Portsmouth relegated, West Brom up to Premier League
By Rob Harris, 11 Apr 2010 Rob Harris is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- English Premier League, EPL, FA Cup, football, Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion
Financially troubled Portsmouth were relegated from the English Premier League on Saturday, the eve of their FA Cup semi-final, after West Ham beat Sunderland 1-0.
Portsmouth’s fate was effectively sealed last month when the Premier League docked the 2008 FA Cup winners nine points for seeking bankruptcy protection – a result of overspending on player transfers and salaries.
Brazilian striker Ilan scored in the 51st minute for West Ham, leaving Portsmouth 17 points from safety with 15 possible to win.
But Portsmouth’s miserable season, which has yielded just six league wins, could still end with a trophy if it can reach the FA Cup final by beating Tottenham at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
In Saturday’s only other Premier League match, Burnley moved past Hull in the relegation zone by coming from behind to beat their rivals in avoiding the drop 4-1.
Both teams remain on 27 points – four behind Wigan and West Ham.
Kevin Kilbane put Hull ahead in the third minute, but Martin Paterson equalised in the 35th before Graham Alexander scored two penalties and Wade Elliott curled in a fourth goal in stoppage time.
It was Burnley’s first away win of their first campaign back in the top flight since 1976.
One of the teams taking Portsmouth’s place in the top flight after seven seasons will be West Bromwich Albion, who were promoted on Saturday after beating Doncaster 3-2.
West Brom, like League Championship leader Newcastle, are returning to the Premier League at their first attempt.
Providing Wolverhampton stay in the Premier League, next season will be the first time since 1983-84 that west Midlands rivals West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Wolves will all have been in top flight.
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April 12th 2010 @ 11:12am
David V. said | April 12th 2010 @ 11:12am | Report comment
In this day and age, it’s an achievement to bounce straight back up when relegation can be ruinous. But West Brom are a club who live within their means and will only be stronger for it.
To see Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Wolves and West Brom in the Premiership will be fabulous. If only the East Midlands clubs could be up there too!