The Great Escapees

After Crystal Palace earn a precious win over drop zone rivals Sheffield United, Nobes looks at the clubs who have made escaping from relegation a habit.

Darren Ambrose's goal helped keep Palace up at Sheffield Wednesday's expense

Battling a team from the Steel City to avoid relegation to the third tier isn't new territory for Crystal Palace.

Last season, amid their financial meltdown, the Londoners sent Sheffield Wednesday down after a final day shoot out between the pair at Hillsborough.

Their 1-0 win at the weekend over Sheffield United opened up a five point gap between themselves and the Blades, and could prove crucial in maintaining their Championship status after a poor start to the campaign.

Palace also staged a great escape in 2001 to avoid relegation from the Championship, and will be hoping to make it a hat trick of successes come May.

Here's my rundown of some of the other teams who have made a habit out of fighting - and usually winning - battles against the drop.


Portsmouth - 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2006

Three times in the 1990s, Pompey survived relegation to the third tier of English football on the final day of the season.

Firstly in 1996, a 1-0 win at Huddersfield along with Millwall failing to beat Ipswich saw them finish above the Lions on goal difference.

Two years later, and they were at it again. It had been a disastrous season with Terry Venables ending his involvement at Fratton Park and Alan Ball returning to the club to take over from Terry Fenwick.

Once more a final day win in West Yorkshire, this time 3-1 at Bradford, helped stave off relegation and send Manchester City tumbling down to League One.

Twelve months on, and Portsmouth went into receivership and would later only just avoid going out of business. On the pitch, Pompey finished the season in a four way tie on 47 points with Port Vale, QPR, and Bury.

However, it was the latter - with the worst goals scored record that took the tumble and Portsmouth were once again saved.

In 2001, they dropped into the relegation zone in the final week of the season and had to beat Barnsley in their last game to give themselves a shot of survival.

Fortunately, the Reds rolled over and Pompey's 3-0 win was enough to guarantee them a place in the Championship as Huddersfield went down instead.

Finally, during their top flight spell in the previous decade, Harry Redknapp engineered a stunning late rally in 2006 to keep Pompey in the Premier League. Where they remained until last season.


Carlisle United - 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2009

No club masters in brinkmanship like the Cumbrians. It's an expertise only rivalled by their special ability to perform in the Football League Trophy.

The first of their great escapes came in 1992, when they finished bottom of the entire Football League yet avoided demotion to the Conference after Aldershot went out of business.

Their next great escape, and possibly the most famous of all, came in 1999. A 95th minute winner from emergency loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass kept the Cumbrians in the Football League at the expense of Scarborough.

Twelve months later and they did it again, this time edging out Chester City by virture of goals scored to retain their place in the 92.

With finances biting and the club coming close to going out of business, Ian Atkins's side survived by three points in the 2000/1 campaign despite winning the fewest matches in their division.

Two years later and, in the first year of two-up-two-down between the Football and Non Leagues, the Cumbrians finished 22nd, just a point above relegated Exeter.

They had won a vital relegation decider 3-2 against Shrewsbury in their penultimate match to secure their Football League place.

Finally their luck ran out in 2004 though. An horrific start to the season saw them lose 18 of their first 21 games. Paul Simpson's men staged an heroic second half revival, but this time fell through the trapdoor by just four points.

Their most recent escape came in League One in 2009 when they went into the last game of the season needing a win and other results to go their way. They duly beat Millwall 2-0 at Brunton Park to edge out Northampton by a point.

The most famous great escape of all? Jimmy Glass for Carlisle in 1999

Hartlepool United - 1997, 1999, 2009, 2010

Towards the end of the last Millennium, Pools were fighting relegation battles towards the bottom of the basement division. Now it's the third tier where they try and stave off the drop.

In 1997, they ended up just four points above bottom place Hereford. No League Two side lost more games than United that term and with three games left they sat 23rd.

However, successive wins ensured they were safe going into the final day of the season.

Two years later, and Pools were propping up the rest of the Football League at Easter and looking doomed to relegation. New boss Chris Turner inspired his team to 11 points from their last seven games though to retain their spot in the division, ending up 22nd.

More recently, they have found themselves towards the wrong end of League One, including suffering relegation from the third tier in 2006. In 2009 an end of season slump saw them avoid the drop by just a single point.

Last term, Hartlepool were safe going into the final game until a points deduction for playing an ineligible player earlier in the campaign saw them thrown back into the relegation mix.

There they battled hard to gain a 0-0 draw against Brentford and avoid relegation by virtue of a superior goal difference to Gillingham.


Torquay United - 1987, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2006

The Gulls had finished bottom of the Football League for consecutive seasons in 1985 and 1986 but twice won their re-election bid.

The last side to finish bottom in back-to-back years, Workington, hadn't, so United were fortunate to still be in the Football League when automatic relegation was introduced in 1986/7.

They were even more fortunate when, on the final day, a police dog, Bryn, bit a Torquay player, producing enough injury time for them to score a dramatic last gasp equaliser against Crewe.

It secured the point they needed to stay up and send unlucky Lincoln down.

In 1993 they were indebted to a short spell in the dugout from Neil Warnock to guide the Devonians to safety in the basement division, but in 1996 they were struggling once more and finished bottom of the entire pack.

However, Conference winners Stevenage Borough were denied promotion because of the condition of their ground, and Torquay were given a reprieve.

In 2000/1, their fight against the drop went down to the very last game of the season in a final day shootout against Barnet with the losers going down to the Conference.

