The Midland Challenge

After a summer of world cup drama & controversy all eyes turn back to domestic football as the 2026/27 EFL Championship bursts into life – and for us here in the Midlands, it promises to be one of the most compelling seasons in years, shaped as much by a busy summer of wheeling and dealing and off field events that rocked the EFL at the end of last season.

At the heart of the action are the Blues, Wolves & Albion. 

After relegation from the Premier League, Wolves have moved decisively to strengthen their squad, bringing in experienced players alongside promising young talent to push for an instant return but for manager Cesar Peixoto, this is his first time in English football & the Championship can be very unforgiving. Across the Black Country, Albion have had a seemingly quiet summer, but James Morrison will be looking to continue the form that pulled them away from any relegation threat last season. Meanwhile Blues have strengthened key areas of their team, backing Chris Davies to turn last season’s promise into a genuine playoff challenge. Once again Blues fans will be full of expectation & hoping for more consistency compared to last season.

Further afield, Stoke City have been active in the market, bringing in players who fit their style of play as they look to re-establish themselves as contenders. Derby County have also made astute additions as John Eustace continues to build a balanced squad capable of competing at the right end of the division. 

Elsewhere West Ham, back in the Championship for the first time since 2012, have unsurprisingly been among the busiest clubs; their resources and pulling power have allowed them to attract high quality recruits, instantly marking them as promotion favourites – though Championship life has a habit of upsetting preseason predictions. Keep an eye out too for Lincoln City, back in the second tier for the first time in 65 years and will be looking to take some big scalps.

No preview would be complete without mentioning last term’s defining controversy: Southampton’s Spy gate scandal. The Saints were hit with a four point deduction and stripped of their playoff place after being found to have authorised surveillance of opponents’ training sessions, a breach that cast a shadow over the closing months of the campaign. Starting on minus 4 points means they are already playing catch up. Add in the likes of play off losers Middlesborough, relegated Burnley & free spending Wrexham into the mix and the fact that the play off places have increased from six to eight, it promises to be another fascinating and entertaining Championship season.