10 Reasons Why History Is Not On Newcastle's Side For Relegation Fight

2. When Newcastle Were Relegated In 1988-89 It Was West Ham United Who Sent The Magpies Down

Worryingly for the Toon faithful, 2008-09 was not the only season that the Magpies were relegated from the top flight by a team playing in claret and blue. Back in 1989, West Ham United visited St James' Park on May 3rd for the third-from-last match of the season in the old First Division. Tony Lormor's second-minute goal for the home side was not enough though - with Kevin Keen and Mark Ward netting to turn the game on its head. Despite there still being two games of the season remaining, Newcastle were relegated - and they finished the season bottom in 20th place on 31 points. The Hammers finished 19th and followed the Magpies into the old Second Division, with Middlesbrough also being relegated that year. West Ham once again face Newcastle on the final day of this season. Will a side in claret and blue relegate the Magpies for the third time in succession? You certainly get the feeling former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce would love nothing more than to do so...