Timeline of English football facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

English football has a long and exciting history, filled with amazing moments, legendary players, and unforgettable teams. From the very first rules being written to today's huge stadiums, the sport has grown into something truly special. This timeline will take you through some of the most important events and achievements in English football, showing how it became the beloved game we know today.

Exciting Moments in English Football

Exciting Moments in English Football

The 2020s: New Champions and Challenges

2023: A Year of Triumphs and Tears

Erik ten Hag won his first big trophy with Manchester United. They beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the League Cup final, ending a seven-year wait for a trophy.
Manchester City won their third league title in a row. They also achieved the "treble," winning the league, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same season, just like Manchester United did 24 years ago.
Seven years after winning the league, Leicester City was relegated from the top division after nine years there.

2022: Penalty Shootouts and Big Changes

Liverpool won the League Cup for a record ninth time. They beat Chelsea 11-10 in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea, had to sell the club after his bank account was frozen.
Liverpool also won the FA Cup, again beating Chelsea in a penalty shootout, this time 6-5.
Manchester City won the league in an exciting way. They came back from being 0-2 down against Aston Villa to win the title.

2021: European Glory and Record Transfers

Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League, beating Manchester City 1-0 in the final.
Leicester City won the FA Cup for the very first time in their history.
Manchester City won the League Cup for the fourth year in a row. They also won their fifth Premier League title.
Jack Grealish became the most expensive English footballer ever. He moved to Manchester City for £100 million.

2020: Football in a Pandemic

All football games stopped in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Games started again on July 17, but without fans in the stadiums.
Liverpool won the Premier League for the first time, their first national league title since 1990.
Arsenal won the FA Cup, extending their record to 14 wins.
Bury F.C. faced financial problems and were removed from the Football League.

The 2010s: Dominance and Historic Wins

2019: City's Treble and European Success

Manchester City became the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to win back-to-back Premier League titles.
Liverpool won their sixth European Cup, beating Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League final.
Manchester City became the first English team to win the domestic treble (FA Cup, League Cup, and Premier League).
Tottenham Hotspur played their first game at their new stadium, winning 2-0. Heung-Min Son scored the first goal there.

2018: Centurions and FA Cup Glory

Manchester City won the Premier League title with 100 points, becoming the "Centurions." This was a new record for the top division.
Chelsea won the FA Cup, beating Manchester United 1-0.

2017: Wenger's Record and Mourinho's Start

Arsène Wenger became the most successful manager in FA Cup history, winning his seventh FA Cup with Arsenal.
Arsenal failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1997.
Chelsea won their fifth Premier League title, achieving a record 30 wins in Antonio Conte's first season.
Jose Mourinho became the first Manchester United manager to win a major trophy in his first season, guiding the club to a League Cup and Europa League double.
Tottenham Hotspur played their final season at White Hart Lane after nearly 120 years.

2016: Leicester City's Fairytale

The Football League changed its name to the English Football League (EFL).
Leicester City won the top division title for the first time in their history. Many people thought this was impossible, as they were given 5000/1 odds at the start of the season.
Leicester City's Jamie Vardy became the first player to score in 11 consecutive Premier League games.
Chelsea sacked manager José Mourinho and finished 10th, a very low position for the defending champions.
Manchester United sacked manager Louis van Gaal despite winning the FA Cup. Jose Mourinho was appointed in his place.

2015: Arsenal's Record and Bournemouth's Rise

Arsenal won the FA Cup for a record twelfth time.
Chelsea won the Premier League in Jose Mourinho's return.
AFC Bournemouth were promoted to the top division for the first time. This was amazing, as they were in financial trouble just eight years earlier.

2014: Van Gaal Arrives, Arsenal Win Cup

Louis van Gaal became manager of Manchester United. Ryan Giggs retired as a player at 40, having won a record 22 major trophies.
Arsenal won the FA Cup, their first major trophy in nine years.
Manchester City won their fourth top-flight title.

2013: Ferguson Retires, Wigan's Double Fate

Alex Ferguson retired after winning Manchester United's 20th league title.
Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup for the first time but were also relegated from the Premier League in the same season.
Swansea City won the Football League Cup for the first time. They became the first Welsh club to represent the English league system in European tournaments.
Gareth Bale signed for Real Madrid for a huge transfer fee of £85.3 million.

2012: City's Dramatic Win, Chelsea's European Dream

Liverpool won the League Cup on penalties.
Manchester City won the Premier League title on goal difference, beating rivals Manchester United in a dramatic final day. This was their first English league title since 1968.
Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history, beating F.C. Bayern Munich on penalties. They also won the FA Cup.

