Columnists

Simon Grayson: It can be so tough to shake Premier League relegation hangover

West Ham and Burnley have both struggled to hit top form on their return to the Championship.

The Hammers’ 4-2 win over Wolves last Tuesday evening was their first three-point haul of the season.

by
Simon Grayson
6 September 2026

West Ham and Burnley have both struggled to hit top form on their return to the Championship.

The Hammers’ 4-2 win over Wolves last Tuesday evening was their first three-point haul of the season.
Burnley - who began the weekend with the worst defensive record in the league - were still waiting for theirs after a 1-1 midweek draw with Middlesbrough.
That’s a combined total of one win from eight games by two sides who began the season amongst the title favourites.
Not surprised
Personally, though, I’m not at all surprised they’ve started slowly. I’ve been there myself with Sunderland and, let...

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