Norwich
City finished a disappointing 13th last season. They’ve since lost
Teemu Pukki, Max Aarons is likely to follow and captain Grant Hanley is facing
an extended spell on the sidelines. Sporting director Stuart Webber has
also announced that he is leaving the club. The Canaries haven’t scored a goal
at Carrow Road since February.
At
face value it doesn’t look like a recipe for success or optimism.
It
may explain why David Wagner has taken a pragmatic approach to his summer
transfer business. In Ashley Barnes, Shane Duffy and Jack Stacey they have
added experience and Championship know-how. Winger Christian Fassnacht is a
29-year old Switzerland international with major tournament experience.
Wagner
plans to make the Canaries more resilient. He wants a fitter, more durable
squad to emerge from last season.
The
last time expectations were this low amongst Norwich fans was the summer of
2018, when James Maddison was sold after a 14th-place Championship
finish. They went on to win the league that year.
Stoke City - 'First two months of season crucial'
Championship (2022-23: 16th)
Sohail Sahi
Stoke City commentator for BBC Radio Stoke
This will be Stoke’s sixth consecutive season in the Championship after a 10-year stretch in the Premier League and, with manager Alex Neil’s
one-year anniversary approaching at the end of August, he’s finally getting the
chance to make his mark on the first-team squad.
The spine of the team has been revamped - on loan Mark
Travers between the sticks, experience in Enda Stevens and Michael Rose in
defence, Ben Pearson added to midfield and exciting Portuguese forwards in
Chiquinho and Andre Vidigal.
The first two months are crucial to how the season will play
out for Stoke - make a good start and the play-offs might just be a realistic
target.
Post update
#bbcefl
Nigel, and others, thanks for pointing out we appear to have missed out Stoke City..!
Fear not, let's put that right now. Hope it's worth the wait, Potters fans.
Plymouth Argyle - '50 points the first target'
Championship (2022-23: 1st in League One)
Alan Richardson
BBC Radio Devon sports editor
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
After 13 years away Plymouth Argyle are finally back
in the Championship - and back with the big spenders, relatively speaking at
least.
Having finally broken the £1m transfer mark for forward Morgan
Whittaker from Swansea, it didn’t take them long to match that figure with the
signing of wing-back Bali Mumba from Norwich. Both players were instrumental in
the Argyle side which won League One last season, and it means that they return to
the Championship with the nucleus of that side intact.
Steven Schumacher,
in his first full season in charge, won the League One manager of the year
award with the best win rate of any Argyle boss.
The Pilgrims have picked up a
remarkable 181 points over the past two seasons - realistically getting to 50
points as soon as possible will surely be the first target this time out.
Preston North End - Can they close gap to top six?
Championship (2022-23: 12th)
Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor
North End have finished the past three seasons pretty much
bang in the middle of the Championship table. They were never in any
trouble last season, but only really flirted with the play-off places from time
to time.
They go into the new season without the long-serving Daniel
Johnson, who departed for Stoke on a free, but they have addressed the problematic
right-wing back spot with Calvin Ramsay one of two additions from
Liverpool.
Fans will looking forward to seeing how Dane Mads
Frokjaer-Jensen will adapt to life in the Championship, and whether Duane Holmes and
Will Keane will make them more of a potent attacking threat.
If they continue to recruit up until the window closes, with
Tom Cannon heavily linked with a return, the additions could see North End
close the gap on the top six spots, which last year was six points.
Queens Park Rangers - Home form must improve
Championship (2022-23: 20th)
Phil Parry
BBC Radio London sports reporter
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth says he
wants the fact that many outside the club are tipping them to be in the
relegation fight to act as motivation for his side. The former Wycombe boss
steered the club to safety at the end of last season with a coupon-busting win
at Burnley, but says his aim this time round is for them to be better and
surprise people.
Offensively the R’s will need Ilias Chair and Chris Willock
to be at their creative best in order to help improve a goal tally of less than
one a game last time out. At the back, the arrival of Asmir Begovic adds
experience as the replacement for Senegal international keeper Seny Dieng.
An area which will need to improve for the West Londoners to
fulfil the manager’s ambitions is home form. They suffered the highest number
of home losses (12) and had the second-lowest number of wins (six) at Loftus Road last season, and stoking the home fires will be one way of allaying fears of
another tough campaign.
