[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5a/Premier_League.svg[/img]
[b]What is it?[/b]
It is a football league, and is currently ranked first among all the other leagues. Only 20 football clubs will be inside, and it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The reason its called 'BARCLAYS' Premier League is because it is sponsored by the Barclay's Bank.
The current League Table:
[img]http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3121/gggggggggggggggggggggggi.png[/img]
And the current fixtures:
[img]http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5017/ggggggggggggggggggggggg.png[/img]
[b]CLUBS[/b]
[b]ARSENAL[/b]
[img]http://www.topnews.in/files/Arsenal.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1886, a group of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory formed a team called Dial Square, renaming themselves to Royal Arsenal shortly afterwards. The team turned professional in 1891 and changed its name again to Woolwich Arsenal, eventually dropping the prefix completely in 1913 when they moved to Highbury.
The Gunners joined the Second Division in 1893 and were promoted in 1904. Success eluded them until the arrival of Herbert Chapman in 1925 when they won the league five times between 1930 and 1938 and the FA Cup twice. Chapman, who died in 1934, was also behind the renaming of the nearest London Underground station to Arsenal.
Arsenal had to wait until the 1970s for their next period of success. But their first double in 1971 was followed by several near-misses - finishing second in 1972, and losing three FA Cup finals and the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup final.
It was not until the return of ex-player George Graham as manager that the club rose to greatness again - winning six trophies during his nine-year reign. That included League Cup success in 1987 and 1993, the FA Cup in 1993, the league title in 1989 and 1991 and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Arsenal hold the enviable record of the most consecutive seasons in the top flight - 91 at present.
[b]ASTON VILLA[/b]
[img]http://files.dailycontributor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/aston-villa-vs-everton-livestream.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1874, a group of cricketers needing something to occupy them during winter happened to see a game of football in the park - thus Aston Villa was born. Their first match was unusual in that the first half was played under rugby rules and the second under football rules. Villa fast became the Midlands' dominant side, beating Small Heath Alliance - later to become arch rivals Birmingham City - 22-0 on one occasion.
Aston Villa were one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888 and enjoyed instant success. In the 1890s, they won five titles in seven seasons. Villa won the league and cup double in 1897. A week later, they moved to Aston Lower Grounds, which the fans dubbed Villa Park.
Villa's winning ways continued into the early 1900s, but their fortunes dwindled and in 1937 they were relegated. After the Second World War, the team was totally rebuilt. But apart from a 1957 FA Cup win, previous levels of success were never achieved.
A new low was reached when Villa were relegated to the Third Division in 1971. The club's fortunes changed 10 years later when Ron Saunders led them to the league title. The following year, in 1982, under caretaker manager Tony Barton, the club won the European Cup with victory over Bayern Munich.
Villa were relegated from the top flight in 1987 but bounced back at the first attempt. They finished Premier League runners-up under manager Ron Atkinson in 1993 and League Cup wins over Manchester United and Leeds followed in 1994 and 1996 respectively.
[b] Birmingham City[/b]
[img]http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Birmingham_City_FC_logo.png[/img]
HISTORY:
A band of cricketers from Holy Church in Bordesley Green founded the club under the name of Small Heath Alliance in 1875. The club turned professional 10 years later, agreeing to pay their players half the gate receipts. In 1879, the first match between the two sides was recorded as a victory to Small Heath by "one goal and a disputed goal to nil."
The Blues were founding members of the Football League Second Division in 1892 and were champions in their first season. They became Birmingham City FC in 1905 and moved into their permanent home of St Andrews Stadium a year later. To facilitate this move, a group of gypsies had to be evicted and it is rumoured they put a curse on the ground as they left. Fans still blame this curse during every bad run.
The club have spent most of their existence bouncing between the top two flights - their Second Division title in 1955 was notable in that they beat Luton Town on goal average by just 0.297 of a goal. Their only major cup victory - the 1963 League Cup - was made even sweeter in that it was over rivals Aston Villa.
[b]Blackburn rovers[/b]
[img]http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/blackburnrovers.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Blackburn Rovers were born at a hotel meeting on 5th November 1875, organised by Shrewsbury school old boys Arthur Constantine and John Lewis. The club's patronage by the wealthy middle classes helped it stay afloat and outlive many of the other clubs in the area.
