Thank you for spending some, or all, of the past three-and-a-half hours with me as we've previewed the prospects of all 72 EFL sides for the 2022-23 campaign - thanks to the BBC's vast network of commentators and reporters.
If you've not long joined me, scroll down to find the lowdown on your team.
That's it from me, but fear not - my colleague Ian Woodcock is on hand to take you through the whole of the Championship curtain-raiser between Huddersfield and Burnley.
Birmingham City - 'Eustace in make do and mend territory'
Championship (2021-22: 20th)
Richard Wilford
BBC Radio WM
To say that Birmingham City’s summer has been far from
ideal is most definitely an understatement. While the majority of the club’s
supporters are likely to be in favour of ownership change, the tyre-kicking and
public pronouncements of prospective new owners have not yet resulted in the
full or partial sale of the club.
That has led to further delays in the repairs to the lower
tiers of two stands, and left former head coach Lee Bowyer sitting as
something of a lame duck before his departure at the start of July. The new man
in the hotseat is John Eustace whose track record for developing young talent
will come into sharp focus given the thin senior squad he has at his
disposal.
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Jobe Bellingham, brother of England midfielder Jude, has signed a professional contract with Birmingham this summerImage caption: Jobe Bellingham, brother of England midfielder Jude, has signed a professional contract with Birmingham this summer
Helpfully there are talented teenagers to work with, as last season’s breakthrough midfielder Jordan James will be joined more frequently by George Hall and Jobe Bellingham. Academy products Nico Gordon and Tate Campbell may also have a part to play.
Senior pros like Troy Deeney will use widespread predictions of a relegation battle as motivation, and a siege mentality may come in useful. But until the off-pitch vagaries are sorted, Eustace will find himself in make do and mend territory. Not an easy challenge.
Jon Dahl Tomasson spent one season with Newcastle United during his playing careerImage caption: Jon Dahl Tomasson spent one season with Newcastle United during his playing career
Rovers finished eighth in the Championship last season, which a year ago
would have been seen as a big success.
It wasn’t, in the end, seen as a
success as a run of four wins from the final 18 games saw them fall six
places from second spot at the end of January.
Tony Mowbray has been replaced by Dane Jon Dahl Tomasson, who is taking on his first managerial challenge in the UK.
He’ll work alongside new director of football Gregg
Broughton to strengthen a squad which could be described as threadbare.
Seven of last season's first team won’t be part of it this
year, and in order to have any chance of a repeat of the return of 69 points,
they need players in, quickly.
Blackpool - 'A good start required'
Championship (2021-22: 16th)
Ian Chisnall
BBC Radio Lancashire
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Canada international forward Theo Corbeanu joined Blackpool on loan from Wolves on ThursdayImage caption: Canada international forward Theo Corbeanu joined Blackpool on loan from Wolves on Thursday
The close season continues to see all connected with Blackpool trying to come
to terms with the shock departure of head coach Neil Critchley in June.
Michael
Appleton begins a second spell in charge, returning to a club now in a totally
different place from the chaos which led to his previous departure.
Although
the squad isn't in need of a major overhaul, he knows he needs to add quality
in key areas to improve on last season's solid return to the second tier.
Thus far, and maybe surprisingly, there have been no significant departures
and much will depend on Appleton's acknowledged ability to develop and improve
a largely young group.
Like his predecessor, he needs to squeeze 100% out of
his players on a consistent basis if Blackpool are to avoid the dreaded second
season syndrome.
In every sense, a good start is required in what will be a tough campaign.
Bristol City – ‘I’d be surprised if they didn’t improve’
Championship (2021-22: 17th)
Richard Hoskin
BBC Radio Bristol
One of Bristol City’s biggest challenges pre-season was
holding onto their best players, and it looks like they’re managing to keep the
vultures at bay.
Alex Scott, tipped as a future England international by
Nigel Pearson, shone at the Euro Under-19 Championship this summer.
And whilst he’ll miss the start of the season due to injury,
Antoine Semenyo will be looking to build on a promising 2021-22 campaign where
he added goals to his frightening strength and pace.
It's interesting to see a lot of national media predicting a
season of struggle at Ashton Gate – but I’m more optimistic.
Bristol City boasted a hugely impressive attacking force
last season, with Andreas Weimann scoring more than 20 goals, and that’s
something they’ll look to maintain.
It’s defensively where they struggled, conceding a number of
irritating late goals. But despite limited funds Nigel Pearson has been able to
strengthen, adding Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson to his squad.
Bristol City remain a work in progress, but I’d be surprised
if they didn’t improve on last season’s 17th placed finish.
