Best English Clubs in Pre-EPL Era – From Sheffield to Aston Villa

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Many strong or simply adored clubs have left their memorable mark in the history of English football. Let’s recall some of the best English clubs in pre-EPL era, besides Liverpool and Manchester United. The two clubs mostly dominated English football from the 1950s to 2010s, but there were other teams that, even to this day, are remembered for specific achievements.

Sheffield Wednesday: pre-WWII era dominants

Known as The Wednesday until 1929, the club was a four-time English champion, three-time FA Cup and one-time League Cup winner. The Owls performed exceptionally well in the 1900s and from the 1920s until WWII. They saw a resurgence in the early 1990s after winning the 1991 League Cup in a final against Manchester United, which is to this day the last time that a major English trophy was won by a team outside of the top flight. The following year, they took 3rd place in the First Division season. Until the 1999-2000 season, the Owls played in the Premier League before being relegated.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Black Country’s pride

One of the best English clubs in pre-EPL era originated from Black Country region of England. Back in the 20th century, The Wolves were three-time English champions, four-time FA Cup and two-time League Cup winners. They also dominated the First Division alongside Matt Busby’s Manchester United in the 1950s. They performed in several European Cup seasons but never reached a final. As of today, they play in the Premier League and you can bet on their last place in the 2023-2024 season at online sportsbooks in the UK.

Derby County was one of the best English clubs in pre-EPL era

Derby County players were two-time English champions and one-time FA Cup winners. The early 1970s were dominated by Derby County, managed by Brian Clough. Their best European campaign ended in the 1972-1973 European Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Juventus. The Rams also hold an infamous record for the lowest points tally in a Premier League season – 11 points in 2007-2008.

Nottingham Forest: European Cups back-to-back

This club is well-remembered as a one-time English champion, two-time FA Cup, four-time League Cup and two-time European Cup winner. Nottingham Forest is a star that shines so bright but dims quickly. Managed in the late 1970s by Brian Clough (previously mentioned), Forest won every major English and European trophy except for the UEFA Cup or Cup Winners’ Cup. Nowadays, they play in the Premier League, where they came back in 2022. Their odds of dominating again are not the best at online gambling sites in the UK, but you can bet on other teams to win the title.

Aston Villa FC: Birmingham’s first

One of the most honoured English clubs in history, Aston Villa is a seven-time English and FA Cup champion, five-time League Cup and the 1982 European Cup winner. They were among the first 11 clubs that formed the first English League tournament in 1888. Since the 2019-2020 season, they have played in the top flight and have been playing well, especially this season under Unai Emery – after 13 games, they are in 4th place and only two points away from Arsenal in 1st.

Best English clubs in pre-EPL era: Ipswich Town 

FA Cup winners of 1977-78 and UEFA Cup winners of 1981-1982. Their most successful spell happened to be under Bobby Robson’s management. In 1980-1981, they aimed at winning a triple – First Division, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup, but due to injuries fell off shortly. The following year, they won the UEFA Cup against AZ Alkmaar. 

Currently, Ipswich Town are playing in the 2nd Division with quite good odds to win at Betway. Their rapid rise is quite remarkable – in 2022-23, they played in League One, where they finished 2nd, and now they are 2nd in the Championship, well ahead of the rest of the pack, and aiming for promotion to the Premier League.

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