2011: United's Record, City's Trophy Drought Ends

Manchester United won a record-setting 19th top-flight title.
Manchester City won the FA Cup, their first major trophy in 36 years.
Birmingham City won the League Cup but were relegated on the final day of the season.
Chelsea signed Fernando Torres from Liverpool for a British record £50 million.

2010: Chelsea's Double, Liverpool's Miss

Manchester United defended their League Cup title.
Liverpool failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2003.
Chelsea became the seventh team to win the league and FA Cup double, scoring a record 108 Premier League goals.
Chester City went out of business after 125 years. They were reformed as Chester.

The 2000s: New Owners and European Triumphs

2009: United's Record, Ronaldo's Move

Manchester United became the first team to win three league titles in a row more than once. They also equaled Liverpool's record of 18 league titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the most expensive footballer in the world when Manchester United sold him to Real Madrid for £80 million.
Sir Bobby Robson, a famous manager, died at 76.

2008: Portsmouth's Cup, City's New Owners

Portsmouth won the FA Cup for the first time in 49 years.
Manchester City were bought by the Abu Dhabi United Group. On the same day, they broke the transfer record by buying Robinho for £32 million.
Manchester United won the Premier League for the 10th time.
The 2008 UEFA Champions League final was the first all-English final, with Manchester United beating Chelsea on penalties.
Hull City A.F.C. reached the top division for the first time in their history.

2007: Wembley Reopens, Leeds' Struggles

Steve McClaren was fired as England manager after failing to qualify for Euro 2008.
Manchester United won the Premier League.
Chelsea won the FA Cup in the first final back at the new Wembley Stadium.
Leeds United faced financial problems and were relegated to the third division for the first time.
Arsenal women became the first English club to win the UEFA Women's Champions League.

2006: Chelsea's Success, Arsenal's New Home

Chelsea won the Premier League for the second year in a row.
Manchester United won the League Cup.
Middlesbrough reached the UEFA Cup final for the first time.
Alan Shearer retired as the Premier League's all-time leading goal scorer with 260 goals.
Reading were promoted to the top division for the first time, setting a record of 106 points in the Championship.
Liverpool won the FA Cup.
Arsenal played their last season at Highbury after 93 years, moving to the new Emirates Stadium.

2005: Liverpool's European Miracle, Chelsea's Dominance

Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League for the fifth time in a famous comeback against A.C. Milan.
Chelsea won the Premier League title, setting new records for fewest goals conceded (15) and most points (95).
Arsenal became the first team to win the FA Cup on penalties.
George Best, a legendary Manchester United player, died at 59.
Wigan Athletic reached the top division for the first time.

2004: The Invincibles, Rooney's Big Move

Arsenal won the Premier League without losing a single game, earning the nickname The Invincibles.
Manchester United won the FA Cup for a record eleventh time.
The Football League divisions were renamed: Division One became the Championship, Division Two became League One, and Division Three became League Two.
Wayne Rooney, still only 18, became the world's most expensive teenager when he signed for Manchester United for up to £25 million.
Middlesbrough won their first major trophy in 128 years, beating Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup final.

2003: Abramovich Buys Chelsea, City's New Home

Liverpool won the League Cup for a record seventh time.
Chelsea were bought by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in a £150 million deal.
Manchester United won their eighth Premier League title in eleven seasons.
Manchester City left Maine Road after 80 years and moved into the 48,000-seat City of Manchester Stadium.
Marc-Vivien Foé, a Manchester City midfielder, sadly collapsed and died while playing for Cameroon.

2002: Arsenal's Double, Ferdinand's Record

Arsenal won their third league championship and FA Cup double.
West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City were promoted to the Premier League after a long absence.
Manchester United broke the British transfer record again, paying Leeds United £29 million for Rio Ferdinand.
Everton became the first team to spend 100 seasons in the top division of English football.

2001: Liverpool's Treble, United's Record Buys

Manchester United became the fourth English club to win three league championships in a row.
Liverpool won a unique treble: the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup.
Coventry City were relegated from the Premier League after 34 seasons in the top flight.
Manchester United broke the national transfer fee record twice, first for Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19 million) and then for Juan Sebastián Verón (£28.1 million).

