"For possibly the last time, four clubs will be put through that process once again over the next few weeks as Millwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull City vie for promotion to the Premier League. But who would be the most interesting play-off winners, and who would get a big old shrug from neutral fans? Full disclosure here that this is a purely vibe-based exercise, rather than a pure assessment of football merit. That's what the actual play-offs are for. So you knowdon't get too upset by it."
"Take it as a compliment, Saints fans. There's no doubt that if you were making one of those faintly ridiculous pick your ideal 20 teams to make up the ultimate just-feels-right Premier League lists, Southampton would be included. The way they have charged up the Championship after a dreadful start this season shouldn't be overlooked either. They've arguably been the most interesting story in the division this year, even if to begin with that was for all the wrong reasons."
"But come on yo-yo teams are just a bit boring, and this would be the fourth year in a row that Southampton have moved between the Premier League and the Championship. The big counter-argument, of course, is to do with the size of the club. Southampton were comically bad under Russell Martin last time around, and by the time they replaced him, it was much too late."
"The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. But a better-managed version of Southampton probably has the best chance of the four play-off sides to be genuinely disruptive and establish themselves for a longer stay again. If that happens, then we will take it all back."
Millwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull City compete for promotion through the Championship play-offs. The focus is on fan “vibes” rather than football merit. Southampton are highlighted as a club that fits a “just-feels-right” Premier League fantasy, with a strong second half after a poor start. Their season is framed as the most interesting story in the division, though initially for negative reasons. Despite this, Southampton’s yo-yo record is criticized as potentially boring, with multiple recent moves between leagues. A better-managed Southampton is presented as having the best chance to be disruptive and stay longer if promoted.
#championship-play-offs #promotion-to-premier-league #southampton-fc #fan-sentiment #football-narratives
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