By Shaun Orange

While an action packed Sunday marked the end of an exciting Premier League season, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough were dealt some harsh consequences for what could be deemed as a poor season for the duo.

Additionally, Hull City and Sunderland managed to escape the deadly drop, though in an unconvincing manner but nevertheless, they are still in it among the best in the world.

Going into Sunday’s fixture, Hull were under a lot of pressure to perform against United. Furthermore, Ferguson’s methods were questioned while preparing for the encounter, but with Red Devils’ victory with a weakened line-up, all that was be put to rest. 

Despite Hull’s loss in their 1-0 encounter, they were spared the embarrassment of regulation with

both the Magpies and Boro failing to get a result. With this, it also put Sunderland to safety even though they were dealt a 3-2 beating by Chelsea.

Gareth Southgate’s men needed a miracle of somewhat if they were to harbour any chance of survival this season. To their dismay, this was not to be. Middlesbrough crashed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham at Upton Park, which means its all over for them.

Newcastle United also failed to save themselves after they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa. This came about when they put the ball in the wrong side of the net.

The man responsible for this blip was Damien Duff, who in the 38^th minute deflected a shot from Gareth Barry past his own goalkeeper Steve Harper.

Newcastle’s inability to correct this mis-fortune means that they have now slipped out of the most coveted and exciting league in the world.

To say the least this is the biggest letdown of the triple that were relegated as Newcastle are such a big team.

The magnitude and experience of this club does not by any close measure fit a result like this. With this, they have broken a sixteen year spell in the Premier League.

Now, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has got some decision making to do, after failing to save the Magpies with only eight games remaining in the season.

Shearer has to make up his mind whether he wants to make a second attempt to help the Magpies redeem their dignity or not.

Scheduled to discuss the matter with Mike Ashley next week, they will discuss the Club’s future and if all goes well, how best to bring the club back to life.

Although Shearer has taken responsibility for his failure, he is adamant that he is not the only one to blame for Newcastle’s failure to make the grade.

He is in fact right on this one, as Mike Ashley and his advisories made some poor decisions and inevitably the club paid the price.

My thinking is that Shearer will not throw in the towel just yet, but will be willing to assist in the rebuilding of the St. James’ Park side.