Aston Villa Football Club

Aston Villa Football Club

Aston Villa LTD, Villa Park, Birmingham, B6 6HE
Tel: 0871 423 8101
Founded: 1874 | Nickname: The Villans | Ground: Villa Park | Capacity: 42,593
Overview

The inaugural 1992/93 Premier League season saw Aston Villa miss out on their first title in 12 years when they finished runners-up to Manchester United. Although Villa got their revenge over the champions by beating them in the League Cup Final the following season.

Chairman Doug Ellis had been unimpressed by Villa's league form and replaced the flamboyant Ron Atkinson with Brian Little in 1993/94. The former Villa player led the club to a 3-0 win over Leeds United in the 1996 League Cup final.

In 2000, Villa reached their first FA Cup final since 1957 but were defeated by Chelsea. Although Villa remained a hard side to beat, the loss of several star names and further managerial changes did little to help consistency.

Matters came to a head in 2006 when manager David O'Leary left in acrimonious circumstances, but Martin O'Neill has been heralded as the man to lead them up the table. Aston Villa - along with only Chelsea and Blackburn - have finished in every position in the top flight.

Club Heritage

In 1874, a group of cricketers needing something to occupy them during winter happened to see a game of football in the park - thus Aston Villa was born. Their first match was unusual in that the first half was played under rugby rules and the second under football rules. Villa fast became the Midlands' dominant side, beating Small Heath Alliance - later to become arch rivals Birmingham City - 22-0 on one occasion.

Aston Villa were one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888 and enjoyed instant success. In the 1890s, they won five titles in seven seasons. Villa were also the first side to do the league and cup double in 1897. A week later, they moved to Aston Lower Grounds, which the fans dubbed Villa Park.

Villa's winning ways continued into the early 1900s, but their fortunes dwindled and in 1937 they were relegated. After the Second World War, the team was totally rebuilt. But apart from a 1957 FA Cup win, previous levels of success was never achieved.

A new low was reached when Villa were relegated to the Third Division in 1971. The club's fortunes changed 10 years later when Ron Saunders led them to the league title, then the European Cup with victory over Bayern Munich in 1982.

Villa were relegated from the top flight in 1987 but bounced back at the first attempt. They finished Premier League runners-up under manager Ron Atkinson in 1993 and League Cup wins over Manchester United and Leeds followed in 1994 and 1996 respectively.

Premier League History

1992-93 - Premier League runners-up
1993-94 - Beat Manchester United 3-1 in League Cup final
1994-95 - Brian Little replaces Ron Atkinson as manager
1995-96 - Beat Leeds United 3-0 in League Cup Final
1997-98 - John Gregory replaces Brian Little
1999-00 - Reach FA Cup Final
2001-02 - Gregory quits in January. Former manager Graham Taylor takes over
2002-03 - David O'Leary replaces Taylor in May
2005-06 - At the end of the season O'Leary leaves. Randy Lerner buys a majority share in the club. Martin O'Neill becomes manager
2006-07 - Break club record transfer, signing Watford's Ashley Young for £9.65million

Senior Home Shirt - Adidas Chelsea

Chelsea F.C New seasons senior Home eclusive shirt.

Senior Away Shirt - Adidas Chelsea

Chelsea F.C New season senior Away eclusive shirt

Chelsea F. C. Official Crest Team Bus (copper)

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Chelsea Training Top 07

Chelsea Training Top
The Chelsea training top, worn by Terry, Lampard and Co during training for their all important FA Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches.
The Chelsea Football Club training top, manufactured by Adidas is long sleeve and features a printed Adidas logo and the famous Chelsea club badge.

Chelsea Boot Bag

Chelsea football club special Boot Bag

Senior Training Shirt - Adidas Chelsea

2007 season training shirt. Contrast mesh panels. 3 Stripes at sleeves. Crest print at left chest. Adidas logo print at right chest. Sponsor name print at chest. 100% polyester.

Chelsea FA Cup Final Cap 2007

Chelsea Cup Final CapChelsea cap to celebrate the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium.
Show your support for Chelsea after their victory against Manchester United in the first spectacle at the gleaming new Wembley Stadium.
Chelsea added another piece of Silverware with the FA Cup after already winning the Carling League Cup against Arsenal.

