Summary

  • Luton drew with Middlesbrough in the first match of 2019-20 English Football League season

  • Ashley Fletcher headed an early Middlesbrough opener from six yards

  • Sonny Bradley's 25-yard screamer brought Luton level, Martin Cranie headed Hatters in front

  • Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga fumbled Britt Assombalonga's tame shot into net for 2-2

  • Lewis Wing restored Boro's advantage with curling long-range effort

  • James Collins equalised again for home side with five minutes left

  1. Saddlers and Pilgrims target League One returnpublished at 16:35 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    You know what I want to do? Share some League Two content with you and you know what, that is exactly what I'm going to do.

    We've got two teams looking to bounce straight back and one looking to overcome play-off final heartbreak.

  2. Make your EFL promotion predictionspublished at 16:31 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    You can still choose the EFL teams you think will win promotion this season if you haven't done so already, although any selections won't alter the results I've just been telling you about.

    Make your picks by clicking on the link below...

    Which EFL clubs did you pick to go up?

    Which EFL clubs did you pick to be promoted this season? BBC Sport users have their say.

    Read More
  3. EFL predictor resultspublished at 16:26 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    League Two: BBC Sport users pick Bradford, Plymouth, Mansfield and Salford

    The selections for League Two's promoted clubs were much closer compared to the Championship and League One.

    The top four picks matched those of BBC Sport's panel of reporters, Bradford topping the list with 56%.

    The Bantams were closely followed by Plymouth (49%), Mansfield (46%) and Salford (39%), who will play their first ever match in the EFL on Saturday.

    Fellow League Two newcomers Leyton Orient (25%) also performed well, as did Forest Green (33%), who lost to Tranmere in last season's play-off semi-final.

  4. EFL predictor resultspublished at 16:23 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    League One: BBC Sport users pick Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich

    Heartbreak to elation for Sunderland?

    Charlton's stoppage-time winner in May's League One play-off final at Wembley left the Black Cats contemplating a second successive year in the third tier.

    However, they have been tipped to overcome that disappointment and get the job done this time around by 79% of BBC Sport users.

    Two other former Premier League clubs, Portsmouth (67%) and Ipswich (45%), make up the top three of League One clubs expected to be promoted.

    Five other clubs - Rotherham, Doncaster, Peterborough, Lincoln and Coventry - individually gained 10-15% of votes, while 6% think Bolton can overcome their 12-point deduction to be promoted back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

  5. EFL predictor resultspublished at 16:20 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Championship: BBC Sport users pick Leeds, West Brom and Fulham

    Leeds UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    As well as securing the most votes to be promoted, almost a third of users picked Leeds in their first position.

    Head coach Marcelo Bielsa is staying on at Elland Road for a second season and the majority of his squad from last year has been kept together, with a former Championship winner in Helder Costa joining on a season-long loan from Wolves.

    West Bromwich Albion may have lost strikers Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez, who scored 46 goals between them last season, but plenty are expecting new head coach Slaven Bilic to have a positive impact at The Hawthorns.

    Fulham ranked highest of the clubs to drop down from the Premier League, with Cardiff (33%) and Huddersfield (7%) finishing fourth and 10th respectively.

    Last season's beaten play-off finalists Derby were fifth on the list with 20% of votes, while Middlesbrough (11%) were the only other Championship club to appear in more than 10% of selections.

  6. The EFL predictor results!published at 16:18 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Insert drum roll here...

    Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham are most likely to be promoted to the Premier League this season, according to BBC Sport users.

    Leeds, who narrowly missed out on automatic promotion last term before losing in the Championship play-offs, were picked by 69% of people using BBC Sport's promotion predictor.

    Albion, who like Leeds were beaten in last season's play-off semi-finals, received 56% of votes, closely followed by a Fulham team (46%) that is back in the second tier following relegation from the Premier League.

    There were more than 141,000 selections made across the three divisions by the 16:00 BST deadline on Friday, 2 August - almost 69,000 for the Championship, more than 40,000 for League One and over 32,000 for League Two.

  7. Charlton being outbid for new signings - Bowyerpublished at 16:14 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    More from Charlton manager Lee Bowyer, who says he has been "frustrated" at being "outbid" for potential new signings.

    "Our problem is that we're competing with teams in the Championship and the top League One sides," he said. "They're outbidding us on players, which is frustrating because we're in the Championship and I'd like to compete and have a go and see where we could end up.

    "It's just difficult, but I respect what the owner's doing. He's trying to sell the club and he's trying to make it as attractive as he can to sell and I respect that. It's frustrating on the other side for us, trying to bring in people and finding it really difficult."