Listen to commentary of every Bristol City game on BBC
Radio Bristol, and Sound of the City – a programme devoted to Bristol City –
every Monday at 18:00 BST.
Burnley - 'Kompany's arrival has energised fans'
Championship (2021-22: 18th in Premier League)
Dan Jewell
BBC Radio Lancashire Sport
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It’s the start of a new era for Burnley and nobody can be
entirely sure what it’s going to bring.
Vincent Kompany’s arrival has energised
a lot of fans and the summer transfer activity has seen a crop of younger
players arrive at Turf Moor.
The manager himself has said he’s in it for the
long term and isn’t thinking just in terms of this season.
But following Premier
League relegation last year there must surely be pressure on the Clarets to
return to the top flight as soon as possible.
Cardiff City - 'Hope for further signs of progress'
Championship (2021-22: 18th)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales
Given the scale of player turnover during the summer, it is difficult to predict how Cardiff will fare this season.
Most of the signings were free because, like most other clubs in the Championship, money remains tight for the Bluebirds.
They did hold talks with Wales captain Gareth Bale about what would have been a sensational move home for the former Real Madrid forward, but he eventually chose Los Angeles FC.
Once that tantalising prospect had gone, Cardiff returned their focus to rebuilding their squad on a modest budget.
Midfielders Romaine Sawyers and Andy Rinomhota, and returning winger Sheyi Ojo are among the arrivals who bring considerable Championship experience, while younger players such as winger Ollie Tanner have been signed with an eye on the future.
At the time of writing, however, the Bluebirds squad still looks short of options and quality up front, as a striker remains top of manager Steve Morison's shopping list.
Few will expect Cardiff to compete with the likes of pre-season favourites Norwich City - their opening opponents - and Watford for promotion, but staff, players and fans will all be hoping for further signs of progress.
Right, we have a game fast approaching, and team news has dropped.
Six of the players who started for Huddersfield in last season's Championship play-off final have moved on in the summer, but none of their new signings start tonight. Perhaps mindful of the incredibly short off-season the Terriers have had, new head coach Danny Schofield sticks with players he knows and who know the side's style.
It's almost the complete opposite for tonight's opponents. Vincent Kompany hands debuts to six players after the Clarets were consigned to relegation on the final day of last season.
We'll be covering every kick in here from 19:30 BST.
Coventry City - Can they live up to increased expectations?
Championship (2021-22: 12th)
Clive Eakin
BBC CWR Sport
Sky Blues fans loved last season. The team
returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena and unexpectedly pushed for a
play-off place. Although they ultimately fell short they treated us to some
exciting football and had the thrilling habit of scoring stoppage-time winners.
So can they live up to increased expectations this
time? Crucially they have, so far at least, held on to their key players,
notably Callum O’Hare, Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres, who have all been
subject to transfer speculation. Striker Matty Godden
starts the campaign fit and scoring goals in pre-season, after missing much of
last season.
Only one first team permanent signing has been recruited,
Kasey Palmer from Bristol City. Loan signings Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle and
Tayo Adaramola replace last season’s loans in defence.
Although they seem more stably financed than in
the recent past, the club remains on one of the lower budgets in the division
and manager Mark Robins insists the first aim is to be an established Championship club. But the fans are looking forward to the new
campaign with eager anticipation.
Huddersfield Town - 'Hard-to-beat personality should remain'
Championship (2021-22: 3rd)
Paul Ogden
Huddersfield Town commentator, BBC Radio Leeds
Having surprised the great
majority of their own fans in reaching the play-off final last
season, Huddersfield Town’s preparations for the new one have been typically
unconventional, leaving most Terrier-watchers flummoxed (again) as to what to
expect.
Chief engineer of last
season’s near-promotion, Carlos Corberan, jumped ship halfway through
pre-season, unwilling to work again with what he deemed inadequate squad
resources and weak ambitions.
However, his replacement and
hitherto key coaching advisor Danny Schofield has been at the heart of
Corberan’s operation throughout. Reassuringly, other coaching staff members
have also stayed on, and can be expected to continue the Spaniard’s work at the
same standard.
On the field, Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo’s departures for Premier League life with Nottingham Forest
will initially leave holes in the squad, but those who are chosen to fill them
should be carefully assessed before supporters post their final judgements on this summer’s and sales and recruitment policy.
Likely left-back deputy Josh
Ruffels’ regular selection is long overdue; there are also the classically
modern-day Huddersfield Town (low outlay, high potential) signings of Jack
Rudoni (from Wimbledon) and David Kasumu (from Milton Keynes) to monitor, as
well as the prospect of a fully-fit version of Tino Anjorin, returning for a
second loan spell from Chelsea, to enjoy.