As one of the top clubs, they were approached in 1888 to become one of the 12 founding members of the Football League. They finished the inaugural season in fourth place and unbeaten at home.
Rovers moved into their permanent home at Ewood Park in September 1890 and marked their first season there with a fifth FA Cup win. But a downturn in fortunes saw them narrowly escape relegation on several occasions and the 1928 FA Cup victory was their last major trophy for 67 years.
Rovers were relegated from the top flight for the first time in 1936, signaling the start of their long struggle to regain their status as a top team. Relegation in 1966 saw the beginning of their 26-year exile from the top flight and it was not until Walker and his millions came on board in 1991 that Blackburn returned to their glory days.
[b]Blackpool[/b]
[img]http://www.gr8escapehotel.co.uk/Blackpool_FC.png[/img]
HISTORY:
Blackpool Football Club were formed on 26th July 1887, after a merger with a breakaway group from the local St. John's Football Club.
The club's first foray into the Football league lasted just three seasons. They joined the 16-team Second Division in 1896/97 but, after finishing third-bottom, were not re-elected at the end of the 1898-99 campaign.
The Seasiders spent 1899/1900 back in the Lancashire League, finishing third. After the Football League's annual meeting, on 25th May 1900, they were admitted back into Division Two.
During their 12 months out of the League, Blackpool amalgamated with local rivals South Shore.
A year later they moved from Raikes Hall to a new ground at Gamble's Field, on Bloomfield Road - the name by which the stadium is now known.
They won the Division 2 title in 1930 to reach the top flight for the first time, staying there for three years. After four seasons back in the Second Division, they regained their place among the elite in 1937, remaining there for 30 years.
Blackpool enjoyed a golden era in the Fifties with the highlight being their 1953 FA Cup win.
It has for ever become known as the Matthews Final for the dazzling wing play of Sir Stanley Matthews - even though it was Stan Mortensen who scored a hat-trick as they came from 3-1 down to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3.
It was the club's third Wembley appearance in six seasons following FA Cup final defeats by Manchester United and Newcastle United.
They finished runners-up in the top division in 1956 and supplied four members of the England team which faced Hungary in 1953.
The Tangerines were relegated in 1967 but bounced back to Division 1 in 1970 where they remained for just one season before beginning a decline which took 39 years to redeem.
After seven years in the second tier and three in the third, Blackpool dropped into the basement division for the first time in their history in 1981.
They finished fourth from bottom of the entire league in 1983 and suffered the indignity of having to apply for re-election.
The Seasiders survived that and went on to finish second in 1985 to climb back to Division 3.
Five years later they dropped back to Division 4, winning promotion via the play-offs in 1992 thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over Scunthorpe United.
After narrowly avoiding the drop over the next two seasons, the club brought in Sam Allardyce as manager in the summer of 1994.
He led them to a mid-table finish and then third place only to lose 3-2 on aggregate to Bradford City in the play-off semi-finals after being 2-0 up from the first leg.
He was replaced by Gary Megson then Nigel Worthington and former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon who was unable to stave off relegation back to the bottom division in 2000.
Promotion was achieved at the first attempt, again via the play-offs - and that system has proved profitable for the club.
Blackpool have now become the first club to go through all four divisions, winning promotion via the play-offs.
Simon Grayson led them to a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town at Wembley in 2007 and now his successor Ian Holloway has completed the journey.
[b]Bolton Wanderers[/b]
[img]http://soccerlens.com/files/2010/05/bolton.png[/img]
HISTORY:
The club was founded as Christ Church FC in 1874, but changed its name to Bolton Wanderers three years later. They were one of 12 founder members of the Football League which was formed in 1888. Bolton finished FA Cup runners-up in 1894 and were losing finalists again 10 years later, before making it third time lucky with victory over West Ham United in the 1923 final. More FA Cup success arrived in 1926 when they beat Manchester City and again in 1929 with a triumph over Portsmouth.
There was another FA Cup Final appearance in 1953, but Bolton suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of a Stanley Matthews-inspired Blackpool. Five years later, they made up for the disappointment by winning the FA Cup for the fourth time with victory over Manchester United.
