Newcastle’s Championship stay to prove short-lived, say fans

They may have just been relegated but there remains an air of optimism around St James’ Park, with a large section of fans expecting Newcastle United to bounce back at the first time of asking.

After Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Everton confirmed the relegation picture we asked out Twitter following which of the three demoted clubs is best placed to return for the 2017-18 season and with 54 per cent of the vote, the Magpies were the overwhelming favourites.

That optimism wasn’t universal, however, and there are few people placing their faith in Aston Villa or Norwich, with none of the three relegated clubs earning promotion the next highest result with 26 per cent.

Who will bounce straight back into the Premier League?

— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) 12 May 2016

Of the remaining two clubs it is perhaps unsurprising to see that there is more optimism at Carrow Road than at Villa Park with the Canaries attracting 14 per cent of the vote and the free-falling Villans picking up a meagre six per cent.

However, while Newcastle might be the fans’ choice to bounce back that rose-tinted view is not backed up by the betting which sees a failed promotion attempt for the Magpies priced up at 1/2.

It’s 9/2 they win the Championship and 6/4 they earn promotion by any means but either way they are unlikely to have things all their own way with a record points haul chalked up at 16/1.

United take on Tottenham in their final game of the Premier League campaign and they are unlikely to bow out with their heads up high with Spurs priced up as 4/5 favourites.

Newcastle can be backed at 3/1 to take all three points and 14/5 to earn a draw but whatever happens fans are already eyeing up the season ahead.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.