72+: The EFL Podcast

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s 72+: The EFL Podcast looks at several major storylines across the EFL, with Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff and Lyle Taylor focusing on Scott Parker’s arrival at West Ham and Derby County’s struggles. The episode, published on BBC Sounds on 4 November 2026, also includes guest views from West Ham fan, journalist and podcaster Sam Delaney, plus BBC Radio Derby’s Ed Dawes on Derby’s difficult run.

The discussion centres on whether Parker, who has moved in after Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit, can steady West Ham and reconnect with supporters. The panel also considers the broader picture in the Championship, where Birmingham and Stoke are highlighted as surprise performers so far. At Derby, the tone is more troubled, with the club described as being in freefall after another heavy defeat. Dawes joins to explain the reasons behind that downturn.

Elsewhere in the episode, the podcast notes Dave Challinor’s return to management at Sheffield Wednesday as they try to recover and push back toward the second tier. The show also includes lighter recurring features such as its goalkeeping discussion and Ian Holloway-related anecdotes. As a roundup of the lower leagues and Championship, the episode offers context on managerial changes, promotion pressure and early-season momentum across English football.