EFL structural reforms and managerial shake-up define 2026/27 campaign
The English Football League introduces its most significant structural change in decades, while West Ham and Wolves emerge as favourites for Premier League promotion.
The 2026/27 Sky Bet EFL season commences this weekend, with Sky Sports providing live coverage of all Championship, League One, and League Two fixtures. The campaign is defined by a major structural alteration to the promotion pathway, expanding Championship play-off qualification from the traditional top six to the top eight positions. This change presents additional opportunities for mid-table clubs seeking advancement to the Premier League.
West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are identified as the primary favourites for immediate promotion. West Ham, returning to the second tier for the first time in 14 years, have retained head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and key player Jarrod Bowen. Wolves have appointed Cesar Peixoto as head coach, replacing Rob Edwards, and have bolstered their squad with the signings of Raul Jimenez and Kieran Trippier.
Significant investment has been directed by Middlesbrough and Southampton following the previous season’s Spygate scandal. Middlesbrough have strengthened their ranks with the acquisitions of striker Will Lankshear, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and goalkeeper Radek Vitek. Southampton have signed goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin permanently, despite facing a four-point deduction for their involvement in the prior controversy.
Managerial appointments across the league reflect a period of transition. Russell Martin has taken charge at Leicester City, while Aaron Ramsey assumes his first managerial role at Oxford United, which is currently operating under a transfer embargo. Other notable changes include Nicky Hayen’s appointment at Burnley and Tony Mowbray’s return to Blackburn Rovers.
New entrants to the EFL include Bromley, who have been promoted from League Two for the first time in their history, and York City, who return after a ten-year absence. York have appointed Scott Lindsey as manager following the departure of Stuart Maynard, while Rochdale have named Ian Watson as their new head coach. The season kicks off on Friday night with Wolves hosting Blackburn Rovers.
