How relegated sides are shaping up for Championship return?
Luton Town
If everyone stays, and others get fit, they will have a squad more than capable of challenging for an immediate return, says Luton Town commentator Simon Oxley as he talks about Luton Town ahead of the new EFL season, starting this Friday:
Losing player of the season Ross Barkley was not a surprise, and fellow midfielder Sambi Lokonga was only on loan from Arsenal, so those departures were expected.
Much will depend on how many of those who, despite relegation, made a name for themselves last season stay at Kenilworth Road. The likes of Teden Mengi, Alfie Doughty, Tahith Chong and Elijah Adebayo have all been linked with moves elsewhere.
Boosted by the Premier League revenue there is no pressure to sell, and many fans will expect some spending.
A number of players are also yet to resume training following injuries which kept them out for lengthy spells last season. If everyone stays, and others get fit, they will have a squad more than capable of challenging for an immediate return.
That will turn the focus onto manager [Rob] Edwards whose leadership impressed so many in the top flight. He knows the pressure will be on to get back there, despite Luton in many ways still punching above their weight.
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