I’ve got to admit that while I’ve never really paid too much attention to the EPL, the sheer drama of the relegation death match is something to really appreciate.

While a lot of the media’s attention is focus on the top of the table, the reality would seem to be that the top four or five positions are largely determined at the start of the season with only the order to be sorted.

On the other hand, all the other teams have the threat of slipping into the relegation zone and joining the death spiral that comes from relegation from the EPL.

Blackburn look to be safe now with a 2-nil win over Portsmoith at the weekend.

However, the relegation battle is far from over.

WBA looked doomed even a couple of weeks ago but they are making a last desperate big to avoid relegation.

Conversely, Hull City were everyone’s darling at the start of the season wehn they were sitting comfortably at the top.

With just one game to play, Hull are but one win ahead of the bottom three.  And worse, the team immediately behind them – Newcastle have a game in hand and a better goal difference.

The big game was played overnight – Newcastle in 18th position on 31 points play Middlesborough in 19th position also on 31 points.

A draw will do neither team any favours.  A win for Newcastle will see them move out of the relegation zone while the Boro would need to win by three goals to sneak ahead of Hull.

I’ll blog more later in the week.

As a final comment, it’s something that we miss with our top level franchises all pre-determined and no promotion relegation.  Not for NRL, S14, ARL or any of the four pro sports in the US.

I can’t see it ever being introduced but it adds a level of sheer emotions the franchised systems can’t deliver.

Rovers were up against middle of the table Wigan and the weekend – a loss would have kept Rovers just one place above the drop zone and only one win (three points) above second to last.  Not good.

Perhaps Captain Ryan has been getting some inspiration from this blog (Tui ad time).

Whatever the case, he finally broke his duck with his first goal after over one hundred appearances.

But still, what a game to score your first goal.

Check out the table here.

Blackburn are now 15th, six points ahead of the relegation zone with only four games remaining.  Sadly, it must be a little tough when the challenge last year was whether or not they could get into Europe.

Still, if you can be bothered, check out Hull’s free fall.  A parachute would reall help.  After 10 games, Hull were third (3rd in case you think that’s a typo) and now they are the last one not to be voted off the island.

Check out their fall here … looks like the share price for a US investment bank.

Anyway, good on ya Captain Ryan!

When we last had a look, Blackburn were struggling in the relegation zone, admittedly with a game in hand.

Since then, it has been a real battle, not just for Blackburn.  While Blackburn haven’t been losing lots of games, they haven’t been winning either.

At least they have managed to get out of the relegation zone – just!

Blackburn are currently in 17th position on 31 points two ahead of 18th placed Newcastle.

But it’s close – just 5 points cover 12th-18th and Middlesborough aren’t out of it either a further 2 points behind Newcastle.

This time last year, Blackburn were happily bumping around 7-9th places and the biggest worry was whether or not they would make Europe.

The bad news is that in the 8 games to play to round off the season, Blackburn still have to play Liverpool AND Chelsea both away.

On the flip side, Blackburn’s last game is against WBA who are currently last.

Nevermind Ryan … there’s always a place in the Nix waiting for you!

Premier League table