Bolton had a 29-year spell from 1935 in the top flight and eventually slipped into the league's lowest tier in 1987. They eventually clawed their way back to the top flight in 1995. And as a Division One team, made an heroic run to the League Cup Final but lost out to Liverpool.
They suffered the same fate again - losing to Middlesbrough in the 2004 League Cup Final - although a club-best finish of eighth in the Barclaycard Premierhip softened the blow.
[b]Chelsea[/b]
[img]http://www.onlineticketexpress.com/images/info_center/video_spotlight/chelsea.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Chelsea were formed in 1905 and were elected into the Second Division of the Football League. They just missed out on silverware 10 years later with an FA Cup final defeat. The Blues had to wait for their first major trophy in 1955, when under manager Ted Drake, they won the league title. Chelsea claimed the League Cup for the first time in 1965 and were defeated in the FA Cup final two years later.
Featuring the likes of Ron 'Chopper' Harris, Ian Hutchison and Peter Osgood, Chelsea overcame Leeds to win the FA Cup in 1970. In the following season, they clinched the European Cup Winners' Cup with a replay victory over Real Madrid.
Financial problems meant the Stamford Bridge club dropped into the Second Division, and at one point they were close to falling to the Third Division.
They eventually won their place back in the top flight in 1984, but their stay only lasted four seasons. They clawed their way back to the First Division again as Second Division champions in 1989 and have remained in the top flight ever since.
[b]Everton[/b]
[img]http://www.ligafutbol.net/wp-content/2009/04/everton_fc.png[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1878, the club was founded as St. Domingo FC so that the people from the parish of St Domingo's Church could participate in a sport outside of the summer months, when they played cricket. The team began playing on Stanley Park with no dressing rooms, carrying their own goalposts out onto the pitch. When people outside of the parish wanted to participate, the club was renamed Everton a year later.
Players recruited from other clubs were allowed to wear the shirts of their former teams and this caused much confusion. The need for a unified kit led to the dieing of the many different shirts black in order to avoid purchasing a brand new strip. The first league title arrived in the 1890/91 season. Royal Blue was settled on for the 1901/02 campaign.
The signing of Dixie Dean in 1925 prompted the Toffees' first sustained period of success. His 60 goals in 39 league matches in the championship-winning 1927/28 season is still a top flight record.
A subsequent relegation and immediate promotion two years later, was followed by another title triumph on their return to the top flight in 1931/32. A second FA Cup victory was achieved with a 3-0 win over Manchester City a season after and the era ended with a title win in the 1938/39 season.
The appointment of Howard Kendall as manager in 1981 heralded the most successful period in Everton's history. The league title was claimed in the 1984/85 and 1986/87 seasons, while the FA Cup was won in 1984. The Toffees' only European trophy arrived in the form of a Cup Winners' Cup final defeat of Rapid Vienna in 1984/85.
[b]Fulham[/b]
[img]http://7ft.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/fulham-fc.png[/img]
HISTORY:
The club was formed in 1879 as Fulham St Andrew's Church Sunday School. Fulham were founded by worshippers of the C of E church in Star Road, West Kensington. The church is still in existence today, with a plaque commemorating the team's foundation. The club's name was shortened to its present form in 1888.
Fulham started playing at Craven Cottage in 1896 and gained professional status on 12th December 1898. The club's first recorded all-white kit was worn in 1903 and since then they have played in a white shirt with black shorts.
Fulham's Premier League consolidation is quite an achievement in view of the lowest ebb of the 1990s. The club was relegated to the Third Division in 1994 and two years later finished 17th out of 24 teams.
But the appointment of Micky Adams as manager saw the Cottagers quickly promoted again, and two more subsequent promotions under Kevin Keegan and then Tigana earned Fulham a swift return to the top flight. With just 1,000 season ticket holders and seven full-time staff during the darkest days of the mid-nineties, Fulham's transformation is no mean feat.
Their training ground and Youth Academy can be found near to Motspur Park and was where Chariots of Fire was filmed. Fulham are the oldest professional team in London.
