Another season of the English Football League is almost upon us and with it the thrills of some of the most competitive second tier soccer in Britain is coming as well. With soccer lines experts all debating already on which teams look best to make a full run for a promotion to the Premier League next season, no time is better than right now to start discussing some of the major talking points that will become more and more relevant as the season carries on.
Will this be the season that sees Wayne Rooney leave his post as Derby County skipper? Will Slavisa Jovanovic be able to work his magic in trying to bring Sheffield United back to the Premier League? Let's take a look.
Is Wayne Rooney's Window At Derby County Closing?
While Wayne Rooney is considered by many to be one of the most important players in English soccer history, his career as a manager has not been as illustrious to say the least. After retiring from the pitch professionally to pursue a full on managerial career with Derby County, his time managing the Rams has been anything but stellar. He narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of competition with a 3-3 tie against Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park. While Rooney has stepped up for the challenge once again, all the signs point to this season being one in which Derby County will be in a continuous uphill battle not only to fight for a spot at the promotion playoffs but even to be able to fully compete.
With many critics saying that Rooney is taking the Rams job as a stepping stone to move up in the managerial ranks, it seems likely that another negative spell like the one they just went through would only lead to Rooney not being able to find a managerial job afterwards at all. Only a stellar beginning to the season might help Rooney on his way to saving his job and of course redemption.
What Are Sheffield United's Chances To Go For An EPL Promotion Under Jokanovic?
Serbian manager Slavisa Jokanovic is back for yet another spell in English soccer after his last time in 2018. The Serbian boss, who previously led Watford and Fulham up to the Premier League will be hoping to be able to work his wonders one more time after taking the managerial job for Sheffield United. While United stands clear on top of all experts' list of favorite teams to make a clear run for a promotion to the EPL this season, Jovanovic will clearly have his work cut out for him.
Apart from having to deal with a tough start of the season that will see them play Birmingham at home on the first game of the season followed by away matches against Swansea and West Bromwich, Jokanovic will also have to deal with having to wait upon what could happen in the transfer market with three of the team's major stars, Sander Berge, Aaron Ramsdale and George Baldock.
One thing that can help Jokanovic stay calm even through what could end up being a hectic transfer market is Sheffield United's ability to produce young stars that end up making it big with names like Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all coming out of United's youth development forces. Having players like Antwoine Hackford and Daniel Jebbison all stepping up as some of the club's new young values will surely help Jokanovic have a clearer vision towards what's ahead in the season.
