Exploding Myths Part 2

Spurs successfully exploded part 1 of current footballing myths- that which said, seriously "the top 4 are just too good now. No-one else will ever win silverware in England ever again. Ever. " Liverpool's absence from the top 4 for pretty much all season has successfully derided the myth of the invincible top 4 as well. I was writing about this last Autumn too. And given those Texan's current financial wranglings, as the RBS watches them squirm, it seems the financial world does not buy into that particular myth either. The final myth to be destroyed right now is the "The gulf between premiership and championship is insurmountable. Relegation is tantamount to annihilation." Myth.

This simply is not true. At all. Sure many clubs will be relegated after their first season. Sure the financial gaps are huge. And sure there are some notable examples of once proud clubs like Leeds, Southampton QPR, Coventry, Oldham, and Wedensday who have sunk and never resurfaced. This testifies as to the risks of relegation. But the truth of the matter is that around 60% of current Premiership clubs have been relegated or promoted in some form and spent some serious time in the minnow's leagues. Only Manu, Aresenal, Everton, Liverpool, Villa , Spurs, and Newcastle have been in the premiership since its conception until now. And there are stacks of yoyo clubs- West Ham, Derby, Birmingham, Charlton, Sunderland, Ipswich, Leicester, Bolton, Sheffield Utd, Palace, and even 'Boro'. Most of the current championship have at least flirted with the premiership at some point. In short, for as many teams that face ruination after relegation there are teams that bob along just fine regardless. Heads above water, legs kicking along like mad underneath.

Where does this myth come from then? I guess form the desire to see the premiership as the Ultimate League made of Heroes and the pursuit of the Impossible. It makes a good story.

The truth is rather less marketable. Well managed lucky clubs survive whether they are relegated or not. Worse managed unlucky ones sink. Teams with a generation of good players do well. Teams with a few expensive signings and no other infrastructure sink. And that is it. Pretty much.

Over to you.