9. Sunderland Also Avoided Relegation As Newcastle Dropped Down In 2009
The relegation dogfight went down to the final day in 2008-09 too, but it was not just between Newcastle and Hull - Sunderland were also involved, as were Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion. Boro and the Baggies dropped out of the Premier League along with Newcastle, but Hull and the Black Cats survived. Following Roy Keane's departure as manager midway through the season, Scotsman Ricky Sbragia was promoted from the backroom staff to become Sunderland boss - and he guided the Black Cats to survival on the final day before resigning his position. Sunderland brought in Dutchman Dick Advocaat in March after sacking Gus Poyet - and Newcastle could be relegated ahead of the Black Cats once more, with an interim manager once again leading the Magpies' bitter rivals to safety at their expense.