They raced into a 3-0 half time lead and withstood a second half comeback to see the match out 3-2 and send the Bees down.

Finally, in 2006, United sat six points short of safety with just five games remaining. However, Ian Atkins masterminded four wins and a draw to ensure they finished three points clear of the drop zone in 20th.

A year later, and the Gulls - mismanaged both on and off the pitch - finally took the plunge and spent two years in the Conference after finishing bottom of the division.

Gulls fans invade the pitch after securing survival yet again in 2006

Exeter City - 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2010

The 1990s had begun brightly for Exeter City - they won the League Two title to gain elevation to the third tier.

However, once there, they struggled and twice came close to taking the drop.

Firstly, in 1992, they went into the final day of the season still in danger of relegation. Fortunately, while they were thumped 5-2 at Darlington, rivals Bury lost as well to go down by just two points.

The following season they finished just three points clear of relegated Preston. However, they were not so lucky in 1994 and did eventually drop down to the basement division.

There they ended up rock bottom of the entire Football League at the end of the 1994/5 season.

The Grecians almost went of business during the campaign, but were spared the Non Leagues after the Moss Rose ground of Conference champions Macclesfield controversially failed to meet the Football League's requirements.

They were not so lucky in 2003 though, as, in the first year of two-up-two-down, Exeter became the first side to finish 23rd and be relegated from the basement division.

Having bounced back to the Football League, last season Exeter staged another escape from the drop when a late winner in their final game against Huddersfield saw City stay in League One by a single point.


Crewe Alexandra - 1999, 2004, 2005, 2008

Dario Gradi's distinguished reign as Crewe boss has become synonymous with unearthing talented young players, an attractive brand of football, and the Alex punching above their weight.

Inevitably therefore, they have been involved in the odd battle against the drop, some won successfully and some not.

In 1999, the Railwaymen finished just a point above the Championship relegation zone in 18th - inspired by a late rally of ten points from their last four games to ensure their safety.

Just two points separated Alex in 18th from third bottom Walsall in 2004 as Gradi once again managed to defy the odds to keep the Cheshire club in the second tier.

Twelve months later and they staged a dramatic last day escape as a 2-1 win over Coventry, coupled with Gillingham drawing 2-2 at Nottingham Forest, saw Crewe finish above the Gills thanks to a one better goal difference.

They weren't so lucky in 2006, finally succumbing to the drop. And in 2008 they fought to retain League One football at Gresty Road.

Alex finished up just two points clear of relegated Bournemouth, despite the Cherries being deducted ten points for entering administration. A year later though, and relegation did catch up with them.

A clear warning to any side constantly flirting with the drop. One year, it will catch up with you.

Like The Fox On The Run

With Leicester City surging into promotion contention in the Championship, Nobes looks at other clubs who have come up with a late run to win promotion.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's Leicester are the form side in the Championship

Sure, Steve Claridge may have predicted as much on the BBC's The Football League Show, but so did our very own Doctor Lakes last month - Leicester City are on the march.

In fact, since Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge at the Walkers, no Championship side has done better than the Foxes with the Swede collecting 43 points from his 22 games at the helm.

Now lying 7th and just five points off the top two, City, who were propping up the rest of the division in the first few weeks under Paulo Sousa, are firmly in the promotion mix.

After his team's recent 4-1 loss in the East Midlands, Barnsley boss Mark Robins declared Leicester the best side in the division - and current form backs his judgement.

Should they indeed gain entry back to the Premier League though, they won't be the first side to win promotion off the back of a storming second half season run.

Here's my look at how some of their potential predecessors managed to do it.


Birmingham City - 2001/2

Perennial top six candidates, Birmingham parted company with long-serving boss Trevor Francis in 2001.

They then made an enemy for life in Simon Jordan in poaching Crystal Palace boss Steve Bruce to turn around their fortunes.

However, with nine games of the season remaining, it appeared promotion in his first season at the helm would be beyond former Blues player Bruce.

Not so. A combination of a late run coupled with rivals Preston, Burnley, and Coventry wobbling saw City get back into contention.

Five wins and four draws from their remaining matches secured 5th place and a shot in the play-offs.

There they saw off Millwall over two legs. Then they recovered from a goal behind to defeat Norwich on penalties in the final at the Millennium Stadium and reach the Premier League for the first time in their history.



Wrexham - 2002/3

When the Red Dragons went down to a loss at struggling Exeter at the beginning of March they were still just three points off 3rd in a congested top half of League Two.

However, they were a mammoth 21 points behind league leaders Hartlepool with only 42 points left to play for.

They dropped just eight of those points though, winning ten and drawing four, to finish the season promoted in 3rd.

They ended up three points off top of the table Rushden, a single point behind Hartlepool, and with the largest goal difference in the league.

It earned boss Denis Smith the Manager of the Year award in the basement division. In truth, had the season gone of for a couple more weeks, Wrexham would have been crowned Champions.

Remember when this man used to have the Midas touch? No, seriously.

Crystal Palace - 2003/4

God bless Iain Dowie.

You don't hear those words very often, but the remarkable run his Crystal Palace team went on in 2004 has provided great comfort to many a Championship club and boss since.

Should their side be struggling at Christmas, you can guarantee - in an appeal for more time to turn things around - that they will mention the dramatic turnaround in fortunes Dowie engineered in South London.

True, the Eagles were in the relegation zone at the start of December, but soon surged up the table until, with ten games left, they were just five points shy of the top six.

