The journey towards the most lucrative game in football is well underway as the playoff picture crystallizes in the EFL Championship, determining which club will join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League. However, the excitement isn`t confined to the top tier of the English Football League pyramid. Teams across League One and League Two are also making significant pushes for promotion. Tom Brady`s involvement with Birmingham City has already seen them secure a return to the Championship, while Wrexham`s remarkable Hollywood-backed narrative continues its astonishing progress with three consecutive promotions. But which other teams have earned their step up?
Among the 72 clubs competing in the English Football League, only 10 can celebrate promotion each season, keeping their ambitions of reaching Premier League football alive. It`s an exclusive achievement, and with the final day of the EFL league season approaching this Saturday, some of these coveted promotion spots have already been confirmed.
Let`s review the teams that have already clinched promotion from their respective divisions ahead of the final day of fixtures:
Promoted to the Premier League
- Burnley
- Leeds United
Manager Scott Parker has guided a third different club to promotion as Burnley achieved immediate promotion back to the Premier League following their relegation the previous season under Vincent Kompany. Bolstered by a strong defense and crucial saves from goalkeeper James Trafford, Burnley secured their rapid return. Leeds United matched Burnley`s impressive tally of 97 points, spending one season longer in the second division than they had hoped after their relegation at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. This season could potentially be historic, marking the first time two teams in the same division reach 100 points, underscoring the consistent excellence shown by both clubs throughout the Championship season.
Promoted to the Championship
- Birmingham City
- Wrexham
Birmingham City is set for a swift return to the Championship. Significant investment has been injected into the club, with Tom Brady joining the ownership and the acquisition of striker Jay Stansfield from Fulham proving particularly impactful. Stansfield`s contribution of 19 goals to date has been instrumental in their strong promotion campaign.
Wrexham`s captivating journey under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continues its forward momentum with a third successive promotion secured. While achieving a fourth straight promotion to reach the Premier League would represent an even steeper challenge, nothing seems beyond the realm of possibility for this club. Manager Phil Parkinson has cemented his reputation as one of the standout managers across the entire English football pyramid, successfully navigating team dynamics, even seamlessly integrating new players while a club legend like Paul Mullin was occasionally benched. The Dragons consistently appear to make the correct strategic moves, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Promoted to League One
- Doncaster Rovers
- Port Vale
Luke Molyneux had a remarkable season, contributing 16 goals and 12 assists, significantly aiding Doncaster Rovers` promotion push. For a team that has fallen down the pyramid since being relegated from the Championship in 2014, this promotion signals the beginning of a potential ascent back up. Led by Darren Moore, Port Vale is returning to League One after suffering relegation last season. They hold the unique record for the longest continuous period in the EFL without ever reaching the top flight, spanning 113 seasons, but are now positioned to compete in the third tier once more.
