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3. Blackburn Rovers (1992/1993) - 4th
Blackburn Rovers were widely tipped for the drop ahead of the 1992/93 season, as they finished sixth in Division Two and only clinched promotion to the inaugural season the Premier League via the play-offs. However, owner Jack Walker provided the cash for some astute signings, including the £3.5m purchase of a certain Alan Shearer from Southampton, that would see the Lancashire side defy the odds to finish in the top four.
In fact, thanks to Shearer’s 16 goals in 21 matches, Rovers briefly topped the table before a season-ending knee injury to their star striker derailed their title charge. The likes of Colin Hendry, Graeme Le Saux, Henning Berg, and Tim Sherwood did not let Shearer’s absence ruin the entire season, as Rovers eventually finished in fourth place. They also enjoyed a lengthy League Cup run, losing out to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals.
With the wind in their sails following an impressive debut season, Blackburn Rovers kicked on and finished second the following year before Shearer’s goals secured a memorable title win for Kenny Dalglish’s men in the 1994-95 campaign.
