THIS time last year, nobody imagined that Ipswich would storm straight into the Premier League.
Nor that Birmingham, buoyed by the arrival of megabucks American owners, would tumble into the third tier for the first time in 29 years.
Such is the beauty of the EFL - a competition that makes a mockery of predictions and routinely upsets the odds.
Countless fascinating storylines will come to the boil over the next ten months, but plenty are already simmering on the backburner. Here are six to watch out for as the 2024-25 campaign steams into action…
1. PRESSURE ON FARKE
Daniel Farke got a free pass last season. The Leeds team he inherited last summer had just tumbled out of the Premier League, their confidence shattered by a succession of humiliating defeats.
Misjudged contract clauses that allowed players to depart on loan in the event of relegation paralyzed the recruitment process. Nobody knew who would leave, or when.
Many of those denied that escape route - most notably Willy Gnonto - were not particularly thrilled.
To have built a functional team out of such an ugly mess, let alone one that ended up challenging for the title, was an impressive achievement.
But his young side imploded as the finishing line drew near, losing 4-0 at relegation-threatened QPR to squander their place in the top two before choking at Wembley as Southampton cantered to victory in May’s play-off final.
As the pressure intensified, Farke, below, repeatedly spoke about the “weight of the shirt”, a line that irritated Whites supporters who resent the club’s rich history - and the reasonable expectation it brings - being construed as a negative.
Though Farke is respected at Elland Road, he does not enjoy the trust and veneration of Marcelo Bielsa. When the Argentine lost a playoff semi-final to Derby in 2019, fans begged him to stay.
Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.