Get Involved
Use #bbcefl, text 81111 (UK only - standard message rates apply) or WhatsApp on 03301231826
Steve, Powys: Championship is going to be tough this year. I think Farke at Leeds is their best signing and will see them win the league. My team Coventry have made some top signings, just hope they can gel and maintain the momentum from last year.
Anon: Cardiff City - Cautiously optimistic for the new season, despite the transfer embargo we have made some shrewd additions, with Erol Bulut even talking about promotion! It’s far too soon to think about that, and after last season anywhere near the middle of the pack will be welcomed by the Bluebirds faithful. The return of Aaron Ramsey certainly has put a few more bums on seats and raised morale. Prediction: 11th.
Oliver: Ahead of the new EFL season, can we collectively agree to put the phrase 'season of transition' in the bin. It's just the worst.
We'll try our best, Oliver, but I can't make any promises...
Rotherham United - Has yo-yo stopped spinning?
Championship (2022-23: 19th)
Adam Oxley
Football Heaven commentator for BBC Radio Sheffield
The yo-yo between the Championship and League One has
finally stopped spinning after six years for Rotherham United, but will it stop
for long?
Survival was the principle aim last season for the Millers,
which Matt Taylor achieved after replacing long-term boss Paul Warne last
October, and you feel survival once again will be an achievement, even though
the club will want to push up the table.
Rotherham have lost a few key players like Conor Washington
and Chiedozie Ogbene, they’ve agreed deals to retain defenders Sean Morrison
and Grant Hall, and made an exciting signing in Cafu after he left Nottingham
Forest. You feel their squad is light on numbers though.
Two names continue to dominate discussion among fans this
summer - Viktor Johansson and Billy Sharp.
Swedish keeper Johansson has been outstanding, the club is
braced for bids, but none have come so far, while former Sheffield United
skipper Billy Sharp is the signing the supporters want.
We know Matt Taylor is interested in Sharp, but many other
clubs will be interested too, and wages will be a key issue with Rotherham
still having one of - if not the - lowest budgets in the Championship.
Sheffield Wednesday - 'Club taken sledgehammer to feel-good factor'
Championship (2022-23: 3rd in League One)
Rob Staton
BBC Radio Sheffield sports manager
This has been a chaotic summer for Sheffield Wednesday. The club
was on the crest of a wave after winning promotion via the play-offs. Nobody
could imagine what would come next.
Manager Darren Moore dramatically departed.
The chairman Dejphon Chansiri led a near five-hour fans forum the next day.
When he appointed Xisco Munoz to replace Moore, he spent the press conference ranting
at former Owls midfielder Carlton Palmer. Then a series of expensive ticket
announcements left many fans with their heads in their hands. They’ve also
found recruitment difficult this summer.
It hardly leaves the club in a healthy position to return to the
second tier, although Chansiri is on the record saying at a minimum he expects
a play-off push. You start to get the feeling that anything could happen at
Wednesday and it wouldn’t be a surprise.
It feels like the club have taken a
sledgehammer to the feel-good factor surrounding a Wembley win and ‘the
Hillsborough miracle’ against Peterborough. For the long-suffering fans, let’s
hope that isn’t the case.
Commentary on Sheffield Wednesday is available via BBC Radio
Sheffield and you can also download the ‘Owls Heaven’ podcasts wherever you get
your pods or via BBC Sounds.
Southampton - Lots of unknowns
Championship (2022-23: 20th in Premier League)
Adam Blackmore
BBC Radio Solent sports editor
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
It’s hard not to
think of Saints as in anything but a state of flux.
It’s not the club’s fault,
it’s the nature of the beast when you’re relegated from the Premier League,
your squad is too big, some players will be sold, and you’ve got four weeks
left of the transfer window after the season starts.
So Russell Martin,
who’s made a big impression with players and staff since arriving at St Mary’s, doesn’t really know how his squad will look yet, and how competitive
they’ll be.
But the club’s ambition is to go straight back up to the Premier
League, and I think he’ll be given the budget to achieve that by the owners.
Whatever
happens, I think Saints will be competitive at the right end of the
Championship. As with football in any division, the rest will come down to
small margins and a bit of luck.
How will relegated sides fare in the Championship?
#bbcefl
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
It's been a summer of major upheaval for the three clubs relegated from the Premier League in May.
Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton have all had a change in the dugout as well as overhauls of their respective squads, while the Whites also go into the season with new owners.
