If you missed part 1 where I discussed the history of the premier league, I will link to it here.
Below you will find part 2 of my series titled the History of the Premier League: explained. In this
blog, let’s review the changes since the change of the name from football league to the premier
league.
Officially on May 27th, 1992, the premier league was formed. Even though the league renamed
in 1992, there were no changes as to how the league operated. There was still
relegation/promotion and English football consisted of 4 leagues – the Premier League, Football
League 1, 2 and 3. The first season of the premier league had 22 clubs compete for the title.
Manchester United was crowned champions of the premier league that season. They also
happen to be the first premier league to concede the first premier league goal, scored by Brian
Dean of Sheffield United. At the end of that game, it was not enough though as the powerhouse
Manchester United rallied to a 2-1 victory.
Between 1992 and 1995, there were no changes made to the leagues. However, that changed
the following season. The premier league added two new teams growing to 22 teams. This
change allowed for the other football leagues below the premier league to have an equal
number of teams in each league which benefitted scheduling. A major rebranding strategy was
initiated to better distinguish the respective leagues. Football leagues 1, 2, and 3 were renamed
to the Championship, League 1, and League 2 respectively.
Since the induction of the premier league in 1992, there have been numerous repeat winners
and new clubs enter the competition. The clubs crowned premier league champions since 1992
are Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers, and
Chelsea. While Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea can claim to have won multiple trophies,
no one is close to Manchester United’s record of 13 premier league titles since 1992.
More changes are expected to come to the premier league within the next several years,
including a 39th game up from the 38 currently and guidelines for fans attending English football
league games will certainly change after the coronavirus pandemic. Some would argue that a
bit of social distancing for those that make up the rowdy English fan base will be a good thing!