Considerable attention has been drawn to the perceived lack of quality among teams from the English Football League (EFL), particularly the Championship teams promoted to the Premier League this season. The Premier League, Championship table, and League One table reflects significant disparities in skill levels.
Ask anyone with a hint of football knowledge who will be relegated this season in the EPL, and Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United will be mentioned by over 95% of respondents.
However, this should be viewed as something other than a slap in the face of the quality of the Championship. Fans and media should consider this an unwelcome gap between the haves and the have-nots.
League One Dynamics
Let’s drop down two divisions and focus on League One for a moment. Teams like Wigan, Rotherham, Barnsley and Blackpool have all yoyoed between the Championship table and League One table over the seasons. What does this mean? Is the gap between these leagues also widening? Or is it these clubs need to spend more wisely and are suffering from poor recruitment?
Sure, there are exceptions to this; take Ipswich as an example, who are flying high this season in the Championship, their position in the Championship table looks respectable and their fans are already dreaming of reaching the Holy Grail that is Premier League football.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat about the fairytale story that is Luton Town Football Club? These two examples are great endorsements of Football’s beauty and unpredictable nature.
However, there is also the harsh reality of the widening gap between the top divisions in England. Burnley last season and Leicester this season are clear evidence of this gap, and it is easy to say that the quality of these sides and their wealth is why they have dominated and are dominating the Championship.
Impact on Competing Teams
However, how does this help the teams that are fighting for the playoff spots or those that are merely competing for a mid-table finish and are content with yet another season in the Championship?
Embed from Getty ImagesMuch has been made about the Championship’s competitiveness, a league dubbed ‘the toughest in Football’. Having the relegated Premier League sides running away with the Championship title and the promoted League One sides yo-yo-ing back and forth from the lows of a Championship relegation to the highs of a League One promotion gets old fast.
Call for Collective Action
Consistency is the name of the game, and to provide a competitive Championship, help is needed. A collective effort is required from various stakeholders, starting with the EFL and the FA. Better funding and more stringent Ownership tests are desperately needed to help these clubs compete and stay in business long-term.
Also Read: Emma Hayes Rotates Squad as Chelsea Kick off Continental Cup
It is time to face reality and accept our poor situation as football fans. A widening gap exists between the Premier League, Championship and League One.
Image Credit: Flickr
