Controversy and uncertainty have blighted League One this summer. Though finally restored to its full 24-team quota after Bury’s expulsion last season, deductions and disgruntlement have arguably trumped pre-season excitement.
None of the three relegated Championship sides return to this level in rude health. For Hull, fan unrest and an alarming run of one win from their last 20 league games last season leaves little reason for optimism on Humberside. Wigan were a mid-table side last season, meanwhile, but administration has dumped them back in League One shorn of boss Paul Cook. They’re not the only aggrieved side: Charlton are livid that Sheffield Wednesday’s own 12-point docking was suspended to this season, sending them down instead. Adding to their feud with the EFL over the latter’s refusal to ratify a second takeover in 12 months, hopes of ending debilitating boardroom chaos at The Valley have proved to be short-lived.
“ NONE OF THE RELEGATED SIDES RETURN TO THIS LEVEL IN RUDE HEALTH; CHARLTON ARE LIVID”