The English Football League One, also known as Sky Bet League One, is the second-highest division of the English Football League and the third tier overall in the English football league system. The league consists of 24 teams, each playing 46 games over the course of the season. The top two teams in the league are promoted to the Championship, while the bottom four teams are relegated to League Two.
If you’re a football fan who wants to keep up to date with the latest news and scores from League One, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the league, including fixtures, results, tables, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a specific team or just looking to stay informed about the league as a whole, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re a seasoned football fan or a newcomer to the sport, read on to discover everything you need to know about England League One.
Understanding England League One
England League One, also known as EFL League One, is the third-tier of the English Football League system. It is one of the most competitive leagues in England and consists of 24 teams. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the EFL Championship and EFL League Two.
The English Football League system is a pyramid structure consisting of several leagues with promotion and relegation between them. The EFL League One is the third tier of this structure and sits below the EFL Championship and above EFL League Two.
The league operates on a points system, with teams awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. At the end of the season, the team with the most points is crowned the champion and gains automatic promotion to the EFL Championship. The teams that finish in second and third place also gain automatic promotion.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth-placed teams enter a playoff competition, with the winner gaining the final promotion spot. The four teams that finish at the bottom of the table are relegated to EFL League Two.
The league is sponsored by Sky Bet, and as a result, is often referred to as Sky Bet League One. The league is known for its competitive nature, with many teams fighting for promotion or to avoid relegation.
In summary, EFL League One is the third-tier of the English Football League system and operates on a promotion and relegation system with the EFL Championship and EFL League Two. The league is known for its competitiveness and operates on a points system with automatic promotion and relegation at the end of the season.
History of England League One
The English Football League One, commonly known as League One, is the third tier of the English football league system. It was previously known as Division Two and Division Three before being rebranded as League One in 2004.
The league was founded in 1958 as Division Three, and the first season saw 24 teams compete for promotion to Division Two. The league expanded to 92 clubs in 1959 with the addition of Division Four.
In 1992, the Football League was restructured, and Division Three was renamed Division Two. The league was then further rebranded as League One in 2004, with the introduction of the Premier League and the subsequent renaming of the top two divisions as the Championship and League One.
Over the years, several clubs have enjoyed success in the league, with some even going on to play in the Premier League. Notable clubs include Leicester City, Southampton, and Norwich City, all of whom have been promoted to the Premier League from League One.
The league has also seen some memorable matches and moments, including the 1998 play-off final between Charlton Athletic and Sunderland, which saw Charlton win 7-6 on penalties after a dramatic 4-4 draw. Other notable moments include Swindon Town’s promotion to the Premier League in 1993, and Leicester City’s record-breaking 102-point season in 2009-10.
Overall, the history of England League One is rich and varied, with many clubs and players having made their mark on the league over the years.
Teams of England League One
There are currently 24 teams that compete in the England League One for the 2023/2024 season. Here is a breakdown of each team:
Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic is a professional football club based in London, England. The club was founded in 1905 and has a strong fanbase. Charlton Athletic has a rich history in English football, having won the FA Cup in 1947 and reaching the Premier League in 2000.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a professional football club based in Portsmouth, England. The club was founded in 1898 and has a long history in English football. Portsmouth has won the FA Cup twice, in 1939 and 2008, and has also won the Football League Championship twice, in 1949 and 1950.
Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers is a professional football club based in Bristol, England. The club was founded in 1883 and has a long history in English football. Bristol Rovers has won the Football League Third Division South twice, in 1952 and 1956.
Port Vale
Port Vale is a professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The club was founded in 1876 and has a long history in English football. Port Vale has won the Football League Trophy twice, in 1993 and 2001.
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday is a professional football club based in Sheffield, England. The club was founded in 1867 and has a long history in English football. Sheffield Wednesday has won the Football League First Division four times, most recently in 1930.
Bolton
Bolton is a professional football club based in Bolton, England. The club was founded in 1874 and has a long history in English football. Bolton has won the FA Cup four times, most recently in 1958.
Burton
Burton is a professional football club based in Burton upon Trent, England. The club was founded in 1950 and has a relatively short history in English football. Burton has never won a major trophy in English football.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a professional football club based in Cambridge, England. The club was founded in 1912 and has a long history in English football. Cambridge has never won a major trophy in English football.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a professional football club based in Cheltenham, England. The club was founded in 1887 and has a long history in English football. Cheltenham has never won a major trophy in English football.
