Jon Russell celebrates as Huddersfield reached the Championship Play Off final after a 2-1 aggregate win over Luton.
The Championship has produced a number of talented players last season. From players who have attracted Premier League interest such as Djed Spence to solid reliable defensive stalwarts such as Kal Naismith, the Championship continues to surprise, but here is my pick of the bunch:
Ben pearson
After Pearson's £3 million move from the north west in Preston to the south coast of Bournemouth, Pearson has experienced mixed fortunes at the Cherries. Following his initial transfer, Pearson failed to establish himself as Jason Tindall was replaced by Jonathan Woodgate shortly after his arrival. However, after a few games out of the side, Pearson helped restore balance to the midfield in his return to the team. Pearson is a valuable Championship midfielder who excels at doing the ugly work and breaking up the game, and after frequently finding himself out of the Bournemouth side this season, it is likely that both the Cherries and Pearson will be looking for a move elsewhere.
morgan rodgers
Another player who has struggled in an overloaded Bournemouth side is Morgan Rodgers. Rodgers arrived at the club as one of Scott Parker's 15 signings over the whole season with a credible record. In the 2020/21 season, Rodgers formed a formidable partnership at promotion chasing Lincoln with fellow loanee Brennan Johnson as the City youth team forward contributed towards 10 goals as Lincoln reached the League One Play Off final. However, Rodgers' fortunes also shifted this season as he could only contribute 1 goal in a Cherries side full of competition. Despite Rodgers disappointing season, he will be backed by City to have another successful loan spell as he has already displayed his goal scoring ability.
brennan johnson
Speaking of Brennan Johnson, he has certainly had a whirlwind of a season hasn't he? After contributing 16 goals for Lincoln things have only gone up for the son of Nottingham Forest legend David Johnson has only improved. His form from his Lincoln City loan had already attracted interest from Premier League clubs as Brentford had several offers knocked back from Forest. And despite finding themselves bottom of the Championship after 7 games, Brennan Johnson still shone in a faltering Forest side. And after helping the reds gain promotion to the Premier League with 28 goal contributions, the Forest board will be patting themselves on the back for keeping hold of their Nottingham star.
jon russell
Following an impressive loan in League One at Accrington Stanley, it was no wonder Huddersfield snatched at the chance to sign Jon Russell on a free transfer from Chelsea. Russell was initially signed with the goal of playing him for the Huddersfield B team, however after some promising outings, Russell soon found himself in the Huddersfield squad and the 6 ft 4 midfielder has slotted in alongside the more experienced pairing of Lewis O'brien and Jonathan Hogg. The giant midfielder helped the Terriers reach the Play Off final and if Lewis O'brien does depart the club, he is a ready made replacement to marshal the Huddersfield midfield.
steve cook
The vastly experienced centre back proved he still had his defensive cojones after a superb double block with his face against Fulham during the first half of the season. However, despite his defensive pedigree, he found himself out of the Bournemouth side more often than not and following Nat Phillips loan move to the Cherries, Cook departed to Nottingham Forest. Since his move, Cook has brought Premier League experience to Forest and has proved influential in getting the reds to the Premier League via the Play Off where he will be crucial to giving the reds a fighting chance of staying in the league.
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