In those last ten, they won seven and drew one to end up 6th, having only moved into the play off positions for the first time in the penultimate round of fixtures.

Once in the play offs they saw off Sunderland on penalties in the semi finals before earning a sweet victory over Capital rivals West Ham in the final to end the season promoted to the top flight.



Sunderland - 2006/7

It was a run which made Roy Keane a legend on Wearside and established managerial credentials gradually destroyed over 18 months as Ipswich manager.

Still, before we discovered Keane's scouting network was reserved simply for former players, Irishmen, or Manchester United youngsters, he seemed to have the Midas touch in 2007.

The Black Cats rounded off 2006 sitting in 12th after a 1-0 loss to Preston at the Stadium Of Light. They sat six points off the play offs and a massive 16 behind leaders Birmingham.

However, in their final 20 games, Keane's charges won 16 and drew 3 to oust Birmingham from the top after game 42 and stay there to secure the league title and promotion.

The original late run and Blackpool play off win came under Simon Grayson

Blackpool - 2006/7

If Ian Holloway guiding Blackpool to play off success last term was a surprise, their promotion in 2007 was every bit as unexpected, and owed much to a good late run.

The Seasiders had only just avoided relegation the previous season and seemed to be in for a year of mid table mediocrity in League One.

A loss to Millwall in the back end of the campaign left them 10th, a full 12 points off second place.

However, Simon Grayson's men then went on a storming run of 11 wins and two draws to end up in 3rd spot, just two points off promoted Bristol City.

In truth, there was only going to be one winner in the play offs that season. Blackpool swotted aside Oldham in the semi finals before putting surprise package Yeovil to the sword 2-0 in the final.



Bristol Rovers - 2006/7

Clearly 2007 was the year of late runs, with Bristol Rovers filling that particular role in the basement division to win promotion.

When the Gas suffered a 2-1 defeat at Boston, they sat 16th in League Two with only 11 games of the season remaining.

Nobody could have envisaged what was to happen next. Rovers discovered a run of form and won eight and drew two in the run-in.

It culminated in them finishing 6th and they saw off play off veterans Lincoln over two legs to make the final.

There a 3-1 win at Wembley over Shrewsbury secured them the most unlikeliest of promotions to the third tier.

Coming to a concert hall near you soon - Phil Brown on top of the world in 2008

Hull City - 2007/8

Remember when Phil Brown wasn't known for being that eccentric orange-skinned man who enjoys berating his players on the pitch and singing badly?

I know, it seems hard to believe now, but Brown was making a name for himself in East Yorkshire - first saving Hull from relegation from the Championship and then progressing them up the table.

When they lost to table topping Bristol City at the beginning of March, the Tigers sat 11 points off 3rd place with 12 games of the campaign left to play.

Eight of those games were won, and another drawn, as Brown guided City to 3rd place, just four points behind promoted Stoke.

They went into the play offs strong favourites and, after casting aside Watford over two legs, a 1-0 win over, appropriately, Bristol City secured them top flight status for the first time in the club's history.



Notts County - 2009/10

Now, you might be spotting a pattern here - as well as rejoicing that we have the play offs in English football. Late run of form, qualify for play offs, win them.

You're not wrong. However, in the case of Notts County they didn't leave their chances to the end of season lottery.

In truth, County had been the title favourites last season with an expensively assembled squad that nobody thought they could afford - and they were right. They were also right about them winning the league though.

Notts did it the hard way, however. Their third manager of the season, Steve Cotterill, took over at Meadow Lane with them 7th in the division, trailing leaders Rochdale by a full 14 points.

In Cotterill's 18 games in charge, the Magpies won 14 and drew three of them. Coupled with Dale imploding, they secured the title by a decisive ten point margin.



While 14 games may be too few for Sven's men to close the ten point gap separating them and Championship leaders QPR, current form suggests that just points, rather than any other sides, will separate the Foxes and the Rs come May.

Big Match Review - Swansea 3 Crystal Palace 0

Swansea City 3-0 Crystal Palace

Saturday February 15, Liberty Stadium, (Att: 13,369)

Two second half penalties from Scott Sinclair eased promotion-chasing Swansea City to a comfortable victory over struggling Crystal Palace.

The away side, in their first game under new full-time boss Dougie Freedman, defended resolutely in the first half as they sought to improve upon a dire away record this season.

However, with half time approaching, their resistance was broken when Darren Pratley had the time and space to side foot home Scott Sinclair's low driven cross.

The game was pretty much sewn up as a contest with two Sinclair spot kicks either side of the hour mark.

Firstly, he sent Julian Speroni the wrong way after Nathan Dyer's jinking run was illegally halted by David Wright's challenge.

Then, he converted again from 12 yards after a header from a corner seemed to be blocked by the risen arm of Steffen Iversen.

A crushing win for Brendan Rodgers's men takes them up to second, but Palace remain in the bottom three - and happy to return to home comforts.

Big Match Preview

Swansea City vs. Crystal Palace

Saturday February 15, 12:45, Liberty Stadium

Fourth top meet third bottom in South Wales on Saturday lunchtime as high-flying Swansea City entertain a Crystal Palace side battling for their very Championship existence in the relegation zone.

The Swans are enjoying a fine campaign as they seek to return to England's top flight for the first time in 28 years. Palace, on the other hand, will be glad to see the back of a miserable 2010 where they have been battling for survival both on and off the pitch.

