Newcastle's Plight In Numbers - What Exactly Would Relegation Mean?

Newcastle United are currently clinging on to their Premier League status by their fingernails. Just two points and one position above 18th-placed Hull City, Newcastle are in a perilous position - and one of the Magpies, the Tigers or Sunderland will drop down into the Championship along with Burnley and Queens Park Rangers come 5pm on Sunday. Some Magpies supporters and media commentators are not alarmed by the prospect of Newcastle's demotion. In fact, midfielder Gael Bigirimana practically welcomed relegation, stating that it would give the Magpies the chance to "rebuild" their foundations. Others believe that relegation would hasten Mike Ashley's exit from the club, and that the Sports Direct tycoon would have little option but to sell if such an eventuality occurred. Yet these views, although carrying a certain amount of weight, are also naive. Once the numbers are really dissected, and the total cost of relegation is scrutinised, then it becomes obvious just how important a match Newcastle United's clash with West Ham United at St James' Park on Sunday really is... But what exactly would relegation from the Premier League mean to Newcastle United? Here are 12 numbers that highlight just how important top-flight football is to the Magpies, and how difficult it would be for them to bounce back in the near future...