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List of former English Football League clubs

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An action scene from a soccer match, played on a sun-soaked summer's day. Before an old-fashioned terraced stand packed to the rafters with fans, mostly clad in red, a penalty kick has just been taken by a player wearing a red shirt and white shorts. The ball is nestled in the bottom-right-hand corner of the net, with the goalkeeper helpless on the opposite side of his goal. Behind the penalty taker, a few players from each team can be seen on the edge of the penalty area.
Boston United were relegated from the League after a 3–1 defeat to Wrexham on the final day of the 2006–07 season, ending a five-year spell in the League. Wrexham were relegated in 2008, ending an 87-year spell.

The former member clubs of the English Football League are football clubs who lost their status in the League by resigning, or by relegation, by becoming defunct, merging with another club, or expulsion. Clubs presently playing in the Premier League are also included in this article.

The English Football League comprises professional clubs from England and Wales, and was established in 1888 as The Football League (First Division). In 1892, the Second Division was formed. A Third Division was introduced in 1920, before being regionalised as North and South. In 1958 these became the national Third and Fourth Division. The Premier League superseded the First Division as the top-flight of the English football league system in 1992, with the other three divisions renamed the First, Second and Third Divisions. They were rebranded again in 2004 as the Championship, League One and League Two.

Until 1986, clubs could lose their League status by failing to gain re-election after finishing in the bottom four of the bottom division (fourth tier). From the 1986–87 season, the club finishing bottom was relegated to the Conference National (now National League), the highest level of non-League football, depending on the ability of the Conference champions to meet FA requirements. Since 2002–03, the bottom two clubs of League Two face relegation to the National League.

Clubs

The tables show the first and last seasons in which each club competed in the League. Some clubs' membership was intermittent between their first and last seasons.

Clubs shown in bold were among the founder members of the League. As of 2023, the founder member clubs playing in the League are Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Derby County, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke City, and West Bromwich Albion. Preston have continuously been League members, whereas the others (except Notts County) have played in the Premier League at one time or another. Notts County has recently returned to the League after four seasons in the National League.

Five former members of the old Football League Division One no longer play in the Football League or Premier League: Bury, Bradford Park Avenue, Darwen, and Glossop North End and Oldham Athletic A.F.C.

Where a defunct club has been succeeded by a phoenix club, the new club is listed.

Former member clubs (no longer at English football levels 1–4)

