It dropped them from play-off contention in the Championship to a battle against relegation.

BBC: Neil Warnock is named manager of Queens Park Rangers

Boyce and Scharner played key roles in last season's successful battle against relegation, while Mike Pollitt provided back-up to keeper Chris Kirkland.

BBC: Wigan trio offered new contracts

Given the task of winning promotion to the top flight within two years, in Keane's debut season Ipswich faced a battle against relegation after their worst start to a campaign.

BBC: Roy Keane sacked as Ipswich manager

Sunderland's new manager, Paolo Di Canio, will handle his first English Premier League game in charge against Chelsea on Sunday with a serious relegation battle on his hands.

WSJ: Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio Denies Fascist Links