WEST BROM and Stoke have been relegated – and some football fans are rejoicing.
For many supporters, getting relegated is one of the most emotional and painful experiences they can go through.
But for rivals, it is often an excuse to fire jibes in their direction, and for these two clubs, there there is no exception.
West Brom have had a season to forget on and off the pitch, the low point coming when former manager Alan Pardew took the squad to Barcelona.
Unfortunately, some of the players let the club down by allegedly stealing a taxi and driving it to their hotel.
The charges were dropped by Spanish police though.
And the embarrassing aftermath of the incident was almost as shameful as the Baggies’ league form, with the club only salvaging some pride in recent weeks, with wins at Old Trafford, St James’ Park and at home to Tottenham.
It has all been too little too late though, as Southampton’s win at Swansea last night confirming their status as a Championship side next term.
Not far better this term has been Stoke City, who lost to Crystal Palace over the weekend, confirming their relegation from the Premier League.
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It has also been a miserable year for the Potters, who are on a miserly 30 points with only six wins from 37 games.
But even keeper Jack Butland has pointed the finger at failed signings made by former manager Mark Hughes in recent years.
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The club have gone from a no-nonsense team, who were renowned for their solid defence and aggressive work off the ball, to a more passing and attacking outfit.
But this season it has simply not worked, with Marko Arnautovic leaving for West Ham, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen have been pulling the strings, while a host of flop signings have not delivered.
And social media has not held back from battering both sides.
One tweeted: “It’s finally happened, the two most boring and negative teams in the entire Premier League have been relegated to the Championship!”
Couldnt think of 3 more perfect teams to be relegated. The PL wont miss Stoke, West Brom or Swansea
— Connor Stobbs (@connor_stobbs) May 8, 2018
It’s finally happened, the two most boring and negative teams in the entire Premier League have been relegated to the championship! pic.twitter.com/nC2i7mVB4U
— Lennon Veasey
(@Foxyproxy1313) May 8, 2018
Gutting not to see Sparky relegate two teams in one season, but Stoke and West Brom going down at the same time is a true blessing
— h
nry (@HenryKerrG) May 8, 2018
While another added Swansea to his hitlist, saying: “Couldn’t think of 3 more perfect teams to be relegated. The PL won’t miss Stoke, West Brom or Swansea.”
A third looked at the upshot for North London clubs. He added: “Fans of both North London teams rejoice as Stoke City and West Brom are relegated. What a time to be alive. #THFC #AFC”
Two teams we know who will be replacing them are Wolves and Cardiff City, after the Welsh club were promoted back to the Premier League for the first time since 2013-14.
Any fans who are hoping to see pretty football will be mightily impressed by Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wanderers… Neil Warnock’s combative Bluebirds might not be so inspiring, though.
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