Expectations
at the Stadium of Light have been heightened by last season’s sixth-placed finish but
this season the division looks tougher and, with speculation surrounding the
futures of Ross Stewart, Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts, there is an air of
tempered optimism - with fears Sunderland’s best players will depart and suitable
replacements will be thin on the ground.
However, last season expectations at the start of the season were low and Sunderland
punched heavily above their weight - without a recognised striker for much of the
season and no defenders at its close.
Tony Mowbray
appears quite sanguine and pre-season results have been positive, albeit while
they have scored a number of goals they have been conceding, but the backline should become more settled once the season starts. There is no lack
of candidates at that end of the pitch. The worry once again comes up
front.
Swansea City - How will Swans transition from Martin to Duff?
Championship (2022-23: 10th)
Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales
It is difficult to
know how Swansea will fare this season.
New boss Michael
Duff says he wants to play attractive football, but it seems unlikely he will
follow predecessor Russell Martin in being totally committed to a possession
game.
How long it takes
Matt Grimes and company to adapt to Duff's approach will go a long way to
deciding how they fare this season.
So too will the
club's work in the transfer market.
Uncertainty
continues to surround the future of Joel Piroe, Swansea's leading scorer in the
last two seasons, who has only a year to run on his contract and has been
linked with - among others - Everton, Leeds and Leicester.
Swansea have paid a
significant fee for Jerry Yates but, even with the former Blackpool player in
the building, they will be short of forwards should Piroe depart.
Carl Rushworth and Harrison Ashby have arrived on loan, while Swansea have also
recruited Josh Key and Josh Ginnelly.
But further new
faces are needed with injuries in midfield and no established left-back after
the departure of Ryan Manning, their player of the season last year.
Listen to coverage of Swansea City across the BBC on
Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, online and on Sounds.
Watford - A welcomed player clearout
Championship (2022-23: 11th)
Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sports editor
Watford have had a major clearout - and most Hornets fans would argue a welcome one - of players this summer.
Admittedly, two of those that have left have been their two best players, Joao
Pedro and Ismaila Sarr, but the squad has needed refreshing and hopefully
a new culture might arise as a result.
Jamal Lewis, Rhys Healey and Tom Ince
are all decent signings, and Jake Livermore will become head coach Valerien
Ismael’s dressing room leader.
Another striker is required, plus one or two more
to bolster the squad, to give Watford a better chance of getting back into the
Premier League at the second time of asking.
Fans are after a bit of a
stability at the club, and more time for the head coach to try to implement his
ideas.
West Bromwich Albion - 'A recalibration of expectations'
Championship (2022-23: 9th)
Rob Gurney
BBC Radio WM's West Brom commentator
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
For the first time in two decades, Albion are going into a
season without any monies from the Premier League, which has meant a
recalibration of expectations from those inside, and outside, the club.
At the time of writing, no firm investment to tempt the
vilified majority shareholder Guochuan Lai to sell has been forthcoming, but
an admission from managing director Mark Miles that Lai is at least considering
cutting his ties, is progress of sorts.
Off the field, Miles has taken over some of the
responsibilities of the departed CEO Ron Gourlay, and his relationship with
Carlos Corberan will be key moving forward.
In the same interview where he revealed Lai’s potential
intentions, Miles told me earlier in the close season that the Baggies would be
largely dealing in the free transfer/loan market, due to their financial
position, and for that reason, they’ve done well to retain Corberan’s services
this summer.
Clearly, the Spaniard performed a minor miracle to get
Albion as close to the play-offs as he did last season, having been bottom in
October, and the reliance on the players buying into him and his methods, while
adopting an against-the-odds, siege mentality within the club, will be crucial
to their chances of flirting with the top six again this time.
Keeping first-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer has
been Corberan’s first “win” of the transfer window, with former Sunderland striker
Josh Maja and Ecuador forward Jeremy
Sarmiento encouraging signs so far that, at
the very least, a campaign of struggle will be avoided, although the loss of
key defender Dara O’Shea to Burnley will be a void that needs filling.
And then there was one...
#bbcefl
Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features
The stage is set at Hillsborough for the first game of the EFL season as promoted Sheffield Wednesday host relegated Southampton in the ChampionshipImage caption: The stage is set at Hillsborough for the first game of the EFL season as promoted Sheffield Wednesday host relegated Southampton in the Championship
We've given you previews on every team in Leagues Two and One so that leaves us with just the Championship to go.
