As Chelsea dispensed with the services of their most successful ever manager, José Mourinho, earlier this week, pundits have been speculating that it could be the worst title defence in Premier League history. Certainly, if their form doesn’t pick up in the second half of the season, they could end up facing a relegation battle. But would that make them the worst champions ever? Time to look at the worst English title defences in history.
Champs to Chumps: The Worst English Title Defences in History
Pre-World War One (1891 – 1915) – Sheffield United
A terrible title defence was not such an uncommon occurrence in the early days of the Football League. Several teams, including Manchester United (twice), Liverpool and Aston Villa won the league title in this era, only to find themselves hovering dangerously above the relegation zone the following season.
In 1898, Sheffield United won the title with a total of 42 points in an 18 team league which awarded two points for a win. The following season they finished in 16th place, just four points away from the drop. A year later, they finished second, just two points behind champions Aston Villa, but have not regained the title since.
The 1920’s – Everton
In 1928, Everton won their third league title, powered by the incredible scoring antics of Goodison Park legend Dixie Dean, who hit 67 goals in just 46 appearances. The following season, he scored a ‘paltry’ 27 goals, but a poor run of form by his team-mates saw Everton lose all of their final six league games and finish in 18th place, seven points above the drop zone.
The 1930’s – Manchester City
To date, the only team in English football history to win the league title and be relegated the following season. Manchester City won their first league title in 1937, but their fortunes dipped drastically after this. Going into the final day of the 1937 – 38 season, City were one of eight teams caught in a relegation battle as they faced an away trip to fellow strugglers Huddersfield Town, which they lost 1 – 0, to finish in 21st place.
Post-World War Two (1947 – 1959) – Chelsea
The Blues have been in this position before, as they won their first league title in 1955, but found that staying at the top was much tougher than getting there in the first place. Having declined the invitation to enter the inaugural European Cup, their indifferent form saw them facing the prospect of relegation. They finished four points above the drop zone in 16th place — ironically, the same position in the table as when they relieved Mourinho of his duties.
The 1960’s – Ipswich Town
The team from East Anglia surprised everybody in 1962 by beating Burnley and defending champions Tottenham Hotspur to the league title, just one year after promotion from Division Two, under the guidance of Alf Ramsey. It proved, however, to be a flash in the pan as they finished just four points above the relegation zone a year later. Ramsey left Portman Road in the summer of 1963 to become England manager, with whom he would win the World Cup. In 1964, just two years after winning the title, Ipswich were relegated back to the second tier of English football.
The 1970’s – Everton
The Toffees get a mention for the second time in this list. In 1970, Everton won the First Division title by nine points under manager Harry Catterick. It was, however, their only bright spot of the decade as the following season they finished 14th. Although they were not in any danger of relegation, finishing ten points clear of the drop zone, the Goodison Park club would not see another trophy for more than a decade.
The 1980’s – Aston Villa
In 1981, Ron Saunders delivered Aston Villa’s first league title in more than 70 years. In February 1982, however, Saunders quit following a series of arguments with his chairman, leaving his assistant Tony Barton in charge of the team. Villa were in 15th place at this time and Barton guided them to 11th position in the league table. Incredibly, despite their poor league form, Villa won the European Cup, beating Bayern Munich 1 – 0 in the final in Rotterdam.
The 1990’s – Leeds United
The Elland Road club had been the last club to win the league title before the advent of the Premier League in 1992, overtaking Manchester United, who had led the table for most of the season. The mid-season arrival of French striker Eric Cantona proved the catalyst for this title success. Leeds United’s defence of their title began poorly, and when Cantona transferred to Old Trafford in November 1992, where he became a club legend, and inspired United to become champions for the first time in 26 years. By contrast, Leeds finished in 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
The 2000’s – Manchester United
The first decade of the 21st Century saw no spectacular collapse by any title-winning team. However, Manchester United managed the worst performance twice during this ten year period. In both 2001-02 and 2003-04, the Red Devils won the Premier League title, only to finish third and see Arsenal crowned champions. This was the lowest league finish of any title-winning side of that decade.
The 2010’s – It’s up for grabs!
At the time of writing, nobody has retained the Premier League title in this decade, with Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs having each won the trophy twice. So far, United’s defence of their 2013 title ranks as the worst, as they finished seventh under David Moyes following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
It has to be said, however, that most Chelsea fans, if offered, would probably settle for that right now.