[b]Liverpool[/b]
[img]http://www.fanfootball.co.uk/images/liverpool-fc-crest.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1891, John Houlding purchased Anfield after Everton left the ground for Goodison Park following a seven-year tenancy. With an empty stadium and only three players remaining, Houlding formed Liverpool Football Club on 15th March 1892. Everton FC and Athletic Grounds, Ltd, or Everton Athletic was to be the name, but the Football Association refused to recognise the team as Everton. Liverpool's first-ever competitive match was in the Lancashire League, where a predominantly Scottish team defeated Higher Walton 8-0 on 23rd September 1892. Liverpool won their first title in 1901 after gaining promotion to the First Division in 1894.
The appointment of Bill Shankly in 1959 was the beginning of a golden era for Liverpool. He led the club to promotion to the First Division in 1962 and they have stayed there ever since. The title was secured in 1964 and 1966, with a first-ever FA Cup final victory sandwiched in between. A year after winning the Uefa Cup, Shankly retired and was replaced by his assistant Bob Paisley.
Within two seasons, the Reds had won the league, and the Uefa Cup for a second time. Paisley's nine-year reign saw Liverpool win 21 trophies, including three European Cups, six league titles, a Uefa Cup, and three League Cups. Joe Fagan took over in 1983 and inspired the club to the European Cup, League title, and League Cup in his first season.
[b]Manchester City[/b]
[img]http://www.iwebie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mcfc-logo-large.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1880, St Mark's Church established Manchester City FC which moved to Hyde Road seven years later and was renamed Ardwick AFC to reflect its new location. The club joined the Football League as founding members of the Second Division in 1892, and after experiencing financial difficulties in the 1893/94 campaign, were reformed as Manchester City FC.
The first major honour arrived in April 1904 when a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers secured the FA Cup. A fire in 1920 destroyed the Main Stand at Hyde Road and in 1923, the club moved to Maine Road in Moss Side, where they played in front of crowds of more than 70,000.
After winning the FA Cup again in 1934, the club won the league title for the first time three years later. Manchester City were relegated from the First Division in 1938 despite scoring more goals than any other team.
City have won the FA Cup four times, with the 1956 triumph over Birmingham City notable for goalkeeper Bert Trautmann continuing to play on despite unknowingly breaking his neck. A second title was claimed under the joint management of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison in 1968, with a dramatic 4-3 win at Newcastle United. They won the FA Cup in 1969 and the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later, followed by the League Cup in 1976.
Also, bonus:
[img]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/455/375/72853_Keeley_Manchester_City_122_436lo_display_image.jpg?1287597809[/img]
[b]Manchester United[/b]
[img]http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/manu.png[/img]
HISTORY:
Formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902. Six years later they clinched the Division One title, then the FA Cup in 1909, and another title triumph in 1911.
Matt Busby became manager in 1945 and steered United to championship victories in 1952, 1956 and 1957. They became the first English club to compete in the European Cup and reached the semi-final, before going out to Real Madrid. Tragedy struck in 1958 when the plane carrying the team home from a European match crashed, killing eight players.
Busby survived and led his rebuilt team to an FA Cup win in 1963, then league titles in 1965 and 1967. United won the European Cup in 1968 with victory over Benfica in the final - the first English club to do so. When Busby resigned in 1969, his successors failed to continue his glorious triumphs and United were relegated five years later.
They managed to regain their top-flight status at the first attempt and later won the FA Cup in 1977. More FA Cup success followed in 1983 and 1985. But it was United's 1990 FA Cup replay win over Crystal Palace that proved to be the springboard to becoming the force they are today.
It saved under-pressure manager Alex Ferguson from losing his job and he went on to win the European Cup Winners' Cup the season after and began their Premier League dominance with the 1993 title.
[b]Newcastle United[/b]
[img]http://premier-league-football.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/newcastle-united-football-club-logo.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
In 1881, Stanley Cricket Club formed a football team to occupy themselves in winter. A year later, they changed their name to East End FC, turning professional in 1889. In 1892, they took over fierce rivals West End and moved into their ground - St James' Park. And on 22nd December, the FA approved the name Newcastle United.
