When Luton Town were relegated to the Conference National League in May 2009 after a 30 points deduction by the EFL, the final game of their 2008/09 League Two campaign was a 2-0 defeat at Brentford. The side finishing 21st of 24 in League Two that season were Bournemouth, who avoided relegation despite a 17 points penalty under the guidance of new manager Eddie Howe.

Luton had beaten League One strugglers Brighton earlier in the season in a two-legged Football League Trophy semi-final. Brighton finished 16th in League One in 2008/09, avoiding relegation to the basement by just three points.

All four clubs will be competing in the Premier League next season. Brighton finished sixth this season, thereby earning qualification for the Europa League. The 2023/24 campaign will be Albion's seventh consecutive season in top flight after their promotion in 2016/17. Brentford finished a very creditable ninth this season. 2023/24 will be their third consecutive season in the Premier League. Bournemouth finished 15th this time around. They have spent six of the last eight seasons in the English top flight.

Some seem to believe the Premier League is the root of all evil - a closed shop which benefits only the country's elite clubs and is killing football at the lower levels. The recent achievements of Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth and Luton would strongly suggest otherwise.