2000: Wembley Closes, Eriksson Arrives

FA Cup holders Manchester United chose not to defend their trophy to play in the new FIFA Club World Championship.
Wembley Stadium closed for a complete rebuild after 77 years.
Kevin Keegan resigned as England manager and was replaced by Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first foreign coach for the England team.
Chelsea won the last FA Cup final at the old Wembley Stadium.
Sir Stanley Matthews, a legendary winger, died at 85.

The 1990s: Premier League Era Begins

1999: United's Historic Treble

Manchester United completed a unique treble, winning the Premier League title, FA Cup, and European Cup. Manager Alex Ferguson was knighted.
Bradford City returned to the top flight after 77 years.
Sir Alf Ramsey, manager of England's 1966 World Cup winning team, died at 79.

1998: Arsenal's Double, Chelsea's European Success

Arsenal won their second league championship and FA Cup double under French manager Arsène Wenger.
Chelsea won the Cup Winners' Cup and League Cup.
Manchester City were relegated to the third division for the first time.

1997: Cantona Retires, New Stadiums

Eric Cantona retired after captaining Manchester United to their fourth Premier League title in five seasons.
Ruud Gullit became the first foreign manager to win an English trophy as Chelsea won the FA Cup.
Many clubs moved to new stadiums: Bolton Wanderers to the Reebok Stadium, Sunderland to the Stadium of Light, Derby County to Pride Park Stadium, and Stoke City to the Britannia Stadium.

1996: United's Second Double, Shearer's Record Move

Manchester United won a unique second league championship and FA Cup double.
Alan Shearer became the world's first £15 million player, moving from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United.
England hosted the 1996 European Football Championship and reached the semi-finals.
Bob Paisley, a legendary Liverpool manager, died at 77.

1995: Cantona's Ban, Blackburn's Title

Eric Cantona was banned from football for eight months for kicking a fan.
Kenny Dalglish became the third manager to win the English league with different clubs as Blackburn Rovers won the Premier League title.
Everton beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Transfer fees continued to rise, with Andy Cole moving for £7 million, then Dennis Bergkamp for £7.5 million, and Stan Collymore for £8.5 million.
Middlesbrough moved to the Riverside Stadium, the first stadium built to new safety standards.

1994: United's Double, Busby's Death

Manchester United won the league championship and FA Cup double. This triumph came four months after the death of former manager Sir Matt Busby at 84.
Blackburn Rovers broke the English transfer fee record, paying £5 million for Chris Sutton.
Tottenham Hotspur were fined a record £1.5 million for financial irregularities.

1993: Premier League Begins, Arsenal's Cup Double

Manchester United won the first-ever Premier League title, ending their 26-year wait for the league championship.
Arsenal became the first club to win the FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.
Bobby Moore, captain of England's 1966 World Cup winning team, died at 51.
Brian Clough retired as manager of Nottingham Forest after 18 years.

1992: Premier League Formed, Shearer's Big Move

The Football Association created the FA Premier League, a new top division of 22 clubs.
Manchester United won the League Cup for the first time.
Blackburn Rovers made Alan Shearer England's most expensive footballer, paying Southampton £3.5 million for him.
Leeds United won the last Football League First Division championship before the Premier League began.
Liverpool won the FA Cup in their centenary year.
Aldershot and Maidstone United went out of business due to financial problems.
Manchester United signed French striker Eric Cantona from Leeds United for £1.2 million.

1991: Arsenal's Title, United's European Return

Arsenal won the Football League First Division title with only one defeat.
Manchester United marked the return of English clubs to European competition by beating FC Barcelona 2-1 in the Cup Winners' Cup final.
Dean Saunders became the most expensive player in English football, moving to Liverpool for £2.9 million.
Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup for a record eighth time.

1990: Liverpool's Last Title (for 30 years), England's World Cup Run

Liverpool won their eighteenth top-flight title, which would be their last for 30 years.
England reached the semi-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, losing to Germany on penalties.
English clubs were allowed back into European competitions after a five-year ban.
Manchester United won their first major trophy under manager Alex Ferguson, the FA Cup.
Peter Shilton retired from international football at 40, with a record 125 caps for England.
Manchester United and Arsenal had points deducted for a fight between their players, a unique event in English league history.

The 1980s: Tragedies and Triumphs

1989: Hillsborough Disaster, Arsenal's Dramatic Title

97 Liverpool fans died on April 15 after being crushed at Hillsborough Stadium during an FA Cup semi-final.
Arsenal won the league championship in the final minute of the season, beating Liverpool 2-0 to snatch the title on goals scored.
Liverpool went on to win the FA Cup.
Don Revie, Leeds United's most successful manager, died at 61.
Nottingham Forest won the League Cup.
Alex Ferguson made several big signings for Manchester United, spending over £7 million.

