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.

Big Match Review - Preston 1 Portsmouth 0

Preston North End 1-0 Portsmouth

Saturday August 21, Deepdale, (Att: 9,666)

Preston North End secured their first points of the season as a Paul Hayes goal earned them a deserved victory over Portsmouth.

After a poor start to the season, it was no surprise to see such a sparse crowd at Deepdale. However, those absent missed a dominant performance by Darren Ferguson's side.

Ultimately, they had to settle for just the one. Paul Hayes grabbing the winner after just 18 minutes as he converted Billy Jones's low cross from close range.

Firmly in charge, the home went searching for a second and went close with a volley from Hayes and an acrobatic overhead effort from Jones.

Pompey were also indebted to keeper Jamie Ashdown for pulling off a number of good saves, including thwarting Josh King when the North End striker was through one-on-one.

However, one goal was to prove enough for the Lancashire side as they got they finally got off the mark for the new campaign. For Steve Cotterill's Portsmouth though, the search for a first win continues.

Big Match Preview

Preston North End vs. Portsmouth

Saturday August 21, 15:00, Deepdale

Two sides hoping to kick start their season meet in Lancashire this weekend as Preston and Portsmouth go in search of their first three points of the new campaign.

It's too early to be speaking of the match as a relegation six pointer, but with it pitting the teams in 24th and 21st against one another, both will be keen to ensure they're not at the wrong end for too much longer.

The home side have got off to a shocking start to the season under Darren Ferguson. After two games they remain the only team in the Championship yet to secure a point.

They're also the only team who haven't found the back of the net in the division - both statistics Ferguson will hope to rectify on Saturday afternoon.

The manager is already under pressure - particularly after the shambolic 4-0 defeat to Swansea last week where North End put in a feeble performance.

That followed a 2-0 opening day loss to Doncaster at Deepdale - which has led to the manager downgrading his pre-season optimism into talk of a difficult campaign for Preston.

It was a summer of huge upheaval in the North West as the club survived a winding up order and then shipped out many of last season's players as Ferguson looked to re-shape his squad.

That's seen the likes of striker Paul Hayes and defenders Wayne Brown and Craig Morgan brought into the PNE ranks.

The manager will also hope to welcome the likes of key defender Sean St Ledger and midfielder Paul Coutts back into the team after injury for the visit of Pompey.

Preston have endured a miserable run under Darren Ferguson's watch

If Preston feel they have had problems over the summer, then they pale into insignificance compared to the much-publicised troubles of their South Coast opponents.

Survival off the pitch, not on it, was the issue occupying the minds of Portsmouth supporters during the close season as the relegated top flight club faced up to their mammoth debts.

Indeed, they were unsure whether they'd survive a High Court date with the HMRC - unhappy at the club's proposals to exit administration and the arrangement of their CVA.

With that battle now won, the mission for new boss Steve Cotterill is to get things right on the pitch at Fratton Park.

However, they've just a single point to their name so far, with an opening day defeat at Coventry followed by conceding a last gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Reading.

The manager was pleased with the effort shown by his charges, however, and Portsmouth will travel with confidence that they can return from Deepdale with something to show for their efforts.

Much attention will focus on the return of former Preston striker David Nugent, who enjoyed a fruitful spell with North End before making the move to Pompey.

He spearheads a first XI which, with the likes of Aaron Mokoena, Ibrahima Sonko, Michael Brown, and Hayden Mullins, has a solid and experienced spine to it.

Cotterill, as his way, will no doubt have his team well organised and very competitive and they will hope to frustrate a Preston team badly in need of a confidence boost.

If they can withstand the home team's attacking style then they have the quality to take advantage of Preston's suspect back line and take all three points back to Hampshire with them.

Nobes' Prediction: Preston North End 0 Portsmouth 1

Bouncing Back

Sides relegated from the Premier League traditionally find it difficult to bounce back at the first attempt. Nobes looks at the challenges facing this year's trio as they re-enter the Championship.

Burnley boss Brian Laws is hoping to take his club back up this season

You can excuse the fans of Hull, Burnley, and Portsmouth for not being the most optimistic of supporters ahead of the new season. All three clubs face individual challenges on their return to the second tier.

