Football League First Division

Football League First Division
Organising body The Football League
Founded 1888
Folded 2004
Country England
Other club(s) from Wales
Number of teams 24 (1992–2004)
Level on pyramid 1 (1888–1992)
2 (1992–2004)
Promotion to Premier League (1992–2004)
Relegation to Second Division
Domestic cup(s) FA Cup
League cup(s) League Cup
Full Members Cup (1985–1992)
International cup(s) European Cup (1956–1985, 1991–1992)
European Cup Winners' Cup (1960–1985, 1990–1999)
UEFA Cup (1971–1985, 1990–2004)
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (1955–1971)
Last champions Norwich City
(2003–04)
Most championships Liverpool
(18 titles)

The Football League First Division is a former division of The Football League, now known as the English Football League. Between 1888 and 1992 it was the top-level division in the English football league system. Following the creation of the FA Premier League it was a second-level division. In 2004 it was rebranded as the Football League Championship, and in 2016 adopted its current name of EFL Championship.

History

The Football League was founded in 1888 by Aston Villa director William McGregor. It originally consisted of a single division of 12 clubs (Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke (now Stoke City), West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers), known as The Football League. When the League admitted additional members from the rival Football Alliance in 1892, it was split into two divisions.

For the next 100 years, the First Division was the top professional league in English football. Then, in 1992 the 22 clubs making up the First Division elected to resign from the Football League and set up the Premier League. The Football League was consequently re-organised, with the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions now renamed the First, Second and Third respectively. Thus, the First Division, while still the top level of the Football League, now became the second level of the entire English football league system.

The First Division was renamed as the Football League Championship prior to the start of the 2004–05 season, as part of a league-wide rebrand. The Football League rebranded itself as the English Football League prior to the 2016–17 season, with its top level becoming the EFL Championship at that time.

Liverpool were the most frequent winners of the First Division when it was the top flight of English football, winning it a total of 18 times.

Trophy and Player's medals

The Football League First Division trophy was first awarded in 1891, and was presented to the winners through to 1992.[1]

As of the 1947–48 season making 7 appearance for their club during the season was not enough for a player to qualify for a winners medal.[2]

As of the 1975–76 season players had to make 14 appearances for their club during the season in order to qualify for a winners medal.[3]

First Division champions

1888–1992

See List of English football champions.

1993–2004

See List of winners of English Football League Championship and predecessors.

References

  1. ↑ "Football League First Division Trophy, 1890". National Football Museum. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  2. ↑ "Player profile: Bryn Jones". Arsenal player database. Arsenal.com. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  3. ↑ "Joey Jones: Profile". Liverpool FC. Retrieved 20 May 2011.

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