1988: Liverpool's Dominance, Wimbledon's Shock Win

Liverpool won their seventeenth league title, losing only two games.
Wimbledon beat Liverpool 1-0 to win the FA Cup in a huge upset. This was only their second season in the top division.
Luton Town won their first major trophy, beating Arsenal 3-2 in the League Cup final.
Paul Gascoigne became England's first £2 million footballer, signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Transfer fees continued to rise, with Tony Cottee moving for £2.2 million and Ian Rush returning to Liverpool for £2.8 million.

1987: Coventry's Cup, Everton's Title

Coventry City won their first major trophy, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in the FA Cup final.
Everton won their ninth league title despite many injuries.
The Football League introduced play-offs for promotion and relegation.
Arsenal became the first team to beat Liverpool in a game where Ian Rush had scored, winning the League Cup final.

1986: England's World Cup, Liverpool's Double

England were eliminated from the 1986 FIFA World Cup by Argentina, with Diego Maradona scoring the controversial "Hand of God" goal.
Liverpool won the league championship and FA Cup double in Kenny Dalglish's first season as player-manager.
Wimbledon were promoted to the First Division in only their ninth season as a Football League club.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were relegated to the Fourth Division for the first time.
Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United.

1985: Bradford Fire, Heysel Tragedy, Everton's Success

56 spectators died in a fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade stadium on May 11.
39 spectators died in rioting at the Heysel Stadium during the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus. English clubs were banned from European competition for five years, with Liverpool banned for six years.
Everton won their eighth league title and the Cup Winners' Cup.
Oxford United were promoted to the top division, having won two consecutive championships.

1984: Liverpool's Treble, Keegan Retires

Liverpool became the first English club to win three major competitions in one season: the league, League Cup, and European Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur won the UEFA Cup.
Everton won the FA Cup, their first major trophy under manager Howard Kendall.
Kevin Keegan retired from his playing career after helping Newcastle United win promotion.

1983: Liverpool's Double, United's Cup

Liverpool won both the League Cup and league title again.
Manchester United won the FA Cup, their first major trophy under manager Ron Atkinson.
Watford finished second in the league in their first season in the First Division.
Bob Paisley retired after nine successful years as Liverpool manager. He was replaced by Joe Fagan.
Sharp Electronics became the first official sponsors of Manchester United.

1982: Villa's European Cup, Arsenal's Sponsor

Liverpool won their thirteenth league championship and their second League Cup.
Aston Villa won the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich 1-0.
JVC Electronics became the first official sponsors of Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup for the second year in a row.

1981: Three Points for a Win, Villa's Title

The Football League began awarding three points for a win instead of two.
Aston Villa won their first league championship in 71 years.
Ipswich Town won the UEFA Cup.
Liverpool won their third European Cup and their first League Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur won the FA Cup.
Bill Shankly, a famous Liverpool manager, died at 68.
Ron Atkinson became manager of Manchester United, and Bryan Robson joined for a record £1.75 million.

1980: Forest's European Success, West Ham's Cup Upset

Liverpool won a second consecutive league championship.
Nottingham Forest retained their European Cup crown.
West Ham beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final, becoming the third Second Division team in eight years to win the trophy.
Dixie Dean, a legendary Everton goal scorer, died at 73.

The 1970s: New Managers and Cup Shocks

1979: Forest's European Cup, Arsenal's Cup Win

Nottingham Forest won the European Cup.
Trevor Francis became Britain's first million-pound footballer when he signed for Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal won the FA Cup, beating Manchester United 3-2.
West Bromwich Albion finished third in the league with a team that included three black players, known as The Three Degrees.

1978: Forest's Double, Ipswich's Cup

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest won the league title and League Cup.
Ipswich Town won the FA Cup for the first time.
Wigan Athletic were elected to the Football League.
Tottenham Hotspur signed two Argentine World Cup winners, Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa.
Liverpool became the first British club to retain the European Cup.

1977: Liverpool's European Glory, Villa's Cup

Tommy Docherty was sacked as manager of Manchester United after winning the FA Cup.
Liverpool retained the league title and won the European Cup.
Aston Villa won their second League Cup in three years.
Kenny Dalglish joined Liverpool for a record £440,000 to replace Kevin Keegan.

1976: Liverpool's Title, Southampton's Upset

Liverpool won the league championship for a record ninth time.
Southampton beat Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup final in a big upset.
Pop star Elton John became chairman of Watford.