Junior Home Shirt - Adidas Chelsea

Chelsea New season junior home shirt.

Chelsea Captain Armband Set

Chelsea football club complete Captain Armband Set

Chelsea Signature Ball

Chelsea footbal club Signature Ball

Manchester United Fleece Blanket / Throw

# Manchester United Fleece Blanket / Throw
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Manchester United Gloves

Manchester United Gloves

The Manchester United Side Table

A unique hardwood and glass side table featuring a beautiful art print of Old Trafford.
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Manchester United Baseball Cap Red

Manchester United Baseball Cap. Red Manchester United badge on front

Manchester United Captain Armband's Set

Manchester United Captain Armband's Set

Manchester United Signature Ball

Manchester United Signature Ball Boxed-product Weight: 382 g

Fergie's 2000 Goals

As manager of Manchester United for the past 20 years, Sir Alex Ferguson has been a part of one of soccer's biggest success stories. This four disc collection compiles many of the greatest moments from Fergie's tenure.

Manchester United Home Shirt 07/08

Manchester United Home Shirt 07/08The new official Manchester United Home Shirt, the shirt of the 2007/08 Premiership Champions. The shirt in the traditional red of Manchester United is manufactured by Nike, and has a white trim on the collar and sleeves. The shirt features the Nike Swoosh and sponsors AIG on the front of the shirt, as well as the famous Manchester United club crest.

Customise the back of your new Manchester United Home Shirt with any name and number, or choose your favourite Manchester United player like Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney. Alternatively print the name and number of your choice in official Premiership lettering.

Senior SS Polo - Nike Man Utd - Replica - Small

2007 season short sleeve polo. 2 button polo with covered placket. Contrast panel at front. Crest embroideryand sponsor logo at left chest. Manchester United embroidery at right sleeve. Swoosh at left sleeve and right chest. 100% cotton

Man Utd Chanting Bear

From the "Born to Play" range a 'Glory Glory Man United' chanting bear. He even moves to the beat! Wearing his red vest proudly, he is just waiting for you to squeese his hand. 19cm high whilst sitting. Recommended ages 3 and up . .

Man Utd - Team photo 06/07 art poster by Sport Maxi Posters

Manchester United - Team photo 06/07

Man UTD Shield Printed Towel

Manchester United / MAN UTD Shield Printed Towel

ATMT MANCHESTER UNITED FC Official MP3 Player - 1Gb with FM Radio, DRM10 and Voice-Recorder - Red - Official Merchandise

This product is officially licensed from Manchester United Football Club.Love your club and love music then get your club's own portable MP3 player.1Gb Capacity to store up to 500 songs (in WMA format at 64Kbps).Play MP3 and WMA audio files.Use your portable music player as USB storage device and keep all your important files with you wherever you go

Senior LS Top - Nike Man Utd

2007 season long sleeve top. Contrast mesh panels at under arms. Contrast panels at front and back hem. Crest badge at left chest. Manchester Utd woven label at left shoulder. Swoosh print at right chest and centre back neck. 100% polyester.

Man Utd Air Freshner - No Colour - One Size

manchester united Long lasting Crest design air freshener for the car or around the house or office. Highly effective in deodorising unpleasant smells, biodegradable and non-toxic.

Senior Training Top - Nike Man Utd

2007 season training top. Mesh side panels. Contrast panels at body and under arms. Crest badge at left chest. Manchester Utd woven label at left shoulder. Swoosh print at right chest and centre back neck. 100% polyester.

Senior Home Shirt - Nike Man Utd - Red White - Small

The new Manchester United home shirt takes its design influence from the shirts of the Busby Babes era of the 1950s/60s and is available from July 27th.

Man Utd Jumbo Mug - No Colour - One Size

Manchester United Jumbo size ceramic mug with printed Crest.

