WITH the 2025/26 EFL Awards taking place on Sunday night at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the footballing world has been left with plenty to talk about. While the ceremony celebrated a historic season, the final Championship selections have sparked a wave of debate among fans who feel several stars were overlooked.
Solent Sports News caught up with the fallout as Hayden Hackney was crowned the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season. The Middlesbrough star was joined by Frank Lampard, who picked up Manager of the Season for leading Coventry City’s charge back to the Premier League. In the lower tiers, Dom Ballard made history for Leyton Orient by scooping both the Player and Young Player of the Season in League One, while Aaron Drinan (Swindon Town) and Andy Woodman (Bromley) took top honors in League Two.
The Championship ‘Real’ XI: The 4-2-3-1 Rebuild
The official Championship Team of the Season featured a heavy Coventry City bias. While their promotion is a great story, the “stats from above” suggest a more balanced XI is needed. I believe the formation should be moved to a 4-2-3-1 to better reflect the modern tactical landscape and accommodate the league’s true creative engines.
The Defense:
- GK: Carl Rushworth (Coventry City) – The official choice stands; a wall between the sticks.
- RB: Milan van Ewijk (Coventry City) – A constant threat down the flank.
- CB: Tristan Crama (Millwall) – A rock at the heart of the Lions’ defense.
- CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) – [Change #1] Displacing Callum Doyle. With a 7.36 ratingand 6 goals, Harwood-Bellis was statistically the division’s most dominant defender.
- LB: Ryan Manning (Southampton) – [Change #2] Replacing Josh Tymon. Manning’s 7.43 rating, 7 goals, and 5 assists make his omission from the official XI a genuine mystery.
Midfield
- CM: Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) – The Player of the Season naturally anchors the team.
- CM: Matt Grimes (Coventry City) – The perfect partner to dictate the tempo.
The Attack
- RM: Femi Azeez (Millwall) – Pace, power, and consistent output despite injuries.
- CAM: Léo Scienza (Southampton) – [Change #3] Instead of Haji Wright. Scienza is the ultimate “X-Factor” player. Boasting 10 assists and 7 goals with a 7.39 rating, he provides the creative vision this team needs in the hole.
- LM: Sorba Thomas (Stoke City) – One of the most exciting wingers in the division putting out 20 G/A
The Striker:
- ST: Žan Vipotnik (Swansea City) – A clinical finisher who leads the line with ease.
The Young Player Snub
The biggest shock of the night came in the Championship Young Player of the Year category. While the trophy went to Leicester City’s Jordan James, I believe Alfie Devine ( Preston North End )was the rightful winner.
Devine has been a revelation this season, recording 8 goals and 4 assists with a 7.02 average rating. His technical brilliance and ability to dictate high-pressure games showed a maturity beyond his years. While James had a great campaign, Devine was the heartbeat of his side and arguably the most influential youngster in the division.
The trophies are on the mantelpieces, but for many fans, the “Real” XI remains the one that counts.