Exeter
Exeter is a professional football club based in Exeter, England. The club was founded in 1901 and has a long history in English football. Exeter has never won a major trophy in English football.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is a professional football club based in Fleetwood, England. The club was founded in 1908 and has a long history in English football. Fleetwood has never won a major trophy in English football.
Northampton
Northampton is a professional football club based in Northampton, England. The club was founded in 1897 and has a long history in English football. Northampton has never won a major trophy in English football.
Peterborough
Peterborough is a professional football club based in Peterborough, England. The club was founded in 1934 and has a long history in English football. Peterborough has never won a major trophy in English football.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is a professional football club based in Shrewsbury, England. The club was founded in 1886 and has a long history in English football. Shrewsbury has never won a major trophy in English football.
Wycombe
Wycombe is a professional football club based in High Wycombe, England. The club was founded in 1887 and has a long history in English football. Wycombe has never won a major trophy in English football.
Wigan
Wigan is a professional football club based in Wigan, England. The club was founded in 1932 and has a long history in English football. Wigan has won the FA Cup once, in 2013.
Sunderland
Sunderland is a professional football club based in Sunderland, England. The club was founded in 1879 and has a long history in English football. Sunderland has won the Football League First Division six times, most recently in 1936.
Ipswich
Ipswich is a professional football club based in Ipswich, England. The club was founded in 1878 and has a long history in English football. Ipswich has won the Football League First Division once, in 1962.
MK Dons
MK Dons is a professional football club based in Milton Keynes. Quite a young club it wa founded in 2004.
Competition Format
The English Football League One is a professional league competition that features 24 teams. Each team plays a total of 46 games throughout the season, with each team playing every other team twice, once at home and once away.
At the end of the season, the team with the most points is declared the winner of the league and is promoted to the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football. The teams that finish in second and third place also earn promotion to the EFL Championship.
The teams that finish in the bottom four places of the league table are relegated to the EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The team that finishes in 23rd place automatically gets relegated, while the teams that finish in 21st and 22nd place must compete in a play-off with the teams that finish in fourth and fifth place from EFL League Two to determine who gets relegated.
In addition to promotion and relegation, the top six teams in the league table at the end of the season qualify for the play-offs. The play-offs are contested by the teams that finish in third to sixth place, with the winner earning promotion to the EFL Championship.
The play-offs consist of two semi-final matches, with the third-placed team playing the sixth-placed team and the fourth-placed team playing the fifth-placed team. The winners of each semi-final match then play each other in the final to determine the overall winner. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties may be used to determine the winner.
Overall, the competition format of the English Football League One is designed to be competitive and challenging, with a clear pathway for teams to earn promotion to higher tiers of English football, and a system in place to ensure that the best teams are rewarded for their efforts throughout the season.
Tournaments and Cups
In addition to the regular League One season, there are several tournaments and cups that teams can compete in throughout the year. These tournaments and cups provide opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and compete against other teams from different leagues.
EFL Trophy
The EFL Trophy, previously known as the Football League Trophy, is a knockout tournament that involves teams from League One and League Two, as well as sixteen invited academy teams from Premier League and Championship clubs. The tournament consists of 64 teams in total and is played in a single-elimination format. The final is held at Wembley Stadium in London and is a highly anticipated event for many football fans.
FA Cup
The FA Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the world. The tournament involves teams from all levels of the English football pyramid, including League One teams. The FA Cup is a knockout tournament and includes 736 teams in total. The final is held at Wembley Stadium and is watched by millions of people around the world.
EFL Cup
The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knockout tournament that involves teams from the Premier League and the English Football League. League One teams enter the tournament in the first round, and the tournament is played in a single-elimination format. The final is held at Wembley Stadium and is a highly anticipated event for many football fans.
Overall, these tournaments and cups provide exciting opportunities for League One teams to compete against other teams from different leagues and showcase their skills on a national stage.
Stadiums and Atmosphere
League One stadiums are known for their unique charm and character. While they may not be as large or modern as those found in the Premier League or Championship, they offer a more intimate and authentic experience for fans.
There are a variety of stadiums throughout the league, ranging from historic grounds to newly-built facilities. The DW Stadium, home to Wigan Athletic, has the largest capacity in League One with a seating capacity of 25,138. Other notable stadiums include the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC, and Fratton Park, home to Portsmouth FC.
One of the most important aspects of any football stadium is the atmosphere. While architects can help with the design of the stadium, it is ultimately the fans who create the atmosphere. London-based teams such as AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic are known for their passionate supporters and lively atmosphere on match days.
