Tales from not-the Top Flight

Usually in this column we round up what’s happened in the Championship as I attempt to put a humours spin on the games that have taken place over the weekend. This has proved even more challenging than usual this week, and no it is not because I have finally realised I am not that funny, it is because of that pesky international break which means the Championship has taken a break this week. So rather than take the week off I’ve decided to bring you a roundup of all the action from League One and Two, because there is actual football played below the Championship, as hard as that is to comprehend.

Peterbrough and Shrewsbury have been the stand out teams in League One so far, with both sides unbeaten after their first five games. The stand out game in League One was undoubtedly Oldham vs 3rd placed Charlton, who won 4-3 away from home. The game also had seven different goal scorers as well, pus a red card and a penalty so the highlights are well worth a look. Charlton could probably do with some good news given the state of the club’s ownership so here’s hoping they get promoted back to the Championship.

Down the bottom its been a rotten start for Northampton who have accumulated precisely zero points in their first four games. In fact the start has been so bad that Justin Edinburgh, their manager, has paid the price with his job. Being sacked in August seems surprisingly common in football these days but the winless run extends into the back end of last season, so Edinburgh deserved the sack. Probably.

Down in League Two the season has gotten off to an exciting start. Exeter and Stevenage are the only two unbeaten teams however the real story is Grimsby Town who finished with 11 men on the pitch for the first time this season. Incidentally manager Russell Slade is on his fourth club in 12 months, so I wouldn’t get too optimistic about long term success if you are a Grimsby fan. Forest Green Rovers have not had the best of times since coming up from the National League, conceding 15 goals already.

Also Woking are up to 9th in the Nation League. Is this important? Not really. Is this relevant in away? Certainly not, but I thought I’d let you know how the mighty Cards are doing anyhow. The Championship returns next week as Fulham attempt to break Cardiff’s winning run before Neil Warnock’s grin completely consumes him.