5 former Premier League clubs currently rotting in the lower leagues

#2 Blackburn Rovers

Alan Shearer celebrating Blackburn's Premier League win in 1995

During the start of the Premier League era in 1992/93, Blackburn Rovers was one of the best sides in England. Kenny Dalglish was the man in charge and Alan Shearer was banging on the goals when Blackburn won the third Premier League season in 1995. However, just four years later they were relegated.

Luckily for the Rovers fans, Blackburn was back in the Premier League after missing only two seasons and they formed into a solid midtable side that even had a couple of 6th place finishes. But things changed rapidly in 2011/12.

The club's takeover by the Venky's family in 2010 marks the start of the downfall of the former Premier League champion. The Venky's fired Sam Allardyce in December 2010 and replaced him with inexperienced Steve Kean. He led the team to safety in 2010/11, but couldn't do so a season later which saw Blackburn finish 19th.

When Kean was finally let go in September 2012, the damage was already done and the club is still paying for it. Following five straight seasons in the Championship with the best finish being 8th in 2013/14, Blackburn was relegated last season. Nottingham finished above them and the relegation zone thanks to goal difference.

The season in the third tier, which is the first one for the club there since 1979/80, started with two consecutive defeats, but they have done well since then. Blackburn is currently 3rd, chasing down Shrewsbury Town, who holds a 5-point advantage.