We are in for a bumpy ride come the end of the English Premiership season. Everyone appears to be fascinated with the title chase which they should be, but there is an equally fascinating battle developing at the bottom end of the table. The dreaded relegation zone! There are several teams who could face the drop, in particular several big clubs like Newcastle United, Blackburn, Bolton, Middlebrough and Portsmouth. Three of them have already tasted life in the championship, but face the reality of being out of the top flight mix. The financial implications are not something a so called big club would like to even consider during the current economic climate. The Magpies boast 52 000 fans every home game and relegation might not see the fans support waver, but will see riots on Tyneside. Just like when “King Kev” resigned for the second time.

Relegation is simply not an option for a club like Newcastle, 24 points are on offer from 8 games and 11 points should mean safety. The Toon are currently on 29 from 30 games and in dire straits. But with Michael Owen on the brink of return, Obafemi Martins and Kevin Nolan in the mix, they could secure the 11 points and avoid the drop. Joe Kinnear’s men face Chelsea at St James’ next and then that is followed by a tricky visit to Stoke and then a trip to the North of London to face Tottenham. All in all there are points on offer, albeit against tough opposition and the players to do it. If Newcastle survives the drop, a complete overhaul is needed, from top to bottom. There are players that need to be axed, defenders in general and a few of the old Man U rejects also need to go.

A new manager who has International experience needs to come in and bring in some discipline to the club, as well as some spark back to the club once known as “the Entertainers”. A guy like Alan Shearer might not have the International experience, but has the “Toon” in his blood and understands what it takes for success on Tyneside. Bring on Shearer and let him get stuck in with a decent budget and complete control of the team.

I still feel, although I am concerned, that Newcastle United will survive the drop with West Brom, Middlesbrough and Stoke or Blackburn to down. There are at least 9 clubs that could go down, expect a gut wrenching final day of the season. Come on the Toon Army!