Three of these 24 teams will be plying their trade in the top flight of English football in 2024-25 and the season gets going in under two hours time.
League One - Relegation candidates
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
At the bottom, you wonder if a summer
of change will mean struggle for Cambridge, who have lost some big figures in
their dressing room. Striker Sam Smith will be a huge miss, as will Harvey Knibbs - both have joined Reading. Mark Bonner’s story is incredible, and he is a very
likeable human being, but this season could prove tough.
Cheltenham had a
strange season last year, Wade Elliott seemed under pressure for long parts of
it, but rode the wave, and the goals of Alfie May helped secure a 16th-place
finish. But he’s at Charlton now, and although the Robins have made some
additions, someone will have to step up to take May’s place as chief poacher.
It could also be a difficult season for both Northampton and Carlisle, promoted
last year, you wonder whether momentum will carry them forwards, with both sides
shopping in challenging markets.
Remember wacky races? Strap yourselves in,
you’re about to witness the football equivalent.
Post update
I'll be honest, I didn't expect to see Burton being tipped for promotion from League One...
Stranger things have certainly happened though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
League One - Who else could be in promotion shake-up?
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
Derby should expect to
make waves in the division this season. Paul Warne’s probationary period is
over, but Rams fans will be looking for success after some frustrating moments
last season. Some of the more experienced heads have departed Pride Park, but the additions are impressive. Josh Vickers offers a familiar pair of hands, having arrived from
Warne’s former club Rotherham, while Joe Ward and Callum Elder are quality additions.
However the signing of Sonny Bradley could be the difference. Released by
Luton, Bradley is a rock at the back, warrior like, he will be pivotal in any
success Derby have this season.
Bolton seem to get stronger at every
opportunity. Ian Evatt is a really admirable character, people forget that
there were question marks over his future a couple of years ago. But his
willingness to adapt and progress, plus a sound owner in Sharon Brittan means
that Bolton continue to rebuild in the right way. Carlos Mendes Gomes is an
exciting player, the move to Luton didn’t work out, but this could be a great
opportunity for him. As could it be, for Luke Matheson, who stole headlines
when he scored for Rochdale against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Wolves took
a punt, it didn't work, if he gets this right, he could be playing Championship
football next year.
The middle section of the table will certainly offer
interesting viewing. Peterborough will want to start well after THAT play-off semi-final. Darren Ferguson's remit is now very different, with wholesale squad changes afoot. He does however retain the
services of one of the best football recruiters around - Barry Fry. Everybody's
favourite uncle knows how to find a bargain, and a good one at that, and we
reckon he may have some more gems up his sleeve.
Portsmouth, Oxford and Burton
could be grouped into one category. Huge underachievers last season, all have
needed major surgery.
Burton have done some smart business, Mason Bennett is a
quality addition if he can stay fit, whilst Cole Stockton and Josh Gordon
brings goals. Dino Maamria is highly impressive, success is surely around the
corner for the Brewers.
Portsmouth meanwhile have recruited heavily, John Mousinho
has been entrusted by their director of football to lead a club that has been
stuck in League One for a bit now, 11 new signings through the door offers a
change of approach, but they are a big football club, with big things expected
from them.
Oxford were nearly relegated last year, Liam Manning hasn't done too
much business, but what he has brought in is quality. Mark Harris has loads of
quality out wide, while Ruben Rodrigues is an exciting addition to a team that
has lacked goals.
League One - How will relegated sides do?
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
Well, let's take it from the top.
The three sides that exited the Championship via the trapdoor really didn’t cover themselves in any glory last season. Blackpool reappointed Neil Critchley, but the club had to be quick to refute any suggestions he would be leaving them (again) weeks later to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia. Paper talk, eh?
Reading, well, Dai Yongge has spent circa £300m and got precisely nowhere. Last season was miserable, and questions remain as to how the Royals will operate this year. Ruben Selles arrived following his spell in charge at Southampton, and faces a very difficult season in the third tier. Sir John Madejski joined us on 72+ this week and admitted he was frightened about the direction the club was heading in, I think he speaks for us all.
There’s been a clear-out at Wigan, who will begin the new campaign on -8 points. Last year was tainted with more financial issues but the one bright spark - boss Shaun Maloney, is thankfully still there. The Latics manager is a smooth operator, and is relying heavily on academy talent, blended with raw experience to navigate choppy League One waters. Thelo Aasgaard will play a starring role in anything Wigan do, while midfielder Charlie Hughes is hugely talented in what he does.
