Where are they now? A look back at the original Football League
Back in 1888-89, the Football League was born, and so was the obsession that has fills many of our lives up to the present day. So in 2013, how are the 12 original member clubs doing?
Preston – The inaugural winners of the top tier in English football have been struggling in recent seasons. After their relegation from the Championship last year, they have not threatened an immediate return, and lie 14th in League One.
Aston Villa – The club have been in the top flight since 1988, and are one of the six original Premier League members never to be relegated since the new branding. However, they are in danger of dropping this time around, currently 16th, five points clear of relegation with three games remaining.
Wolves – Currently facing a second successive relegation into League One, Wolves have enjoyed two short spells in the Premier League, but the sacking of Mick McCarthy has coincided with a steep decline in fortunes.
Blackburn – Similarly to Wolves, Blackburn have been battling a second successive relegation, but the Rovers are safe for now. Since winning the Premier League in 1995, there has been little to shout about, bar one League Cup triumph, and the ownership of the Venkys has been nothing short of a disaster.
Bolton – Another team to face Premier League relegation last year, they have been making a rather better fist of a promotion challenge. Currently sixth, Dougie Freedman has undone the damage of the first half of the season, and will hope to remain in promotion contention all the way to Wembley. The successful Big Sam days are long gone, but there is hope ahead.
West Brom – The Baggies have shaken off the yo-yo tag that dogged them in the mid-00s, and are now a stable force to be reckoned with, currently eighth in the Premier League as Steve Clarke’s successful debut managerial season draws to a close.
Accrington – Not the same club as Accrington Stanley, they only lasted five seasons before their financially-assisted closure.
Everton – The Toffees are the longest-serving members of the top flight, with a record 109 seasons under their belts. However, they have had no trophies since the 1995 League Cup, although they are a solid European challenger – currently 6th.
Burnley – The Clarets enjoyed one season in the top division recently, but 2009-10 ended in relegation. They currently lie mid-table, 13th in the Championship.
Derby – The Rams made the name of Brian Clough, and his son Nigel is keeping Derby afloat in the Championship, although will be hoping for a promotion challenge soon, and to finish higher than their current position of 12th.
Notts County – The Magpies finished 12th this season in League One. The club is the oldest to play at a professional level, but have been knocking around the lower leagues for years, being relegated from the top division just as the new Premier League was introduced.
Stoke – Since winning promotion to the Premier League, the Potters have never been in serious danger of relegation under Tony Pulis, but the club are a long way away from their 1930s hay day. They are the second oldest club after Notts County.
I wonder where they will all be in 2113!
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