The English Football League continues to throw up talking points this season, with Preston North End's decision to sack manager Paul Heckingbottom dominating discussion among pundits and fans alike. The club's move leaves questions hanging over what direction they will take next, as they search for a new man to lead the team forward.
Elsewhere in the Championship and League One picture, Lincoln City have emerged as one of the division's most encouraging stories. A strong opening to the campaign has pushed the Imps into play-off contention, a position few would have predicted at the outset of the season but one that reflects a consistent run of form.
Attention this weekend turns to a fixture with genuine historical weight: Millwall's meeting with West Ham United, the first time the two London rivals have faced off since 2012. The long gap between meetings adds an extra layer of anticipation to what is traditionally one of English football's fiercest local derbies. Millwall defender Caleb Taylor has spoken ahead of the game, previewing what it means to both the club and its supporters to renew acquaintances with their east London rivals after well over a decade apart.
The occasion also comes at an intriguing moment for West Ham, who appear to be finding their feet under manager Nuno. Questions have been raised about whether the Hammers have turned a corner after a difficult period, and the Millwall clash offers a further test of that improvement against local opposition determined to spoil the mood.
Away from the pitch, ownership changes continue to reshape the EFL landscape. Shrewsbury Town look set to become the latest club to fall under American ownership, with former goalkeeper Brad Friedel reportedly involved in the move. BBC Shropshire reporter Nick Southall has detailed the growing role Friedel could play at the club, adding Shrewsbury to a growing list of EFL sides now backed by investment from across the Atlantic.
The wider EFL conversation also touched on lighter moments from around the leagues, including what was described as a contender for miss of the century, along with a memorable and entertaining interview from Southampton manager Nathan Jones, whose passion for animals shone through in his comments.
Taken together, the developments paint a picture of an EFL season already rich in storylines just weeks into the campaign - managerial upheaval at Preston, an unexpected promotion push from Lincoln, a keenly anticipated derby renewal between Millwall and West Ham, and continuing shifts in club ownership structures exemplified by Shrewsbury's reported deal.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on how Preston respond to life after Heckingbottom, whether Lincoln can sustain their promising form, and how the atmosphere unfolds when Millwall and West Ham finally meet again after such a long absence from each other's fixture lists. The mix of on-field drama and off-field developments underlines just how eventful the lower reaches of English football continue to be, offering fans plenty to follow in the weeks ahead.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football (72+: The EFL Podcast).