72+: the EFL podcast — preview of the 2026/2027 season
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Aaron Paul and his guests Andy Woodman, Luke Chambers and Lyle Taylor decipher the challenges of the three divisions of the EFL for 2026/2027: favorites for promotion, historic clubs relegated and outsiders to follow.
According to Bbc.
Why it matters
The return of West Ham and Wolves to the EFL Championship is crucial to their season, as these historic clubs aim to quickly return to the elite of English football. Their performance could also influence the dynamics of the league, particularly when it comes to teams battling for promotion, such as Southampton and Middlesbrough, who are also serious contenders.
Key points
- 72+: the EFL podcast — preview of the 2026/2027 season.
- Aaron Paul and his guests Andy Woodman, Luke Chambers and Lyle Taylor decipher the challenges of the three divisions of the EFL for 2026/2027: favorites for promotion, historic clubs relegated and outsiders to follow.
- 72+: The EFL Podcast - 2026/2027 EFL season preview - BBC Sounds.
The 72+ Podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026/2027 EFL season, covering Championship, League One and League Two. Hosted by Aaron Paul, the episode welcomes several English football specialists and actors to draw up the main scenarios before the restart and point out the teams to watch.
Among the themes covered are the contenders for the rise and the freshly relegated giants. West Ham and Wolverhampton (Wolves) will return to the Championship and will naturally be scrutinized: their objective is clear, to return to the elite quickly. Among the clubs still in the running for promotion, Southampton and Middlesbrough are cited as ambitious teams who have prepared themselves to play leading roles.
Andy Woodman (Bromley manager) intervenes to discuss his club's historic first season in League One. His testimony sheds light on the challenges and expectations of a newly promoted team and underlines the importance of preparation and stability over a long season.
The discussion also returns to historic clubs which must rebuild after the fall: Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday are presented as teams determined to bounce back after their relegations. Oxford United is also mentioned in this context, as is the journey of clubs like York City to the bottom of the national chessboard.
Salford City and its manager Peter Cklamovski are invited to tell the story of an atypical journey: from Australia and Asia to English football, including a collaboration with Ange Postecoglou. Cklamovski deciphers the pressure of taking charge of a club considered among the favorites in its division.
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The podcast does not forget the revelations and surprise candidates: the dark horses who can shake up the hierarchy in the Championship or League One are reviewed by the speakers.
The episode also addresses important extra-sporting issues: the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) has opened legal proceedings concerning the EFL, a subject mentioned in the summary and which could weigh on the future of the competitions.
Practical for listeners, the 72+ provides chronological entry points: intro at 00:00, preview of the Championship at 02:10 (with segments devoted to West Ham, Wolves, Burnley, Southampton and Middlesbrough), League One and Bromley at 31:30, and a focus on Salford City at 39:40. The podcast also recalls the official fantasy league code 72+ EFL Fantasy League: 72EFLPOD.
Finally, listeners will also find planned radio comments: 5Live notably offers PSG v Aston Villa (Wednesday August 12) and Manchester City v Arsenal (Sunday August 16), mentioned at the end of the summary.
This new episode of 72+ constitutes an ideal starting point for following the long English season to come, between expected returns, displayed ambitions and structural issues for the EFL.
The rest
As the 2026/2027 season approaches, fans can expect intense competition in the EFL Championship. Teams like West Ham and Wolverhampton will need to prove their worth from the start, while newly promoted clubs like Bromley will need to adapt quickly to avoid relegation to League One.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recent form of West Ham and Wolves ahead of the 2026/2027 season?
The article does not provide specific details on the recent form of West Ham and Wolves, but indicates that they will return to the Championship with the aim of returning to the elite quickly.
Are there any notable injuries or absences for West Ham or Wolves?
The article does not mention specific injuries or absences for West Ham or Wolves.
What are the challenges for West Ham and Wolves in the 2026/2027 season?
West Ham and Wolves have the challenge of quickly returning to the elite of English football after their relegation.
Which teams are considered contenders for promotion to the Championship?
Southampton and Middlesbrough are cited as ambitious teams ready to play leading roles for promotion.
How Brom prepares
ley for his first season in League One?
Bromley manager Andy Woodman discusses the challenges and expectations of their first season in League One, highlighting the importance of preparation and stability.