Summary

  • BBC local radio commentators and reporters assess all 72 EFL clubs

  • Season starts with Sheff Wed v Southampton in Championship (20:00 BST)

  • Leeds, Leicester & Saints aim for Premier League return at first attempt

  • Reading begin life in third tier for first time since 2002

  • Wrexham and Notts County return to EFL after spells in non-league

Live Reporting

James Law

  1. Wrexham – ‘The sky’s the limit’

    League Two (2022-23: 1st in National League)

    Aled Williams
    BBC Wales Sport

    Wrexham goalkeeper Ben FosterGetty Images

    Back in the Football League for the first time since 2008, Wrexham is a very different club to the one which suffered the ignominy of dropping into English football's fifth tier.

    Relegation to non-league was in part due to ownership issues - but now under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney the sky's the limit for the third-oldest professional association football team in the world, who have made no secret of their ambition to reach the Premier League.

    Goalkeeper Ben Foster believes Wrexham are good enough to win League Two, citing the strength of a squad which already boasted a wealth of EFL experience.

    The bookmakers agree, with the Dragons favourites to win the fourth tier title.

    Momentum from last season's National League title-winning campaign could carry the side on to further success this season, but they will start the season without talisman Paul Mullin – following his much-publicised injury during pre-season.

    Whether Phil Parkinson will decide to plug that gap by dipping into the transfer market remains to be seen, but the Dragons do have the means to add to their ranks should they wish to do so.

    There will certainly be plenty of plot twists and drama to satisfy the audiences, be it the Racecourse faithful or armchair enthusiasts...

    Listen to coverage of Wrexham across the BBC on Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, online and on Sounds.

  2. How will this work?

    #bbcefl

    Well, the BBC has a vast network of commentators and reporters across local radio - covering EFL clubs up and down the country on a daily basis - so I've tapped into their knowledge to give you the lowdown on what to expect this season.

    We'll start at the bottom of each division, alphabetically, and work our way up. Beginning with League Two.

    That means some club called Wrexham are up first - not sure if you've heard much about them lately...

    Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrateGetty Images

  3. Club football is (almost) back

    #bbcefl

    Sheffield Wednesday celebrateGetty Images

    Fans of English club football rejoice!

    It's been 67 days since the curtain was brought down on the 2022-23 EFL campaign, with Josh Windass scoring a 123rd-minute winner to win Sheffield Wednesday the League One play-off final.

    So I guess it's quite apt that the Owls also get the new season under way, as they host relegated Southampton in the Championship at 20:00 BST.

    Between now and then I'll be bringing you expert analysis and predictions on all 72 EFL clubs, to whet your appetite for the weekend.