However, a speedy return to life in the Premier League is the common goal shared by the relegated trio. Unfortunately, a look at the statistics, and they will realise the mountain they are attempting to climb.

Indeed, the success, or lack of, shown by sides coming down into the Championship will act as a sobering thought - even more so than a fixture list including the likes of Scunthorpe and Doncaster.

In the last ten seasons, just eight of the thirty teams relegated from the Premier League have bounced back at the first attempt. Half of those promotions were achieved by just two clubs as well - Birmingham and West Brom - who have each managed it twice.

Despite the huge financial advantages Premier League teams hold above their closest challengers, when they find themselves down in the Championship, wealth suddenly doesn't count for all that much.

Even illustrious names such as West Ham and Blackburn failed to escape at the first time of asking from the arduous 46-game campaign presented in the second tier.

Observers will point to last season's success for Newcastle and West Brom - who both secured an immediate return to the top flight for 2010/11. However, this was very much an anomaly when looking at how relegated teams generally perform.

Why is it though that these teams, who generally have greater wealth and bigger, more expensively assembled and more talented squads, seem to flounder when they drop out of the big time?

Certainly it would be fair to say that relegation brings about the exodus of top players a relegated team at any level experiences.

Sometimes it's for financial reasons - needing to clear players off a wage bill that will be stretched with lower gates and less income. Sometimes players wish to leave for their own career - not willing to slum it in the lower leagues.

Whatever the motivation, it can leave the heart of a club ripped out - and in need of being replaced before the new campaign. Not an easy task for any manager, especially when he's unlikely to see much of the money accrued through sales to rebuild his team.

However, with the aid of parachute payments, the loss of key players can be kept down to a minimum - meaning the manager still has the core of a Premier League team to work with.

While still left with players of quality, though, the spotlight then falls on the mentality of the squad - and the man selecting the team.

West Brom's instant promotion is not a common sight for relegated teams

Relegation to a lower division brings with it a huge change in culture. Instead of going to the top clubs and shutting up shop - hoping to steal a point or maybe even nick a win - the onus is now on you.

A relegated club is now the scalp, the side who will be faced with having to break down a stubborn defence who park the bus in front of their goal when they come visit.

Suddenly the emphasis is not on avoiding defeat but actually striving to win games. It requires a completely different tactical and mental approach - one that can often lead to a relegated side getting off to a slow start.

They must also face up to the reality that now as a 'big cheese' in their new division, they will be the team everyone wants to beat and take the scalp of. Sides will work harder and give even more. It is another hurdle which must be overcome.

As is the hubris associated with ex-top flight teams. Winter afternoons on boggy pitches and evening matches at small away grounds in the cold and rain are not a Premier League footballer's idea of fun.

Even Newcastle, runaway winners of last term's Championship, found their players outbattled, outworked, and deservedly beaten at Scunthorpe in a midweek game.

For the Toon Army, it was a rare defeat but, for those whose attitude is consistently wrong, such results can become common place as they get used to life in the Championship.

Indeed, the psychological battle can often be the most difficult. The shedding of the losing mentality acquired in the previous season is the first hurdle to get over. Just like winning, losing football matches can become a habit.

Once that is negotiated, players must be able to deal with the huge expectations on their shoulders. When a club's very future depends on the finances gained by being in the Premier League, the pressure is suddenly even greater.

Time is of the essence. Getting back to the top flight as quickly as possible is all that matters - and the longer you fail to succeed, the harder it becomes.

Which bring us onto this season's three clubs hoping their stay in the Championship is short and sweet.

However, it says a lot for their prospects that some pundits fancy the chances of promoted clubs Norwich and Leeds more than those of Portsmouth, Hull, and Burnley.

The first two face battles off the pitch, as well as on it, as they begin to come to terms with the overspending during their respective Premier League tenures. Balancing the books and making sure the club is stable off the field of play will be just as important as results on it.