Live Reporting
James Law
All times stated are UK
Norwich City - 'Wagner taking pragmatic approach'
Championship (2022-23: 13th)
Chris Goreham
BBC Radio Norfolk's Norwich commentator
Norwich City finished a disappointing 13th last season. They’ve since lost Teemu Pukki, Max Aarons is likely to follow and captain Grant Hanley is facing an extended spell on the sidelines. Sporting director Stuart Webber has also announced that he is leaving the club. The Canaries haven’t scored a goal at Carrow Road since February.
At face value it doesn’t look like a recipe for success or optimism.
It may explain why David Wagner has taken a pragmatic approach to his summer transfer business. In Ashley Barnes, Shane Duffy and Jack Stacey they have added experience and Championship know-how. Winger Christian Fassnacht is a 29-year old Switzerland international with major tournament experience.
Wagner plans to make the Canaries more resilient. He wants a fitter, more durable squad to emerge from last season.
The last time expectations were this low amongst Norwich fans was the summer of 2018, when James Maddison was sold after a 14th-place Championship finish. They went on to win the league that year.
Stoke City - 'First two months of season crucial'
Championship (2022-23: 16th)
Sohail Sahi
Stoke City commentator for BBC Radio Stoke
This will be Stoke’s sixth consecutive season in the Championship after a 10-year stretch in the Premier League and, with manager Alex Neil’s one-year anniversary approaching at the end of August, he’s finally getting the chance to make his mark on the first-team squad.
The spine of the team has been revamped - on loan Mark Travers between the sticks, experience in Enda Stevens and Michael Rose in defence, Ben Pearson added to midfield and exciting Portuguese forwards in Chiquinho and Andre Vidigal.
The first two months are crucial to how the season will play out for Stoke - make a good start and the play-offs might just be a realistic target.
Post update
#bbcefl
Nigel, and others, thanks for pointing out we appear to have missed out Stoke City..!
Fear not, let's put that right now. Hope it's worth the wait, Potters fans.
Plymouth Argyle - '50 points the first target'
Championship (2022-23: 1st in League One)
Alan Richardson
BBC Radio Devon sports editor
After 13 years away Plymouth Argyle are finally back in the Championship - and back with the big spenders, relatively speaking at least.
Having finally broken the £1m transfer mark for forward Morgan Whittaker from Swansea, it didn’t take them long to match that figure with the signing of wing-back Bali Mumba from Norwich. Both players were instrumental in the Argyle side which won League One last season, and it means that they return to the Championship with the nucleus of that side intact.
Steven Schumacher, in his first full season in charge, won the League One manager of the year award with the best win rate of any Argyle boss.
The Pilgrims have picked up a remarkable 181 points over the past two seasons - realistically getting to 50 points as soon as possible will surely be the first target this time out.
Preston North End - Can they close gap to top six?
Championship (2022-23: 12th)
Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor
North End have finished the past three seasons pretty much bang in the middle of the Championship table. They were never in any trouble last season, but only really flirted with the play-off places from time to time.
They go into the new season without the long-serving Daniel Johnson, who departed for Stoke on a free, but they have addressed the problematic right-wing back spot with Calvin Ramsay one of two additions from Liverpool.
Fans will looking forward to seeing how Dane Mads Frokjaer-Jensen will adapt to life in the Championship, and whether Duane Holmes and Will Keane will make them more of a potent attacking threat.
If they continue to recruit up until the window closes, with Tom Cannon heavily linked with a return, the additions could see North End close the gap on the top six spots, which last year was six points.
Queens Park Rangers - Home form must improve
Championship (2022-23: 20th)
Phil Parry
BBC Radio London sports reporter
QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth says he wants the fact that many outside the club are tipping them to be in the relegation fight to act as motivation for his side. The former Wycombe boss steered the club to safety at the end of last season with a coupon-busting win at Burnley, but says his aim this time round is for them to be better and surprise people.
Offensively the R’s will need Ilias Chair and Chris Willock to be at their creative best in order to help improve a goal tally of less than one a game last time out. At the back, the arrival of Asmir Begovic adds experience as the replacement for Senegal international keeper Seny Dieng.
