they are 11 with 9 points but with an inferior goal difference thanks to a 6-0 mauling by London neighbors Fulham.

Norwich City finished 2 in the championship last year and haven’t set the world alight with their signings. Paul Lambert has worked well with his budget and delved into the lower leagues, signing Kevin Pilkington from Huddersfield, as an example of what talent there is to find. The team kicked off with a rocky start with only 2 points from their first 4 games. Since then they have won 3 games of the last 4 games (the only loss was away to Manchester United in a game that they could have gotten a result out of!). The club relies more on the unity of the team and commitment. Currently in 8 spot with 11 points (ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Everton).

Swansea made history just by making it to the EPL, as they were the first Welsh club to play Premier League Football. They have had to learn it the hard way with painful trips to Manchester City (4-0 loss) and Chelsea (4-1 loss) and certainly took their time to start scoring (1 goal scored from the penalty spot in their 5 game). Swansea showed their spirit and passion as they overcame the death of manager Brendan Rodger’s father by recording their first 3 points of the campaign in an overwhelming 3-0 win over WBA. Swansea are currently in 13 position with 8 points.

But the beauty of the EPL these days is that with a win or two, a club can move up the table, with a very congested lower half. Of course it is vice versa as a string of bad results means you’re down with the relegation battlers.

As it stands, only 6 points (that’s 2 wins!) separates (Blackburn) from (Aston Villa)! So would Blackburn’s fans still be protesting against Steve Kean if his Rovers can muster 2 or 3 wins? More importantly, how are the odds looking for the new boys now?