The Magpies joined the Football League in 1893 and swiftly became one of the game's giants - winning three league titles and an FA Cup by 1914. In 1934 they were relegated though - despite memorably defeating Liverpool 9-2 and Everton 7-3. The Magpies started to rebuild, helped enormously by former star Stan Seymour as director.
The end of the Second World War saw the birth of another great team. Newcastle signed Jackie Milburn after he responded to their advert for trialists, and with his help, they lifted the FA Cup three times in five years. They also recorded the highest victory in English League football, 13-0 over Newport County in 1946.
European success followed when the Magpies won the Fairs Cup - re-named the Uefa Cup in 1969 - despite a brief spell in Division Two, and in 1971 Malcolm Macdonald was signed from Luton Town. Devastating in front of goal, 'Supermac' led the Magpies to Wembley twice - in the FA Cup in 1974 and League Cup in 1976 - and quickly established himself as a Newcastle legend. The club have had their ups and downs since then but players such as Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle have seen them maintain their ethos of attractive and attacking football.
[b]Stoke City[/b]
[img]http://www.stokecityfc.com/javaImages/17/48/0,,10310~5130263,00.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
There is some doubt over when Stoke came into existence. It is reported that a club was formed in 1863 by former pupils of the Charterhouse School, but there is little evidence of matches being played.
A report in The Field magazine on 1868 stated that a club had been formed in Stoke-on-Trent and that its founder member was ex-Charterhouse School pupil Henry Almond.
So it is possible that matches had been played over the previous five years but the first on record played by Almond's team was in October 1868 and consisted mainly of railway employees. The team was called Stoke Ramblers.
The club turned professional in 1885, and became owners of their stadium, the Victoria Ground, around 1919. The club's most celebrated player Stanley Matthews made his debut in the 1930s and helped the club achieve promotion to the top flight in 1933.
Stoke mounted a serious title challenge in the 1946/47 season but missed out on the final day. Matthews, at the age of 32, opted to join Blackpool two matches earlier.
The club won its first major trophy in 1972 when beating Chelsea 2-1 to win the League Cup. They played a staggering 11 matches before achieving this feat.
The Potters have enjoyed sustained spells in the top tier of English football, while also residing in the Second Division, notably for a ten-year period in the 1950s and early 60s. Under Tony Waddington they remained in the First Division between 1963 and 1977, and it was in that period that they won their only major trophy.
Stoke had been back in the top flight for six successive seasons before they were relegated in 1984/85. The Potters remained in the Second Division for the rest of the decade. Between 1980 and 1990, the club had five managers and five chairmen.
Under Alan Ball, the club were relegated to the Third Division in 1991 and he failed to earn them promotion the following season. Lou Macari, though, steered them back up in time for the 1992/93 season, and made it two promotions in two campaigns by taking the club up to Division One that season.
Stoke consolidated their position for five seasons before relegation in 1997/98. Four seasons in the Second Division followed, until Thordarson took them back up.
[b]Sunderland[/b]
[img]http://www.fansfc.com/UploadedImages/Clubs/sunderland_633800542281260000.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Glaswegian schoolteacher James Allan founded Sunderland and District Teachers' Association Football Club in 1879, changing the name to Sunderland AFC a year later. They were elected to the newly-formed Football League in 1890/91 and were to remain in the top flight for 68 consecutive years - a record only recently passed by Arsenal.
Sunderland won the title three times in five years, only losing one home match in their first six seasons. The Mackems won another title in 1902, but a better prize in their fans eyes' was a 9-1 thrashing of fierce rivals Newcastle United - still a record away win in the top flight. The team came close to doing the double in 1913 but they lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Aston Villa.
A post-war slump saw them beaten by Yeovil Town in the FA Cup - the first time a non-league club had beaten a top-flight team - and worse, relegated in 1958. Sunderland have spent most of their time since then bouncing between the top two divisions, with their only real glory being a 1973 FA Cup win over Leeds United - the first time in 40 years a club outside the top flight had won the trophy.
The Black Cats reached their lowest point in 1987 as they were relegated to the Third Division. But successive promotions saw them back in the top flight two years later.
