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The route out of the Championship

There is only one route upwards out of the Championship and that is spending a lot of money. Even doing that does not guarantee success.

Bournemouth spent 237 per cent of their income on wages in their promotion year. Huddersfield spent 126 per cent last season.

Ipswich Town have been out of the top flight for 16 years. That makes them the longest stayers in the division. For some Ipswich fans it's a hard cross to bear: Boring?

Ten years ago Marcus Evans rescued the club from oblivion. Since then he has spent £100m of his own money just to keep the Tractor Boys going. Relegation has been avoided, but promotion remains an elusive dream. At least they can console themselves that they are ahead of rivals Norwich where the clamour for a change of owner is being heard again.

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