0
0
The English Football League Championship, which most of us simply know as the Championship, may not be the Premier League, but it is still one of the most competitive and challenging football leagues in the world.
Behind the EPL, it’s the second-highest division in the English football league system – and Championship betting is almost as popular as betting on the Premier League clubs these days. However, the clubs that play in the Championship usually have one goal – to earn promotion to the ultimate destination – the Premier League. Only in the EPL can you enjoy massive television deals and worldwide recognition. However, the road to promotion is not easy, and there are some clubs that simply can’t stay up – yo-yoing between the two.
In London, several clubs have had the experience of flip-flopping between the Premier League and the Championship – so let’s take a look at their rollercoaster journeys.
Fulham FC
The residents of Craven Cottage are certainly no strangers to the Premier League, having played in the top-flight league for many seasons over the years. However, sadly for their fans, they have also had their share of relegations to the Championship.
Fulham is notoriously up and down. Currently, this season, they are riding high in the EPL, however, in the 21/22 they were down in the Championship as they were in the 19/20 season. They also had quite a long spell in the 2nd league between 2015 and 2018. With two years under their belt in the EPL, let’s hope it stays that way!
West Ham United
Sorry Hammer fans. I hate to say it but West Ham has also had its fair share of ups and downs. Historically, the club frequently teeters between the Premier League and the Championship – and sometimes just survives by the skin of its teeth.
West Ham is known for its passionate fan base and a history of inconsistent performances. They are currently a Premier League team, but their status is far from guaranteed… year after year.
QPR
Unfortunately, Queens Park Rangers haven’t spent much time in the Premier League recently, but in its time, the team has certainly had a yo-yo pattern of promotions and relegations.
However, QPR’s most recent spell in the Premier League occurred almost ten years ago, during the 2014-2015 season. The squad was sadly unable to maintain its top-flight status and although they are consistently among the contenders for promotion back to the Premier League, they have yet to make it back.
Crystal Palace
The Selhurst Park resident team is another London club that has had a rather erratic history in terms of league placements. They’ve experienced the highs of promotions and the lows of relegations over the years.
Crystal Palace’s current status is in the Premier League, however, they have definitely faced the possibility of relegation in some seasons and their fans are often on edge as they hope to remain in the top flight.
Charlton Athletic
Another team that has had a few successful seasons is Charlton Athletic… but not many too recently. Charlton Athletic has had a few periods in the Premier League but is currently in the lower divisions. Their journey between leagues has been challenging.
Charlton’s most recent Premier League season was in 2006-2007, but since then they have dropped lower – and are currently down in League One. The club’s supporters hope to see it return to the top flight soon, but they’ll need to make it to the Championship first!
Brentford FC
Brentford earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the 2021-2022 season – and they are doing pretty well to be fair. So far they have managed to hold their own against the bigger teams, finishing 13th, 9th and this year they are currently sitting in 15th. They may not be at the top, but they are not at too much risk either. Their journey to the top flight is a testament to their determination and ambition – and let’s hope they stay there!
These London clubs are the perfect examples of how unpredictable top-flight football can be! While promotion to the Premier League can bring lots of money and fame, relegation to the Championship can be financially damaging and pretty upsetting for the fans as well.
Although these teams certainly experience lots of ups and downs (literally), the dream of Premier League football keeps them going as they fight for a spot with the best.