Club First League
season		 Last League
season		 Reason Current status Ref(s)
Wales Aberdare Athletic 1921–22 1926–27 Not re-elected Merged with Aberaman as Aberdare and Aberaman, later Aberaman Town and now Aberdare Town in the South Wales Alliance League Premier Division
Accrington 1888–89 1892–93 Resigned Defunct
Accrington Stanley (1891) 1921–22 1961–62 Resigned Defunct, but a new Accrington Stanley formed in 1968 and are playing in EFL League Two
Aldershot 1932–33 1991–92 Liquidated Defunct, Aldershot Town later formed and are playing in the National League
Aldershot Town 2008–09 2012–13 Relegated Playing in the National League
Ashington 1921–22 1928–29 Not re-elected Playing in the Northern Premier League Division One East
Barnet 1991–92 2017–18 Relegated Playing in the National League
Bootle 1892–93 1892–93 Resigned Defunct. A new club, formed as Langton in 1953, changed name to Bootle in 1973, and now playing in the Northern Premier League Division One West
Boston United 2002–03 2006–07 Relegated Playing in the National League
Bradford Park Avenue 1908–09 1969–70 Not re-elected Defunct, revived version of the club playing in the Northern Premier League Division One East
Burton Swifts 1892–93 1900–01 Merged with Burton Wanderers to form Burton United Defunct, a successor club formed in 1950 Burton Albion F.C. plays in EFL League One
Burton United 1901–02 1906–07 Not re-elected Defunct, a successor club formed in 1950 Burton Albion F.C. plays in EFL League One
Burton Wanderers 1894–95 1896–97 Not re-elected; later merged with Burton Swifts to form Burton United Defunct, a successor club formed in 1950 Burton Albion F.C. plays in EFL League One
Bury 1894–95 2018–19 Expelled; later merged with successor club, Bury A.F.C. Expelled during the 2019–20 season without playing a match, due to inability to pay liabilities. Playing in the North West Counties League Premier Division
Chester City 1931–32 2008–09 Relegated Defunct, successor club Chester playing in the National League North
Dagenham & Redbridge 2007–08 2015–16 Relegated Playing in the National League
Darlington 1921–22 2009–10 Relegated Defunct, revived version of the club playing in the National League North
Darwen 1891–92 1898–99 Resigned Defunct, AFC Darwen later formed and are playing in the North West Counties League Division One North
Durham City 1921–22 1927–28 Not re-elected Defunct. Revived club playing in the Wearside League Division One
Forest Green Rovers 2017–18 2023–24 Relegated Playing in the National League
Gainsborough Trinity 1896–97 1911–12 Not re-elected Playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Gateshead 1919–20 1959–60 Not re-elected Defunct. New Gateshead (National League) and South Shields (Northern Premier League Premier Division) clubs formed
Glossop 1898–99 1914–15 Not re-elected Playing in the North West Counties League Premier Division
Halifax Town 1921–22 2001–02 Relegated Defunct, FC Halifax Town later formed and are playing in the National League
Hartlepool United 1921–22 2022–23 Relegated Playing in the National League
Hereford United 1972–73 2011–12 Relegated Defunct, successor club Hereford playing in the National League North
Kidderminster Harriers 2000–01 2004–05 Relegated Playing in the National League North
Leeds City 1905–06 1919–20 Expelled Defunct, successor club Leeds United playing in the EFL Championship
Loughborough 1895–96 1899–1900 Not re-elected Defunct
Macclesfield Town 1997–98 2019–20 Relegated Defunct, successor club Macclesfield playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Maidstone United 1989–90 1991–92 Liquidated Defunct, revived version of the club playing in the National League South
Wales Merthyr Town 1920–21 1929–30 Not re-elected Defunct, revived version playing in Southern League Premier Division South
Middlesbrough Ironopolis 1893–94 1893–94 Resigned Defunct
Nelson 1921–22 1930–31 Not re-elected Defunct, revived version playing in the North West Counties League Division One North
New Brighton 1923–24 1950–51 Not re-elected Defunct
New Brighton Tower 1898–99 1900–01 Liquidated Defunct
Wales Newport County 1920–21 1987–88 Relegated Defunct, revived version of the club playing in EFL League Two
Northwich Victoria 1892–93 1893–94 Resigned Playing in the Midland League Premier Division
Oldham Athletic 1907–08 2021–22 Relegated Playing in the National League
Rochdale 1921–22 2022–23 Relegated Playing in the National League
Rotherham County 1919–20 1924–25 Merged with Rotherham Town (1899) to form Rotherham United Defunct, Rotherham United playing in the EFL League One
Rotherham Town 1893–94 1895–96 Resigned Defunct, Rotherham United playing in the EFL League One
Rushden & Diamonds 2001–02 2005–06 Relegated Defunct, AFC Rushden & Diamonds playing in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands
Scarborough 1987–88 1998–99 Relegated Defunct, Scarborough Athletic later formed and are playing in the National League North
Scunthorpe United 1950–51 2021–22 Relegated Playing in the National League North
Southend United 1920–21 2020–21 Relegated Playing in the National League
Southport 1921–22 1977–78 Not re-elected Playing in the National League North
Stalybridge Celtic 1921–22 1922–23 Resigned Playing in the Northern Premier League Division One West
Sutton United 2021–22 2023–24 Relegated Playing in the National League
Thames 1930–31 1931–32 Resigned Defunct
Torquay United 1927–28 2013–14 Relegated Playing in the National League South
Wigan Borough 1921–22 1930–31 Resigned midway through season Defunct, successor club Wigan Athletic playing in EFL League One
Wimbledon 1977–78 2003–04 Relocated and became Milton Keynes Dons. Became Milton Keynes Dons are playing in League Two
Workington 1951–52 1976–77 Not re-elected Playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Yeovil Town 2003–04 2018–19 Relegated Playing in the National League
York City 1929–30 2015–16 Relegated Playing in the National League

Current members of the Premier League (2024–25)

Club First League
season		 Last League
season		 Ref(s)
Arsenal 1893–94 1991–92
Aston Villa 1888–89 2018–19
Bournemouth 1923–24 2021–22
Brentford 1920–21 2020–21
Brighton & Hove Albion 1920–21 2016–17
Chelsea 1905–06 1991–92
Crystal Palace 1920–21 2012–13
Everton 1888–89 1991–92
Fulham 1907–08 2021–22
Ipswich Town 1938–39 2023–24
Leicester City 1894–95 2023–24
Liverpool 1893–94 1991–92
Manchester City 1892–93 2001–02
Manchester United 1892–93 1991–92
Newcastle United 1893–94 2016–17
Nottingham Forest 1892–93 2021–22
Southampton 1920–21 2023–24
Tottenham Hotspur 1908–09 1991–92
West Ham United 1919–20 2011–12
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1888–89 2017–18

See also

Footnotes

  1. Aldershot resigned during the 1991–92 season and the club's record was expunged from the table.
  2. Leeds City were expelled and forcibly wound up by the FA during the 1919–20 season and the club's place, record and remaining fixtures in the league were assumed by Port Vale.
  3. Maidstone United were included in the fixtures for the 1992–93 season but folded and resigned after postponing their first match.

