The emerging Championship promotion contenders as Ipswich Town, Southampton struggle

The emerging Championship promotion contenders as Ipswich Town, Southampton struggle

New competitors have emerged from the pack, and some of the early Championship promotion favourites have

struggled.

The contentious parachute payments are now given to Premier League relegation-threatened teams.

After being relegated, these payments enable clubs to realign their finances to match their new league. Nonetheless,

a lot of people think that these payments give them the ability to keep their Premier League-caliber teams in the

Championship, giving them an unfair edge in their quest for quick promotion back to the league.

However, in the 2025/26 campaign, early signs suggest this trend could be undone.

Southampton and Ipswich Town have both only claimed one win from the first five league games. It is important to

recognise that a lot can change yet, but on current standings, it is looking more likely that these clubs will struggle

more than previously.

Why are the relegated clubs struggling?

It might be difficult for any club to start a campaign as the favourites. The coaching and playing staff may feel a great

deal of pressure to be promoted.

The three clubs in question—Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City—have all had varyingly challenging

starts. Perhaps unexpectedly considering their summer financial turmoil, the Foxes are doing the best, sitting in

fourth place. However, the Tractor Boys and Saints have had a difficult time returning to the second division.

Teams the size of the Premier League and players of the highest calibre shouldn’t be having any trouble. However,

considering the dynamics of the clubs’ summers, it is possible that the delayed start of these teams can be attributed

to staff changes and the loss of important players.

For instance, Southampton decided to risk hiring Will Still as manager for a three-year contract after firing Ivan

Juric. Southampton is taking a risk because Still is still in the early stages of his managing career and has never held

a managerial position in England. If their initial difficulties continue, some would refer to their lack of experience in

the UK.

Will Still’s managerial stats before joining Southampton – via Transfermarkt

Club	Points per match
Beerschot VA (2021)	1.33
Stade Reims (2022-2024)	1.44
RC Lens (2024-2025)	1.49

Who could be the new Championship promotion contenders?

Any club may find it challenging to begin a season as the favourites. There may be a lot of pressure on the playing

and coaching staff to advance.

The three clubs in question—Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton—have all had difficult starts. The

Foxes, who are currently in fourth place, are performing the best, which may come as a surprise given their summer

financial difficulties. Returning to the second level has proven challenging for the Tractor Boys and Saints, though.

Another team that has started the season undefeated is Bristol City. Even though the Robins made the playoffs the

previous season and were easily defeated by Sheffield United 6-0 overall, it is unlikely that many would have

predicted them to be promoted. They have only given up four goals in the league, though, and are now in third place.

West Brom and Stoke City are also excellent starters to watch, while Coventry City, who are always in the running for

the playoffs, might see it as a chance to sneak into the top two.

Although Southampton and Ipswich Town are expected to pick up steam and contend for the top spot in the division,

their dismal starts indicate that the promotion battle may not be as clear-cut as it has been in the past.

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