The notion that newly promoted teams often face a post-promotion struggle, dubbed “second-season syndrome,” is widely repeated. However, how widespread is this trend in reality?
In the past season, Sunderland and Leeds made history as the 53rd and 54th promoted teams to retain their Premier League status. Their survival contrasts with the experiences of many predecessors.
Among the 52 teams promoted before them, only 11 (21%) were relegated in their second season. This suggests that most promoted clubs successfully navigate the challenges of their first year in the top flight.
Yet, exceptions exist. A promoted team with a strong inaugural campaign could still face relegation in their second. Notably, George Burley’s Ipswich holds this record in the 38-game Premier League era.
In 2000-01, Ipswich finished 5th with 66 points, the highest achievement by a promoted side in a full season. However, European commitments and other factors led to a sharp decline in their second campaign, resulting in 18th-place finish and relegation, with Sunderland securing just one position above them.
In total, four of the 20 promoted teams that placed in the top half during their first season were relegated in their second. Sheffield United’s relegation five years ago marked the most recent example.
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