Anger. Sorrow. Shame. Dread. Acceptance. Supporters of West Ham and Tottenham are gripped by strong feelings as the two historic clubs confront the real threat of relegation from the Premier League.

After leaving their traditional grounds in pursuit of growth and revenue, first Upton Park in 2016 and then White Hart Lane in 2017, both sides anticipated brighter times. Instead they have suffered from poor decisions, financial priorities and broken pledges. While key figures such as Karren Brady at West Ham and Daniel Levy at Spurs have stepped away, David Sullivan remains chairman at the Hammers and the issues continue.

The London Stadium, which West Ham rents at a reduced rate, draws widespread criticism for feeling lifeless and unsuitable for football, whereas the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stands as a symbol of overreach. One of these large venues will host Championship matches come August.

On-pitch results this campaign have been poor and painful, with 34 league defeats shared between the sides, while fan protests have been vocal and heated. Just two points divide the teams with two fixtures left. The situation is clear: one club will stay up and the other will go down.

The Tottenham Supporters Trust stated on its site: "The numbers are clear and the consequences plain. This is no longer about playing style or future plans; it is about staying in the division."

So how did matters reach this point? What is it like to see a club lose its identity? How much more can fans endure? We spoke with six supporters for their views as the campaign reaches a tense finish.

Mark Shepherd, West Ham fan since the mid 1970s

"I felt unwell when I rose before the match. Some claim it is only sport, yet when you grow up with it and carry claret and blue in your veins, it becomes far more; it is part of life.

"West Ham followers understand we are not among the elite. We have yo-yoed before. We have dropped three or four times since Spurs last fell.

"Sullivan and Brady spoke of greatness when we shifted to the London Stadium: top squad here, finest arena there. Yet we arrived to find a leased venue. We lost our true home and much else besides. We now occupy one of the weakest grounds in the top flight. When opponents chant about selling our soul for a poor facility, we reply that we know."

John Crace, Spurs fan and Guardian sketch writer

"This season has stirred odd feelings in me. Around a month ago I accepted relegation and felt anger toward the club for its mismanagement. Lately the prospect of second-tier football has focused attention.

"Spurs appeared to believe they were too large to descend. They also seemed to place profit ahead of football, focusing on turning the ground into a major events space.

"I recall our drop in 1977 and found the following year in the lower division enjoyable, largely because I expected a quick return with players such as Glenn Hoddle staying. This time I am less certain Spurs would bounce back promptly."

Pete May, West Ham blogger and author of 'Massive: the Miracle of Prague'

"After the home loss to Nottingham Forest it seemed we were heading down, yet we approach the final games with some optimism.

"A point against Arsenal would have lifted spirits, though a late equaliser was ruled out by VAR. There may have been contact with their goalkeeper, but several fouls on West Ham players went unpunished.

"I felt some pride in the display because the side showed commitment. The atmosphere at the London Stadium was strong too, as supporters saw effort from the players. Progress is visible, but it may prove too late. Hope can be painful."

Roy Beck, Spurs fan since 1998 and unofficial club historian

"Each match begins with optimism, yet errors soon appear and fans quickly turn on the players, which helps no one. It feels like the same pattern repeating. We have secured only two home wins this term. Recruitment must be examined. Significant sums were spent, yet the squad has disappointed supporters repeatedly.

"I remember White Hart Lane fondly as a close-knit venue. Despite the new stadium's qualities, many would have preferred to remain there. The large sum spent on construction could have funded better signings.

"We do not expect to sit at the summit of English football, but neither did we foresee this position. I feel let down and saddened. Soon after moving into the new ground we reached a European final, raising hopes that have not been met."

Karl Brown, West Ham fan since 1975

"After more than fifty years supporting West Ham I cannot picture sending Spurs down. It would surpass any cup triumph. That is the reality.

"Spurs supporters view themselves as a top-six side with an automatic right to that status. We make no such claim. We simply seek a side that shows fight. Many across the country would relish seeing Spurs relegated."

Andy Bass, board member of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust

"Spurs possess a rich past and reasons for pride. Last season I attended the Europa League final in Bilbao, an occasion few clubs experience.

"I grasp why West Ham fans dislike us, though the feeling is not mutual. Should they survive this season they may still face the drop next year.

"Arsenal's strong campaign does not alter our situation. Our difficulties stem from our own choices. If we are relegated, it will be deserved."