Ten things to look out for in the EFL this season: Neil Warnock faces a boss half his age, East Anglian derby returns and goals galore
The English Football League (EFL) is gearing up for another exciting season, with a plethora of fascinating storylines to follow in the 2023-24 campaign. One of the most intriguing aspects of the new season is the return of Welsh side Wrexham to League Two, with the team owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney having vast ambitions. At the other end of the spectrum, teams like Southampton, Leeds, and Leicester will be aiming to bounce back from relegation and return to the Premier League immediately. Veteran manager Neil Warnock, 74, will face off against a manager half his age, Kieran McKenna, 37, in a battle of experience versus youth. Meanwhile, Notts County will be looking to frighten League Two defenders with their fearsome front two, consisting of Macaulay Langstaff, who scored 42 goals last season, and new signing David McGoldrick, who netted 24 goals for Derby.
The EFL has introduced several changes to improve the pace of play, including measures to clamp down on time-wasting, such as the use of balls on cones around the pitch to speed up play. Additionally, stoppage times of 10 minutes will be implemented, and Championship clubs will be allowed to name nine substitutes, two more than last season, and make up to five changes. League One and Two clubs will also be allowed to use five substitutes from a bench of seven. These changes aim to make the game more exciting and reduce delays. Furthermore, relegated clubs like Leicester, Southampton, and Leeds are splashing out on new signings, with the Saints making the biggest signing in Shea Charles from Manchester City for £15m. The Foxes have spent £10m on Harry Winks from Spurs and £7.5m on Wolves’ Conor Coady, while Leeds paid £7m for Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu.
The EFL is expecting attendances to rise, with last season seeing the highest average league attendances for 70 years, with nearly 20 million supporters passing through the turnstiles. Championship clubs averaged 18,000, but with the arrival of Leeds, Leicester, and Southampton, who all have average attendances of over 30,000, those numbers are set to increase. League Two clubs averaged less than 5,000, but new clubs Wrexham and Notts County boasted attendances of over 8,000 each. The return of the East Anglian derby between Ipswich and Norwich, who last faced each other in February 2019, is also expected to draw large crowds. The two teams will meet again on December 16, in a match that is sure to please owner Delia Smith. The derby is one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season, with both teams looking to get the better of their rivals.
In other news, ITV has cut its two-hour Saturday highlights show by 30 minutes and scrapped its regular pundits, opting instead to show goals plus interviews with players and managers. This change is expected to provide fans with a more concise and exciting highlights package. However, it’s not all good news, as several clubs are facing troubles off the pitch. Wigan will start the season on -8 points, while Peterborough were fined £50,000 plus a three-point deduction suspended until December for not declaring their former chief executive. Barnsley could face similar penalties over irregularities around their previous owners and directors. These issues are a reminder that the EFL is not just about the football on the pitch, but also about the challenges and controversies that teams face off it.
As the season gets underway, fans will be eagerly anticipating the battles between old foes and new rivals. Northampton Town and Stevenage, who were both promoted to League One, will face each other on the opening day, in a match that promises to be an exciting encounter. Meanwhile, the return of the East Anglian derby will bring back memories of past encounters between Ipswich and Norwich. The EFL is known for its unpredictability, and this season promises to be no exception. With new teams, new managers, and new players, the 2023-24 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
In conclusion, the 2023-24 EFL season is set to be an thrilling ride, with a range of fascinating storylines, new signings, and old rivalries. From the battle between experience and youth, to the return of the East Anglian derby, and the troubles faced by several clubs, there’s something for every fan to look forward to. As the season gets underway, one thing is certain – the EFL will continue to provide exciting football, drama, and controversy, making it one of the most compelling leagues in the world. With its rich history, passionate fans, and unpredictable nature, the EFL is an essential part of the football landscape, and the 2023-24 season promises to be an unforgettable one.
