Are Charlton ready to challenge? - Sam Parkin's EFL takeaways

What the report says

BBC Sport Football published Sam Parkin’s weekend EFL takeaways after the first three matches of the new season, focusing on several clubs that have made strong starts or early struggles. The main theme was Charlton Athletic’s perfect opening run in the Championship, which Parkin said should not be overhyped yet but does suggest a more attack-minded approach under Nathan Jones, with summer recruitment bringing in more experienced players.

He also highlighted Swansea City’s unbeaten beginning, including a 3-0 win at Derby County. Parkin pointed to a forward-looking transfer strategy and the side’s familiar style of play, while noting that a top-six push may be a more realistic target than automatic promotion. On Burnley, he said the newly relegated club needs time to build cohesion under new boss Nicky Hayen, especially with squad changes still possible before the window closes.

In League One, Sheffield Wednesday’s 7-2 home win over Bromley marked a strong moment after a difficult ownership period, with Parkin saying the club’s new era could be helped by big attendances and renewed optimism at Hillsborough. In League Two, Salford City’s three straight league defeats under Peter Cklamovski drew concern, despite an eye-catching summer of signings, and Parkin said the club’s owners may already be questioning the early results.