Experienced cornerstones of last season remain in place, and having
retained goalkeeper Lee Nicholls on now-extended terms, that hard-to-beat,
pesky personality of Huddersfield as an opponent should remain unchanged
for the new season, even if their likeable Spanish frontman has departed.
One hour to go - The relegated Premier League sides
#bbcefl
We welcome Burnley, Watford and Norwich back to the EFL this season, following their relegation from the Premier League.
Each club is going about things slightly differently as they attempt to bounce back - Steve Marshall has outlined how they're shaping up.
The new owner, Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali, has pushed
all the right buttons and the fans are re-engaged and feel their club loves
them again.
They’ll love it even more if they can fulfil the owner’s
stated aim of top-six.
They’ve been busy in the transfer market to try to give
them the platform to do it, even though losing George Honeyman and Keane Lewis-Potter is a blow.
Jean Michael Seri and Tobias Figueiredo have Championship promotion experience
with Fulham and Forest but the rest of the outfield signings are new to the
country, and I wonder if they’re ready for the brutal relentlessness of the
division. Some of them are playing catch-up on fitness.
To
that end a sluggish start wouldn’t surprise me, but as long as everybody keeps
their nerve and the new strikers find their shooting boots then 10th or beyond might be possible.
You can follow our Hull City coverage @HumbersideSport and we’ll have commentary on
FM, digital and Freeview
Luton Town – ‘Expectations will rise after last season’
Championship (2021-22: 6th)
Simon Oxley
BBC Three Counties Radio
Reaching the play-offs was beyond the expectations of most
Luton fans, but manager Nathan Jones has been busy over the summer having challenged
the board to improve on last season.
Jones has reflected on the defeat to Huddersfield, and the
costly missed chances, and has strengthened his attacking options with Cauley
Woodrow returning to Kenilworth Road – where he emerged as a youth team player
– and Carlton Morris also joining from Barnsley.
Much may though depend on
whether they keep hold of last season’s leading scorer Elijah Adebayo.
There are two new goalkeepers – Ethan Horvath, on loan from
Nottingham Forest, and Matt Macey, and the defenders in the squad should be
able to cope with the departure of one of last season’s stand-out performers
Kal Naismith.
Midfielder Allan Campbell emerged as a key player, and was
rewarded with a first Scotland cap over the summer. His ability to build on
last season could mirror the team as a whole.
They are still punching above their weight, although
expectations will rise after last season’s success.
Listen to live commentary on BBC 3CR digital radio.
Get Involved using #bbcefl
How will your team get on?
Aaron Crotty: Come on…with the Baggies having signed Jed Wallace, John Swift and Okay Yokuslu and a fit Dike, we should be top 2 right? #bbcefl
The Baggies endured a miserable second half of the campaign last time out but some shrewd signings should see them challenging at the right end of the table.
Let us know how you think your side will get on in the Championship or who you think will get promoted by using #bbcefl.
Middlesbrough - 'Wilder desperate to add firepower'
Championship (2021-22: 7th)
Mark Drury
BBC Tees
This feels like a big season for Middlesbrough.
They have a proven Championship promotion-winner at the helm
in Chris Wilder, they have the nucleus of a squad that finished just outside
the play-off places last time round and a fanbase that expects a concerted
promotion push.
What they don’t have at the time of writing, is a promotion-winning strikeforce. Duncan Watmore and teenage striker Josh Coburn are
Wilder’s striking options and he’s desperate to add some serious firepower
before the season kicks off. (Brentford striker Marcus Forss arrived for an undisclosed fee on Thursday.)
The rest of the team looks good. Darragh Lenihan should be a
mainstay at the heart of the defence after signing on a free transfer from
Blackburn, while Isaiah Jones and Ryan Giles promise to create plenty of
chances from wing-back. The big question the fans are asking is, who will they
be creating chances for?
The answer to that question will go a long way to deciding
whether Boro can finally make it back to the Premier League.
Listen to every Boro match on BBC Radio Tees Sport on
95FM, DAB & Freeview channel 722
Millwall - 'Replacing Wallace is key'
Championship (2021-22: 9th)
Matt Newsum
BBC Sport
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Boss Gary Rowett had the tough task of replacing Jed Wallace this summer, and has done so with Zian FlemmingImage caption: Boss Gary Rowett had the tough task of replacing Jed Wallace this summer, and has done so with Zian Flemming
Jed Wallace was such a talisman for Millwall, consistent and yet capable of magic which helped Gary Rowett's side into a flirtation with the play-offs last season.