New Pompey boss Steve Cotterill has Championship experience with Burnley

It perhaps makes both of their needs to reclaim their Premier League place even more important. Pompey and Hull are also joined in the fact they begin the campaign with new managers.

On the South Coast, Avram Grant's resignation and subsequent departure to West Ham opened the door for Steve Cotterill to make a return to the second tier of English football.

The 46-year-old had been out of the game since leaving Burnley in 2007 before re-surfacing last February to take over at League Two Notts County.

A sensational run at the end of season saw him capture the title at Meadow Lane and capture the attention of clubs up and down the country - one of the reasons for him leaving subsequently Notts.

Now he faces arguably his most difficult managerial challenge at a club who have been shedding players off their inflated wage bill for almost two years.

Portsmouth's financial mismanagement saw the club forced to operate under a transfer embargo last season as they became the first ever top flight club to enter administration on their way to the drop.

Cotterill must now steady the good ship Pompey. The straight-talking Westcountry man has a reputation for making sides organised and difficult to beat.

His no-frills approach is probably exactly what the Fratton Park outfit require at this moment in time. It might not always be pretty, but few sides will work harder than Portsmouth - a fact sure to be appreciated by some of England's most passionate supporters.

During his time at Burnley, he helped tighten up a notoriously leaky backline at Turf Moor and took the Clarets to three respectable mid table finishes. The re-building job at Pompey may require a similar performance this term.

The same can be said on the banks of the Humber. The future always looked bleak for Hull when their two year sojourn facing the country's finest came to an end in May.

Chairman Adam Pearson - no relation to his new manager, Nigel - had been sending out warnings about the club's financial future should relegation be forthcoming after he returned to the club at the start of 2010.

The desperation with which they have appeared to act in attempts to off-load Jimmy Bullard is an indication of the the club's urgency to cut its cloth accordingly after demotion.

In many ways, the signing of Bullard was a microcosm of everything that went wrong at the KC Stadium when the Premier League champagne went to their heads.

Nigel Pearson has taken on the challenge at relegated Hull City

Paying £5 million for a player with such a dubious injury record was folly to say the least. His astronomical wages, too, reflect poorly on former chairman Paul Duffen and ex-boss Phil Brown.

In his 18 months in East Yorkshire, the 31-year-old has made just 15 appearances due to injury. His refusal to lower his wage demands also scuppered a loan move to Celtic - something he should be ashamed of.

Fortunately, in Nigel Pearson, the Tigers have appointed a manager of great standing who has proven his ability in guiding Leicester to the League One title in 2009 then narrowly missing out in the play-offs last season with the Foxes.

If he can get the best out of a squad heavy in industry, if not inspiration, then City - finances permitting - could surprise many this term.

The third of the relegated trio, Burnley, are perhaps the most interesting case going into the 2010/11 season. The Clarets lasted just a single season amongst the big boys before their all too predictable swift return.

They are probably in the strongest position of the three relegated clubs to challenge though. The majority of the squad which won promotion in 2009 has been kept - as have the smart additions they made while in the Premier League.

Chairman Barry Kilby was determined not to 'risk the farm' in his approach to life in the top flight. Relegation only to come back stronger always seemed to be part of the Clarets's master plan.

While financially stable and boasting a good squad, though, the Lancashire club's hopes of challenging appear to rest on whether manager Brian Laws has the ability to make the best use of his resources.

He was a surprise appointment to replace Bolton-bound Owen Coyle in January. He had only just been dismissed by Sheffield Wednesday after a disastrous run saw them slump into the Championship's bottom three.

A few weeks later and he had another relegation fight on his hands - only this time in the top flight. However, Burnley lost 15 of their 18 games under Laws as they lost their battle against the drop.

Most worrying was a squad that Coyle had managed to coax every last drop out of suddenly seemed to have lost something under his successor. Kilby resisted the calls for a quick dismissal - and Laws survived.

Ultimately, not preventing relegation to the Championship is not a sackable offence for Laws. However, if Burnley fail to figure at the right end this season, he is unlikely to be afforded such backing from his Chairman again.

For Messrs Cotterill, Pearson, and Laws, it will be a lot more than just history weighing them down this season.