The visitors go into the match under the permanent charge of Dougie Freedman for the first time. The former Palace player made over 300 appearances as a striker and has now been handed the task of keeping the Eagles up.

It had seemed as though Bournemouth's Eddie Howe was destined for the hot seat, but he opted to stay on the South Coast rather than move to South London - giving Freedman his chance.

He took charge of their 1-0 win over relegation rivals Preston following the sacking of George Burley, and Palace's 2-1 loss at Coventry last weekend in the FA Cup.

One of the Scot's primary aims will be turn around his side's away form - comfortably the worst in the Championship.

Palace have recorded just one away win, at Norwich, so far, and have gained draws at Bristol City and Cardiff. However, ten of their 13 trips have ended in defeat, conceding 31 goals along the way.

Top scorer for the Eagles this term is wide man Neil Danns, with six, although creative midfielder Darren Ambrose is always an integral man going forwards, particularly with his set piece delivery.

Brendan Rodgers has Swansea competing for a Premier League place

They travel to a Swansea team who boast one of the Championship's most formidable home records. Indeed, City have conceded just five goals in 13 games at the Liberty this term, the tightest home defensive record in the division.

Eight of those 13 games have ended in victory, with Reading, Barnsley, Middlesbrough, Preston, Leicester, Burnley, Coventry, and Scunthorpe all being seen off.

However, they have seen both Portsmouth and Bristol City leave with maximum spoils, so will be wary of Palace - despite a convincing 3-0 at Selhurst Park when the two teams met earlier in the campaign.

Boss Brendan Rodgers, who succeeded Paulo Sousa during the summer, has kept faith with the long-ingrained style of attractive, passing football that has seen the Welsh club knocking on the door of the Championship's top six in the last couple of years.

He has also helped cure the chronic shortage of goals which put paid to their play-off hopes last term, with summer signing Scott Sinclair bagging 14 goals in all competitions. Midfielder Darren Pratley, recently linked with top flight clubs, has been another key figure with six strikes to his name.

However, Rodgers was dealt a blow when captain and defender Gary Monk was ruled out for three months with a knee injury after last weekend's 4-0 FA Cup win against Colchester.

It's also risky to be too confident of how a game will go in the Championship. It's a famously tight division where anyone can beat anyone else on their day.

Swansea have been in such fine form at home though, and looked so difficult to score against, that they should have enough to see off struggling Palace and maintain their promotion push.

Nobes' Prediction: Swansea City 2 Crystal Palace 0

Classic Campaigns: Championship 2000/01

In the first of a new series looking back on Football League history, Nobes reflects on a classic campaign.

Today, he looks back on the Championship division of 2000/01.

It was a season of fantasy football, play off drama, but most notably one of the game's greatest escapes. However, could the Footballing Gods be about to write one club's perceived wrong?

Jean Tigana's stylish Fulham ran away with the Championship title in 2001

If a year is a long time in football, then ten years must feel like a lifetime. Imagine then, holding a grudge, hoping to exact a bit of revenge, for an entire decade.

Has the time finally come for that score to be settled though? Could fate possibly decree that, come the end of the season, one club's grudge has finally been laid to rest?

To explain, let me take you back. The date was May 6 2001 - the last day of the 2000/1 Championship campaign.

I find it hard to believe that was nearly a decade ago. I never thought that, ten years later, I would always remember sitting down that Sunday afternoon to listen to the final day of the season on the radio.

Certainly all the ingredients were there for a classic afternoon - with four sides battling to avoid joining QPR and Tranmere in League One for the new season.

At the other end, the story of the season had been Fulham. To say the Cottagers had impressed on their way to promotion back to the top flight would be a massive understatement.

Playing a swaggering brand of passing football under French legend Jean Tigana, the West London outfit ended the campaign with 101 points - a full ten clear of their nearest challengers.

It was their third promotion in five years and saw them back among England's elite for the first time since 1968. It was largely thanks, too, to the big-spending of owner Mohammed Al-Fayed.

This was also the season when another wealthy benefactor, Blackburn Rovers's Jack Walker, died. Walker's money had made the Lancashire club Premier League Champions in 1995.

Perhaps it was fitting then that Rovers returned to the top flight in 2001. A 1-0 win in their penultimate fixture at local rivals Preston North End helped Graeme Souness's charges edge out Bolton Wanderers to take second spot.

Those two would have their chance to follow Rovers into the Premier League at the end of the month. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - with Wembley being rebuilt - playing host to its first ever Championship play off final between the two.

Sam Allardyce's Bolton had been expected to challenge for promotion, but Preston were new to the division having won the third tier just 12 months previously.

Wanderers easily saw off West Brom - who had pipped another newly promoted side in Burnley to sixth spot - over two legs. The other play off was an altogether more tight affair though.

Preston travelled to Birmingham in the first leg and lost 1-0 and, with the score at 1-1 in the return leg at Deepdale, it was the Blues who were heading to Cardiff.

However, a dramatic last gasp goal for North End took the game into extra time and eventually penalties. Cue a further twist.

Furious at the ref's decision to take the shoot out in front of the Preston supporters rather than at the end containing both set of fans, Blues boss Trevor Francis hauled his side off the pitch - refusing to take part in penalties.

The game was delayed for several minutes until, eventually, Francis relented. Unsurprisingly, after such antics, his team ended up on the losing side. Preston would face local rivals Bolton in the play off final with the Premier League just 90 minutes away.

Ultimately, the PNE fairytale didn't have a happy ending, with their neighbours proving much too strong - running out 3-0 winners to shatter the dreams of North End and their young boss David Moyes.

