Image source, Getty Images

With their generous parachute payments, it is often expected those who drop out of the Premier League will be the big contenders to shoot straight back up - but that was not the case last season.

Only Ipswich Town returned to the top flight, and while Southampton did make up for a terrible start under boss Will Still, his replacement Tonda Eckert's spying tactics put an end to their hopes of bouncing back.

And then there was Leicester City, who ultimately failed to escape a double relegation just a decade on from lifting the Premier League trophy.

Yes, the Championship is trickier than some might think. Will the three relegated sides - West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers - be able to navigate it?

Read the full feature here.

Jo Tessem
Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

I think we have been a little spoilt with how tactically good we've been in the past, but today we weren't good enough and we got bullied.

We made mistakes before and after the goals and I think we could have avoided that.

There were a lot of tactics that went wrong.

The second half was better, the system was better and we got players in the right positions.

But the game was lost in the first half, that was were the sloppiness was and Watford were good.

Don't go anywhere because we've got plenty more Championship action to come.

Burnley v West Ham United kicks off in just over 20 minutes.

Derek Payne
Former Watford midfielder on BBC Three Counties Radio

It was backs to the wall in the second half but they showed character and commitment.

It was worrying but somehow they got first contact on most of the balls coming into the box. Both centre halves were fantastic.

Credit to the players and what a morale-boosting win that is on the first day of the season.

It wasn't perfect and it wasn't always going to be on the first day of the season and there was a lot of noise around this game and how they'd approach the season, but they've got through it, so, credit to the manager.

Image source, PA Media

Watford survive an onslaught from Southampton to take victory at Vicarage Road.

Cyle Larin was given a clear cut chance and took it to put the Saints back in the game.

It got the visitors going alongside some positive changes from boss Tonda Eckert but Watford were as resolute in defending this half as they were in attack in the first.

If this is what's to come from Alessio Dionisi's reign at Watford, this might be a manager that sticks around at Vicarage Road.

A flurry of corners for Southampton for a nervous end to this match.

Goal keeper Federico Ravaglia is coming up clutch for Watford with his punches so far though.

THE AGONY!

The ball drops to Taylor Harwood-Bellis in the box and the Watford fans think that's it. He's perfectly positioned to ding it in the net but instead he drags it wide.

If only it hadn't fell to a defender, ey?

Jo Tessem
Ex-Southampton midfielder on BBC Radio Solent

Southampton have slowed down a little bit too much and Watford have been clever in blocking the wide areas after we'd scored.

Jack Stephens heads away Rocco Vata's cross into the box after a fast break from Watford to prevent a possible match winner.

Up the other end though, Hornets skipper Mattie Pollock has been just as effective all day long.

The hosts have put in a great shift at both ends of the pitch today.

Five long minutes added on.

This is going to be a nervy one for the home support.

Time is beginning to run away from Southampton.

Ben Brereton Diaz is brought on for Kuryu Matsuki to try and find that equaliser.

Derek Payne
Former Watford midfielder on BBC Three Counties Radio

If Watford can try and manage these final few minutes...

They need to get a few passes in if they can get hold of the ball.

No, Ryan Manning curls it at goal but it's not quite enough to threaten the Hornets keeper.

ANOTHER free-kick to Southampton.

Surely, they have to make Watford pay at some point...

Finn Azaz is tripped by Martin Payero to earn the Watford substitute a caution.

These free-kicks are mounting up for Southampton but they've been able to do any damage with them. Surprising, given Ryan Manning's ability.

Adam Blackmore
BBC Radio Solent commentator

Southampton seem to be getting a little closer to equalising, but they haven't really tested the goalkeeper enough since they scored.

Rocco Vata goes for goal but his effort looks a little rusty as it's dragged wide.

The 21-year-old only played 12 Championship games for the Hornets last season after a hamstring issue plagued his season.

A nicely taken set piece from James Bree but the follow up isn't up to much and Watford keeper Federico Ravaglia smothers quite easily.

Might have been offside anyway.

Watford's Othmane Maamma withdraws to the bench to calm himself down.

Rocco Vata takes his place as Southampton prepare to take another free-kick.

Image source, PA Media

Southampton's Flynn Downes and Watford's Othmane Maamma are at loggerheads with each other and it requires both sets of team captains to come rushing to prevent it all from spilling over.

The referee punishes their bad behaviour with a yellow card apiece.