Matt Saltmer
Steve Michaels
Rick Gillispie
Mark Modi
David HardingEngland's top Division in the 1800s
December 18th 2010 03:03
Back in 1888 Twelve teams started what today is watched by millions of fans. These Clubs had no idea what they were creating but man we sure love them for it.
From 1888 to the end of the 1899 season the league grew from twelve teams to eighteen. Went from being called the English Football League to English Division One.
Over these eleven seasons in the 1800s five teams would call themselves Champions but the question is who was the best club of the 1800s when it comes to this league.
I will give you a few facts about the clubs that participated and you can decided. Take in mind that two points were given for a victory during this time and over the years and more teams were added more points were awarded.
Your Champions:
Preston North End 89,90
Aston Villa 94,96, 97,99
Everton 91
Sunderland 92,93,95
Sheffield United 98
Point Total for Top teams for the Eleven years
Aston Villa 384 points in 11 seasons
Everton 362 points in 11 seasons
Preston North End 347 points in 11 seasons
Sunderland 331 points in 9 seasons
Blackburn Rovers 312 points in 11 seasons
Wolverhampton Wanderers 308 points in 11 seasons
Derby County 302 points in 11 seasons
Bolton Wanderers 301 points in 11 seasons
22 clubs played in the league for at least one season only eight teams played in all 11 years. West Bromwich Albion is the other team not listed above that played all 11 seasons.
Manchester United played in two seasons gaining a total of 32 points, Newcastle United played one season and earned 30 points, Liverpool played in four seasons earning 126 points while the other champion not listed above Sheffield United played in only six seasons earning 196 points.
Since this league was just taking off some teams chose to enter in later years or maybe the club was just formed so since your club might have only performed in one or two seasons doesn't really mean anything.
It is easy to see that Preston North End started out the best team and then it was Sunderland and Aston Villa's turn to take the throne.
In my uneducated opinion Aston Villa was the best team of the 1800s with Sunderland a close second. Everton would beat out Preston North End because the were always a top team.
So what do you think?
Other teams that competed:
Burnley 10 seasons 252 points
Stoke City 10 seasons 230 points
Nottingham Forest 7 seasons 206 points
Sheffield Wednesday 7 seasons 198 points
Notts County 7 seasons 166 points
Accrington 5 seasons 103 points
Bury 4 seasons 116 points
Birmingham City 2 seasons 45 points
Darwen 2 seasons 30 points
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Yes Matt i was going to do the next decade but who knows maybe another team besides Newcastle will earn the top spot.