It was a testament to the strength of all three of the promoted teams in 2000/01 that they all stayed up in the Premier League the next season. It was the first, and remains the only, time that has happened in its 18-year history.

However, it was the relegation battle in 2000/01's Championship which provided a thrilling climax to a classic campaign - and that ten year grudge.

Going into the final week of the campaign, Crystal Palace were staring League One in the face. The Eagles had reached the semi finals of the League Cup that year, but with two games remaining they sat three points adrift of fourth bottom Portsmouth.

Chairman Simon Jordan rolled the dice - sacking manager Alan Smith and putting club stalwart Steve Kember in charge as caretaker.

As fate would have it, Palace travelled to Fratton Park in the final week of the season - they simply couldn't afford to lose. In fact, they did much better, securing a 4-2 victory - enough to dump Pompey into the bottom three on goal difference.

It set up a thrilling final day:

Fixtures:

Grimsby vs. Fulham
Huddersfield vs. Birmingham
Portsmouth vs. Barnsley
Stockport vs. Crystal Palace

Table:

...............................P.....GD....PTS
19. Grimsby.............45....-20....49
20. Huddersfield.......45......-8....48
21. Crystal Palace.....45.....-14...46
-------------------------------------------
22. Portsmouth........45.....-15....46
23. QPR..................45.....-30....39
24. Tranmere...........45.....-31....37

Portsmouth now found themselves in the deepest trouble. Then again, it was the third time in six seasons that they had required a final day result for survival.

Anything less than a win against Barnsley at Fratton Park and they would be relying on Palace losing at Stockport.

Palace were the only one of the four teams in danger on their travels. Huddersfield knew a point at home to Birmingham would be enough for them and it was the same scenario for Grimsby who were hosting Champions Fulham.

Pompey got off to the perfect start as they scored early on. Meanwhile, at Blundell Park, a second-string Fulham side were 1-0 down at Grimsby thanks to a keeping howler from Marcus Hahnemann.

Huddersfield were trailing to Birmingham 1-0 but, with half time approaching, the Terriers levelled the match. However, the visitors went straight down the other end and restored their advantage at 2-1.

Attention switched to Edgeley Park therefore, where Palace and Stockport were goalless. The Londoners were going down if scores remained the same.

Things got worse for them in the second period. Portsmouth raced into a 3-0 lead against a Barnsley side already looking forward to their summer break. Palace now had to score otherwise they were down.

Time was running out, but then came a moment of great controversy. With three minutes remaining, Palace were defending a Stockport corner and the ball was headed out to the edge of the box.

There, Palace's David Hopkin palmed the ball away from a waiting Stockport man. The ref missed the handball, and Hopkin hoofed the ball up field as Palace looked for a break away.

The ball was held up and the on-rushing Dougie Freedman was played through 25 yards from goal. Freedman proceeded to jink past two defenders and smash the ball home from eight yards out.

Palace had their goal and salvation was in sight. With final whistles going at Portsmouth and Grimsby, both of them knew they could look forward to another season in the second tier. All eyes turned to Huddersfield.

They were still playing at the Galpharm where the home side had, at the season's death, been plunged into the bottom three.

Even a loss to Birmingham would have been enough without Palace scoring, but now the Yorkshire club's fans desperately urged their team onwards knowing they had to score to save themselves and send the Eagles down.

Or maybe they didn't. A sudden buzz went around the stadium - Stockport had got an even later equaliser against Palace. Only they hadn't. Palace held on to win.

With the match across the Pennines still going on though, the London club's fans had to wait to celebrate survival. Four minutes later, and with time having run out on Huddersfield, Palace were confirmed as safe.

Palace players celebrate survival in 2001 with caretaker Steve Kember

At the Galpharm, everything had seemed to conspire against Huddersfield. From the Fulham keeper's error at Grimsby, to Barnsley's half-hearted effort on the South Coast, to the handball at Stockport.

All had come together, as well as their own inability to claim the one point they needed at home, to relegate Huddersfield from the Championship.

Final table:

..............................P.....GD....PTS
18. Grimsby.............46....-19.....52
19. Stockport...........46......-7.....51
20. Portsmouth........46.....-12.....49
21. Crystal Palace.....46.....-13....49
--------------------------------------------
22. Huddersfield.......46......-9.....48
23. QPR...................46.....-30.....40
24. Tranmere...........46.....-31.....38

Fast forward to the present day, though, and a resurgent Terriers under Lee Clark are gunning for promotion from League One to claim a return to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Palace - after another final day escape last term - are in the bottom three and embroiled in another relegation battle.

It couldn't actually happen, could it? Is it time for fate, rather than Hopkin, to lend a helping hand?

After the Hurly - Burley

Nobes considers Crystal Palace's appointment of the experienced George Burley as their new manager.

New boss George Burley has an impressive track record at Championship level

It was a managerial appointment many Crystal Palace feared they'd never see. The London club so nearly went out of business, with only a last gasp takeover earlier this month from the CPFC 2010 Consortium saving the Eagles from extinction.

The buyout from the group, headed by fans Steven Parish and Martin Long, brought to a close a tumultuous few months for Palace. They entered administration in January - incurring a ten point penalty in the process.

That saw them drop from just outside the Championship play-off positions into a relegation fight. A few weeks later they lost the services of experienced manager Neil Warnock, who left the club to take over at QPR.

In the end, their relegation battle went to the final day where a dramatic 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday ensured it was the Yorkshire team, and not them, who made the drop into League One.