However, he's now gone, finally prised away from the Den by West Brom, and for Rowett, who has quietly gone about a rebuild down in South Bermondsey, picking the right replacement is key.
They've gone a bit left-field in that department, signing Dutch playmaker Zian Flemming from Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard.
He's got a decent scoring record, with double figures in his past two seasons, and came through the vaunted Ajax academy set-up. Much will rest of his shoulders in terms of creativity and spark.
Elsewhere there was a bit of a clear-out this summer, with longer-serving stalwarts such as Mahlon Romeo, Sean O'Brien and Alex Pearce all departing.
Striker Benik Afobe returns on a permanent deal from Stoke, Hull skipper George Honeyman will bring energy and leadership to midfield, while highly-rated Leeds duo of defender Charlie Cresswell and midfielder Jamie Shackleton have an opportunity to enhance their reputations with a strong showing at Championship level.
Thirteen wins at home last season was up there with the best of them, fuelled by a vibrant home support.
The Lions can again rely on that atmosphere, but can they rely on having sufficiently replaced Jed Wallace? You sense it will be the litmus test.
Get Involved using #bbcefl
How will your team get on?
Stim City Tigers: Have a punt on Hull City, revamped the club and playing staff, it’s going to be an exciting season. Good shout for the play-offs or a relegation dogfight. It could go either way.
There's been a lot of comings and goings at the Tigers this summer, that's for sure.
Who do you think will be celebrating promotion from the Championship come May?
Norwich City - 'Squad of proven promotion winners'
Championship (2021-22: 20th in Premier League)
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
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Teemu Pukki (right) has scored more than 50 goals in his past two seasons in the Championship, helping Norwich win the title on both occasionsImage caption: Teemu Pukki (right) has scored more than 50 goals in his past two seasons in the Championship, helping Norwich win the title on both occasions
Dean Smith could do with a good start in the Championship to
help heal the scars of another meek relegation.
Smith inherited a squad that was already struggling and, by
his own admission, the priority was to fight fires rather than impose his own
stamp on the team.
He won’t have the same mitigation this season. Norwich City
have players that aren’t just tried and tested in the Championship but are
proven promotion winners. Adding Isaac Hayden to a squad that already includes
Teemu Pukki, Max Aarons, Grant Hanley and Tim Krul, to name just a few, means
they start among the favourites for promotion.
Gabriel Sara, the Brazilian midfielder, is an
intriguing signing. There are also a host of players like Todd Cantwell, Danel
Sinani and Jordan Hugill who were loaned out last season and could be like new
signings if Smith can unlock their undoubted potential.
Preston North End - 'Lowe's side expected to improve on 13th
Championship (2021-22: 13th)
Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire
Preston boss Ryan Lowe had the second half of last season to assess the
squad at his disposal and has spent the summer making the changes that he has
deemed necessary.
An overhaul of the goalkeeping department, with the
additions of Freddie Woodman and Dai Cornell, were made early in pre-season, as
well as giving Wales international striker Ben Woodburn the chance to play regularly
on the Championship stage.
Lowe will also be hoping that Robbie Brady can play a key
role as a left-wing back, following a few years of limited involvement at
Burnley and Bournemouth.
More additions will be coming and the expectation is that
North End will improve on last season's finish of 13th as they bid to
return to the top tier for the first time since 1961.
QPR - 'Beale's brief to develop young talent'
Championship (2021-22: 11th)
Ben Kosky
BBC Sport
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For the first time in three years, QPR kick off under
new management, with Michael Beale – who previously assisted Steven Gerrard at
Rangers and Aston Villa – appointed head coach following Mark Warburton’s
departure.
Beale’s brief is to develop young talent at Loftus
Road, as well as fine-tuning a squad that spent much of last season in the top
six only to tumble down the table after seven defeats in their last 10 games.
Attacking midfielder Chris Willock’s return from
injury is welcome news and should boost Rangers’ prospects of another push for
the play-offs.
The new boss will also look towards playmaker Ilias
Chair and Taylor Richards, on loan from Brighton, to unlock Championship
defences, while Tyler Roberts has been signed from Leeds on a season-long deal
to strengthen the front line.
Central defender Jake Clarke-Salter, who made the
short journey from Chelsea, and Dutch left-back Kenneth Paal are the R’s other
summer recruits so far.
