Join @TonyIncenzo each week for his Championship review, with a look at the biggest moments in the latest round of games in England's second tier...
THE regular fixtures in our 2023/24 EFL Championship saga have come to an end capping 10 months of brilliant entertainment.
Leicester City were worthy champions, Ipswich Town secured that second automatic promotion ranking and a lexicon of newsworthy stories enriched proceedings. Here is my 2023/24 review…
LAUDABLE LEICESTER
Leicester City cemented an immediate return to Premier League status after one year’s absence thereby satisfying Championship betting patterns.
They triumphed in 31 League engagements amassing 97 points overall. The Foxes actually clinched promotion without playing on Friday 26th April because fellow top two hopefuls Leeds United lost 4-0 away to Queens Park Rangers.
Three nights later, Enzo Maresca’s men sealed the Championship crown courtesy of cruising 3-0 at Preston North End. It has been an outstanding success story for ex-Manchester City assistant coach Maresca following his unveiling on 16th June 2023 succeeding interim boss Dean Smith on a three year contract.
The Italian said at the time: “Leicester have a huge season approaching and we need to play as well as we can from the very start to win games. Our philosophy will build on a daily basis. The fans deserve everyone giving 100%.”
His leading marksman turned out to be 37 year old former England international striker Jamie Vardy with 20 League and Cup goals. Vardy is currently discussing a new contract.
IPSWICH GOING UP
Back to back promotions for Ipswich Town defied betting odds. Second spot was gloriously captured on the season’s final day beating visitors Huddersfield Town 2-0.
The Suffolk club haven’t graced Premier League action since 2001/02. They delivered tremendous entertainment all campaign hitting the net 92 times to become divisional foremost scorers.
Indeed, the 23 EFL encounters staged at Portman Road dished up 91 goals (59 for, 32 against). Their only home defeat was 4-3 at the hands of Leeds United on Saturday 26th August 2023
Thousands of delighted fans lined local streets for Monday’s open top bus parade celebration. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Everyone deserves this promotion. The supporters kept so loyal for years and my players worked really hard.
“We just set out to be as good as we possibly could on the pitch. We were so glad to round it off well with an amazing achievement. What a journey for us!”
RELEGATION DENOUEMENT
Rock bottom Rotherham United finished 24 points adrift mustering merely five victories during 2023/24. Relegation was confirmed early on 5th April when they lost 1-0 at home to Plymouth Argyle.
However, the remaining two drop zone places weren’t settled until the last day where five teams were still in the frame. Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle all consequently stayed above the dreaded dotted line by winning their concluding matches.
Alas the Championship says goodbye to Huddersfield Town - who lost 2-0 at Ipswich Town - and Birmingham City, in spite of the 1-0 home conquest of Norwich City. For Blues, sacking head coach John Eustace in October was a total disaster.
Eustace had just reached sixth in the table after a convincing 3-1 derby win past West Bromwich Albion. An official statement explaining the strange decision mentioned “the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire football club.”
Wayne Rooney duly came in but was fired on 2nd January reflecting nine defeats in his 15 game tenure. Tony Mowbray became the next appointment before being forced to step away on 19th February due to ill health so Gary Rowett then fulfilled an interim role.
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner has subsequently issued an open letter to supporters stating: “Despite the disappointment of relegation, our steadfast commitment to the Blues and our loyal fans and community stands unwavering.
“This season has illuminated numerous challenges and opportunities for improvement. Embracing these realities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of positive change, both on and off the pitch.”
CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF SCHEDULE
First Legs
Sunday 12th May 2024, 12 noon kick-off
Norwich City v Leeds United
Sunday 12th May 2024, 2.15pm kick-off
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
Second Legs
Thursday 16th May 2024, 8pm kick-off
Leeds United v Norwich City
Friday 17th May 2024, 8pm kick-off
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
The EFL Championship Play-Off Final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26th May 2024… Norwich City or Leeds United versus West Bromwich Albion or Southampton.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*