Championship Round-Up: West Ham Already Playing Catch-Up?
As West Ham supporters begin the unfamiliar task of getting to know the Championship, Claret & Hugh will attempt to keep you abreast of the biggest stories across the division as we all acclimatise to our new surroundings in the EFL.
One thing is already becoming abundantly clear. The Championship is going to be an incredibly difficult division to escape from. There are well-run clubs, ambitious owners, experienced managers and teams who have spent months preparing for life in the second tier.
Unfortunately, West Ham are only just getting started.
Wolves Show Championship Intent With Trippier Deal
One club who certainly appear to be ahead of the curve are Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have agreed a deal to sign former England international Kieran Trippier.
The 35-year-old full-back will join Wolves on a two-year contract, with the option of a third year, after leaving Newcastle United as a free agent. The move is expected to be confirmed following a medical when Trippier returns from holiday next week.
It’s precisely the sort of signing West Ham should have been making.
While some will inevitably focus on Trippier’s age, the former England defender brings leadership, professionalism and a winning mentality. In a gruelling Championship campaign, those qualities are often worth their weight in gold.
In fact, Trippier could prove to be a revelation at Championship level.
The signing also highlights something which should concern West Ham supporters. Wolves have effectively been building for life in the Championship for the best part of six months. They appear organised, decisive and clear in their recruitment strategy. Meanwhile, West Ham still seem to be figuring out what the plan actually is.
Skubala Leaves Lincoln For Bristol City
Elsewhere, Bristol City have appointed Michael Skubala as their new manager.
Skubala arrives after guiding Lincoln City to promotion from League One and has developed a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the English game. Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick had been heavily linked with the role but ultimately turned down the opportunity.
It’s undoubtedly a huge blow for Lincoln, who will be devastated to lose a manager who delivered such success. However, Bristol City supporters have every reason to be optimistic.
The Robins have made an ambitious appointment and could well emerge as one of the division’s surprise packages next season.
Could George Earthy Return?
From a West Ham perspective, it will also be interesting to see whether Bristol City revisit their interest in Academy graduate George Earthy. The youngster had two spells at Ashton Gate previously, and a third stint cannot be ruled out entirely. That said, the lack of creativity in the Hammers squad should see him get a chance.
Southampton Stand By Eckert After Spygate
Meanwhile, Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has publicly apologised following the club’s infamous Spygate scandal, admitting responsibility for “everything that has happened”.
The Saints were thrown out of the Championship play-offs after being found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough, creating one of the division’s biggest controversies in recent years.
In truth, common sense appears to have prevailed.
Despite the scandal, Southampton have opted to retain Eckert, and it is easy to understand why. The manager performed something close to miracles after replacing former Southampton boss and noted West Ham supporter Will Still.
His work during the second half of the campaign transformed Southampton’s fortunes, and it was always going to take more than one serious mistake for the club to overlook those achievements.
The Championship Is Not Waiting For West Ham
As things stand, the early signs suggest West Ham are entering one of the most competitive Championship seasons in recent memory.
Wolves are strengthening intelligently. Bristol City are making ambitious appointments. Southampton continue to back a manager who has already demonstrated his ability to deliver results.
And that’s before we even begin looking at the rest of the division.
The uncomfortable reality is that many of these clubs currently appear better prepared, better structured and more organised than West Ham United.
That doesn’t mean the Hammers cannot challenge at the top of the table. But it does serve as a reminder that promotion is far from guaranteed.
The Championship has a habit of humbling big clubs who believe their name alone will carry them back to the Premier League.
West Ham would be wise to learn that lesson quickly and whoever is actually running the club needs to get a wriggle on.
Saudi’s boxing promoter is reportedly interested in purchasing Derby County.
Hollywood FC are going for it big time.
Brummies and Cardiff looking forward focused. Reds and Blues in SE London,
QPR to the west.
Yep, we’ve hacked them all off over the years.
It’s gonna be a long slog.
Presently I’m very unconvinced with our chances.
However, perhaps we unearth a few gems in the transfer window and it’ll look promising.
But as things stand, mid table at best.
Please let me be wrong though.
George Earthy is West Ham’s player along with all the other young Talents with experience on loan or with all the Club competitions that have had good results should be top of mind for all the administrators and coaches guiding West Ham in 26_2027. Young players thrive with opportunity.
Just need to be given it.T
Tinkerman will have his work cut out.