1975: Derby's Title, West Ham's Cup

Derby County won their second league title in four years.
West Ham won the FA Cup.
Manchester United were promoted back to the First Division after one season.
Aston Villa won the League Cup and were promoted to the First Division.

1974: Ramsey Sacked, Shankly Retires

Sir Alf Ramsay was sacked as England manager after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Liverpool won the FA Cup.
Leeds United were league champions in Don Revie's final season as manager. Brian Clough was appointed but left after 44 days.
Bill Shankly retired after 15 glorious years as Liverpool manager and was replaced by Bob Paisley.
Manchester United were relegated to the Second Division for the first time since the 1930s.

1973: Sunderland's Cup Shock, Leeds Miss Out

Second Division Sunderland caused a huge upset by beating Leeds United in the FA Cup final.
Leeds United also missed out on the title, with Liverpool becoming champions.
The Football League announced that three clubs would be relegated from the First and Second Divisions from the end of the 1973-74 season.

1972: Derby's First Title, Leeds' Cup

Stoke City won the League Cup, their first major trophy.
Derby County won their first league championship.
Tottenham Hotspur won the UEFA Cup, becoming the first British team to win two European trophies.
Leeds United won the FA Cup for the first time.

1971: Arsenal's Double, Keegan Joins Liverpool

Arsenal became the fourth English club to win the league championship and FA Cup double.
Kevin Keegan joined Liverpool for £35,000.
Chelsea beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners' Cup final.

1970: England's World Cup Defence, Chelsea's Cup

England lost their defence of the World Cup to Brazil.
Everton won the league title.
The FA Cup final went to a replay for the first time, with Chelsea beating Leeds United.

The 1960s: World Cup Glory and European Firsts

1969: Leeds' First Title, Busby Retires

Leeds United won their first league championship.
Manchester City won the FA Cup.
Sir Matt Busby retired after 24 years as manager of Manchester United.
Newcastle United won the European Fairs Cup.

1968: United's European Cup, Leeds' First Trophies

Manchester United beat Benfica 4-1 in extra time to win the European Cup.
Leeds United won their first major trophies: the League Cup and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Manchester City won the league championship for only the second time.
West Bromwich Albion won the FA Cup.
George Best was voted European Footballer of the Year.
Matt Busby was knighted after guiding Manchester United to the European Cup.

1967: United's Title, Tottenham's Cup

Manchester United won the league championship.
Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
Queens Park Rangers won the first one-game League Cup final.
Coventry City were promoted to the First Division for the first time.

1966: England Wins the World Cup

England won the 1966 FIFA World Cup 4-2 against West Germany in extra time. Geoff Hurst became the first man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Alf Ramsey received a knighthood for England's World Cup glory.
Everton won the FA Cup.
Manchester United's Bobby Charlton was voted European Footballer of the Year.

1965: United's Title, Liverpool's First FA Cup

Manchester United won their first league championship after the Munich Air Disaster.
Liverpool won the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
West Ham won the European Cup Winners' Cup.
Stanley Matthews played his last game for Stoke City at 50 and was knighted.

1964: Match of the Day, Liverpool's First Title

Match of the Day made its debut on BBC2.
Liverpool won the league championship, their first major trophy under manager Bill Shankly.
West Ham won the FA Cup, their first major trophy.

1963: Tottenham's European First, United's Cup

Tottenham Hotspur won the Cup Winners' Cup, becoming the first English club to win a European competition.
Everton won their first league championship of the postwar years.
Manchester United won the FA Cup, their first major trophy since the Munich Air Disaster.
Birmingham City won the League Cup, their first major trophy.

1962: Ipswich's Title, Norwich's Cup

Tottenham Hotspur retained the FA Cup.
Norwich City won the League Cup, their first major trophy.
Ipswich Town were crowned league champions in their first season in the First Division.
Alf Ramsey became England manager.

1961: Tottenham's Double, First £100,000 Transfer

Tottenham Hotspur became the first club of the 20th century to win the league championship and FA Cup double.
Aston Villa and Rotherham United played in the first-ever League Cup final.
Denis Law was transferred from Manchester City to Torino for £100,000, the first such deal involving a British club.

1960: Burnley's Title, Wolves' Cup

Burnley won the league championship.
Wolves won the FA Cup.

