07/08/2026
New season and new starts for Yorkshire’s clubs
by Jon Howe.
Every new season signals a new start, but for many of Yorkshire’s professional clubs there is a fresh perspective on things going into the 2026/27 campaign, and also a lot of uncertainty.
For the first time in six years there will be two Yorkshire teams in the Premier League. Leeds United enjoyed a relatively untroubled campaign and bucked the trend of promoted teams struggling, by finishing 14th under Daniel Farke in 2025/26. Expect a similar type of season this time around, though with a step-change in quality of signings, Leeds fans will want to be looking up the table rather than at what is below them. Sergej Jakirovic worked a miracle to get Hull City promoted via a Wembley win over Middlesbrough, having finished sixth, but owner and chairman Acun Ilicali has a big job on in turning over the playing staff to develop a squad that will be competitive in the Premier League.
The Championship has traditionally been a hotbed of Yorkshire clubs, with countless derbies adding plenty of spice. This season, however, Sheffield United’s nearest geographical rivals will be Lincoln City, and the Blades probably don’t count Middlesbrough as a ‘Yorkshire rival’. Chris Wilder will be attempting to mastermind another promotion to the Premier League in his third stint at the club, but you suspect financial limitations will make it tough for him.
City rivals Wednesday are looking at a new dawn under new ownership, and have a lot to be optimistic about despite a record-breaking relegation to League One. Preventing another points deduction, along with good vibes and some savvy recruitment should see them attack the division. Bradford City are similarly placed, having narrowly failed to secure consecutive promotions by losing in the Play-Offs to Bolton Wanderers. Doncaster Rovers also consolidated well after their 2024/25 promotion from League Two, but there is less buoyancy elsewhere. Barnsley are on a slump and facing up to a fifth season in the third tier, while Huddersfield Town have dealt with managerial turmoil and start the new season with yet another manager, Martin Drury, in charge.
Rotherham United were relegated to League Two for the first time since 2013, but have made a bold appointment in former England manager Steve McClaren as Head of Football. It remains to be seen what influence he can have, and the Millers are joined by York City in the fourth tier after their dramatic injury-time promotion from the National League at Rochdale. Swapping places with York are local rivals Harrogate Town. Their six-year stint in League Two came to a sad end with relegation from the EFL in May.