Live Reporting
James Law
All times stated are UK
Nigel French/PA WireCopyright: Nigel French/PA Wire 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Jobe Bellingham, brother of England midfielder Jude, has signed a professional contract with Birmingham this summerImage caption: Jobe Bellingham, brother of England midfielder Jude, has signed a professional contract with Birmingham this summer 
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features Jon Dahl Tomasson spent one season with Newcastle United during his playing careerImage caption: Jon Dahl Tomasson spent one season with Newcastle United during his playing career 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Canada international forward Theo Corbeanu joined Blackpool on loan from Wolves on ThursdayImage caption: Canada international forward Theo Corbeanu joined Blackpool on loan from Wolves on Thursday 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Boss Gary Rowett had the tough task of replacing Jed Wallace this summer, and has done so with Zian FlemmingImage caption: Boss Gary Rowett had the tough task of replacing Jed Wallace this summer, and has done so with Zian Flemming 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Teemu Pukki (right) has scored more than 50 goals in his past two seasons in the Championship, helping Norwich win the title on both occasionsImage caption: Teemu Pukki (right) has scored more than 50 goals in his past two seasons in the Championship, helping Norwich win the title on both occasions 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Latest PostLess conversation, more action
#bbcefl
Thank you for spending some, or all, of the past three-and-a-half hours with me as we've previewed the prospects of all 72 EFL sides for the 2022-23 campaign - thanks to the BBC's vast network of commentators and reporters.
If you've not long joined me, scroll down to find the lowdown on your team.
That's it from me, but fear not - my colleague Ian Woodcock is on hand to take you through the whole of the Championship curtain-raiser between Huddersfield and Burnley.
Join him here.
Birmingham City - 'Eustace in make do and mend territory'
Championship (2021-22: 20th)
Richard Wilford
BBC Radio WM
To say that Birmingham City’s summer has been far from ideal is most definitely an understatement. While the majority of the club’s supporters are likely to be in favour of ownership change, the tyre-kicking and public pronouncements of prospective new owners have not yet resulted in the full or partial sale of the club.
That has led to further delays in the repairs to the lower tiers of two stands, and left former head coach Lee Bowyer sitting as something of a lame duck before his departure at the start of July. The new man in the hotseat is John Eustace whose track record for developing young talent will come into sharp focus given the thin senior squad he has at his disposal.
Helpfully there are talented teenagers to work with, as last season’s breakthrough midfielder Jordan James will be joined more frequently by George Hall and Jobe Bellingham. Academy products Nico Gordon and Tate Campbell may also have a part to play.
Senior pros like Troy Deeney will use widespread predictions of a relegation battle as motivation, and a siege mentality may come in useful. But until the off-pitch vagaries are sorted, Eustace will find himself in make do and mend territory. Not an easy challenge.
Blackburn Rovers - 'Tomasson needs players quickly'
Championship (2021-22: 8th)
Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire
Rovers finished eighth in the Championship last season, which a year ago would have been seen as a big success.
It wasn’t, in the end, seen as a success as a run of four wins from the final 18 games saw them fall six places from second spot at the end of January.
Tony Mowbray has been replaced by Dane Jon Dahl Tomasson, who is taking on his first managerial challenge in the UK.
He’ll work alongside new director of football Gregg Broughton to strengthen a squad which could be described as threadbare.
Seven of last season's first team won’t be part of it this year, and in order to have any chance of a repeat of the return of 69 points, they need players in, quickly.
Blackpool - 'A good start required'
Championship (2021-22: 16th)
Ian Chisnall
BBC Radio Lancashire
The close season continues to see all connected with Blackpool trying to come to terms with the shock departure of head coach Neil Critchley in June.
Michael Appleton begins a second spell in charge, returning to a club now in a totally different place from the chaos which led to his previous departure.
Although the squad isn't in need of a major overhaul, he knows he needs to add quality in key areas to improve on last season's solid return to the second tier.
Thus far, and maybe surprisingly, there have been no significant departures and much will depend on Appleton's acknowledged ability to develop and improve a largely young group.
Like his predecessor, he needs to squeeze 100% out of his players on a consistent basis if Blackpool are to avoid the dreaded second season syndrome.
In every sense, a good start is required in what will be a tough campaign.
Bristol City – ‘I’d be surprised if they didn’t improve’
Championship (2021-22: 17th)
Richard Hoskin
BBC Radio Bristol
One of Bristol City’s biggest challenges pre-season was holding onto their best players, and it looks like they’re managing to keep the vultures at bay.
Alex Scott, tipped as a future England international by Nigel Pearson, shone at the Euro Under-19 Championship this summer.
And whilst he’ll miss the start of the season due to injury, Antoine Semenyo will be looking to build on a promising 2021-22 campaign where he added goals to his frightening strength and pace.
