The ten most surprising relegations in football.10. Newcastle United 2008/09 Armed with an impressive list of stars at their disposal, Newcastle werent able to recover from some significant off-field instability as they went through five different managerial changes. Results began to slide, and Michael Owen, Fabricio Coloccini and Jose Enrique, and even Alan Shearer - installed as manager in what was surely an appointment of the heart rather than of the head, were all unable to stop the rot and a shock relegation became a reality on the final day as they were unable to overturn Aston Villa, thus damaging Alan Shearers managerial credentials.9. Napoli 1997/98 There was a time not too long ago when Napoli werent the super slick side that they are today and were in fact often considered as relegation fodder following several seasons in the wilderness. However, this team at the tail end of the 90s were perhaps the most disappointing as they amassed just 14 points to show for themselves despite containing several top Serie A performers including Roberto Ayala, Massimiliano Allegri, Aljoša Asanovi?Claudio Bellucci and Igor Protti. They returned two years later but it would be a while before they re-established themselves as a major force in Italian football once again.8. Middlesbrough 1995/96 Boro made a strong impact on the Premier League during their first season, but the second can only be classed as somewhat calamitous. Seemingly in good hands of manager Bryan Robson, the former England captain led them to both finals of the FA Cup and the Coca Cola cup, only to lose both. If that wasnt bad enough messieurs Ravanelli, Emerson and the mercurial Juninho were unable to keep the side up despite bagging 32 goals between them. The club had also been docked three points for postponing a fixture with Blackburn on short notice, but theyre meagre goal difference still would have seen them slip through the trap door.7. Wigan Athletic 2012/13 Wigan had been circling the drain for the previous three seasons before finally slipping out of the top flight, but under Roberto Martinez the club played some genuinely exciting football with a core of talented players, both young and experienced. However, in typical Latics fashion the club suffered in the early stages of the season and their late resurgence wasnt enough to save them and defeats to Swansea and Arsenal saw them drop. They capped off a strange year by lifting the FA Cup before Martinez departed for Everton.6. Corinthians 2007 The Brazilian giants are the 14th most valuable in world football, but just six years ago they found themselves in a spot of trouble and ended up falling out of Serie A. The relationship between Corinthians managers and the MSI president, Kia Joorabchian was not good, and after being eliminated in the Copa Libertadores, the club experienced a crisis which was responsible for the bad performances for the rest of 2006. Eventually, the partnership came to an end. In December their fate was sealed thanks to a 1-1 draw with Gremio.5. Atletico Madrid 1999-2000 The 1999–00 season proved disastrous for Atlético. In 1999, Gil and the board were suspended pending investigation into the misuse of club funds and government-appointed administrator José Manuel Rubí began running day to day operations at the club. With the removal of president Jesús Gil, the club floundered and the players put in one disastrous performance after another. Coach Claudio Ranieri handed in his resignation with the club in 17th spot and heading towards relegation. The return of Radi Anti? for the third stint in charge failed to prevent the inevitable. Despite reaching the Copa del Rey final, Atlético were relegated.4. Juventus 2006 More of a demotion than a relegation, but the Italian champions were knocked down to Serie B for the 2006/07 season after being implicated by police of match fixing. The side, who were littered with some of the games biggest stars, were found guilty of pre selecting referees and were stripped of the title they won that year, but bounced straight back up after spending just a single season in the second tier.3. Monaco 2010/11 Only six years after the club had reached the Champions League final they found themselves at a low ebb when they suffered relegation to Ligue 2 following a season of lifeless performances. Having only lost 12 games - the lowest in the bottom half, they drew 17 times and ultimately suffered the consequence at not being able to convert those single points into three. However, they have had the last laugh now as Russian money has put them back amongst the Champions League chasing pack.2. Leeds United 2003/04 Leeds ended their 14 year stay in the top flight thanks mostly to the aftermath of some severe financial difficulties not long after theyd reached the semi-final on the Champions League. With a talented squad that included the likes of Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka, Aaron Lennon and James Milner they were never able to get over their off field troubles and a gradual decline was cemented with a drop down to the Championship at the end of the season.1. River Plate - 2011 In the wake of some serious financial crisis, the club slipped down into the second division in 2011. Rivers poor form followed through the 2011 Clausura tournament, and as a result, River played the Promoción, a two-legged play-off against Belgrano de Córdoba, the fourth placed team of the 2010–11 Primera B Nacional. Belgrano won the first leg 2–0 at Córdoba, and held on for a 1–1 draw at El Monumental. With the defeat, River Plate was relegated to Nacional B for the first time in its history. bit.ly/1mxwX4Q
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 07:54:49 +0000
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