Last season, we witnessed Brentford shock their fellow Sky Bet Championship contenders when they were one of seven Championship teams who’d never played in the Premier League and broke that trend to gain promotion. The world’s best sportsbooks couldn’t have predicted Brentford’s Premier League promotion with their future betting odds.
So, as we ponder on our beloved domestic football season during the international break, let us preview the five Championship clubs who’ve never played Premier League football but have a great chance at emulating Brentford’s trend breaking success.
Bristol City
Previously Competed in Topflight Football: 1979/80
Life as a Bristol City fan has left little room for optimism throughout the previous two years. And with a significant amount of football clubs providing fans with moments of repair and relief, the Robins took a downward spiral last term, finishing in 19th position.
It’s been six months since the arrival of manager Nigel Pearson, and he’s still lingering for his first three points at Ashton Gate. A straightforward rebuild was required, but nothing other than a handful of former Leicester City players have arrived in Bristol; eek!
With that said, they’re undeniably the squad who own the best chance in our top-five of capturing a 2022/23 Premier League tenure. Sure, their latest signings aren’t ground-breaking, but this is a strong Bristol squad that proved their worth versus Cardiff City before the international break. And with a manager in Pearson who created one of Leicester City’s most excellent ever squads, they’re evidently in good hands. Their home form is holding them back, but they’re the best squad who’ve failed to reach Premier League status that has a chance at following in Brentford’s footsteps.
Luton Town
Previously Competed in Topflight Football: 1991/92
This summer, a plethora of prosperous talent has arrived in Bedfordshire made up of Fred Onyedinma from Wycombe, Carlos Mendes Gomes, and Blackburn defender Amari’I Bell. Of course, we can’t expect miracles overnight, and these players could take some time to settle in.
Much like Brentford, there is no need for Luton to overspend or risk their financial health to reach the glory of Premiership football. However, outside of a few disappointing results, this Luton squad has potential for greatness. The talent is there, but building a solid foundation will be required.
Millwall
Previously Competed in Topflight Football: 1989/90
Millwall has taken a rocky start to their Championship campaign, but I wouldn’t be so worried about Gary Rowett steering the ship as a Millwall fan. He’s defensively sound style of football is the reason why his managerial history is credible.
And although Millwall’s first win of the season was accommodated from a 10-man struggling Blackpool squad with minutes remaining, you cannot discount The Lions chances of a good run-in form.
The likes of Benik Afobe could be found as a top scorer with top-10 Championship clubs not so long ago, and Jed Wallace is still one of the leagues most talented playmakers.
Millwall was tipped as a team to deliver the goods last year. This season, the horse is a shade, and still, they own everything needed to make a serious run and become a promoted side.
Peterborough United
Previously Competed in Topflight Football: Never
Having failed ever to reach the topflight of English football, promotion in Peterborough would be a historic moment in their clubs’ history.
Compared to Brentford, Peterborough’s track record of signing future stars is probably the most apparent correlation. The good news is, they haven’t sold their top striker and own one of League One‘s best goalkeepers from last season in Christy Pym. New arrivals Jorge Grant and Jack Marriot could also be valuable additions.
We aren’t jumping the gun here because Peterborough could also find themselves fighting relegation, and their unpredictable start to the season doesn’t suggest otherwise. With that said, they have the talent and skill to become a promoted club, including a manager who knows how to encourage a team. Their potential isn’t entirely unfathomable.
Preston North End
Previously Competed in Topflight Football: 1960/61
The least likely to achieve promotion falls into a club with a unique history, and despite believing they could also finish above all the teams on our list, we must focus on the facts.
Frankie McAvoy’s squad is currently sitting around mid-table. But after a mere five league games played, the inexperienced manager has zero history when attempting feats such as club promotion, which can’t be said for the other managers above.
Preston isn’t going to become a dark horse challenger for the promotion with the issues surrounding the club as a whole. Decaying ownership has never assisted a team in their venture, and the changes needed at Preston to evolve them from a mid-table side is implausible.