The 1950s: Busby Babes and Matthews Final

1959: Shankly Arrives, Wolves Retain Title

Bill Shankly was appointed manager of Liverpool.
Wolves retained the league championship.
Nottingham Forest won the FA Cup for the first time since 1898.
Billy Wright became the first player to play 100 times for England.

1958: Munich Air Disaster

Eight Manchester United players died and two had their careers ended by injury after a plane crash near Munich. Manager Matt Busby was badly injured.
A makeshift Manchester United side reached the FA Cup Final but lost to Bolton.
Wolves won the league championship.
Sunderland were relegated from the First Division for the first time in their history.

1957: United's Title, Villa's Cup

Manchester United won the league title for the second year running.
Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final, winning the trophy for a record seventh time.

1956: United's Young Team, Trautmann's Bravery

Manchester United won the league championship with a young team, becoming England's first representatives in the European Cup.
German goalkeeper Bert Trautmann played through Manchester City's FA Cup victory despite suffering a broken neck.

1955: Chelsea's First Title, Edwards' Debut

Chelsea won the league championship for the first time in their history.
Newcastle United won the FA Cup.
Duncan Edwards, 18-year-old Manchester United player, became England's youngest international.

1954: Wolves' First Title, West Brom's Cup

Wolves won the league title for the first time in their history.
West Bromwich Albion won the FA Cup.
Everton were promoted to the First Division and have remained there ever since.

1953: The Matthews Final, Arsenal's Title

38-year-old Stanley Matthews helped Blackpool to a 4-3 victory against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup final, a game widely known as the "Matthews Final."
Arsenal won a record-breaking seventh league title.
England's unbeaten home record against a non-British nation ended when they lost 6-3 to Hungary at Wembley.

1952: United's Title, Newcastle's Cup

Manchester United won their first top-flight title in 41 years under Matt Busby.
Newcastle United won the FA Cup two years in a row.

1951: Tottenham's Quick Rise

Tottenham Hotspur won the First Division for the first time, just one season after being promoted.

1950: Portsmouth Defends Title

Portsmouth defended their league title, winning on goal average.

The 1940s: Post-War Football Returns

1949: Portsmouth's First Title

Portsmouth won their first league title.

1948: United's Cup, Arsenal's Title

A record 83,260 people watched Manchester United vs Arsenal at Maine Road.
Manchester United ended a 37-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup.
Arsenal won the top-flight title.

1947: Liverpool's Post-War Title, Charlton's Cup

Liverpool won the first post-war league championship.
Charlton Athletic won the FA Cup, their first and only major trophy to date.

1946: League Football Resumes

League football resumed after the end of the Second World War.
The Football Association ended its boycott of FIFA, allowing England to play in World Cup matches.

The 1930s: Arsenal's Dominance and Records

1939: War Halts Football

The Football League season was stopped after three games due to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Portsmouth won the FA Cup.

1938: Champions Relegated

Manchester City became the first and only defending champions to be relegated.

1937: City's First Title, Sunderland's Cup

Manchester City won their first-ever league title.
Sunderland won the FA Cup for the first time.

1936: Sunderland's Sixth Title

Sunderland A.F.C. won their sixth league championship.

1935: Arsenal's Third Straight Title

Arsenal won their third successive league title.

1934: Chapman's Death, Crowd Record

Herbert Chapman, manager of Arsenal and Huddersfield Town, died.
A record 84,569 people watched Manchester City defeat Stoke City in the FA Cup at Maine Road.

1932: Everton's Title, Newcastle's Cup

Everton won the league championship.
Newcastle United won their third FA Cup trophy.

1931: Aston Villa's Goals, West Brom's Cup

Aston Villa set an all-time top-flight record of 128 goals in a season.
Second division West Bromwich Albion won the FA Cup.

1930: Wednesday Defends, Arsenal's First Trophy

Sheffield Wednesday defended their league championship.
Arsenal won their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup.
Everton were relegated for the first time.

The 1920s: New Rules and Wembley's Opening

1929: Wednesday's Title, Bolton's Cup

Sheffield Wednesday won the league championship.
Bolton Wanderers won the FA Cup for the third time.

1928: Shirt Numbers, Dixie Dean's Record

Arsenal and Chelsea were the first clubs to play with shirt numbers.
Dixie Dean became the first and only player to score 60 goals in one season in English football, helping Everton win the top-flight title.

1927: Newcastle's Last Title, Cardiff's Cup

Newcastle United won their fourth and last top-flight title to date.
The FA Cup was won by a team from outside England for the first time, Cardiff City.

1926: Huddersfield's Three-Peat

Huddersfield Town became the first team to be the Football League champions three seasons in a row.

