Legendary Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence has stressed that Newcastle United and Aston Villa will find it extremely hard to cope in the Championship next season.

While Aston Villa’s demise to the Championship was confirmed a few weeks ago, Newcastle suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League last night after Sunderland cantered past Everton to secure their safety in the top tier.




Newcastle returned straight back to the Premier League a few years ago when they went down to the second tier, but the Championship will be new territory for Villa, who have suffered relegation for the first time in three decades.

And Clemence feels both clubs will find it hard to win promotion back to the Premier League as the Championship remains a highly competitive league, with its own sets of challenges.
 


He also believes both clubs lack the tough personalities in their squad required to come out of the English second tier.  

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The Liverpool legend said on LFC TV: “It won't be easy for them. The Championship is a very, very competitive league.

“Premier League sides who think they can just walk straight back up, it doesn't happen anymore.

“So it will be a massive test for those three clubs, particularly Aston Villa and Newcastle because from what I have seen this year they have players who don't enjoy the fight.

“And if you're in the Championship you need to be able to fight for your points because nobody gives you anything in that division."

Newcastle are hoping to convince Rafael Benitez to lead their promotion charge in the Championship, but Aston Villa are yet to decide their manager for next season.