[b]Tottenham Hotspurs[/b]
[img]http://images.worldgallery.co.uk/i/prints/rw/lg/3/3/Maxi-Posters-Tottenham-Hotspur--Logo--331884.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Boys from Hotspur Cricket Club and the local grammar club formed Hotspur FC in 1882. The name was changed to Tottenham Hotspur in 1884. Three years later, they played their first north London derby, but the match was called off after 15 minutes "owing to darkness" - Spurs were beating Arsenal 2-1.
The club turned professional in 1885, but didn't join the football league until 1908. In the meantime, they became the only non-league team to win the FA Cup (in 1901) since the formation of the Football League in 1888.
Spurs became perceived as a big club when Bill Nicholson took over in 1958. He won his first match 10-4 - a sign of what was to come. In his 16 years at the club, Spurs won eight major trophies - becoming the first club in the 20th century to complete the league and cup 'double' in 1961 and the first British team to win a major European competition in 1963.
Further league success eluded Spurs and, following Nicholson's retirement, they even spent a brief stint in the Second Division in 1977/78. Their ethos of playing attacking football continued though - players that wowed the White Hart Lane faithful include Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker.
[b]West Browich Albion[/b]
[img]http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00028/badgewestbrom_28406t.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
The club was formed in 1878 by workers from George Salter's Spring Works in West Bromwich and took the name West Bromwich Strollers a year later.
They were renamed West Bromwich Albion in 1880 - Albion was a district of West Bromwich where some of the players lived or worked.
Albion entered the FA Cup in 1883 and were finalists in 1886 and 1887 before making it third time lucky with victory in the 1888 final where they beat Preston North End.
That same year, Albion became one of 12 founder members of the Football League and clinched the FA Cup again in 1892 with a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa.
Three years later, Villa beat them in the FA Cup final and relegation to Division Two followed in 1901 in the first season at their Hawthorns ground.
Although they won promotion at the first attempt as champions, they went down in their first season back in the top flight. Albion won the Division Two title in 1911 and were again FA Cup finalists a year later.
The club claimed the league title in 1920 - the only time in their history - and finished as runners-up five years later.
Another relegation to Division Two came in 1927, but in 1931 they were celebrating promotion and added the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet with victory over Birmingham City.
They were FA Cup finalists again in 1935 - were relegated three years later - but won promotion back to the big league in 1949 where they stayed for 24 seasons.
More FA Cup success arrived in 1954, when they also finished second in the top flight, establishing themselves as one of the best sides in the land.
The League Cup was won in 1966 to go with the FA Cup two years after for a fifth time. Albion were League Cup finalists in 1967 and 1970.
The Baggies have since spent the rest of their history between the top three divisions. Promotion to the Premier League was achieved in 2002.
[b]West Ham United[/b]
[img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VUUCpvLsmVM/SoWWY_0u0eI/AAAAAAAABhM/ElbIsukczrc/s320/West+Ham+Logo.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Founded in 1895, the club was originally known as Thames Ironworks FC, before it was re-named as West Ham United five years later. West Ham won promotion to the top flight in 1923 and the same year appeared in the first Wembley FA Cup Final. They clinched the FA Cup in 1964 and were crowned European Cup Winners' Cup winners in the following season.
More FA Cup glory arrived in 1975 and the Hammers were European Cup Winners' Cup finalists 12 months later. But in 1978, they suffered a blow with relegation from the top tier. But as a Second Division side, West Ham upset Arsenal to win the FA Cup in 1980. They won promotion in 1981 and spent eight seasons in the top flight - including a club-best finish of third in 1986 - before getting relegated in 1989.
West Ham regained their place in the top division in 1991, but had the pain of relegation after one season. However, they bounced back immediately with promotion back up at the first attempt in 1993. After a 10-year spell in the Premier League, the East London outfit suffered relegation again but won their place back in 2005.
[b]Wigan Athletic[/b]
[img]http://www.fansonline.net/images/wiganathletic/Wigan_athletic_new_badge.png[/img]
HISTORY:
The club was formed in 1932 following the demise of Wigan Borough the previous year. With Wigan County, Wigan United and Wigan Town also failing to establish themselves, this was fifth time lucky as far as Wigan Athletic were concerned.