It's interesting to see a lot of national media predicting a season of struggle at Ashton Gate – but I’m more optimistic.
Bristol City boasted a hugely impressive attacking force last season, with Andreas Weimann scoring more than 20 goals, and that’s something they’ll look to maintain.
It’s defensively where they struggled, conceding a number of irritating late goals. But despite limited funds Nigel Pearson has been able to strengthen, adding Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson to his squad.
Bristol City remain a work in progress, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t improve on last season’s 17th placed finish.
Listen to commentary of every Bristol City game on BBC Radio Bristol, and Sound of the City – a programme devoted to Bristol City – every Monday at 18:00 BST.
Burnley - 'Kompany's arrival has energised fans'
Championship (2021-22: 18th in Premier League)
Dan Jewell
BBC Radio Lancashire Sport
It’s the start of a new era for Burnley and nobody can be entirely sure what it’s going to bring.
Vincent Kompany’s arrival has energised a lot of fans and the summer transfer activity has seen a crop of younger players arrive at Turf Moor.
The manager himself has said he’s in it for the long term and isn’t thinking just in terms of this season.
But following Premier League relegation last year there must surely be pressure on the Clarets to return to the top flight as soon as possible.
Cardiff City - 'Hope for further signs of progress'
Championship (2021-22: 18th)
Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales
Given the scale of player turnover during the summer, it is difficult to predict how Cardiff will fare this season.
Most of the signings were free because, like most other clubs in the Championship, money remains tight for the Bluebirds.
They did hold talks with Wales captain Gareth Bale about what would have been a sensational move home for the former Real Madrid forward, but he eventually chose Los Angeles FC.
Once that tantalising prospect had gone, Cardiff returned their focus to rebuilding their squad on a modest budget.
Midfielders Romaine Sawyers and Andy Rinomhota, and returning winger Sheyi Ojo are among the arrivals who bring considerable Championship experience, while younger players such as winger Ollie Tanner have been signed with an eye on the future.
At the time of writing, however, the Bluebirds squad still looks short of options and quality up front, as a striker remains top of manager Steve Morison's shopping list.
Few will expect Cardiff to compete with the likes of pre-season favourites Norwich City - their opening opponents - and Watford for promotion, but staff, players and fans will all be hoping for further signs of progress.
All change under Morison - Cardiff season preview
As Cardiff City prepare for a first full campaign under Steve Morison, BBC Sport Wales assesses the Bluebirds' hopes for the new Championship season.
Read moreTeam News
Huddersfield v Burnley (20:00 BST)
Right, we have a game fast approaching, and team news has dropped.
Six of the players who started for Huddersfield in last season's Championship play-off final have moved on in the summer, but none of their new signings start tonight. Perhaps mindful of the incredibly short off-season the Terriers have had, new head coach Danny Schofield sticks with players he knows and who know the side's style.
It's almost the complete opposite for tonight's opponents. Vincent Kompany hands debuts to six players after the Clarets were consigned to relegation on the final day of last season.
We'll be covering every kick in here from 19:30 BST.
Coventry City - Can they live up to increased expectations?
Championship (2021-22: 12th)
Clive Eakin
BBC CWR Sport
Sky Blues fans loved last season. The team returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena and unexpectedly pushed for a play-off place. Although they ultimately fell short they treated us to some exciting football and had the thrilling habit of scoring stoppage-time winners.
So can they live up to increased expectations this time? Crucially they have, so far at least, held on to their key players, notably Callum O’Hare, Gustavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres, who have all been subject to transfer speculation. Striker Matty Godden starts the campaign fit and scoring goals in pre-season, after missing much of last season.
Only one first team permanent signing has been recruited, Kasey Palmer from Bristol City. Loan signings Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle and Tayo Adaramola replace last season’s loans in defence.
Although they seem more stably financed than in the recent past, the club remains on one of the lower budgets in the division and manager Mark Robins insists the first aim is to be an established Championship club. But the fans are looking forward to the new campaign with eager anticipation.
Huddersfield Town - 'Hard-to-beat personality should remain'
Championship (2021-22: 3rd)
Paul Ogden
Huddersfield Town commentator, BBC Radio Leeds
Having surprised the great majority of their own fans in reaching the play-off final last season, Huddersfield Town’s preparations for the new one have been typically unconventional, leaving most Terrier-watchers flummoxed (again) as to what to expect.
Chief engineer of last season’s near-promotion, Carlos Corberan, jumped ship halfway through pre-season, unwilling to work again with what he deemed inadequate squad resources and weak ambitions.