When attending a League One match, it is important to note that each stadium has its own unique atmosphere. Some stadiums have a more family-friendly atmosphere, while others have a more intense and raucous atmosphere. It is important to research the stadium and its supporters before attending a match to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
Overall, League One stadiums offer a unique and exciting experience for football fans. Whether you are a local supporter or a travelling fan, the stadiums and atmosphere of League One are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Financial Aspects
The financial aspects of League One are an important consideration for clubs, players, and fans alike. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the key financial aspects of the league.
Financial Fair Play
Financial Fair Play (FFP) is a regulation put in place by the English Football League to ensure that clubs operate within their financial means. The aim of FFP is to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means and potentially going into financial difficulties. Clubs in League One are subject to FFP regulations, which set out limits on the amount of money they can spend on player wages and transfer fees.
Sponsors
Sponsorship is a significant source of revenue for many clubs in League One. Clubs can generate income by selling sponsorship rights to companies, who can then use the club’s name and logo in their advertising and marketing campaigns. Sponsorship deals can vary in value and duration, with some clubs securing multi-year deals worth millions of pounds.
Loans
Loans are a common feature of the football industry, and League One is no exception. Clubs can take out loans to finance player transfers, stadium improvements, and other expenses. Loans can be secured or unsecured, and the terms and conditions can vary depending on the lender. It is worth noting that taking out too many loans can put a club’s financial stability at risk, so it is essential to manage debt carefully.
In summary, financial aspects play a crucial role in the success of clubs in League One. FFP regulations, sponsorship deals, and loans are just some of the factors that clubs must consider when managing their finances.
Famous Players
England League One has been home to many talented players over the years. Here are some of the most famous players who have played in the league:
Will Grigg
Will Grigg is a well-known striker who has played for several clubs in England League One. He is best known for his time at Wigan Athletic, where he helped the team win the league title in the 2015-2016 season. Grigg was the top scorer in the league that season, with 25 goals in 40 appearances. His performances earned him a place in the League One Team of the Year.
Grigg has also played for other clubs in the league, including Brentford, MK Dons, Sunderland, and Doncaster Rovers. He has scored over 100 goals in his career so far, and his clinical finishing and ability to score from long range make him a dangerous player for any opposition.
Other Famous Players
Other famous players who have played in England League One include:
- Charlie Austin: The striker played for Swindon Town and Burnley in the league before moving up to the Premier League.
- Rickie Lambert: The former England international played for Bristol Rovers and Southampton in League One before moving up to the Premier League.
- Grant Holt: The striker played for Shrewsbury Town and Norwich City in the league before moving up to the Premier League.
These players have all made significant contributions to their teams and the league as a whole. They have shown that talent can be found at all levels of English football and have inspired many young players to pursue their dreams of playing professionally.
International Recognition
When it comes to football, Premier League, Championship, and EFL Championship are the most well-known and widely recognised leagues in England. However, League One also has a strong reputation both nationally and internationally.
UEFA Europa League is one of the most prestigious European club competitions and is recognised globally. Teams from League One have the opportunity to qualify for the Europa League through their performance in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. While it is rare for a League One team to qualify for the Europa League, it is not impossible, and it is a testament to the quality of the league that such an achievement is even possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the capacities of the stadiums in League One?
The capacities of the stadiums in League One vary. Some of the larger stadiums can hold up to 46,000 spectators, while others have a capacity of around 10,000. The capacity of each stadium can be found on the official website of the English Football League.
What is the smallest stadium in League One?
The smallest stadium in League One is the Highbury Stadium, which is the home of Fleetwood Town. It has a capacity of just over 5,000 spectators.
Which team has the largest stadium in League One?
The team with the largest stadium in League One is Sunderland. The Stadium of Light has a capacity of over 46,000 spectators.
Is League One considered a professional football league?
Yes, League One is considered a professional football league. It is the third tier of the English football league system and consists of 24 teams.
Who are the top contenders to win League One?
It is difficult to predict who the top contenders to win League One will be, as the league is highly competitive. However, some of the teams that are expected to perform well include Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, and Ipswich Town.
What is the Football Ground Guide book and does it cover League One stadiums?
The Football Ground Guide book is a comprehensive guide to football stadiums in the UK. It covers all of the stadiums in League One, as well as those in the Premier League, Championship, and other lower leagues. The book provides information on the history of each stadium, as well as practical information such as how to get there and where to park.