An area which will need to improve for the West Londoners to fulfil the manager’s ambitions is home form. They suffered the highest number of home losses (12) and had the second-lowest number of wins (six) at Loftus Road last season, and stoking the home fires will be one way of allaying fears of another tough campaign.
Get Involved
Use #bbcefl, text 81111 (UK only - standard message rates apply) or WhatsApp on 03301231826
Steve, Powys: Championship is going to be tough this year. I think Farke at Leeds is their best signing and will see them win the league. My team Coventry have made some top signings, just hope they can gel and maintain the momentum from last year.
Anon: Cardiff City - Cautiously optimistic for the new season, despite the transfer embargo we have made some shrewd additions, with Erol Bulut even talking about promotion! It’s far too soon to think about that, and after last season anywhere near the middle of the pack will be welcomed by the Bluebirds faithful. The return of Aaron Ramsey certainly has put a few more bums on seats and raised morale. Prediction: 11th.
Oliver: Ahead of the new EFL season, can we collectively agree to put the phrase 'season of transition' in the bin. It's just the worst.
We'll try our best, Oliver, but I can't make any promises...
Rotherham United - Has yo-yo stopped spinning?
Championship (2022-23: 19th)
Adam Oxley
Football Heaven commentator for BBC Radio Sheffield
The yo-yo between the Championship and League One has finally stopped spinning after six years for Rotherham United, but will it stop for long?
Survival was the principle aim last season for the Millers, which Matt Taylor achieved after replacing long-term boss Paul Warne last October, and you feel survival once again will be an achievement, even though the club will want to push up the table.
Rotherham have lost a few key players like Conor Washington and Chiedozie Ogbene, they’ve agreed deals to retain defenders Sean Morrison and Grant Hall, and made an exciting signing in Cafu after he left Nottingham Forest. You feel their squad is light on numbers though.
Two names continue to dominate discussion among fans this summer - Viktor Johansson and Billy Sharp.
Swedish keeper Johansson has been outstanding, the club is braced for bids, but none have come so far, while former Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp is the signing the supporters want.
We know Matt Taylor is interested in Sharp, but many other clubs will be interested too, and wages will be a key issue with Rotherham still having one of - if not the - lowest budgets in the Championship.
Sheffield Wednesday - 'Club taken sledgehammer to feel-good factor'
Championship (2022-23: 3rd in League One)
Rob Staton
BBC Radio Sheffield sports manager
This has been a chaotic summer for Sheffield Wednesday. The club was on the crest of a wave after winning promotion via the play-offs. Nobody could imagine what would come next.
Manager Darren Moore dramatically departed. The chairman Dejphon Chansiri led a near five-hour fans forum the next day. When he appointed Xisco Munoz to replace Moore, he spent the press conference ranting at former Owls midfielder Carlton Palmer. Then a series of expensive ticket announcements left many fans with their heads in their hands. They’ve also found recruitment difficult this summer.
It hardly leaves the club in a healthy position to return to the second tier, although Chansiri is on the record saying at a minimum he expects a play-off push. You start to get the feeling that anything could happen at Wednesday and it wouldn’t be a surprise.
It feels like the club have taken a sledgehammer to the feel-good factor surrounding a Wembley win and ‘the Hillsborough miracle’ against Peterborough. For the long-suffering fans, let’s hope that isn’t the case.
Commentary on Sheffield Wednesday is available via BBC Radio Sheffield and you can also download the ‘Owls Heaven’ podcasts wherever you get your pods or via BBC Sounds.
Southampton - Lots of unknowns
Championship (2022-23: 20th in Premier League)
Adam Blackmore
BBC Radio Solent sports editor
It’s hard not to think of Saints as in anything but a state of flux.
It’s not the club’s fault, it’s the nature of the beast when you’re relegated from the Premier League, your squad is too big, some players will be sold, and you’ve got four weeks left of the transfer window after the season starts.
So Russell Martin, who’s made a big impression with players and staff since arriving at St Mary’s, doesn’t really know how his squad will look yet, and how competitive they’ll be.
But the club’s ambition is to go straight back up to the Premier League, and I think he’ll be given the budget to achieve that by the owners.
Whatever happens, I think Saints will be competitive at the right end of the Championship. As with football in any division, the rest will come down to small margins and a bit of luck.
How will relegated sides fare in the Championship?
#bbcefl
It's been a summer of major upheaval for the three clubs relegated from the Premier League in May.
Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton have all had a change in the dugout as well as overhauls of their respective squads, while the Whites also go into the season with new owners.
BBC Sport takes a look at how the season is shaping up for the Foxes, Whites and Saints before the south coast team get the EFL season under way at Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland - 'An air of tempered optimism'
Championship (2022-23: 6th)
Nick Barnes
BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator
Expectations at the Stadium of Light have been heightened by last season’s sixth-placed finish but this season the division looks tougher and, with speculation surrounding the futures of Ross Stewart, Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts, there is an air of tempered optimism - with fears Sunderland’s best players will depart and suitable replacements will be thin on the ground.
However, last season expectations at the start of the season were low and Sunderland punched heavily above their weight - without a recognised striker for much of the season and no defenders at its close.
Tony Mowbray appears quite sanguine and pre-season results have been positive, albeit while they have scored a number of goals they have been conceding, but the backline should become more settled once the season starts. There is no lack of candidates at that end of the pitch. The worry once again comes up front.
Swansea City - How will Swans transition from Martin to Duff?
Championship (2022-23: 10th)
Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales
It is difficult to know how Swansea will fare this season.
New boss Michael Duff says he wants to play attractive football, but it seems unlikely he will follow predecessor Russell Martin in being totally committed to a possession game.
How long it takes Matt Grimes and company to adapt to Duff's approach will go a long way to deciding how they fare this season.
So too will the club's work in the transfer market.
Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Joel Piroe, Swansea's leading scorer in the last two seasons, who has only a year to run on his contract and has been linked with - among others - Everton, Leeds and Leicester.
Swansea have paid a significant fee for Jerry Yates but, even with the former Blackpool player in the building, they will be short of forwards should Piroe depart.
Carl Rushworth and Harrison Ashby have arrived on loan, while Swansea have also recruited Josh Key and Josh Ginnelly.
But further new faces are needed with injuries in midfield and no established left-back after the departure of Ryan Manning, their player of the season last year.
Listen to coverage of Swansea City across the BBC on Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, online and on Sounds.
Watford - A welcomed player clearout
Championship (2022-23: 11th)
Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sports editor
Watford have had a major clearout - and most Hornets fans would argue a welcome one - of players this summer.
Admittedly, two of those that have left have been their two best players, Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr, but the squad has needed refreshing and hopefully a new culture might arise as a result.
Jamal Lewis, Rhys Healey and Tom Ince are all decent signings, and Jake Livermore will become head coach Valerien Ismael’s dressing room leader.
Another striker is required, plus one or two more to bolster the squad, to give Watford a better chance of getting back into the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Fans are after a bit of a stability at the club, and more time for the head coach to try to implement his ideas.
West Bromwich Albion - 'A recalibration of expectations'
Championship (2022-23: 9th)
Rob Gurney
BBC Radio WM's West Brom commentator
For the first time in two decades, Albion are going into a season without any monies from the Premier League, which has meant a recalibration of expectations from those inside, and outside, the club.
At the time of writing, no firm investment to tempt the vilified majority shareholder Guochuan Lai to sell has been forthcoming, but an admission from managing director Mark Miles that Lai is at least considering cutting his ties, is progress of sorts.
Off the field, Miles has taken over some of the responsibilities of the departed CEO Ron Gourlay, and his relationship with Carlos Corberan will be key moving forward.
In the same interview where he revealed Lai’s potential intentions, Miles told me earlier in the close season that the Baggies would be largely dealing in the free transfer/loan market, due to their financial position, and for that reason, they’ve done well to retain Corberan’s services this summer.
Clearly, the Spaniard performed a minor miracle to get Albion as close to the play-offs as he did last season, having been bottom in October, and the reliance on the players buying into him and his methods, while adopting an against-the-odds, siege mentality within the club, will be crucial to their chances of flirting with the top six again this time.
Keeping first-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer has been Corberan’s first “win” of the transfer window, with former Sunderland striker Josh Maja and Ecuador forward Jeremy Sarmiento encouraging signs so far that, at the very least, a campaign of struggle will be avoided, although the loss of key defender Dara O’Shea to Burnley will be a void that needs filling.
And then there was one...
#bbcefl
We've given you previews on every team in Leagues Two and One so that leaves us with just the Championship to go.
Three of these 24 teams will be plying their trade in the top flight of English football in 2024-25 and the season gets going in under two hours time.
