Spurs Facing Nightmare of Premier League Relegation

Big clubs like Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Leeds have all experienced the embarrassment and fallout of dropping out of England's top flight

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:05am

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Some of the Premier League's biggest clubs have suffered the ignominy of relegation over the years, with the aftermath often proving disastrous both on and off the pitch. As Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in danger of the drop, this story explores the cautionary tales of other fallen giants like Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Leeds United, highlighting the shame, fan backlash, and long-term damage that can result from a once-unthinkable relegation.

Why it matters

Relegation for a club of Tottenham's stature would be a seismic event, both financially and in terms of the club's reputation and standing. The experiences of other former Premier League stalwarts show the profound impact it can have, from player unrest and fan mutiny to mass redundancies and a long, arduous road back to the top. Spurs will be desperate to avoid a similar fate.

The details

Tottenham, the Europa League holders, are currently fifth from bottom in the Premier League and only a point clear of the relegation zone. The last time they were relegated was in 1977. Financially, there is no precedent in the modern era for a club of Tottenham's size - the ninth-wealthiest in the world according to Deloitte - slipping into England's second tier. Other examples of big, established Premier League clubs suffering relegation include Aston Villa in 2016, Newcastle in 2009, and Leeds in 2004. In each case, the aftermath proved disastrous, with player unrest, fan backlash, and long-term damage to the club's reputation and finances.

  • Tottenham host Nottingham Forest, the team immediately below them, in a crunch game on Sunday.
  • The last time Spurs were relegated was in 1977.

The players

Ashley Westwood

A 35-year-old former Aston Villa midfielder who now plays for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer.

Matthew Kilgallon

A 42-year-old former Leeds United centre-back.

Micky van de Ven

The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back.

Eirik Bakke

A 48-year-old former Leeds United midfielder.

Ricky Allman

An 11-year-old Leeds United fan who was devastated by the club's relegation in 2004.

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What they’re saying

“It's the embarrassment of: 'You've taken this club down'. That's the hardest thing and that'll always be in the records, that we got Aston Villa relegated, which is hurtful even to this day.”

— Ashley Westwood, Former Aston Villa midfielder

“When you're losing every week, it ain't easy. The scrutiny... I feel for those (Spurs) boys because I've been in it. It was Twitter back in my day, and you're looking at the abuse — my wife was looking for it, you go searching for it. I would get in from games and I'd have a drink, and all of a sudden I'd be sinking a bottle of red wine on the sofa because you can't go out. You get yourself into a hole.”

— Ashley Westwood, Former Aston Villa midfielder

“For the last 10 minutes, the Bolton fans were singing, 'You're going down in a minute'. I knew it was just a matter of time and the reality of relegation was hitting home. For an 11-year-old, it was the worst possible feeling.”

— Ricky Allman, 11-year-old Leeds United fan

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.