Newcastle United were relegated twice under Mike Ashley, and twice they immediately returned to the Premier League.
The Magpies secured promotion to the Premier League as champions in 2010 and 2017. The first title-winning campaign was under Chris Hughton, while the second was under Rafa Benitez.
It was a much closer affair under Benitez, with Newcastle United securing top spot on the final day of the season. As the Magpies beat Barnsley, a late Jack Grealish goal against Brighton ensured that the title was heading to St James’ Park.
There was less drama in 2010, as Hughton’s Newcastle United team coasted to the Championship title.
Newcastle United beat Plymouth to win the 2009/10 Championship title
Newcastle United secured promotion on April 5th 2010, beating Sheffield United to guarantee a top-two finish and an immediate return to the Premier League.
Two weeks later and the Magpies had the chance to ensure they ended the season in first place.
They travelled to Home Park to face relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle on April 19th 2010, knowing that victory would hand them the title.
As Newcastle United prepared for a trip to the south coast, travel plans across Europe were thrust into chaos.
Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted on April 14th, resulting in an ash cloud that resulted in more than 100,000 flights across the continent being cancelled.
Everyone associated with Newcastle United, from staff to fans, had to travel to Devon via car, bus or train. For reference, the distance between St James’ Park and Home Park is just over 400 miles. By car, it is a 14-hour round trip.
Despite the travel issues, 1,200 Toon fans made the trip on a Monday night to watch Chris Hughton’s side.
It ended up being a worthwhile journey, as goals from Andy Carroll and Wayne Routledge gave Newcastle United a 2-0 win. With three more points secured, the Magpies could no longer be caught at the top of the Championship.
The Toon Army were in party mood, as they invaded the pitch at Home Park to celebrate their return to the Premier League. They hoisted their heroes in the air, with Newcastle’s stint in the second tier set to be as short as possible.
After the game, Plymouth manager Paul Mariner was full of praise for what the Magpies had achieved.
“Chris Hughton] has done an amazing job,” he told the Guardian.
“After being favourites to go straight back up, it must have been very tough, but they have managed to do it.
“Newcastle United deserve to be in the Premier League. Their fans are unbelievable and I’m thrilled they are back up.”
The same ash cloud stopped Blackburn Rovers signing Robert Lewandowski
While the ash cloud disrupted Newcastle United’s travel plans, it did not matter in the grand scheme of things. It was merely an inconvenience.
However, the same ash cloud cost Blackburn Rovers much more.
They were managed by Sam Allardyce at the time, and were aiming to strike a deal to sign Robert Lewandowski from Lech Poznan.
The Polish striker was set to travel to Blackburn to discuss a move, only for his flight to be cancelled due to the ash cloud.
Blackburn chairman John Williams then had doubts over spending the £3million required to sign Lewandowski, while his head was turned by the lure of Borussia Dortmund.
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