Boss Paul Hart, who had managed to keep the club safe, immediately left after the game at Hillsborough. A further 29 other employees at the club followed him out of the door as costs were cut.

Now though, with their future secure, they can look forward to the future and a fight for promotion, not against extinction. These Eagles are daring to dream again.

The appointment of Burley is sure to encourage them even further - particularly with his appointment of club legend Dougie Freedman as his assistant.

Burley has been out of work since losing his position as manager of Scotland last year.

His failure to lead the Tartan Army even into the top two of their World Cup 2010 qualification group was deemed unsatisfactory by the Scottish Football Association.

Although things didn't work out for him at international level, his record in the Championship is the envy of most managers.

Hopes are high for better times ahead at Palace's Selhurst Park next term

He took Ipswich to four top six finishes - guiding them into the Premier League as play-off winners in 2000. There they finished 5th in their first season - qualifying for the UEFA Cup and earning Burley the Manager of the Season award.

He has also taken both of his other Championship teams into the play-offs. With Derby in 2005 he lost out in the semis to Preston and in 2007 his Southampton side were losers over two legs to, ironically, his former club Derby.

With a track record of getting his teams to compete at the right end, Palace fans will be optimistic that he can achieve the same kind of results at Selhurst Palace.

At both Pride Park and St Mary's he was used to working on a budget as former Premier League teams cut their cloth according to their new lower status in the football pyramid.

He will not be daunted, therefore, by the restrictions at a club determined to not get themselves in a similar financial mess as to the one they have just escaped from.

The 54-year-old is also an attractive choice because of his commitment to playing the game the right way. Burley has always got his teams playing attractive, attacking, passing football.

It is the kind of style which will encourage more supporters through the turnstiles - which can provide a financial boost to Palace.

It is also a style which, for all his cult hero status at the club, Warnock and his penchant for a more direct method of play, was never able to bring to South London.

The way he turned around a Derby side who had struggled towards the wrong end of the division before finishing 4th the next term will also encourage them that time need not be a barrier to success.

However, after the recent turmoil, achieving instant success will still be tough even for a man of Burley's experience and pedigree.

Successful or not, Palace fans will just be relieved they can focus on matters on the pitch once again.

Big Match Review - Sheffield Wednesday 2 Crystal Palace 2

Championship

Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Crystal Palace

Sunday May 2, Hillsborough, (Att: 37,121)

Crystal Palace earned the draw which was enough to keep them in the Championship and condemn Wednesday to League One football next season.

Going into the game the scenario was clear - anything less than a win for the hosts and they would be relegated. If they did collect all three points, it would be the Londoners playing in League One from August.

In front of a full and passionate house at Hillsborough, the first sight of goal went to the visitors. The influential Darren Ambrose pulling the ball back for Shaun Derry.

His shot was well saved from close range by Lee Grant as Wednesday survived an early scare.

Palace, only still involved in the relegation fight after being deducted ten points for entering administration, were showing the greater composure and quality on the ball.

At the heart of that was Ambrose, and he forced Grant into action again with a free kick beaten away by the Owls goalkeeper.

It was no surprise then when Palace took the lead after 24 minutes. Ambrose's corner catching out a static home defence and Alan Lee had space to crash a header home.

Wednesday were stung into action, however, while it may have been Paul Hart in the technical area, Palace were still showing the kind of grit and determination associated with their former boss Neil Warnock.

Their physicality and strength in the air at both ends was clearly on show. Time after time, hopeful balls lofted up by the Owls were meat and drink to Palace centre halves Matt Lawrence and Paddy McCarthy.

Just when it seemed the Eagles would head into the break ahead though, Wednesday grabbed an equaliser.

Danny Butterfield failed to deal with a long ball forward and, instead of clearing, he was robbed by Leon Clarke who made his way into the box and curled the ball past Julian Speroni from the tightest of angles.

It was the lift Alan Irvine's side so badly required, and set up a pulsating second half where Wednesday knew a goal would be enough.

In torrential rain over the Steel City, the home side ratcheted up the pressure with a succession of set plays and balls into the box causing trouble for a nervous Palace defence.

It was a game which was quite literally putting the 'blood' into the 'blood and thunder'. Wednesday's James O'Connor and Darren Potter both suffering cuts to their head after challenges from Palace skipper Derry.

Luke Varney then had a fantastic opportunity to put the Owls ahead - however, his one-on-one effort was thwarted by the excellent Speroni.

Despite their pressure, it was the away side, having ridden the early storm from Wednesday, who re-established their lead with their first attack of the second half.

Darren Ambrose celebrates the goal which kept Palace in the Championship

Wednesday failed to deal with a throw-in and Sean Scannell was able to wriggle away and pull the ball back for Ambrose to drive the ball home from inside the box.

It was a crucial goal from Palace's top scorer and knocked the stuffing out of the home side's survival hopes.

The Yorkshire side responded though, and only a last ditch tackle from McCarthy stopped ex-Palace man Tom Soares when he was through on goal.

With time running out, and Palace dropping deeper, Wednesday threw on Francis Jeffers and began to pump the ball forward in hope.

And it was the substitute who missed a great chance to level with ten minutes remaining - failing to connect to Jermaine Johnson's inviting cross from the right.

However, with just three minutes left of normal time, Wednesday did pull level. A long throw from Tommy Spurr was flicked on by Varney and captain Darren Purse crashed the ball in at the back post.

