Last updated : Sunday, 30 June 2024
What is League One?
League One is the third tier of the English football league system. It is administered by the English Football League (EFL) and consists of 24 clubs. The teams play each other twice, once at home and once away, for a total of 46 matches per season. The top two teams at the end of the season are promoted to the Championship, while the bottom four teams are relegated to League Two.
League One was formed in 2004 as part of a restructuring of the English football league system. It replaced the old Third Division, which had been in existence since 1894.
The current champions of League One are Rotherham United, who won the title in the 2022-23 season.
History of League One
The history of League One can be traced back to the 1894-95 season, when the English Football League (EFL) created the Third Division. The Third Division was initially divided into two sections, North and South. The top two teams from each section were promoted to the Second Division, while the bottom two teams from each section were relegated to the Fourth Division.
In 1920, the Third Division was re-organized into a single division. The top two teams from the Third Division were promoted to the Second Division, while the bottom four teams were relegated to the newly-formed Third Division North and Third Division South.
In 1958, the Third Division was renamed the Third Division (South). The top two teams from the Third Division (South) were promoted to the Second Division, while the bottom four teams were relegated to the Fourth Division.
In 1992, the Football League became a limited company and the Third Division was renamed the Second Division. The top two teams from the Second Division were promoted to the newly-formed FA Premier League, while the bottom three teams were relegated to the Third Division.
In 2004, the Football League underwent a major restructuring. The Third Division was renamed League One and the bottom four teams were relegated to the newly-formed League Two.
Current Clubs in League One
The current clubs in League One for the 2023-24 season are:- Accrington Stanley
- AFC Wimbledon
- Barnsley
- Blackpool
- Bristol Rovers
- Burton Albion
- Cambridge United
- Charlton Athletic
- Cheltenham Town
- Crewe Alexandra
- Doncaster Rovers
- Fleetwood Town
- Gillingham
- Ipswich Town
- Leyton Orient
- MK Dons
- Morecambe
- Oxford United
- Portsmouth
- Rochdale
- Rotherham United
- Sheffield Wednesday
- Shrewsbury Town
- Sunderland
- Wycombe Wanderers
Sources
* [League One - Wikipedia](https://www.teamstats.net * [English Football League - League One](https://www.efl.com/leagues/league-one/) * [Sky Sports Football - League One Table](https://www.teamstats.net
