Glenn Speller

The EFL weekend preview highlights five storylines: West Ham are expected to challenge for an immediate return to the Premier League after record spending; Lincoln City begin life in the Championship following a remarkable rise; Tony Mowbray faces former club Middlesbrough with Blackburn; contrasting fortunes frame Leicester City’s meeting with Burton Albion and Bromley’s clash with Cambridge United; and ambitious York City visit struggling Rotherham after both sides took sharply different paths through the divisions.】【。

The Blaze secured their first Women’s T20 Blast title with a dominant 10‑wicket victory over Durham, driven by an unbeaten 118‑run opening partnership from Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bryce. Strong bowling performances from Charli Knott, Kirstie Gordon and Grace Ballinger restricted Durham to an under‑par 117‑8, with only Heather Graham offering resistance. The Blaze’s all‑round strength produced two comfortable wins on Finals Day, while Durham’s limited batting depth prevented a competitive challenge despite signs of improvement from last season.

Durham reached the Vitality Women’s T20 Blast final after defeating Hampshire Hawks by four wickets at The Oval. Hampshire’s promising start faltered as regular wickets restricted them to 129‑8, with key contributions from Sophia Turner and Katy Levick. Durham’s chase began strongly before a middle‑order collapse created pressure, but Heather Graham steadied the innings with 35 before Grace Thompson and Turner completed the win with four balls to spare. Durham advance to face The Blaze in the final, carrying confidence from previous victories over their opponents.

Burnley signed 19-year-old winger Lluc Castell from Espanyol on a three-year contract, marking their first addition under new coach Nicky Hayen. Castell previously played in the youth ranks of Gimnàstic de Tarragona before joining Espanyol in 2022 and made his senior debut in a draw against Real Sociedad. Burnley begin the new Championship season at home to West Ham on 16 August.

Yorkshire reached the T20 Blast quarter-finals after defeating Nottinghamshire, with Adam Lyth leading their strong batting display and Joe Root contributing two wickets. Hampshire secured a home quarter-final by beating Sussex, recovering from early trouble through a match-changing partnership between Hilton Cartwright and Ben Mayes. Lancashire kept their hopes alive with a narrow win over Durham, while other results saw Derbyshire, Warwickshire and Glamorgan secure victories as teams across the North, South and Central & West groups completed their final fixtures ahead of the knockout stage.

Millwall have signed Republic of Ireland international Mark Sykes on a two-year deal after his release from Bristol City. The versatile 28-year-old, who previously played for Glenavon, Oxford United and Bristol City, joins following Barry Bannan’s departure to Sheffield Wednesday. Millwall’s director of football Steve Gallen highlighted Sykes’ Championship experience and positional flexibility as key assets.

Jed Wallace has signed a two‑year deal with Bristol City after leaving West Bromwich Albion, where he made 140 league appearances over four seasons. The midfielder, previously a League One play‑off winner with Millwall, becomes new manager Michael Skubala’s fourth summer signing. Wallace highlighted the squad’s potential for success, while Skubala praised his experience and quality. Bristol City begin their Championship campaign at home to Millwall on 15 August.

Wycombe Wanderers have signed 35-year-old defender Steve Cook after his release from QPR. Cook, who previously helped Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest gain Premier League promotion, joins with the support of Wycombe’s football strategy director, who praised his experience and continued ambition. Contract details were not disclosed.

Colchester United signed defender Jake Leake after his departure from Oldham Athletic, where he made 28 appearances and scored twice following a permanent move in 2025. Leake, who previously spent time with Hull City and several lower-league clubs, becomes Colchester’s second summer signing after Sean Raggett. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Northampton Town have signed 21-year-old midfielder Logan Briggs on a season-long loan from Leicester City after he agreed a new contract with his parent club. The Wales Under-21 player, born in Northampton and Leicester’s 2023–24 academy player of the year, has yet to make a senior appearance. Manager Chris Hogg praised his versatility and physical attributes. Briggs becomes the club’s fifth summer addition, following recent signings across multiple positions.