1925: Offside Rule Change

The offside rule was changed: a player was now onside if a minimum of two (instead of three) opposing players were between him and the goal line.

1924: Huddersfield's First Title, Newcastle's Cup

Huddersfield Town won the league for the first time.
Newcastle United won the FA Cup in what was known as the "Rainy Day Final."

1923: Wembley's First Final, White Horse Final

Bolton Wanderers defeated West Ham United in the first FA Cup final held at Wembley. The match was delayed due to overcrowding and is known as the White Horse Final.
Aston Villa player Tommy Ball was murdered, the only Football League player to have been killed.

1921: League Expansion, Burnley's Record

The Football League expanded to 92 clubs.
Burnley won their first top-flight title, going a record 30 matches unbeaten.

1920: Southern League Joins, Aston Villa's Cup

The Southern Football League's top division was absorbed into the Football League, creating the Football League Third Division.
Aston Villa won the FA Cup for a record sixth time.

The 1910s: War and New Champions

1919: Leeds City Expelled, Leeds United Formed

Leeds City were expelled and dissolved due to financial problems. A new club, Leeds United, was formed in its place.

1915: Everton's Title, War Suspension

Everton won the final league title before league football was suspended due to the First World War.

1914: Blackburn's Second Title

Blackburn Rovers won their second league title.

1913: Sunderland's Title, Villa's Cup

Sunderland A.F.C. won their fifth league championship.
Aston Villa won the FA Cup.

1912: Blackburn's First Title

Blackburn Rovers won their first league title.

1911: Bradford City's Only Major Honour

Bradford City won the FA Cup, their only major honour.

1910: Aston Villa's Record, Charity Shield Begins

Aston Villa won the league championship for a record sixth time.
The Charity Shield was started.
Brighton & Hove Albion won the 1910 FA Charity Shield.

The 1900s: New Clubs and First Transfers =

1909: Manchester United's First FA Cup

Manchester United won their first-ever FA Cup title.

1908: United's First Title, Olympic Gold

Manchester United F.C. won their first league championship.
The Great Britain football team won the gold medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
Second division Wolverhampton Wanderers upset Newcastle United in the FA Cup final.

1907: Players' Association Formed

The Professional Footballers' Association was formed to represent players.

1906: Liverpool's Second Title, Everton's First Cup

Liverpool F.C. won their second league championship.
Everton won the FA Cup for the first time.

1905: First £1,000 Transfer, Chelsea Founded

Alf Common became the first £1,000 transfer when he moved from Sunderland to Middlesbrough.
Chelsea Football Club was founded on March 14.
Aston Villa won the FA Cup.
Crystal Palace was founded on September 10.

1904: Sheffield Wednesday's First Title, City's Cup

Sheffield Wednesday won their first-ever league championship.
Manchester City won the FA Cup.

1903: Bradford City Joins League

Bradford City were elected to the Football League before they had even played a game.

1902: United's New Name, Sunderland's Title

Sunderland A.F.C. won their fourth league championship.
J.H. Davies took over the struggling Newton Heath club and changed its name to Manchester United.
Sheffield United won the FA Cup.

1901: Tottenham's FA Cup, Liverpool's First Title

Tottenham Hotspur became the first non-league club to win the FA Cup.
Liverpool F.C. won their first league title.

1900: Aston Villa's Fifth Title

Aston Villa won the league championship, their fifth title in seven years.
Brighton & Hove Albion were founded.

The 1890s: League Expansion and Early Doubles

1899: Aston Villa's Last 1800s Title

Aston Villa won the last championship of the 1800s.
Sheffield United won the FA Cup.

1898: Sheffield United's First Title

Sheffield United won the league title for the first and only time.
Portsmouth F.C. was formed.

1897: Aston Villa's Second Double

Aston Villa won their third league title and the FA Cup, achieving the second "Double" in English football.

1896: Aston Villa's League Title

Aston Villa won the league title.

1895: Sunderland's Third Title, Stolen FA Cup

Sunderland A.F.C. became the first team to win the league championship three times.
Aston Villa won the FA Cup. The Cup was then stolen and never found.
Thames Ironworks F.C. were formed, later becoming West Ham United.

1894: Aston Villa's First Title, Manchester City Renamed

Aston Villa won their first league championship.
St Mark's West Gorton was renamed Manchester City.

1893: Sunderland Retains Title

Sunderland A.F.C. retained the league championship.

