EFL fans can expect a wonderful season, says chief Shaun Harvey
Tuesday 2 August 2016 17:56, UK
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey believes the quality on show in the Football League next season will be higher than ever before.
Fulham host Newcastle at Craven Cottage in the opening match of the new campaign on Friday, the first of 127 games covered live on Sky Sports.
And the first weekend of live action is completed when Garry Monk's Leeds travel to QPR at midday on Sunday followed by Roberto Di Matteo's debut as Aston Villa boss against Sheffield Wednesday four hours later.
And with 15 new managers in the Championship, including Champions League winning bosses Rafa Benitez and Di Matteo, Harvey is confident the football on offer will have supporters flocking to grounds up and down the country.
Speaking at the launch of EFL 2016/17 at Craven Cottage Harvey told Sky Sports News HQ: "We have big name managers and big name teams and all massively important to the communities that turn out to watch them in great numbers.
"We are expecting greater numbers than ever before as after a summer of disappointment on the international field everybody is looking forward to the start of the domestic season.
"The fact that the EFL gets the chance to kick it off a week earlier than our Premier League colleagues gives us this great opportunity and I don't think people can wait any longer.
"Managers like those mentioned bring a real credibility and authenticity to our competition. But it's not just them, there's some really experienced footballers.
"We've also got new teams in the division and new managers coming in who want to cut their teeth against the big clubs and the big managers. We've got all the ingredients for a wonderful season."
Sky Sports' biggest season of football features 127 live games from the English Football League.