It set-up a grandstand finish as Wednesday piled forward in five minutes of stoppage time - looking for the goal which would mean salvation.

Open at the back, Palace almost sealed the deal as a two-on-one breakaway saw Stern John denied by Grant and Wednesday scramble the ball off the line.

It would only prove to be a temporary reprieve for the Owls though as seconds later Mike Dean blew the final whistle to confirm Palace were safe and Wednesday doomed.

Survival Sunday

Here are the articles from Turls, Lakes, and Nobes about the Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace relegation decider.

Wednesday vs. Palace
Turls's preview of the match.

Relegation records
Nobes looks at Wednesday and Palace's previous relegation battles.

Relegation showdowns
Nobes look at previous final day relegation shoot-outs.

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Crystal Palace LIVE
Lakes with his unique commentary on the big match.

Big Match Preview

Championship

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Crystal Palace

Sunday May 2, 13:00, Hillsborough

It's a relegation showdown in the Steel City this Sunday as Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace battle it out knowing, come full time, one of them will be relegated to League One.

Their respective seasons and nine months worth of matches come down to just 90 minutes to shape their destiny.

Wednesday go into the match knowing anything less than a win will consign them to relegation from the Championship after five seasons back in the second tier.

If they do emerge victorious, it will be Palace who take the drop into League One to complete a miserable season for the Londoners - who are only still in trouble after entering administration and having ten points deducted.

For Alan Irvine's Owls, this game represents a huge lifeline. Despite not winning in their last six games, they still have a chance of staying up.

Their home record since the Scot was appointed in January has generally been good, collecting 17 points from ten matches.

That's included vital wins over fellow strugglers Watford, Plymouth, and Peterborough, and impressive victories against high flying Blackpool and Leicester.

A repeat performance will be required this weekend with Irvine looking to top scorer Marcus Tudgay and strike partner Luke Varney to find the goals which could mean salvation.

Messrs Irvine and Hart face a tense final day at Hillsborough

Despite their position at the bottom - Palace will travel to South Yorkshire with great confidence - knowing only promoted duo Newcastle and West Brom are harder to beat on the road in the Championship this term.

They've lost just five of their 22 away games this term, albeit drawing half of them. However, a 12th draw would be enough to see them send Wednesday down and retain their place in the second tier.

They'll be conscious though that they could have already sealed survival in recent weeks, and missed another opportunity with Monday evening's draw against West Brom.

Eagles boss Paul Hart will have to without the services of winger, and second top scorer, Neil Danns - after his sending off against the Baggies. However, top scorer Darren Ambrose, who has bagged 19 from midfield, could be vital to their hopes.

You can almost forget all the past 45 matches when looking ahead to this one. It's a one-off, almost play-off final affair. The pressure will be intense in front of a huge crowd at Hillsborough.

Wednesday have to win, but that can often be an easier way to approach a game compared to Palace - who know they only need to avoid defeat.

For that reason, and home advantage, as well as a penchant for final day drama - I'm going for Wednesday to sneak it and stay up.

Nobes' Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2 Crystal Palace 1

Big Match Review - Crystal Palace 1 Sheffield United 0

Championship

Crystal Palace 1-0 Sheffield United

Saturday March 6, Selhurst Park, (Att: 13,455)

Crystal Palace earned a vital three points in their fight against the drop as new boss Paul Hart got his Selhurst Park tenure off to a winning start.

Unsurprisingly, the home side seemed intent on getting off to a positive start and took the lead mid-way through the first half.

A deep cross into the box from Danny Butterfield being finished by a neat volley from striker Alan Lee.

Palace could have doubled their advantage in the second half with visiting keeper Mark Bunn being forced into action to save Darren Ambrose's low drive.

Goalscorer Lee then had a chance to seal the points late on but could only fire over the bar from close range after Nick Carle's cross had found him in space.

However, it didn't matter as the Blades failed to test Palace's defence as their hopes of finishing in the play-offs suffered a setback.

Big Match Preview

Championship

Crystal Palace vs. Sheffield United

Saturday March 6, 15:00, Selhurst Park

Relegation-threatened Crystal Palace meet play-off chasing Sheffield United this weekend as both sides seek three precious Championship points.

After this week's events too, the clash at Selhurst Park now pits together two clubs formerly managed by Neil Warnock.

The experienced boss swapped the financial turmoil at Palace for the wealth of QPR - and was replaced by former Rs boss Paul Hart.

The Eagles are precariously placed just above the drop zone following their 10 point deduction for entering administration. However, but for that deduction, they'd be looking for a place in the top six themselves.

Despite their false position in the table though, Palace go into the game without a win in their last four matches and in need of points to move them away from the bottom three.

The inspiration behind most of their good play this term has come from former Newcastle man Darren Ambrose. The talented midfielder has been in great form and is the club's top scorer with 17 goals.

His delivery from set-plays also makes the Londoners dangerous from dead-ball situations with striker Alan Lee often the target. Palace will also look for inspiration from the back from their impressive keeper Julian Speroni.

He's likely to be called upon to deal with the threat posed by Saturday's visitors. Sheffield United, losers in the play-off final last May, are once again in the mix for the end of season lottery.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is eyeing up another shot at the play-offs

The Blades lie just a point and a place outside the top six, but have found it difficult to string together a consistent run of form.

Indeed, not since they won back-to-back away fixtures at the beginning of December have Kevin Blackwell's men returned to the Steel City with three points.

He does possess one of the strongest and most experienced squads in the division though, including an array of attacking options.

