Can you get promoted when you are guaranteed to have a patch of relegation form every season?

[Mr Popodopolous]

16 hours ago, mozo said:

The fact that we can only muster a couple of examples suggests it rarely happens. Certainly for the top two, you need to be consistent, as Leeds discovered to their detriment last season. 

Leeds were actually pretty consistent for a good chunk of the season. Sheffield United though then hit great form from Boxing Day onwards...only lost twice on the 2nd half of season and dragged themselves into the title race.

Yet a year ago the only teams considered as realistic top 2 contenders were Norwich, Leeds and WBA. Their form did take a bit of a downturn but only really blew up in the final few games, despite good performance levels.