‘Toughest’ - Neil Warnock sends prediction to Bristol City, Leeds Utd, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough

Neil Warnock predicts that the 2023/24 Championship will be the ‘toughest’ yet.

The 74-year-old has signed on with Huddersfield Town for the season after guiding the Terriers to safety and will now renew his rivalry with Bristol City among others. Warnock who has managed for 43-years and has given 56-years to the sport has spent the majority of his career in the second tier.

Warnock, who has won promotions to the Premier League with Sheffield United, QPR, and Cardiff City though believes this season will be the toughest he’s faced yet.

When asked about Huddersfield’s hopes, Warnock responded: “It will be the toughest Championship ever. But anything is possible.”

Bristol City will face Huddersfield twice this season, with a trip to the John Smith’s Stadium on Saturday, December 9, before Warnock will get a return to Ashton Gate on Saturday, April 13.

Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton have all come down and spent money on recruits to get them back to the promised land. The Whites recently landed Wales international Ethan Ampadu, meanwhile Leicester City signed Connor Coady who was an influential player at Everton last year. Southampton meanwhile could be set for a massive transfer windfall as the saga as to where Romeo Lavia will end up rumbles on.

The promoted sides Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday are all big teams in their own right, and may hold ambitions of more than just survival. Ipswich spent big money to sign Jack Taylor, whilst Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday have also made some astute additions.

Losing play-off finalists Coventry City have spent a fair bit of money too after selling Viktor Gyokeres to Sporting. They signed Ellis Simms, who enjoyed a six-month loan spell at Sunderland, on a permanent deal from Everton and also bought Bobby Thomas from Burnley for a reported fee of around £2m.

Bristol City themselves hold ambitions of reaching the play-offs and are one of just five of the 24 teams who have yet to play in the Premier League. The Robins have recruited well by signing their players early and most of their transfer business is done.

Perhaps their best business is that so far they have been able to keep hold of the £25m rated Alex Scott. The club has turned down transfer offers from both Wolves and AFC Bournemouth from the 19-year-old, and he has been one of their best performing players in pre-season.