When were Tottenham last relegated and what did the world look like?

With relegation from the Premier League a real possibility in 2025-26, Tottenham faced alarm after their worst-ever league finish, ending 17th. Despite Europa League success, Ange Postecoglou was replaced and Thomas Frank was hired; Frank was relieved of his duties in February 2026 after a 34.2 per cent win rate.

Tottenham were last relegated in the 1976-77 season, which ended a 27-year spell in the top flight. They finished bottom in 22nd place with 33 points from 42 games, losing 21 matches and conceding 72 goals — an average of 1.7 per game. Keith Burkinshaw was the manager of that side, which included Pat Jennings, Glenn Hoddle, Gerry Armstrong, Steve Perryman, John Pratt and a young Peter Taylor.

Burkinshaw stayed on and Spurs bounced back immediately, returning for the 1978-79 campaign and going on to win the FA Cup in 1981 and 1982 and the UEFA Cup in 1984, with additions such as Osvaldo Ardiles, Ricky Villa and Ray Clemence.

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