Curse of third a myth

Are Derby at an inherent disadvantage in the play-off final against West Bromwich having finished immediately below the top two?

In their short history, the play-offs have thrown up a seemingly endless succession of minnows sneaking into the top six and knocking out a luckless side who have been vying for automatic promotion all season.

Crystal Palace pulled off a classic smash and grab in 2004, when they scrambled into the play-offs under Iain Dowie before sending third-placed Sunderland and fourth-placed West Ham packing.

Yet - when it comes to promotion into the top flight at least - these occasions happen relatively infrequently.

There is, in fact, no curse on third-place teams. In the last 10 seasons, three third-placed teams have gone up. Fourth place has supplied one play-off winner, while fifth and sixth have three each.

If teams in third have no clear advantage, the idea that they always lose is a myth. In fact the stats suggest it is West Brom have more to fear than third-placed Derby ahead of next Monday's Wembley final.

In any case, any argument that claims the play-offs are unfair misses the point. They are not meant to be fair. They are meant to be exciting.

The 1998 final, which saw Charlton promoted on penalties after a 4-4 draw against Sunderland, was an instant classic, but every subsequent season throws up great excitement.

Derby and Southampton traded 10 goals over the course of their semi-final earlier this month before the Rams prevailed on penalties.

Whether fair or not, Monday's final should provide a good deal more spectacle than the FA Cup final did.

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Last 10 teams promoted to Premiership via play-offs:

2005/06 Watford (3rd in Championship)

2004/05 West Ham (4th)

2003/04 Crystal Palace (6th)

2002/03 Wolves (5th)

2001/02 Birmingham (5th)

2000/01 Bolton (3rd)

1999/00 Ipswich (3rd)

1998/99 Watford (5th)

1997/98 Charlton (4th)

1996/97 Crystal Palace (6th)