However, his replacement and hitherto key coaching advisor Danny Schofield has been at the heart of Corberan’s operation throughout. Reassuringly, other coaching staff members have also stayed on, and can be expected to continue the Spaniard’s work at the same standard.
On the field, Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo’s departures for Premier League life with Nottingham Forest will initially leave holes in the squad, but those who are chosen to fill them should be carefully assessed before supporters post their final judgements on this summer’s and sales and recruitment policy.
Likely left-back deputy Josh Ruffels’ regular selection is long overdue; there are also the classically modern-day Huddersfield Town (low outlay, high potential) signings of Jack Rudoni (from Wimbledon) and David Kasumu (from Milton Keynes) to monitor, as well as the prospect of a fully-fit version of Tino Anjorin, returning for a second loan spell from Chelsea, to enjoy.
Experienced cornerstones of last season remain in place, and having retained goalkeeper Lee Nicholls on now-extended terms, that hard-to-beat, pesky personality of Huddersfield as an opponent should remain unchanged for the new season, even if their likeable Spanish frontman has departed.
One hour to go - The relegated Premier League sides
#bbcefl
We welcome Burnley, Watford and Norwich back to the EFL this season, following their relegation from the Premier League.
Each club is going about things slightly differently as they attempt to bounce back - Steve Marshall has outlined how they're shaping up.
How will relegated sides fare in the Championship?
How will Burnley, Watford and Norwich perform in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League?
Read moreHull City - '10th or beyond might be possible'
Championship (2021-22: 19th)
David Burns
BBC Radio Humberside
This feels like a different club.
The new owner, Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali, has pushed all the right buttons and the fans are re-engaged and feel their club loves them again.
They’ll love it even more if they can fulfil the owner’s stated aim of top-six.
They’ve been busy in the transfer market to try to give them the platform to do it, even though losing George Honeyman and Keane Lewis-Potter is a blow.
Jean Michael Seri and Tobias Figueiredo have Championship promotion experience with Fulham and Forest but the rest of the outfield signings are new to the country, and I wonder if they’re ready for the brutal relentlessness of the division. Some of them are playing catch-up on fitness.
To that end a sluggish start wouldn’t surprise me, but as long as everybody keeps their nerve and the new strikers find their shooting boots then 10th or beyond might be possible.
You can follow our Hull City coverage @HumbersideSport and we’ll have commentary on FM, digital and Freeview
Luton Town – ‘Expectations will rise after last season’
Championship (2021-22: 6th)
Simon Oxley
BBC Three Counties Radio
Reaching the play-offs was beyond the expectations of most Luton fans, but manager Nathan Jones has been busy over the summer having challenged the board to improve on last season.
Jones has reflected on the defeat to Huddersfield, and the costly missed chances, and has strengthened his attacking options with Cauley Woodrow returning to Kenilworth Road – where he emerged as a youth team player – and Carlton Morris also joining from Barnsley.
Much may though depend on whether they keep hold of last season’s leading scorer Elijah Adebayo.
There are two new goalkeepers – Ethan Horvath, on loan from Nottingham Forest, and Matt Macey, and the defenders in the squad should be able to cope with the departure of one of last season’s stand-out performers Kal Naismith.
Midfielder Allan Campbell emerged as a key player, and was rewarded with a first Scotland cap over the summer. His ability to build on last season could mirror the team as a whole.
They are still punching above their weight, although expectations will rise after last season’s success.
Listen to live commentary on BBC 3CR digital radio.
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How will your team get on?
Aaron Crotty: Come on…with the Baggies having signed Jed Wallace, John Swift and Okay Yokuslu and a fit Dike, we should be top 2 right? #bbcefl
The Baggies endured a miserable second half of the campaign last time out but some shrewd signings should see them challenging at the right end of the table.
Let us know how you think your side will get on in the Championship or who you think will get promoted by using #bbcefl.
Middlesbrough - 'Wilder desperate to add firepower'
Championship (2021-22: 7th)
Mark Drury
BBC Tees
This feels like a big season for Middlesbrough.
They have a proven Championship promotion-winner at the helm in Chris Wilder, they have the nucleus of a squad that finished just outside the play-off places last time round and a fanbase that expects a concerted promotion push.
What they don’t have at the time of writing, is a promotion-winning strikeforce. Duncan Watmore and teenage striker Josh Coburn are Wilder’s striking options and he’s desperate to add some serious firepower before the season kicks off. (Brentford striker Marcus Forss arrived for an undisclosed fee on Thursday.)
