4 teams you will be shocked to know won the first division of English Football

Manchester City v Huddersfield Town - Premier League
A lot of teams have surprisingly won the first division of English Football

The first division of English Football has always been the most competitive league in the world. There has been an even distribution of talent amongst all teams participating. This exists today as well and can be seen with every team.

From Sergio Aguero at Manchester City to Mo Salah at Liverpool to Aleksandar Mitrovic at Fulham, talented players are there in every team.

There are quality players at each and every club but, a few of the clubs have a few more quality players than the others. This is the reason for the failure of some teams and the success for the others.

The first season of the Premier League was played in 1992-93 but top flight English Football started in 1888-89. The first season was won by Preston North End, who won the season without losing a single game.

As we move into the 1960's and the years after, we can find 2 clubs dominating English Football. The 2 clubs were today's heavyweight clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool. They are the most successful clubs in the history having won 20 and 18 titles respectively.

In the PL era, it was United and Arsenal who dominated till the early 2000's.

However, it wasn't always the present big 6 that won top flight English Football. There were some present-day small clubs that won the first division of the English Football. Now, we shall have a look at 5 teams that we didn't know, won the first division of English Football.

Note: All league competitions, 1975-76 onward have been taken into consideration.

#4 Blackburn Rovers

General Views of UK Sporting Venues
Blackburn Rovers

A few of you might know about this whereas, a few of you might not. Blackburn Rovers won the Premier League in 1994/95. It was the third Premier League season after it began in 1992/93.

Blackburn finished 4th in the first season and finished the next season as runners-up. They were a pretty strong team at the time and had superstars like Tim Sherwood and Alan Shearer. Alan Shearer is the highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League and played a key role for them. He scored 34 goals in the league and took them to victory.

Their manager, Kenny Dalglish was a very important part of this triumph and has been credited for having been very impressive.

Currently, The Riversiders play in the Championship and occupy the 13th spot on the table, after 6 games. They were promoted to the Championship after having, finished as runners-up in the League One (Third tire in English Football) competition.

They will look to get back into the Premier League and repeat their former glory. Their Premier League glory has been the last title won by a non-big 6 club.

#3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa v Norwich City - Premier League
Aston Villa

They won the Football League First Division in 1980-81 and it was the last time they won anything in first-tier competitions. The Villans have won first tier competitions 7 times in their history and are one of the most successful clubs in the history of English Football.

It was their 7th first-tier title and first since 1910. They need to be admired as they won the title with just 14 players in their squad. A large part of the credit should go to Peter Withe, who scored 20 goals and finished as the joint top scorer in the league.

Currently, they play in the championship and sit on the 12th position on the table. They just missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season as they lost to Fulham in the Championship final play-off.

#2 Leeds United

Leeds United
Leeds United

The Peacocks won the last season of the Football League First Division. They won it in 1991/92, the season before the Premier League started. It was their 3rd first tier competition victory and the second last for a non-big 6 club.

They were an English powerhouse and even qualified for the semi-final of the Champions League in 2001. And, their sudden decline came as a shocker for everyone.

Their victory was spearheaded by forwarding, Lee Chapman and midfielders, Gary McAllister and Gordon Strachan. But, these players weren't the only shining lights as it was a team effort and not an individual effort.

Currently, they play in the Championship and are table toppers. They will look to achieve promotion and emulate their title-winning side.

#1 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
Nottingham Forest

The Tricky Trees won the Football League First Division in the 1977/78 season. It remains their first and only title in first-tier leagues, till date. Their title victory can be attributed to Peter Withe, John Robertson and Peter Shilton. Their triumph becomes even more admirable if, one takes into account that, they won it after receiving promotion just last season.

They have gradually slipped away from being one of the better teams in English Football, to making sporadic appearances in the Premier League. They made their last PL appearance in 1993 and since then, have been playing in the League One and Championship.

Currently, they play in the Championship and sit on the 14th place. They will want to receive promotion and make another historic appearance in the PL.

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Edited by Jay M