Former Newcastle United defender Robbie Elliott does not think that the club would be capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League straight away if they are relegated this weekend.
The Magpies could drop down to the Championship if they do not beat West Ham United on Sunday, and Hull City beat Manchester United.
Elliott, who had two stints with the club in the 1990s and 2000s, told talkSPORT: "I honestly don't think that with this squad of players, that [Newcastle] would get back up. Not at the first go anyway.
"Last time we had a much better squad and a team with some leaders, Kevin Nolan was the main one and we had players that knew what the club was about.
"At this moment in time, I wouldn't have confidence with the players we currently have, in bouncing straight back."
Newcastle were last relegated in 2009, winning the Championship the following season to quickly return to the top flight.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
