Ever wondered how promoted sides fare over the years. How many of them manage to even maintain their top flight status. This is an interesting case and to that effect, an analysis of various leagues and divisions will be reviewed to get a bigger as well as a detailed picture.We will start first with the Albanian league`s top division.
BEGINNINGS
Currently known as Serie A1, the league was started in 1930 with 6 sides. There were no relegations that season for the neophyte league. The next season, one side was added to the structure, Muzaka Berat. They didnt enjoy too much success though, finishing bottom of Group B of the championship with just a single point. 1932 saw no additions, in fact 2 sides were cut from the league. In 1933, S.K. Kavaja were promoted to the top division and promptly finished bottom, taking just 2 points. Two sides were added in 1935, Elbasani and Vlora making a re-appearance. Both though occupied the last 2 slots respectively.
PREWAR
There was no competition in 1935. But in 1936, it resumed with Vllaznia exceeding all expectations to take 2nd spot. Dragoi Pogradec took 6th spot but were not disgraced. The following year brought 6th place for Bardhyli Lezhe but Tomori Berat (formerly Muzak) were upto their old habits and finished bottom.
In the abandoned season of 1949, Partizani Tirana were leading the championship though technically they cannot be classified as a promoted side.
MODERN ERA
Our next look at the tables takes us to the modern era, starting in 1980 season.Patchy data is available on these initial years of the new decade. In 1985 season, Beselidhja Lezhe managed to finish 9th and gain some foothold in the division.
In 89' , Traktori Lushnje's joy at promotion was shortlived as they immediately slid back down in last place.The next season, Luftetari Gjirokaster may have finished 2nd in the promotion places, but they out performed Tomori Berat to finish a highly creditable 7th. Tomori just managed to survive in 9th place.
Three promoted sides in 91 saw the immediate return of Traktori Lushnje alongwith seasoned campaigners Skenderbeu Korce and newcomers Kastrioti Kruje. Skenderbeu were the best of the bunch, finishing 10th. Kruje managed to edge out Traktori for 12th spot, both hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Laci, Pogradeci and Selenica's prospects next season didnt look promising, with relegation predicted for at least 2 of them. The first two of these defied these and finished 12th and 13th respectively. Selenica, the most lightweight failed and finished 15th to go down.
Albpetrol Patrol and Sopoti Librazhd were two new faces for the new season. Albpetrol easily finished 9th to stay put . Librazhd managed 12th to also avoid the drop. Beselidhja are no strangers to promotions and demotions and they got back up again in 94, attaining 10th spot. So far the record for promoted sides was relatively mediocre. Read more here
