Best Championship fans of 2016 – HITC poll results

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Clubs in the Championship boast some of the most passionate supporters but did Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa or Leeds win?

The results from HITC Sport’s poll looking at the best fans in the Championship for 2016 are in. But which second tier side currently boasts the best supporters according to the readers?

5. Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert celebrates

It was an excellent calendar year for Brighton, who sit comfortably inside the top two in the Championship after coming so close to promotion last term. It seems a matter of time before the fans who go to the Amex Stadium will be watching Premier League football on a regular basis.

4. Aston Villa

The long-suffering Aston Villa fans have now got something to smile about after a difficult, and completely uninspiring, last few years. Tony Xia’s arrival and Steve Bruce’s appointment as manager has given the supporters some hope that Aston Villa will soon be back exactly where they belong.

3. Newcastle United

Newcastle fans behind manager Rafael Benitez

Although Newcastle United were a Premier League club at the time, no one can really argue that the reception the fans gave Rafael Benitez on the final day of last season did not play some part in convincing the Spaniard to stay. Like Villa, Newcastle supporters have had little to shout about in recent times, but life on Tyneside is starting to look a lot more promising, and the fans have had no problem singing about it.

2. Leeds United

While the Elland Road faithful are often using their voices to highlight their displeasure at how Leeds United is being run, there is no question that the Whites boast some of the most passionate fans in the division. Garry Monk’s influence has largely galvanised the Leeds supporters however, and given the fans hope that they are having an impact on the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

1. Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday fans celebrate

It is certainly no surprise to see Sheffield Wednesday at the top of the poll compiled by HITC Sport readers. Sheffield Wednesday are perhaps the blueprint for the perfectly run club in the Championship with the owner, manager and fans all singing from the same hymn sheet. The lack of discontent at Hillsborough has allowed the supporters to focus all of their attention on giving Carlos Carvalhal’s men as big a boost as possible, and they were nearly rewarded at Wembley earlier in the year.

With a massive win at Newcastle over Christmas only cementing their promotion challenge this season, Sheffield Wednesday are still very much a team on the up – and the fans are playing their part.