Dean Sanders revealed his surprise name as a championship promotion candidate when discussing his previous club in an interview with Football Funcust.
Championships have always been a highly competitive league, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for teams who have been outside the top flight for a while, given that just competing in the Premier League will create a staggering money club.
However, there are some recent success stories that prove that Luton Town won Coventry City in the 2022-23 playoff final and Ipswich Town achieved automatic promotions from 2023-24.
Of course, Leicester City and Southampton are likely to be one of their favorites for the next season, and although they returned to top flight shortly after being demoted in recent years, Sanders believes another team can go on a long way.
Certainly speaking exclusively Football FanCustom In a partnership with newbettingsites.uk, the former Derby County man has nominated his former club as a promotional candidate, given his highly regarded manager, John Eustace, now at the helm with the Rams.
“The Derby still has a crowd of 30,000 and they’re a big club. When I was there, I loved it there. They signed some good players.
“He was unlucky to lose his job in Birmingham, so I don’t know what happened in Blackburn.
“If he does them now this year, they’ll be back in the Premier League this year.”
Given that they have spent time in League One recently, and at the same time narrowly avoiding relegation from last year’s championship, it’s a bold claim to suggest that the Rams can achieve promotions next season, but they have been able to have what they need to go all the way.
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The lack of goals was a real problem for Eustass’ part last season, with only 48 times in the league netting, with the manager bringing in three new forwards guaranteeing goals.
New Signature | Championship appearances | the goal | assist |
Morris | 145 | 42 | 14 |
Wyman | 368 | 74 | 42 |
Derby also signified business by bringing in Patrick Aggieman for over £7 million that caught the eye in MLS during the 2025 campaign, earning six goals and one assist in 16 games.
Experienced defender Danny Butt is also brought in to bolster Eustace’s defensive options, so Sanders’ bold predictions could be expensive.