Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , England hero Emile Heskey has assessed the promotion race across the EFL and the clubs gearing up for a big season.
The former Three Lions star has tipped Wolves and West Ham to set the pace in the Championship , given his verdict on Birmingham City 's promotion timeline, and welcomed Tony Mowbray 's return to Blackburn Rovers .
The ex- Leicester man has also shared a fond memory of Ewood Park , backed Oli McBurnie to deliver in the Premier League , and assessed Hull City 's summer transfer plans.
Birmingham City
How Do You Rate Birmingham's Promotion Chances?
I spoke to a couple of Blues fans, and they think it will take another couple of years. I agree that it might not be this year, but in a few years, they'll realistically have a chance to get into the Premier League and stay there. You don't want to put unjust pressure on the team to go up immediately if they aren't ready. Being realistic is key, and a couple of years seems like a fair timeline, despite all the ambitions of the ownership.
I'm not sure if extended playoffs are the best way to go, but the EFL believes it will help. I was promoted via the playoffs with Leicester , and it's a fantastic way to end the season. Good luck to them. Birmingham will be back at some point; it's a matter of time.
The Championship
Which Teams Will Set the Pace?
I think Wolves and West Ham will be strong. Wolves have signed Raul Jimenez and are going for it. It will also be interesting to see if Wrexham can have another successful run.
It will be interesting to see if Wrexham go back into the transfer market to push for automatic promotion. With the size of the squads and the wages at Wolves and West Ham , they really must go up. I expect those two to set the pace. It looks like it's going to be a really tough league this year, that's for sure.
Blackburn Rovers
What Do You Think of Mowbray's Return to Rovers?
I think Tony Mowbray 's return is about stabilising the club and getting consistency. With other managers, you don't always know what you're going to get, but with Tony , you know exactly what he brings. It's about stabilising and then re-evaluating the next steps.
The club needs to decide if they want to stay in their current niche or expand into more expansive football with a different profile of manager. Many clubs go back to the tried and tested because they know what they're getting.
Any Fond Memories of Ewood Park?
I remember playing for Leicester and scoring the winner against Tim Flowers . I was in the yellow kit, sprinted onto a ball knocked over the top, and smashed it in. I remember that fondly!
Hull City
Can McBurnie Deliver in the Premier League?
If you look at what Oli McBurnie did at Sheffield United , he probably wants to better that. He's a more experienced player now and has been through it before. He knows what it takes to score goals at that level.
He might not get as many chances as he once did, so he has to be more clinical, but his experience will help him. If they are to stay up, McBurnie will have to be at his very best next season.
Would Emersonn Be a Good Signing for Hull?
Emersonn to Hull ? There are no guarantees when you bring in a young player who might not fit the formation or the style of play. If they don't fit the system, it's going to be a long season. That's what pre-season is for, to bed them in.
He needs to adapt to the formation, the philosophy, and the intensity. The intensity at Hull will be totally different from where he's coming from. Pre-season is the time to make those adjustments, or it can be a very long season.
Would Signing Gelhardt Be a Sensible Addition?
I'm sure that Hull will want to bring Joe Gelhardt back to the club. He was a key part of their side last season, and they won't want to lose that. Leeds might be thinking of keeping him, but also looking at the moment they could bring in.
Clubs are looking at how to service PSR . That's why Elliot Anderson left Newcastle , which turned out to be a good move for him even though he didn't necessarily want to leave at the time. So I can see Leeds selling Gelhardt , but they will want a good sum of money, I'm sure.
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