  8. Another turbulent summer at The Valleypublished at 16:11 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Lee BowyerImage source, PA Media

    Let's have a quick look back at Charlton manager Lee Bowyer's summer...

    26 May: Charlton beat Sunderland in the League One play-off final at Wembley, with Bowyer achieving promotion at the end of his first full season in charge.

    17 June: Charlton announce that they have been unable to reach agreement over a new contract with Bowyer, leading to doubts about his future at The Valley.

    18 June: Less than 24 hours later, it is confirmed that Bowyer has signed a new one-year deal. "I never wanted to leave, I love this club," he said.

    Next up for the former England midfielder - a crack at managing in the Championship...

  9. Bowyer understands Charlton budget constraintspublished at 16:08 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    CharltonImage source, Rex Features

    The ongoing uncertainty about the ownership of Charlton has continued, with Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman abandoning his takeover bid earlier this summer.

    That means Roland Duchatelet - a target for many Charlton fans' ire - remains in control. And, with a sale of the club one of his top priorities, that's left manager Lee Bowyer with not much wriggle room in the transfer market.

    "Our budget's going to be the lowest in the league, but I know and respect the situation that we're in," said Bowyer.

    "I'm not going to knock the owner in any way because everyone we've put forward, he's backed us. He told us what the budget was going to be before pre-season started and we're working towards that."

    The Addicks have made a signing today though, with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher joining on a season-long loan.

  10. The EFL's oldest player still going strong at 40published at 16:03 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Crawley midfielder Dannie Bulman, who at 40 years old is the EFL's oldest outfield player, is preparing for yet another season in the professional game.

    BBC Sport's Rob Stevens met up with him to find out the secret of his longevity and reminisce about a football career which began in the past millennium.

    Bulman's side start the season with the short 345-mile journey up to Cumbria to face Carlisle on Saturday.

  11. Fulham will show mental strength this season, says Bettinellipublished at 15:59 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Marcus BettinelliImage source, Rex Features

    Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli says they will show a stronger mentality this season, as they bid to bounce back from their relegation in 2018-19.

    "Last season, a lot of the time we came under criticism for not showing that fight and determination," he told BBC Radio London. "That’s something we can’t not show this season. It needs to start on Saturday and it will.

    "A lot of players came in last season and it’s not for me to say whether they were mentality part of our group or not, but this season Scotty [Parker] has got everyone in the changing room working hard, and the mentality is there.

    "We won’t be doing the same as what we had last season, with that mentality. It’s a nice feeling being in a dressing room where everyone is together and wants to go out and win the same thing you want to win."

    Fulham start the new campaign with a trip to Barnsley on Saturday.

  12. 'Two more windows' for it to be my team - Siewertpublished at 15:57 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Jan SiewertImage source, Rex Features

    Head coach Jan Siewert says it will take two more transfer windows for his Huddersfield Town squad to be "fully" his team.

    Under the 36-year-old German, who took charge on 21 January and oversaw the club's relegation last term, the Terriers will open their Championship season at home to Derby on Monday.

    "It feels more like my team because I now had six weeks of pre-season with them. Big credit to Josh Marsh [head of recruitment] and to our chairman and everybody who was working on getting players in.

    "I’m really proud of the players who we brought in and I know it will take time and two more windows to be fully my team."

    This summer the Terriers' signings have included winger Isaac Mbenza from Montpellier, right-back Herbert Bockhorn from Borussia Dortmund II and centre-back Tommy Elphick from Aston Villa.

  13. Will Warnock sign off with another Cardiff promotion?published at 15:55 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Rob Phillips
    BBC Wales Football Correspondent

    Cardiff boss Neil Warnock says his 40th campaign as a manager will be his last - and he'd love to bow out by improving on his record eight promotions.

    Warnock has talked previously of calling it a day, yet he is set to turn 71 in December in the thick of what he calls the "slog" of the Championship.

    Still burning with some of the perceived injustices of officialdom in the Premier League, Warnock will be confident of at least vying for an immediate return.

    He has added to the survivors of the squad promoted two seasons ago and his unrivalled know-how at this level should see Cardiff in the mix for a quick return to the top flight, even if he might not be around to enjoy the fruits of his labours next season.

    Neil WarnockImage source, Rex Features
  14. Can Bluebirds, Cottagers and Terriers bounce back?published at 15:55 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Shall we have a look at how the three teams relegated from the Premier League last season are shaping up for the 2019-20 campaign then?

    We shall.

  15. get involved

    Get Involved #bbceflpublished at 15:50 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Who will be the EFL's star player this season

    Ivan CavaleiroImage source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    New Fulham signing Ivan Cavaleiro is clearly not a man lacking in confidence judging by that choice of jacket...

