Newcastle United sink to Championship

After 16 years of stay in the Premiership, Newcastle United have been relegated to the Coca Cola Championship.

Geordie fans had to see their beloved club succumb to yet another defeat in a game against Aston Villa where according to the scores elsewhere they needed a draw to stay up.

Aston Villa were lucky to get a goal after a deflection from Damien Duff's foot which sent Steve Harper the wrong side.An unlucky goal to concede when your future in the Premiership hangs in the balance.Newcastle didn't seem like they really cared much with very few attacks to speak of in the second half,if at all.

Obafemi Martins had huge chances in the first half where he could have even made a win possible for the Toons.But despite having varied attacking options upfront,Alan Shearer's men couldn't do what was required of them.

However, the team to be relegated isn't dependent on one game or one goal.Its based upon 38 games throughout the year,on which Newcastle deserved to go down. Arguably one of the most followed team in England to go down to the Championship.

Relegated in 1989 and then back up in 1993 where they finished 3rd under Kevin Keegan's managerial reign. Also called as "The Entertainers" Newcastle qualified for Europe and also had the top scorer of the season in the form of Andy Cole.

This season was a disaster throughout for them.Two managerial changes,Kevin Keegan resigned in September.His replacement,Joe Kinnear had to go out due to an illness which paved way for owner,Mike Ashley to bring on the "Messiah",Alan Shearer. A great goal scorer, a big servant for the club but no managerial experience made it an audacious target to save the club from slipping into relegation.

Mike Ashley was looking for buyers to sell the club but no agreed deal value could be reached for thus highlighting his non interest in the footballing aspect of being the owner but only as a businessman. Kevin Keegan's resignation was mainly due to his clashes with Executive Director(football) Dennis Wise who wanted active participation in the transfers.

Some very important players were transfered out.Namely,Emre,James Milner,Shay Given,Charles N'zogbia who would have otherwise been an indispensable part of Newcastle's setup in their bid for survival. Xisco proved to be a nothing signing as he barely played any games to be worth his 5.7million pound tag.

Its said attack is the best form of defense. Goals were hard to come by as well. Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins were the top scorers of the season with 8 goals in the League and a total of 40 goals scored in the entire season.

Only 7 wins and 13 draws and 18 draws and standing on 34points wouldn't get you anywhere.The highest they've been in the League is 4th when they won their first game of the season against Bolton which was also only the second game of the season.

What would be interesting now to see is if Alan Shearer stays as a manager at the club.Bye Bye Magpies!