Next season League One verdict as Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield Wednesday & Derby County prepare

Alan Curbishley believes League One next season will be a 'very difficult' division to get out of next season with the number of ex-top flight teams approaching double figures.

The third tier of English football boasted several former Premier League teams in it this season, including the likes of Curbishley's former club Charlton Athletic, as well as Bolton Wanderers, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland. Champions Wigan Athletic have spent time in the top flight too.

Sunderland could remain in the division if they lose this weekend's play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers. Two more former top flight sides set to be in League One next season after dropping down from the Championship include Derby County and Barnsley.

READ MORE:Bolton Wanderers signing's pre-season advantage after January transfer move pinpointed

Former Addicks and West Ham United boss Curbishley has had his say on the third tier of English football and believes it is a 'very difficult' division to get out of with the sheer amount of former top flight sides which call it home. He believes the plight of the likes of Sunderland in recent seasons in failing to get out of the division, as well as the Owls falling short in the play-offs this season, are evidence of the strength of the league.

Speaking to OLBG, Curbishley said: "When I last looked at the League One table, there were 10 former Premier League clubs in that division.

"It's so difficult to get out of, we've seen Sheffield Wednesday fall short and you just need to take a look at Sunderland over the past few years, although they have a chance this year in the playoffs.

"The teams coming down as well such as Derby, it makes the division very difficult to get out of."

Cubr