Coventry City edged closer to the League One relegation zone on Wednesday night, following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient. The 1987 FA Cup winners were once perennial contenders for major honours, but are now facing the looming prospect of life in the fourth tier.
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Josh Wright’s goal dropped the Sky Blues to within three points of the drop zone, while they’ve also played more games than any of the teams around them. Of course, they’re not the first side to face such a dramatic fall from grade. Here’s out top ten…
Leeds United
The Whites were playing Champions League football ten years ago, and had the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Harry Kewell in their squad. Dropping down as far as League One before a mini-revival saw them return to the Championship. Still some way adrift of the top flight.
Coventry City
Have battled a mass of financial issues in recent years, issues which caused them to ground-share with Northampton Town last season. Their form on the pitch has also continued to deteriorate, and they’re now staring at a third relegation this century.
Wimbledon
Winners of the FA Cup in 1988, but dissolved in 2004 following a shocking end to a golden era. Reformed as AFC Wimbledon following the original side’s transformation into MK Dons, and have since fought their way back to the football league.
Southampton
Dropped down two divisions during the mid-2000s, but eventually returned after a seven-year absence. Battled administration during their time in League One, but were hauled back upwards by Nigel Atkins, before Mauricio Pochettino and now Ronald Koeman completed the job.
Nottingham Forest
Brian Clough led the side to back-to-back European Cups in the 1980s, as well as the league title, but Forest never truly recovered from his departure in 1993. They become something of a yo-yo team thereafter, dropping in and out of the football league.
Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday last played in the Premier League in 2000. They’ve since dropped up and down between the second and third tiers of English football. They are currently competing in their third successive season in the Championship, but are still well short of the top flight.
Sheffield United
Still feel hard done by after dropping out of the Premier League in 2007, following the Carlos Tevez affair. Were relegated from the Championship in 2011, and have since failed to escape League One, despite two play-off campaigns.
Bradford City
Reached the Premier League in 1999, and narrowly survived their first season in the division. Went down the following year, and were relegated twice more by 2007. Phil Parkinson has since turned the club around, leading them back to League One and to the Capital One Cup final.
Portsmouth
Spent seven years in the Premier League, and reached two FA Cup finals – winning the competition in 2008. Financial problems saw them drop down to the Championship in 2010, League One in 2012, and League Two in 2013. Currently rebuilding in the bottom tier.
Barnsley
Reached the Premier League for the first time in their history in 1997, but last just one season in the top flight. Now struggling in the third tier of English football, following their relegation from the Championship last season.