Its true, the team wasnt thrashed like some of the other candidates in this list, so the club wasnt disgraced at Villa Park in May 2009 - but, it was. It was Newcastle Uniteds most important Premier League match during their 16-year stay, and was encapsulated by the club captains insipid and apathetic display. Michael Owen had treated the club with nothing but contempt during the season, checking out halfway through the campaign, as he signalled his desire to leave come what may, and it was this poisonous attitude that festered throughout the camp. There was no relegation dogfight on the last day, for the team had already consigned themselves to defeat at Villa Park the moment they lazily stepped out onto the turf. Led by a captain who didnt care, and featuring a bunch of mercenaries who were counting the minutes until they could submit a transfer request, Newcastle inevitably slumped to defeat, with Damien Duffs own goal proving decisive. With Aston Villa having virtually nothing to play for, it was an absolute disgrace that they didnt even have to get out of second gear to beat a side who should have been scrapping for their lives. A relegation dogfight? Maybe if one of the dogs was half-asleep.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
