I'll just pop this in the rafa thread, from .com
Don't panic!
United's demoralising start to life in the Championship has raised questions as to whether hopes of promotion and/or silverware are already fading this season.
We're glad to report that all is not lost and defeats in the opening two games reduce but don't extinguish prospects of an instant return to the top flight.
Since the Premier League was founded in 1992, no less than nine second tier clubs have endured similarly poor starts but recovered to gain promotion - four via the playoffs, three second places and two title winners.
Newcastle fans, players or officials in need of inspiration look no further than 12 miles down the road - with the mackems twice lifting the Championship trophy despite a shabby opening sequence of results:
Slow starters:
2012/13 Crystal Palace (playoffs) L L L W
2008/09 Burnley (playoffs) L L D D W
2006/07 mackems (champions) L L L L W
2004/05 mackems (champions) L W D L D L W
2001/02 West Brom (second) L L D W
1998/89 Bradford City (second) L L D L W
1995/96 Derby County (second) D L D L W
1994/95 Bolton (playoffs) D L L W
1991/92 Blackburn (playoffs) D D L L W
PS: It's also worth recalling that our 2009/10 season in the Championship ended in title success and an 11 point gap ahead of runners-up West Brom - and a massive 23 points in front of third placed Nottingham Forest.
United were promoted with 102 points, but Blackpool took the final playoff spot (and would gain promotion) with 70 points - 32 less than the black and whites.
That campaign also started slowly, with an unconvincing 1-1 draw away at the Baggies.