The rest of the team looks good. Darragh Lenihan should be a mainstay at the heart of the defence after signing on a free transfer from Blackburn, while Isaiah Jones and Ryan Giles promise to create plenty of chances from wing-back. The big question the fans are asking is, who will they be creating chances for?
The answer to that question will go a long way to deciding whether Boro can finally make it back to the Premier League.
Listen to every Boro match on BBC Radio Tees Sport on 95FM, DAB & Freeview channel 722
Millwall - 'Replacing Wallace is key'
Championship (2021-22: 9th)
Matt Newsum
BBC Sport
Jed Wallace was such a talisman for Millwall, consistent and yet capable of magic which helped Gary Rowett's side into a flirtation with the play-offs last season.
However, he's now gone, finally prised away from the Den by West Brom, and for Rowett, who has quietly gone about a rebuild down in South Bermondsey, picking the right replacement is key.
They've gone a bit left-field in that department, signing Dutch playmaker Zian Flemming from Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard.
He's got a decent scoring record, with double figures in his past two seasons, and came through the vaunted Ajax academy set-up. Much will rest of his shoulders in terms of creativity and spark.
Elsewhere there was a bit of a clear-out this summer, with longer-serving stalwarts such as Mahlon Romeo, Sean O'Brien and Alex Pearce all departing.
Striker Benik Afobe returns on a permanent deal from Stoke, Hull skipper George Honeyman will bring energy and leadership to midfield, while highly-rated Leeds duo of defender Charlie Cresswell and midfielder Jamie Shackleton have an opportunity to enhance their reputations with a strong showing at Championship level.
Thirteen wins at home last season was up there with the best of them, fuelled by a vibrant home support.
The Lions can again rely on that atmosphere, but can they rely on having sufficiently replaced Jed Wallace? You sense it will be the litmus test.
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How will your team get on?
Stim City Tigers: Have a punt on Hull City, revamped the club and playing staff, it’s going to be an exciting season. Good shout for the play-offs or a relegation dogfight. It could go either way.
There's been a lot of comings and goings at the Tigers this summer, that's for sure.
Who do you think will be celebrating promotion from the Championship come May?
Norwich City - 'Squad of proven promotion winners'
Championship (2021-22: 20th in Premier League)
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk sport
Dean Smith could do with a good start in the Championship to help heal the scars of another meek relegation.
Smith inherited a squad that was already struggling and, by his own admission, the priority was to fight fires rather than impose his own stamp on the team.
He won’t have the same mitigation this season. Norwich City have players that aren’t just tried and tested in the Championship but are proven promotion winners. Adding Isaac Hayden to a squad that already includes Teemu Pukki, Max Aarons, Grant Hanley and Tim Krul, to name just a few, means they start among the favourites for promotion.
Gabriel Sara, the Brazilian midfielder, is an intriguing signing. There are also a host of players like Todd Cantwell, Danel Sinani and Jordan Hugill who were loaned out last season and could be like new signings if Smith can unlock their undoubted potential.
Preston North End - 'Lowe's side expected to improve on 13th
Championship (2021-22: 13th)
Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire
Preston boss Ryan Lowe had the second half of last season to assess the squad at his disposal and has spent the summer making the changes that he has deemed necessary.
An overhaul of the goalkeeping department, with the additions of Freddie Woodman and Dai Cornell, were made early in pre-season, as well as giving Wales international striker Ben Woodburn the chance to play regularly on the Championship stage.
Lowe will also be hoping that Robbie Brady can play a key role as a left-wing back, following a few years of limited involvement at Burnley and Bournemouth.
More additions will be coming and the expectation is that North End will improve on last season's finish of 13th as they bid to return to the top tier for the first time since 1961.
QPR - 'Beale's brief to develop young talent'
Championship (2021-22: 11th)
Ben Kosky
BBC Sport
For the first time in three years, QPR kick off under new management, with Michael Beale – who previously assisted Steven Gerrard at Rangers and Aston Villa – appointed head coach following Mark Warburton’s departure.
Beale’s brief is to develop young talent at Loftus Road, as well as fine-tuning a squad that spent much of last season in the top six only to tumble down the table after seven defeats in their last 10 games.
Attacking midfielder Chris Willock’s return from injury is welcome news and should boost Rangers’ prospects of another push for the play-offs.
The new boss will also look towards playmaker Ilias Chair and Taylor Richards, on loan from Brighton, to unlock Championship defences, while Tyler Roberts has been signed from Leeds on a season-long deal to strengthen the front line.
Central defender Jake Clarke-Salter, who made the short journey from Chelsea, and Dutch left-back Kenneth Paal are the R’s other summer recruits so far.