1892: League Expansion, Liverpool Founded

The Football League expanded to two divisions.
John Houlding, owner of Anfield, founded Liverpool Football Club on March 15.
West Bromwich Albion defeated Aston Villa in the FA Cup final.

1891: Everton's First Title, Penalty Kick Introduced

Everton won their first league championship.
The penalty kick was introduced.
Assistant referees were first introduced as linesmen.

1890: First Professional Player in South England

Luton Town player Frank Whitby became the first professional player in the south of England.

The 1880s: The Football League Begins

1889: Preston's Invincible Double

Preston North End completed the first season of The Football League as unbeaten champions. They also won the FA Cup without conceding a goal, becoming the first team to win the "double."
Sheffield United was formed.

1888: The Football League Established

The oldest professional league in the world, The Football League, was established by Aston Villa director William McGregor.

1887: Aston Villa's First FA Cup

Aston Villa won their first FA Cup.

1886: Blackburn's Third Cup, Arsenal Founded

Blackburn Rovers won the FA Cup for a third year in a row.
Dial Square was founded, the team that went on to become Arsenal.

1885: Professionalism Legalized

Professionalism in football was legalized by The Football Association.
Luton Town, Millwall Rovers, and Southampton were founded.

1884: Preston Suspended, Rival Association

Preston North End were suspended from the FA Cup for paying players.
Rules attempting to restrict professionalism led to the formation of the British Football Association as a rival to The Football Association.

1883: British Home Championship Begins

The British Home Championship became an annual competition between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Bristol Rovers F.C. was formed.

1882: Uniform Rules, Tottenham Formed

The four UK football associations met and agreed on one uniform set of rules for football. They also established the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to approve rule changes.
Burnley F.C. was formed.
Hotspur Football Club was formed (later to become Tottenham Hotspur).

1880: St'Marks Formed

St'Marks (West Gorton) was formed in Manchester.

The 1870s: Early Clubs and First International Match

1879: Doncaster and Sunderland Formed

Doncaster Rovers and Sunderland A.F.C. were formed.

1878: First Floodlit Match, Newton Heath Formed

The first floodlit football match was played at Bramall Lane, Sheffield.
Newton Heath LYR Football Club was formed (later known as Manchester United Football Club).
St Domingo's FC was formed, later changing its name to Everton.

1876: Middlesbrough Formed

Middlesbrough Football Club was formed.

1875: Crossbar Introduced, Birmingham City Formed

The crossbar was introduced, replacing tape to mark the top of the goal.
Birmingham City was formed, under the name Small Heath Alliance.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club was formed.

1874: Aston Villa and Bolton Formed

Aston Villa Football Club was formed.
Bolton Wanderers F.C. was formed.

1872: First Official International Match, First FA Cup Final

Scotland and England drew 0-0 in what is recognized as the first official international match.
Wanderers beat Royal Engineers in the first FA Cup final.

1871: FA Cup Created

Charles William Alcock created the Football Association Challenge Cup, and the first tournament took place.

1870: First England vs Scotland Match

A match between England and Scotland finished in a 1-0 win for England. This was the first match between the nations but is not recognized as the first official international.

The 1860s: Early Clubs and Rules =

1867: First Tournament, Sheffield Wednesday Formed

The first-ever football tournament, the Youdan Cup, was played by twelve Sheffield clubs.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club was established.

1865: Nottingham Forest Formed

Nottingham Forest F.C., the oldest existing league club, was established.

1863: The Football Association Founded

The Football Association was founded and approved the original 14 rules of the game.

1862: Notts County Formed

Notts County, the oldest professional football club in the world, was formed.

The 1850s: Oldest Club and Rules =

1857: Sheffield FC Formed

Sheffield F.C., the world's oldest football club, was established, and the Sheffield Rules were developed.

The 1840s: Early Rules and Referees =

1849: Referees Appear

Official referees appeared for the first time in a football match in Cheltenham.

1848: Cambridge Rules Created

The Cambridge Rules were created, the first attempt to establish formal rules for football.

1845: First Use of Referee in Public Schools

The first use of a referee in English public school football games was seen at Eton.

1842: First Use of Referee in Rochdale

The first use of a referee was recorded during a match in Rochdale.

The 1820s: Early Descriptions of Play =

1823: First Description of a Pass

The first description of a "pass" in football came from Suffolk.

The 1790s: The First Football Club =

1796: The Gymnastic Society

The last meetings of The Gymnastic Society, considered the first football club in the world, took place.

All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:

Timeline of English football Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.