References

General
Specific
  1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 – 1939. Tony Brown. pp. 297–298. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  2. "The Football League 1958–1959". Historical Football Kits. Archived from the original on 20 September 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  3. ^ "History of the Football League". The Football League. 22 September 2010. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  4. "A short history of the Football League". soccer.mistral.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 April 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  5. Barnes, Stuart (2007). News of the World Football Annual 2007–2008. Invincible Press. p. 58. ISBN 978-0-00-725555-9.
  6. "Guide to the Non-League Pyramid". BBC Sport. 31 March 2008. Archived from the original on 19 April 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  7. "The fight for survival". BBC Sport. 30 March 2003. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  8. "Aberdare Athletic". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  9. "Accrington". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  10. "Accrington Stanley{1}". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 18 June 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  11. ^ "Aldershot". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 23 June 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  12. "Aldershot Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  13. "Ashington". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 19 April 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  14. "Barnet". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 13 May 2018. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  15. "Bootle{1}". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  16. "Boston United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  17. "Bradford Park Avenue". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 18 August 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  18. "Burton Swifts". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  19. "Burton United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  20. "Burton Wanderers". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  21. "Bury expelled by English Football League after takeover collapses". 27 August 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  22. "Chester City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2009.
  23. "Dagenham & Redbridge". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  24. "Darlington". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
  25. "Darwen". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 6 June 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  26. "Durham City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  27. "Forest Green Rovers". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  28. "Gainsborough Trinity". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  29. "Gateshead{1}". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 17 June 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  30. "Glossop North End". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  31. "Glossop". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  32. "Halifax Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  33. "Hartlepool United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  34. "Hereford United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 26 December 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  35. "Kidderminster Harriers". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  36. ^ "Leeds City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 September 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  37. "Loughborough Town [sic]". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 September 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  38. "Macclesfield Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  39. "Maidstone United". Historical Football Kits. Archived from the original on 21 August 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  40. "Maidstone United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 21 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  41. "Merthyr Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 21 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  42. "Middlesbrough Ironopolis". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  43. "Nelson". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  44. "New Brighton". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  45. "New Brighton Tower". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 22 August 2008.
  46. "Newport County". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  47. "Northwich Victoria". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  48. "Oldham Athletic". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  49. "Rochdale". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  50. "Rotherham County". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  51. "Rotherham Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 5 July 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  52. "Rushden & Diamonds". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  53. "Edinburgh's sadness as Rushden & Diamonds reach end of the road". The Local. 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  54. "Scarborough". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  55. "Scunthorpe United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  56. "Barrow 1-2 Southend United". BBC Sport. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  57. "Southport". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  58. "Stalybridge Celtic". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  59. "Sutton relegated after draw at MK Dons". BBC Sport. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  60. "Thames". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  61. "Torquay United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 19 April 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  62. "Wigan Borough". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 29 June 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  63. "Wimbledon". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  64. "Workington". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2008.
  65. "Yeovil Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  66. "York City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  67. "Arsenal". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 6 November 2009. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  68. "Aston Villa". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 26 August 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  69. "A F C Bournemouth". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  70. "Brentford". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  71. "Brighton". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  72. "Chelsea". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 June 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  73. "Crystal Palace". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  74. "Everton". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 11 May 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  75. "Fulham". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  76. "Ipswich Town". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  77. "Leicester City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  78. "Liverpool". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 30 September 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  79. "Manchester City". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  80. "Manchester United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 8 March 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  81. "Newcastle United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  82. "Nottingham Forest". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  83. "Southampton". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  84. "Tottenham Hotspur". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  85. "West Ham United". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  86. "Wolverhampton Wanderers". Football Club History Database. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
Former English Football League clubs
First tier (League 1888–1992)
Second tier (1892–present)
Third tier (1920–present)
North/South (1921–1958)
Fourth tier (by election, 1958–1987)
Fourth tier (relegated since 1987)
  • Listed according to division last performed in. Defunct clubs in italics
England Football in England
The Football Association
National teams
League competitions
Level 1
Levels 2–4
Levels 5–6
Levels 7–8
Levels 9–10
Cup competitions
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