League One - Relegation candidates
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
At the bottom, you wonder if a summer of change will mean struggle for Cambridge, who have lost some big figures in their dressing room. Striker Sam Smith will be a huge miss, as will Harvey Knibbs - both have joined Reading. Mark Bonner’s story is incredible, and he is a very likeable human being, but this season could prove tough.
Cheltenham had a strange season last year, Wade Elliott seemed under pressure for long parts of it, but rode the wave, and the goals of Alfie May helped secure a 16th-place finish. But he’s at Charlton now, and although the Robins have made some additions, someone will have to step up to take May’s place as chief poacher.
It could also be a difficult season for both Northampton and Carlisle, promoted last year, you wonder whether momentum will carry them forwards, with both sides shopping in challenging markets.
Remember wacky races? Strap yourselves in, you’re about to witness the football equivalent.
Post update
I'll be honest, I didn't expect to see Burton being tipped for promotion from League One...
Stranger things have certainly happened though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
League One - Who else could be in promotion shake-up?
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
Derby should expect to make waves in the division this season. Paul Warne’s probationary period is over, but Rams fans will be looking for success after some frustrating moments last season. Some of the more experienced heads have departed Pride Park, but the additions are impressive. Josh Vickers offers a familiar pair of hands, having arrived from Warne’s former club Rotherham, while Joe Ward and Callum Elder are quality additions. However the signing of Sonny Bradley could be the difference. Released by Luton, Bradley is a rock at the back, warrior like, he will be pivotal in any success Derby have this season.
Bolton seem to get stronger at every opportunity. Ian Evatt is a really admirable character, people forget that there were question marks over his future a couple of years ago. But his willingness to adapt and progress, plus a sound owner in Sharon Brittan means that Bolton continue to rebuild in the right way. Carlos Mendes Gomes is an exciting player, the move to Luton didn’t work out, but this could be a great opportunity for him. As could it be, for Luke Matheson, who stole headlines when he scored for Rochdale against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Wolves took a punt, it didn't work, if he gets this right, he could be playing Championship football next year.
The middle section of the table will certainly offer interesting viewing. Peterborough will want to start well after THAT play-off semi-final. Darren Ferguson's remit is now very different, with wholesale squad changes afoot. He does however retain the services of one of the best football recruiters around - Barry Fry. Everybody's favourite uncle knows how to find a bargain, and a good one at that, and we reckon he may have some more gems up his sleeve.
Portsmouth, Oxford and Burton could be grouped into one category. Huge underachievers last season, all have needed major surgery.
Burton have done some smart business, Mason Bennett is a quality addition if he can stay fit, whilst Cole Stockton and Josh Gordon brings goals. Dino Maamria is highly impressive, success is surely around the corner for the Brewers.
Portsmouth meanwhile have recruited heavily, John Mousinho has been entrusted by their director of football to lead a club that has been stuck in League One for a bit now, 11 new signings through the door offers a change of approach, but they are a big football club, with big things expected from them.
Oxford were nearly relegated last year, Liam Manning hasn't done too much business, but what he has brought in is quality. Mark Harris has loads of quality out wide, while Ruben Rodrigues is an exciting addition to a team that has lacked goals.
League One - How will relegated sides do?
#bbcefl
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff
72+ podcast hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live
Well, let's take it from the top.
The three sides that exited the Championship via the trapdoor really didn’t cover themselves in any glory last season. Blackpool reappointed Neil Critchley, but the club had to be quick to refute any suggestions he would be leaving them (again) weeks later to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia. Paper talk, eh?
Reading, well, Dai Yongge has spent circa £300m and got precisely nowhere. Last season was miserable, and questions remain as to how the Royals will operate this year. Ruben Selles arrived following his spell in charge at Southampton, and faces a very difficult season in the third tier. Sir John Madejski joined us on 72+ this week and admitted he was frightened about the direction the club was heading in, I think he speaks for us all.
There’s been a clear-out at Wigan, who will begin the new campaign on -8 points. Last year was tainted with more financial issues but the one bright spark - boss Shaun Maloney, is thankfully still there. The Latics manager is a smooth operator, and is relying heavily on academy talent, blended with raw experience to navigate choppy League One waters. Thelo Aasgaard will play a starring role in anything Wigan do, while midfielder Charlie Hughes is hugely talented in what he does.