CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF A ROMARK FORM

I don't think Paul Pogba would have enjoyed the 1933-4 Manchester United season, as the club was just saved from relegation to the financial wilderness of the Third Division (North) thanks to a last day victory at Millwall.
Before kick off, United were in 21st place in Division 2 (as it was in those days), a point behind The Lions. United's 2-0 victory in the Lions' Den preserved their Second Division status, as the Lions sunk to the lower division.

History almost repeated itself in 1989-90 with United surviving in the old First Division. Alex Ferguson's team was in free fall until they met Millwall at the Den. United were a goal down until they rallied and managed a 2-1 turn round, sending Millwall down.

It was shortly before Christmas in 1975 when Crystal Palace lead the Third Division by 7 points under Malcolm Allison. The flambouyant Allison told everyone that his team was the best ever to play at that level and he was offered  the services of hypnotist Ronald Markham, stage name Romark! Allison didn't need such boosts and declined, so Romark, hurt by the rejection, offered his services to Gordon Jago's Millwall who were very much mid-table. Romark also put a curse on Allison and Palace! Millwall hit form snatching a third promotion spot behind Hereford and Cardiff, while Palace limped in 5th!

Bristol City became the first Football League Club to be relegated in three consecutive seasons when they plunged from the First Division (top one in those days) to the Fourth Division between 1980 and 1982. Wolves did the same between 1984-1986.

In 1993 the Gillingham FC narrowly avoided relegation to the Conference.
Its hard to imagine, but in a revival after some investment in 1998-9, Gillingham were trying to reach the highest tier in their history. It was a Second Division play-off final against Manchester City and the Gills were leading 2-0. With barely a minute to go City scored and forced extra-time which the Gills ended up at 2-2 and they lost on penalties 5-1 (a hammering).

The Gills were back at Wembley the following year for a similar play off, which they won with two late goals overhauling Wigan Athletic 3-2 and making to the First Division.

Gillingham were founded in 1893 as New Brompton and they joined the Football League in 1920. In 1937-8 they were voted out of the league after some poor finishes and were replaced by Ipswich Town. Twelve years later they rejoined the when the FL expanded from 88 to 92 clubs; the Gills were one of the lucky four to be invited to join.