This site has a natural penchant for the underdog, so Yeovil were an obvious candidate for this year’s Team of the Season, which of course represents the climax of our annual TTU Awards. Paddy Madden’s goals were crucial to their success but the Glovers – a well-organized collective – were more than a star striker and supporting cast. Our tails are a-wagging ahead of their Championship debut on August 3.

Crystal Palace also displayed similar qualities in securing their own play-off win. A well-balanced side in all areas, they proved that a commitment to youth development and sound judgement in the transfer market can reap rewards.

We’ve been less charitable over the past few days towards fellow promotion-winners Cardiff but hats off also to Malky Mackay’s side, who were astonishingly efficient in winning the Championship. Despite their past tendency to choke at the business end of the season, the Bluebirds were runaway winners of the league and nobody ever looked like overhauling them.

But, as impressive as these teams have been, how can we look past Bradford City who – after spending almost forever on a downward spiral – scalped their way to the League Cup final before chalking up a League Two play-off win against Northampton. At one stage, they looked well behind in the race to finish in the top 7, but Phil Parkinson’s men showed superb character and can now look forward to trips to Sheffield United and Wolves, the types of clubs that a city of Bradford’s size should be hosting year-in-year-out. Their ongoing success is by no means in the bag ^[1], but we jolly well hope this season represents a corner turned for the Bantams.

2011-12 winners: Stevenage ^[2]
2010-11 winners: Brighton
2009-10 winners: Blackpool ^[3]