da dobrowin： It is at this time of year that three whole squads of players effectively step down from the English top flight into the second tier.
da dobrowin： Collectively they make up a list of personnel that ultimately fell short of the high standard required to survive the division.
There will always be a few diamonds in the rough though; players who clearly have the quality to return to the Premiership, either through promotion next term, or on the back of a move to a different club.
Relegated hitmen Charlie Austin and Danny Ings are almost certain to be two such souls, after impressive goalscoring campaigns.
Sifting through the rubble a little more carefully, though, makes it possible to identify less prolific casualties that could benefit buying clubs in the bottom half of the table next term…
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James Chester
Playing alongside the experienced Michael Dawson in the heart of the Hull City defence this year, Chester has impressed with consistent solid performances.
Hull were eventually relegated after a season of missed chances and injured strikers.
At the other end of the pitch, they were a lot more competitive and had the best defensive record of the leagues’ bottom seven teams.
Much of this was down to the assured form of 26-year-old Chester.
The former Manchester United academy graduate also chipped in with a few goals. The Warrington born centre-back formed a key part of Steve Bruce’s side during last year’s more successful campaign, scoring at Wembley, as Hull finished runners up in the FA Cup.
With one year left on his contract, he could be available at a knock down price. Don’t be surprised to see him at Leicester with Nigel Pearson already having signed him once in his career.
Joey Barton
Love him or loathe him, there is no denying that Joey Barton has the quality to play at a higher level than the Championship.
The midfielder has already moved through the Loftus Road exit door and although his destination next term is uncertain there are sure to be plenty of suitors despite his history of misdemeanours.
It seems though, that Barton is living a bit less controversially these days, with his advancing years a possible reason for less volatile recent seasons.
The 32-year-old is a proven Premier League player, having conducted important roles in the past for both Manchester City and Newcastle.
He was also a regular fixture in Ligue 1 for Marseille having spent the 2012-13 campaign on loan in France.
With his extensive passing range, tenacious tackling and sound set piece delivery, he should have no trouble securing a top flight employer.
Kieran Trippier
Only five players saw more action in terms of Premier League minutes than the Burnley full-back this season.
This includes his own goalkeeper Tom Heaton, and two members of Chelsea’s imperious back four.
Indeed Trippier has been one of the most consistent right-backs in the country since initially joining the Clarets in 2011.
Rarely injured, always competitive and capable of scoring, either from range or from a dead-ball situation, the 24-year-old undoubtedly has a future in the Premiership.
The former Manchester City youngster has also represented England at every junior level. His energetic displays for a battling Burnley are bound to have alerted bigger sides but the right-back has two years remaining on his current deal at Turf Moor.