Would Tottenham's relegation be as surprising as Man Utd's in 1974?
United's relegation was a huge shock, there is no escaping that. United came straight back up and finished third in their first season back in the top flight. What makes the Tottenham situation more shocking is that the financial model of the English league has changed dramatically since 1974.
[BBC] [Getty Images] We were asked whether Tottenham's potential relegation this season will be viewed as being as equally surprising as Manchester United's relegation in 1974, via our Ask about Manchester United form. United's relegation was a huge shock, there is no escaping that. They were the best-supported club in terms of average attendance.
They had won the European Cup six years earlier after being crowned league champions 12 months before that. The issue had clearly been one of decline and the inability to arrest the slide. United came straight back up and finished third in their first season back in the top flight.
They also reached the FA Cup final in that season, with the defeat by Southampton still regarded as one of the biggest cup final shocks. What makes the Tottenham situation more shocking is that the financial model of the English league has changed dramatically since 1974. Clubs keep their own gate receipts, agree massive commercial deals and pocket huge amounts of TV money now.
Tottenham would have been in the European Super League, if it had taken off. They were in the Champions League final themselves seven years ago. So, in theory, it should be impossible to be where they are right now.