West Bromwich Albion have been the representatives of the gulf between the Premier League and the second tier in recent seasons. Albion were relegated from the top flight in 2003, 2007 and 2009. In the interceding years, and including last season they were promoted back to the upper tier in 2005, 2008 and 2010. The record clearly sends the message that the club are too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League.

The teams relegated from the Prem last season were Hull City, Burnley and Portsmouth. Hull spent only two seasons in the EPL and Burnley just one. What are the hopes for the new boys this term? It appears that the established top flight teams are able to become more and more established through their bigger incomes, and increasing reputations. Portsmouth themselves are an excellent example of the reputation factor. They have never been one of the big clubs in the Prem, but once they established themselves in the early part of the last decade, they were able to attract a better quality of player. Burnley and Hull were never able to do this. Whilst West Ham were down there with those two at the end of last season, the Hammers have been back in the EPL for five years now and can still attract relatively big players.

Despite the title of my article, I do have a good feeling for West Brom this year. Manager Roberto Di Matteo, has brought in some experience at the back in Pablo Ibanez, and is fighting off the attentions on his star player Graham Dorrans. He is currently being rumoured to be close to capturing former Baggie, Jason Roberts from Blackburn. Having someone who can potentially give you twenty goals a season up top is a must for any team to survive. Blackpool will fight and fight this year, but they won’t survive. They aren’t equipped to make it in the top flight, and the fact that I can say that with such confidence shows how hard it has become to stay up. What is interesting this season is that we may see a side who have been a round a while come down, as Newcastle too may hold their own on their return. Along with Blackpool, I expect to see Wolves get relegated in their second season, leaving any one from eighteen to bid farewell to the big time.

This season will be a defining season as to how viable promotion from the second tier has become, If West Brom and Newcastle can make their presence felt to stay another year, then the format is still thriving. But if two of the three that went up, come down, and are joined by Wolves or Birmingham, questions need to be asked about the inequality of the current regime. Nobody has a divine right to stay in the Premier League, but they may effectively be being given one, with the access to finances that the Championship clubs do not have.

photo credit: joncandy

On the day that the Premier League fixtures were announced, the new boys in the competition will have been reminded (if they needed reminding) of the tough task that lies ahead.

Newcaste United spent just one season in the Championship, and former back room staff member Chris Hughton remains at the helm. West Brom fans will be hoping to stay in one place for a bit longer than usual, as their side continue to bounce between the divisions. As for Blackpool, they must be delirious.

The Magpies, as expected made light work of the Championship and were league champions for 2010. They finished the season 11 points clear of their nearest rivals and only lost four games all season. A stark contrast from their last season in the top flight. A newly promoted sides manager has an obvious first task which is to retain the services of the talent they already have at the club. A few of the players Hughton will want to ensure he keeps are Carroll, Nolan, Barton and Steven Taylor. The last three have a lot of experience of Premier League football, and that experience is vital if the club is to survive.

Then it’s time to strengthen and to try and pick up some bargains on the transfer market. Unfortunately, these days there are not many bargains to be found in the over inflated British market. West Brom’s Roberto di Matteo has changed his pounds in to Euros and purchased Spanish defender Pablo Ibanez. He will be going through his induction in early July, the first part of which is to learn how much he should hate Wolves. Ibanez has 23 caps for his national side and brings quality and experience following over a hundered and fifty appearances for Atletico Madrid. The Baggies will need several more high calibre players through the door if they are to retain their place in the top flight. Both Newcastle and West Brom will be looking to field a much changed side from last season’s promoted teams come opening day.

Blackpool fans may be forgiven for just enjoying the ride, but in Ian Holloway they have a manager who gets the most out of what he has available. The Tangerines are not a fashionable club but do have a famous history in English football due to their 1953 FA Cup win. Blackpool will be favourites for the drop, and a lot will depend on the type of player they can attract to Bloomfield Road. Holloway is a battler, and will be looking for 38 battling performances from his side in the league this season. The team from the North-West coast finished seventh in the Championship and were promoted via the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how long the honeymoon period lasts, and when the pressure begins to tell. Everybody knows that football fans are fickle, and the first Blackpool fan to criticise their manager this season should be ashamed of themselves.

photo credit: jeffedoe

Nickname(s): The Baggies, The Throstles, West Brom

2008/2009 Position: 20th

2007/2008 Finish: 1st (Championship)

Coach: Tony Mowbray (England)

Stadium: The Hawthorns (28,003 capacity)

Key Players: Scott Carson, James Morrison, Roman Bednar

History:

The Baggies were founded in 1878 as the West Bromwich Strollers and they have played at the same venue, The Hawthorns, since 1900. They have only captured one championship in England’s top tier (1919/1920). In addition, they have struggled greatly since the 1980s. However, their recent stint of good play has vaulted them back in the Prem.

Being promoted is somewhat bittersweet, as your team goes from being the best in its league to one of the worst. West Brom has been bad too, dropping to the bottom of the league table and looking like this year’s Derby. Tony Mowbray, who was a legendary player for Middlesbrough, must now get the most out of his overwhelmed side.

The Baggies “club anthem” is Psalm 23, which is both odd and inappropriate for a scene where grown men are likely cursing their manager’s decisions with the Lord’s name. The team’s supporters are also known for bouncing up and down after the team scores while chanting “Boing Boing”. Even odder. Oh yeah, and they once all showed up for a game dressed as Vikings. West Brom’s fans sound fun, but strange.

Legends: W.G. Richardson, Tony Brown, Ronnie Allen

American Sports Doppelganger: The Detroit Lions

2008/2009 Prediction: 20th