Three clubs that prove the theory that relegation could transform West Ham

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Relegation from the Premier League is not always the worst possible outcome, as West Ham fans will know.

Hammers News writer Tony Martin has argued that West Ham could actually benefit from being relegated from the Premier League.

Indeed, the club have certainly gone through that before.

It’s not just a West Ham United issue, either. Clubs who have circled the drain the Premier League before succumbing to the drop have previously shown that it’s not all bad.

Clearly, work needs to be done and there is the risk of a team getting marooned in the Championship. 

However, there is certainly a precedent set by West Ham and three other huge clubs of a similar size.

Newcastle United, Sunderland and Aston Villa should give West Ham hope if they are relegated

Newcastle, Aston Villa and Sunderland have all built back up again after being relegated. All have gone through a successful change of ownership after suffering that indignation, too.

In fact, Newcastle are perhaps the most pertinent example. They were instantly promoted from the Championship on two occasions despite having an unpopular owner in charge. 

It would be at best foolish and at worst disrespectful to suggest that merely dropping down to the Championship and winning a few games would instantly change the mood in east London.

As long as the ownership is in charge, that’s never likely to change. Still, the likes of Newcastle have proved that enjoyment can be found even in spite of the owners.

It doesn’t always need to be this bleak on the pitch, even if there remain genuine and understandable concerns about what happens off it.  

David Sullivan tipped to sell West Ham if they are relegated

What is the best-case scenario this season? A dramatic turnaround in form that leads to slim safety and gives David Sullivan little to worry about?  

No fan should be told how to feel of course, and there’s still the almighty issue of the London Stadium to consider too. 

However, perhaps relegation could finally force Sullivan out of the door. A necessary evil with the greater good in mind, perhaps.

Earlier this week, after all, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan suggested Sullivan might sell West Ham if they are relegated.

He told talkSPORT: “If you go down, it could be a blessing in disguise because somewhere along the line, someone wants to own a Championship club. At that point, if he [Sullivan] takes a view on selling it, which is what a lot of people want, as it will mean different ownership.

“It might be the best thing for the club to go down, clear its debts, maybe change ownership.”