Wigan hold the record for the biggest cup win by a non-league club over a league club. In the 1934/35 season, they defeated Carlisle United 6-1 in the FA Cup fifth round. This was achieved when playing in the Cheshire County League and it was not until 1978, and after appearances in the Lancashire Combination and Northern Premier League, that Wigan were elected to the Football League.
This came after numerous failed election attempts and a controversial application to join the Scottish League Second Division. They finished runners-up to Boston United in the Northern Premier League, but the latter's ground and facilities were deemed unsuitable for the Football League, and the Latics were put forward for election.
Wigan took their first step towards the Premier League in 1997 when they won the Third Division under John Deehan. Paul Jewell then earned promotion to the First Division with a points tally of 100 in 2002/03, just his second season at the club.
[b]Wolves[/b]
[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WFgVRCU8iwg/SkvEBCPyjrI/AAAAAAAAADE/fEKgNYccCuc/s320/wolves_logo.jpg[/img]
HISTORY:
Initially formed as St Luke's FC in 1877, the club became a founder member of the Football League 11 years later. In 1889, the club moved to their Molineux ground and reached the FA Cup final, losing 3-0 to Preston North End. The first of four FA Cup wins came in 1893, when they beat Everton 1-0.
In 1906, Wolves were relegated to the Second Division, but enjoyed another FA Cup win two years later, this time over favourites Newcastle United. In 1923 the club slipped further down the league system, with relegation to the Third Division (north.).
Success came 12 months later when they won Division Two. In 1932, they were promoted again, returning to the top-flight after a 26 year absence.
When Wolves old-boy Stan Cullis became manager in 1948, he oversaw one of the club's most triumphant periods, with an FA Cup win in 1949 being followed by three First Division titles in the fifties. Another FA Cup success, this time over Blackburn Rovers, came in 1960. After Cullis left the club in 1963, Wolves spent two seasons in the second tier before winning promotion once more.
Under manager Bill McGarry, the club made a UEFA Cup Final appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in 1972 and won the League Cup in 1974. In 1976 Wolves were relegated back to the Second Division, but they bounced back at the first time of asking, promoted as champions in 1977.
The early 1980s saw a League Cup win, a relegation to the Second Division, bankruptcy, and a promotion, followed by three successive relegations which left the club in the Fourth Division.
A change of ownership saw a dramatic improvement in the club's fortunes. The Molineux outfit won promotion from Division Four in 1987/88, which was followed by a second successive promotion a year later.
In 1990, Sir Jack Hayward bought the club and with his investment in the stadium and the team, the club enjoyed more stability, spending much of the 1990s pushing for a place in the Premier League, with several play-off final disappointments along the way.
The dream of Premier League football was eventually realised in 2003, with a play-off final win over Sheffield United at the Millennium Stadium clinching their promotion. Having seen his beloved club hit the big time, Hayward retired six months later.
A single season in the top-flight ended in relegation, with manager Dave Jones being dismissed shortly after. Former England manager Glenn Hoddle enjoyed a two-year spell at the club before Mick McCarthy took over the reins in the summer of 2006.
Then in August 2007, Redrow founder Steve Morgan bought Wolves for £10 plus a commitment to invest £30m into the club. In 2009, Wolves were promoted to the Barclays Premier League after being crowned Championship champions.
Next, I will do on the players themselves.
Where's Sunderland?
Anyway Nice thread!
U.n.i.t.e.d,
united are the team for me,
with a nic-nac paddy whack,
give a dog a bone,
why dont city fuck off home
He's 6 foot 3 He's hard as Fuck, Carroll,carroll
he scores against the best defence, Carroll, Carroll
he gets the ball,he scores a goal
he's not afraid to break your jaw
Andy Carroll Newcastle's Number 9!
Up the toon!
So are Newcastle strong enough to pull another upset against Chelsea this weekend?
[quote][img]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/455/375/72853_Keeley_Manchester_City_122_436lo_display_image.jpg?1287597809[/img][/quote]
More women in tight-fitting jerseys, please. That's the only part of soccer that interests me.
Tottenham for 2011 premier league champs
[editline]26th November 2010[/editline]
nah im guessing we're gonna come 3rd or 4th
Shweet, a Premier League thread.
