Photograph: Scott Heavey/PABlackburn Rovers became the first Premier League champions to drop into the third tier of English football on Sunday whilst Newcastle claimed the Championship title on a nerve-racking final day. Blackburn were Premier League champions in 1995, but their fortunes have dived under the ownership of the Indian poultry firm Venky's. Rafael Benitez and his Newcastle side did what they had to do in beating Barnsley 3-0 but it took a howler from Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale to ensure they returned to the Premier League as champions. "There's a bit of talking to be had," Rovers manager Tony Mowbray told Sky Sports. That had Forest manager Mark Warburton, who took the job after an acrimonious departure from Scottish giants Rangers earlier this season, charging down the touchline and fist-pumping in celebration.

Source: Standard Digital May 07, 2017 19:30 UTC