As most Championship and League One sides settle into their opening weeks of the 2025-2026 season, several early trends have emerged across the divisions, according to BBC pundit Sam Parkin.
Charlton Athletic have made an eye-catching start to life back in the Championship, following up their 19th-place finish last season with three straight wins, including victories over Derby, West Ham and Preston. Manager Nathan Jones has overseen a shift in approach, moving away from last season's wing-back system towards a more attacking style built around wingers. The recruitment strategy has also evolved, with Jones bringing in experienced heads such as Karlan Grant and Nathaniel Chalobah, contrasting with the emphasis on promising League One talent that characterised the club's promotion campaign.
Despite the promising start, Parkin cautioned against getting carried away. "I'm sure if you offered Nathan Jones and the most ardent of supporters a mid-table finish now, they'd snap your hand off for it," he said, noting that survival and defensive solidity remain the primary objectives for a newly promoted side.
Swansea City have also impressed, sitting on seven points from three games after a 3-0 win at Derby. The Welsh club, guided by manager Victor Matos, strengthened over the summer with the additions of former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh and Ghanaian winger Joseph Opoku, who was among the scorers against Derby. Parkin praised the club's identity, describing their football as consistently "stylish," though he questioned whether Swansea can sustain their form deep into the campaign. With the play-offs now expanded to six teams, he suggested a top-six finish is a realistic target rather than an outright promotion push. He also noted that Derby's injury problems and unresolved takeover situation may have made them convenient opponents at this early stage.
At the other end of the form table, Burnley have endured a difficult start under new manager Nicky Hayen following their relegation from the Premier League and the departure of Scott Parker. The Clarets remain winless in the league so far. Parkin attributed some of the struggles to the adjustment period new arrivals and returning players face after dropping down a division, along with the uncertainty created by the ongoing transfer window. "They've got brilliant individuals, whoever sticks around," he said, while expressing concern about the team's lack of proven goal-scoring threat compared to promotion rivals West Ham and Wolves. He also played down the significance of Burnley's defeat at Norwich, suggesting Philippe Clement's side could be genuine contenders this season after a strong end to the previous campaign.
In League One, Sheffield Wednesday provided a feel-good story following years of off-field turmoil, thrashing Bromley 7-2 in front of 30,000 supporters at Hillsborough under new ownership. Callum Slattery opened the scoring in a match that showcased the Owls' attacking talent after a narrow miss against Bradford in their previous home fixture. Parkin highlighted the enduring loyalty of Wednesday's fan base through difficult ownership circumstances and predicted the club would be a strong presence in League One this season.
Elsewhere, Salford City have made a troubling start in League Two, losing all three of their opening matches under new manager Peter Cklamovski, who replaced Karl Robinson after last season's play-off final defeat. Despite promising summer signings including Luke Molyneux and striker Macaulay Langstaff, results have not followed. Parkin said the club's ownership would be "scratching their heads" given the squad's quality and expectations, though he expects improvement given the resources at Salford's disposal.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.