Across the EFL, several clubs grapple with dire financial struggles and mismanagement. Unpaid wages and lackluster leadership threaten their survival in a landscape where every second is important.
Here’s a look at five teams who, for one reason or another, I believe could be in for difficult seasons:
Sheffield Wednesday (Championship)
Sheffield Wednesday’s historic legacy is rapidly crumbling under owner Dejphon Chansiri, whose financial mismanagement led to players being paid late for the fourth time in five months as of this month. The closure of Hillsborough’s North Stand due to safety concerns and the exit of manager Danny Rohl have plunged the club into disarray and uncertainty. Financial constraints have forced the Owls to rely heavily on academy youngsters like striker Bailey Cadamarteri, whose start to the season has shown promise, but the lack of experienced signings leaves the squad vulnerable. No significant additions have bolstered the roster, and the club’s dependence on Premier League solidarity payments to clear debts, rather than personal investment from Chansiri, underscores its fragility. Captain Barry Bannan remains the jewel in the crown; his leadership will be critical now more than ever to help the Owls avoid another relegation to the third tier. Keeping Bannan could just be the deciding factor on whether Wednesday can navigate this crisis.
Plymouth Argyle (League One)
Plymouth Argyle’s fall from the Championship to League One is stark, with Tom Cleverley’s tactics yet to inspire confidence amongst the Green Army. A 3-1 opening-day defeat to 10-man Barnsley exposed defensive frailties, with Cleverley openly criticising the team’s lack of fight and desire. Despite profitability from sales such as Morgan Whittaker, the hierarchy’s reluctance to reinvest has frustrated several fans. However, summer signings, including left-back Jack MacKenzie from Aberdeen on a free transfer, centre-back Alex Mitchell, and striker Tola Tola from Port Vale, show some ambition. Without further investment, Plymouth risks serious stagnation, far from the highs of recent history under Steven Schumacher.
Rotherham United (League One)
Rotherham United’s woes stem from a mix of financial constraints and a loss of identity. Steve Evans’ return last summer brought uninspiring football, infuriated fans and led to his abrupt departure. New manager Matt Hamshaw, a local lad and Rotherham fan, faces a tough task to rebuild a club that seems to be going nowhere. The club have retained most key players during this summer window, with slight major departures such as Jonson Clarke-Harris, who left on a free. Signings like wing-back Ar’jany Martha from Beerschot VA and central midfielder Kian Spence on a free transfer from Barrow add youthful energy to a slightly ageing squad. A 2-1 win over Port Vale, despite two red cards, suggests volatility within the side but also shows this could be a resilient Millers side. Tipped for a mid-table finish by many, a slightly poorer expectation than we have been used to lately. Hamshaw must restore pride to a club battling stagnation.
Shrewsbury Town (League Two)
Shrewsbury Town’s relegation to League Two has exposed deep-rooted issues within the club, with Michael Appleton’s so far uninspiring coaching drawing criticism from Salop fans. Recent data suggests that teams relegated from League One often struggle in their first season in the fourth tier. Shrewsbury’s ageing squad, featuring seasoned veterans like Tom Flanagan, lacks dynamism, a characteristic that is synonymous with Appleton’s high-tempo football. However, seven summer signings, including winger Anthony Scully on a free transfer and former Premier League midfielder Sam Clucas on a two-year deal, offer hope. Scully, who scored 31 goals in 98 appearances under Appleton at Lincoln, and Clucas, with 66 Premier League appearances, bring experience. However, Appleton must be able to show adaptation to his style of play to avoid further decline in what promises to be a competitive division this season.
Accrington Stanley (League Two)
Accrington Stanley have long been synonymous with their survival instinct, and are now seemingly under strain. John Coleman, their long-serving manager, was sacked in March last year, with John Doolan now leading the side. Financial struggles, typical of a club dealing with National League-sized resources, limit their financial ambition in who they can pursue. No significant signings have strengthened the squad, which relies on the club’s ability to take their marker into non-league. Without major investment, we’ve seen with the likes of MK Dons this season, relegation may loom. Accrington’s knack for defying odds persists, but their margin for error is slim.
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