[editline]26th November 2010[/editline]
[QUOTE=united forever;26318173]So are Newcastle strong enough to pull another upset against Chelsea this weekend?[/QUOTE]
Nope, not like they can repeat Sunderland's thrashing of them.
I remember when Reading were in the premiership, they beat Liverpool 3-1 and held Man U to a draw
[QUOTE=Arsonist;26355503]I remember when Reading were in the premiership, they beat Liverpool 3-1 and held Man U to a draw[/QUOTE]
i remember when they got renegated because they were shit...
[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;26318260]More women in tight-fitting jerseys, please. That's the only part of soccer that interests me.[/QUOTE]
[img]http://imgusr.celebscentral.net/images/users/19321/200718/keeley_hazell%7Ckeeleyhazellwins2big.jpg[/img]
Here's my view:
Always support Liverpool
Support Arsenal unless Arsenal are facing Liverpool
Only support United when they face Chelsea
Never support Chelsea
[QUOTE=BISCUIT_TINS;26360426]Here's my view:
Always support Liverpool
Support Arsenal unless Arsenal are facing Liverpool
Only support United when they face Chelsea
Never support Chelsea[/QUOTE]
Tottenham just scored 2 against Liverpool. Goddammit.
[QUOTE=Ignhelper;26360842]Tottenham just scored 2 against Liverpool. Goddammit.[/QUOTE]
Come on you Spurs!
I work at Aston Villa for the company that supplies and runs the big screen and pitch perimeter advertising, I sometimes control the gfx on screen and sometimes do work pitchside informing the director what's happening (substitutions, injuries etc), and organising the announcer.
The company also works with West Ham, West Brom and Everton, although i haven't worked at any of those yet.
[QUOTE=BISCUIT_TINS;26360426]Here's my view:
Always support Liverpool
Support Arsenal unless Arsenal are facing Liverpool
Only support United when they face Chelsea
Never support Chelsea[/QUOTE]
Always support Liverpool
Support Arsenal unless Arsenal are facing Liverpool
Only support Chelsea when they face United
Never support United
Yeah, hate the mancs too much
[editline]29th November 2010[/editline]
Ynwa
The Championship is where its at mate.
[img]http://www.ccfc.co.uk/javaImages/bb/99/0,,10269~3643835,00.jpg[/img]
Sky blue army!
[QUOTE=Mak123;26363165]The Championship is where its at mate.
[img_thumb]http://www.ccfc.co.uk/javaImages/bb/99/0,,10269~3643835,00.jpg[/img_thumb]
Sky blue army![/QUOTE]
Pfft.
[img_thumb]http://www.seacoastunited.org/imgs/home/OxfordUnitedLogo.jpg[/img_thumb] are so much better. :smug:
[QUOTE=Mattyyyy;26363449]Pfft.
[img_thumb]http://www.seacoastunited.org/imgs/home/OxfordUnitedLogo.jpg[/img_thumb] are so much better. :smug:[/QUOTE]
Pffft
[img_thumb]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ad/HibernianFC_crest.png[/img_thumb]
don't care who wins but fuck chelsea
[QUOTE=o DefcoN o;26363537]don't care who wins but fuck chelsea[/QUOTE]
fuck chelsea, man city, aston villa and west brom
oh and leicester.
Anyone but the Man United cunts, who are going to win the league this year because Chelsea don't want it and Arsenal can't defend for 90 minutes.
[img]http://www.myfavouriteshirt.com/userfiles/image/SWFC%20Logo%20CMYK%20420%20pixels%20wide.jpg[/img]
Till I Die.
[QUOTE=Mak123;26364312]fuck chelsea, man city, aston villa and west brom
oh and leicester.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, fuck the teams that aren't mainstream.
:geno:
[editline]28th November 2010[/editline]
United in the lead
[editline]28th November 2010[/editline]
The League Table is outdated.
1-1 Draw to Newcastle....our absence of winning games in the Premier League continues....and it's costing us points.
Got a fantastic month to look forward to now, considering five odd players are injured/suspended:
Everton - Tottenham - Manchester United - Bolton - Aston Villa
Cmon Chelsea!
Any Newcastle Fans?
Sorry, you need to Log In to post a reply to this thread.