The most glamorous final game of the global club season is the Champions League final. However, there are still a few eyebrows raised when the general public realises that the English Championship play-off final is the richest game in football.
Perhaps it is not surprising. Europe doesn’t tend to watch the league that sits one tier below the EPL. While Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal provide the quality and world-class battles in England’s VIP club, there’s something about the Championship that feels authentic, affordable and even more connected with its audience.
While the Championship is the gateway to gold, it deserves its own narrative for many reasons. Twenty-four clubs have a dream over a ferociously long 46 games. Even then, there’s a heart-breaking play-off drama.
There aren’t the huge financial inequities either between teams that make many top-tier games a mismatch. One look at the performance of this season’s relegated clubs speaks of the disparity. The online betting markets also reflect the peril of the newly promoted sides.
Moreover, there are clubs that were traditionally strong in the old First Division before the Premiership was formed. This is muck and brass football, honest to the core in its work rate. There’s also no VAR to stop the game and work out marginal decisions. It’s truly old-style in every way.
Hard work is needed to get out of the Championship because of a multitude of established rivalries. There’s no easy path with so many fixtures and old style grounds where the home crowd make themselves heard and can get on top of the opposition.
The drama of the Sunderland and Sheffield United Wembley finale has just about dissipated now, as the Black Cats joined Burnley and Leeds United as the promoted clubs. The 2025/26 promotion hopefuls are already beginning to plan their assault before the new season starts in August.
Ipswich FC
Ipswich Town are the prime candidates to go right back up again after their disappointing campaign in the EPL. Kieran McKenna is a highly-rated young manager and tied into a contract until 2028. The Tractor Boys know what is required. They showed enough intent – even on the opening game of the season against Liverpool – but would often fall away as the pace of the League caught up with them.
McKenna achieved back-to-back promotions and despite losing Liam Delap to Chelsea, he should oversee a quick return. There’s more stability at Portman Road than the managerial ups and downs elsewhere.
Southampton
Southampton had a dismal time in the EPL, only just about beating the lowest- ever points total. Russell Martin’s expansive style had its moments early in the season, but the team were wide open and made numerous errors. After Martin’s exit and Ivan Juric’s ineffective three-and-a-half months, the club have appointed Will Still.
The Saints will hope to keep the highly talented Tyler Dibling and can look forward to the further development of academy star Jay Robinson. While they will lose the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Group Technical Director Johannes Spors has been installed to drive player recruitment. Southampton will keep the progressive style with the high intensity that is needed in such a marathon league.
Leicester City
Leicester famously won the 2016 Premier League, but a decade on their status has fallen on rocky ground. Firing Steve Cooper was a problematic decision and Ruud van Nistlerooy’s tenure will surely not carry into the next campaign.
The hero of the hour ten years ago, Jamie Vardy, has also exited and the club may have to ditch the likes of Harry Winks, Bilal El Khannouss, Wout Faes and Patson Daka to generate enough fees to cover the loss of revenue. What also could undermine a swift return to the EPL is the possibility of starting in negative points over Profit and Sustainability Rule violations
Sheffield United
Despite their late Wembley heartbreak, Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have the tools to lead the pack next year. The real surprise package that could threaten the established order is Birmingham who gained a whopping 111 points in League One.
The Midlands club have big spending owners and recruitment will be a busy division this summer. They already proved they can grab top talent after top-scorer Jay Stansfield’s move from Fulham.
There is scope for plenty more and that pipe dream of returning to the Premier League after a 14-year absence is not far-fetched. Frank Lampard’s Coventry revived well but may not have enough to do it again. Even the Hollywood rise of Wrexham might throw a punch or two.
The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the business. It’s a perfect division for new stars to shine, old heads to keep things calm, and experienced managers like Lampard, Wilder and Scott Parker to show how to build a real team bond. Those battles at 3 p.m. on a Saturday are not too far away from starting all over again.
