Running the rule over PNE's new opponents in the Championship

North End had a more turbulent campaign than usual in the 2024-25 season, with former boss Ryan Lowe leaving his post just one game into the league season, writes LEO CUNNINGTON.

- by Sports Reporter

With the Lilywhites playing their football in the Championship for an eleventh consecutive season in the 2025-26 campaign, it would be worth to take a look at the newcomers to the division.

SOUTHAMPTON

Stadium - St Mary's Stadium 2024-25 league finish - 20th in Premier League

Away day-496-mile round trip

Take a moment for Saints fans, who had to endure a torrid time of it last season. Just the two wins all season for the South Coast outfit, which had fans questioning whether their season ticket was worth keeping. The man who took them back to the Premier League, Russell Martin, was sacked around Christmas time and the Saints' hierarchy found a quick replacement in Ivan Juric to try and change fortunes.

Unfortunately for Southampton, a miracle was needed even at that point to try and keep them up, and to nobody's surprise they succumbed to relegation on 12 points.

IPSWICH TOWN

Stadium - Portman Road 2024-25 league finish - 19th in Premier League

Away day-512-mile round trip

Ipswich Town were on a high at the start of the season, as they climbed back to the top flight for the first time since 2001-02, with Premier League big boys, Liverpool, coming to town on the opening day.