Saviour Sam: Allerdyce's Sunderland beat the drop ahead of rivals

12 May 2016 12:01

It wasn't the biggest shock of the season, but Sunderland's win over Everton at the stadium of light came as a huge relief to the club as they could finally say their fight for survival was a successful one.

It means their fierce local rivals Newcastle will have to endure a second relegation in a decade, along with Norwich who are beginning to become the very definition of a "yo-yo club".

Big Sam was brought in to save the club from dropping out of the top flight and that is exactly what he has done, and can still say proudly on his cv he has never been relegated.

Magpies gaffer Rafa Benitez cannot say the same however. The spaniard has failed in his mission of keeping the club up and possible propelling them to new heights.

It's been a whirlwind season for the former Liverpool manager. Starting it as Real Madrid manager and ending it as relegated from the English top division, with slim chance of him staying in the St James Park hotseat.

Newcastle have bought well this season and it does seen to be a head scratcher as to why they were in trouble in the first place.

Mike ashley, possibly rather jinx-worthy claimed in an interview at the end of last season he would only sell the club when they won a trophy, or finished in the top four (try not to laugh too much at that one). Does he see now as a good time to go back on his word and leave for good? Though technically winning the Championship or the play offs means you do recurve and actual trophy, so maybe that was the master plan?

For Norwich the reasoning behind their demise appears more feasible; an inexperienced manager of a team lacking any major cohesion, big buys that just didn't come off along with loans that didn't work out. The list goes on but one wonders where the Canaries, Alex Neil and Delia go from here, perhaps a nice cake could soften the blow a little?

A host of players will now be set to leave the relegated clubs and the vultures that sit alongside each other will no doubt look to get first dibs on whoever and whatever comes their way.

So Allerdici does it again! With probably more substance over style, but where we ever going to expect anything else?

What will hurt more is switching places with Middlesboroungh and and lack of derby action will probably give them the boost they need for a speedy return.

Source: DSG