    Sam Gollings: Ivan Cavaleiro could be a star at Fulham this year. Cav, Mitro and Sessegnon as a front three is really exciting. Leeds attack will be fun to watch as well with the addition of Helder Costa if Bielsa can get him back to his best.

    Luke Webb: I'm looking forward to seeing Mateuz Bogusz break through for Leeds United. Played his socks off in pre-season. Reckon Phillips, Klich and Harrison will also be huge for.

    Edward Watts: Krystian Bielik at Derby. If he performs to the level that he has showed previously he will be one of the star men not in for Derby next season but the league.

    We want to know who you think will be the EFL's star player this season or just who you're most looking forward to seeing play for your team in 2019-20.

    Get in touch on #bbcefl on Twitter.

  16. Four hours to gopublished at 15:45 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Liam RidgewellImage source, Rex Features

    Just four hours to go until the EFL season starts so if you were thinking of watching Lord of the Rings: Return of the King before Luton v Middlesbrough starts then you'll need to put it on pretty soon.

    Here are a few of the headlines so far today - for a full list of transfers click here.

    • Swansea striker Oli McBurnie has joined Sheffield United for £20m
    • Derby County have signed Arsenal midfielder Krystian Bielik for an undisclosed fee and Brighton defender Matt Clarke on a season-long loan
    • Lincoln City have signed Nottingham Forest striker Tyler Walker on a season-long loan
    • Southend have signed veteran defender Liam Ridgewell on a one-year deal
  17. Cash boost eases Wycombe worriespublished at 15:41 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Geoff Doyle
    BBC Three Counties Radio sport

    Adebayo AkinfenwaImage source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    Veteran Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa scored eight times in League One last season

    With what looked like financial problems off the pitch Wycombe have recently been boosted with an injection of cash from American investors looking to takeover the club.

    It’s meant Gareth Ainsworth has managed to attract some decent looking players in the past fortnight - notably rapid winger Fred Onyedinma from Millwall, who’s been on loan at Adams Park in the past, and striker Paul Smyth who did well on loan at Accrington last season.

    Jack Grimmer is a decent replacement for Jason McCarthy but Wycombe still look a little light in defence.

    However fears of relegation have eased somewhat following the nine summer arrivals.

  18. Bury 'saga' delays season's start for Shakerspublished at 15:38 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Bill Rice
    BBC Radio Manchester

    Where to start with the saga at Bury? The team promoted to League One last season was hailed as one of their greatest by Shakers fans, but has been decimated as the club fought for survival due to crippling financial issues.

    Five players have followed former boss Ryan Lowe to Plymouth, and only five players remain under contract for new boss Paul Wilkinson.

    Owner Steve Dale has agreed a CVA with creditors to repay the club’s significant debts but has yet to satisfy the EFL he has the funds to run the club, so Saturday’s opener against MK Dons has been suspended.

    Paul WilkinsonImage source, Rex Features
  19. The lowdown on AFC Wimbledonpublished at 15:37 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Andy Rowley
    BBC Radio London

    AFC Wimbledon produced a great escape last season under club legend Wally Downes as their late season surge saw them become one of the form teams in League One. Can he continue that momentum after his first pre-season as manager?

    They still have to work smarter than their rivals, evidenced by their recruitment with the signings of Nesta Guinness-Walker and Adam Roscrow from Metropolitan Police FC and Cardiff Metropolitan University respectively.

    Joe Pigott will be a key man after he clicked following Downes’ arrival and ended with 18 goals last campaign.

    This is undoubtedly an important season for the club, with their upcoming move to a new stadium on the old Plough Road site.

    Wally DownesImage source, Rex Features
  20. Will Tranmere adjust well to League One?published at 15:36 British Summer Time 2 August 2019

    Derek Jones
    BBC Radio Merseyside

    Successive promotions via the play-offs have seen Tranmere jump from National League to League One.

    Manager Micky Mellon has responded by adding several players to his squad with experience at this level including Darren Potter, Stefan Payne and former Crewe captain George Ray.

    The close-season departure of leading scorer James Norwood, who netted 32 times in all competitions last term, is a blow but Rovers' recent success has been based on a terrific team ethic.

    With a proven manager in place, they will be confident of developing a style that meets the new challenges.

    Last season’s Wembley hero, Connor Jennings, will continue to provide important goals and assists and new club captain, goalkeeper Scott Davies, will again be a key player. Rovers will expect to be competitive, even at this higher level.

    Micky MellonImage source, Rex Features