Big man Darius Henderson is the team's top scorer with 12 goals and he's joined by the likes of Jamie Ward, Richard Cresswell, Henri Camara, and Ched Evans.

It's a list that would be the envy of most other Championship clubs, and perhaps emphasises that United have underperformed to date this season.

That can change with a first away win in four months at the weekend though. Palace will miss the departure of Warnock and, even with a new boss in Hart in place, are there for the taking.

It probably won't be the prettiest of affairs, but the points are what counts and the visitors should take all three of them.

Nobes' Prediction: Crystal Palace 0 Sheffield United 1

Neil or No Neil?

After his appointment as the new manager of Queens Park Rangers, Nobes weighs up the pros and cons of Neil Warnock.

Part pantomime villain, part football manager.

Neil Warnock's ability to divide opinion has seen him labelled everything from Marmite Man to many other, far ruder, things.

However, away from all the controversies surrounding one of the game's most colourful characters, Warnock is undoubtedly one of the top managers outside the Premier League.

It's that ability which is why QPR have come calling. It is a mark of the manager's ability that their expectations for promotion next season will be high - despite the difficult nature of the Championship.

From Warnock's perspective too it is an attractive offer. He is in the autumn of his career and will see the job at Loftus Road as a last chance to get back into the top flight he believes he can manage in.

Would you want him as manager of your team though?


The Case For

You might not like him, but Neil Warnock's managerial record demands respect.

Along with new Bradford boss Peter Taylor, he holds the record for the most number of promotions in the Football League - an impressive five.

The Yorkshireman has masterminded promotions at Plymouth, Huddersfield, Sheffield United, and twice with Notts County.

When you add those to taking Scarborough into the Football League in 1987 - his credentials are unrivalled.

He has also never been at clubs who have had a lot of money to spend. His ability to forge sides greater than the sum of their parts has been key to his success over the years.

He has also helped bring through and nurture talented young talent like Phil Jagielka and Victor Moses - turning them into top flight players.

It could also be argued that, had the FA done the right thing and relegated West Ham in 2007, Warnock would still be a Premier League manager today.

Sheffield United were only relegated on goal difference that year and, with the added revenue of Premier League football, could have begun to establish themselves at that level.

He has always had the ability to foster great team spirit and camaraderie in his sides. Warnock's teams can never be accused of not working hard or giving it their all.

His fans, and he had many amongst the Palace faithful who were sad to see him leave, would also point to the fact that nice guys don't get anywhere in football.

Indeed, before the Eagles's entry into administration which saw them deducted ten points, the Londoners were firmly in the play-off race.

It is testament to their former manager's character that, despite their woes off the field, he managed to keep achieving results on the pitch.

That included taking Palace into the FA Cup fifth round - bringing in much needed funds to the financially-striken club.

His record in the cups has always been good - once taking Sheffield United to both the FA and League Cup semi-finals during his time at Bramall Lane.

His outspoken nature - particularly against referees - is well known. However, being a qualifed referee himself, the 61-year-old arguably has more justification for criticising officials than other managers.

As for QPR, they now have a manager with a proven track-record. Someone who knows how to win promotion from this level.

His first task though will be to use that motivational ability to steer the West London outfit away from the drop zone - they currently sit just a place and three points above Palace.

And, for all the brickbats of ugly football and ugly touchline behaviour that are thrown towards him, none of that will really matter if Warnock can guide Rangers back into the top flight.


The Case Against

Neil Warnock has a promotion record that is the envy of all other managers.

However, along the way he's managed to upset opposition managers, fans, and the footballing authorities in a manner only bettered by Sir Alex Ferguson.

His run-ins with other managers have become infamous.

In 2001, the then Burnley boss Stan Ternent accused Warnock of sending his assistant Kevin Blackwell to spy on the Clarets's half time team talk.

He lambasted everyone from the aforementioned Ferguson to Rafa Benitez for playing understrength teams against Sheffield United's relegation rivals when the Blades dropped down from the Premier League in 2007.

Most famously of all, in 2002, a game at Bramall Lane with West Brom had to be abandoned after the Blades, who were losing at the time, were reduced to only six players.

Baggies boss Gary Megson accused his opposite number of instructing his players to feign injury, saying he'd "never witnessed anything as disgraceful as that."

Whilst undoubtedly saving money on his Christmas card list, the frequency of his run-ins paint a picture of Warnock as a temperamental man who can often let his passion for the game boil over.

And, like the Boy Who Cried Wolf, his constant moaning makes feeling sorry for him difficult when things really do against his side.

It was almost inevitable that the worst decision of this season - Crystal Palace having a clear goal at Bristol City missed by the officials - would have to happen to Warnock's side. Many, because of his constant moaning, found the decision funny though.

His latest outburst after Palace's FA Cup game against Aston Villa has landed him in hot water with the authorities. While some make annual donations to charities, Warnock's contributions seem to end up at the Football Association.

Some critics might argue too that his antics on the touchline are actually more entertaining than the football his team's produce.

He has a reputation for sacrificing style for substance. It's results, not performances that count most for the straight-talking Sheffielder.

When he finally did reach the Premier League with his beloved Blades he seemed intent on building a squad jammed full of journeymen and utility players.

He must spend any money he gets at Loftus Road more wisley - QPR fans expect more than just endeavour from their side.

He must also get the best out of a squad of talented footballers, not just marshall them into an effective unit grinding out ugly wins. It's time for Warnock to do his talking on the pitch.