Man Utd Alarm Clock - No Colour - One Size

Manchester United Alarm clock with Crest face and numbers around edge.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
White Hart Lane, Bill Nicholson Way, 748 High Road, Tottenham, N17 0AP
Tel: 0845 671 1973
Founded: 1882 | Nickname: Spurs, Lilywhites | Ground: White Hart Lane | Capacity: 36,240

Overview

Spurs have been in the Premier League since its inception and have lit the competition up with their flamboyant style of play. With Jurgen Klinsmann and Ilie Dumitrescu, the team was built around goals, but points were harder to come by. Relegation was only narrowly avoided in 1998, but fans' relief was short lived as their next manager was a legend from hated north London rivals Arsenal - George Graham.

He quickly won the fans round with a League Cup victory in his first season - Spurs' first trophy since the Premier League began. However, it wasn't until Martin Jol took over in 2004 and started building a team for the future - firmly placing his faith in youth - that Spurs began to climb the table. The past two seasons they have only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.

Club Heritage

Boys from Hotspur Cricket Club and the local grammar club formed Hotspur FC in 1882. The name was changed to Tottenham Hotspur in 1884. Three years later, they played their first north London derby, but the match was called off after 15minutes "owing to darkness" - Spurs were beating Arsenal 2-1.

The club turned professional in 1885, but didn't join the football league until 1908. In the meantime, they became the only non-league team to win the FA Cup (in 1901). Spurs became perceived as a big club when Bill Nicholson took over in 1958. He won his first match 10-4 - a sign of what was to come. In his 16 years at the club Spurs won eight major trophies - becoming the first club to complete the league and cup 'double' in 1961 and the first British team to win a European competition in 1963.

Further league success eluded Spurs and, following Nicholson's retirement, they even spent a brief stint in the Second Division in 1977-78. Their ethos of playing attacking football continued though - players that wowed the White Hart Lane faithful include Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker.

Premier League History

1993-94 - Ossie Ardiles becomes manager
1994-95 - Ardiles sacked in September. Replaced by Gerry Francis
1997-98 - Francis replaced by Christian Gross, who re-signs Jurgen Klinsmann
1998-99 - Gross replaced by George Graham. Win the League Cup
2000-01 - Glenn Hoddle replaces Graham in April. ENIC complete takeover with Daniel Levy becoming chairman
2003-04 - David Pleat replaces Hoddle in September
2004-05 - Jacques Santini becomes head coach, but quits after just 13 matches. Replaced by Martin Jol
2007-08 - Sign Darren Bent for club record £16.5million from Charlton

Newcastle United Football Club

Newcastle United Football Club
St. James' Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4ST
Tel: 0191 261 1571
Founded: 1892 | Nickname: The Magpies, The Toon | Ground: St. James' Park | Capacity: 52,387

Overview

Newcastle United fans have had a rollercoaster time since the inception of the Premier League. When Kevin Keegan took over the reins in 1992, the club was on the brink of relegation to the old Division Three. But under his management, they romped to the title and took their place in the FA Carling Premiership in time for the 1993-94 season.

With a goal-hungry Andy Cole and veteran Peter Beardsley at the forefront of an attacking team, they were dubbed "The Entertainers". Attack was the first form of defence and it worked as the North East outfit finished third in their first season. They went even closer two years later. Leading Manchester United by 12 points, they eventually slipped to second.

Signing Alan Shearer for a world record £15million eased the Toon Army's disappointment and again they were runners-up. Managerial upheaval has seen the club fail to reach those dizzy heights since, but much is expected under new manager Sam Allardyce. St James' Park is the only Barclays Premier League stadium not to have a scoreboard of any kind.

Club Heritage

In 1881, Stanley Cricket Club formed a football team to occupy themselves in winter. A year later, they changed their name to East End FC, turning professional in 1889. In 1892, they took over fierce rivals West End and moved into their ground - St James' Park. And on December 22nd, the FA approved the name Newcastle United.

The Magpies joined the Football League in 1893 and swiftly became one of the game's giants - winning three league titles and an FA Cup by 1914. In 1934 they were relegated though - despite memorably defeating Liverpool 9-2 and Everton 7-3. The Magpies started to rebuild, helped enormously by former stars Stan Seymour and Joe Harvey, as director and manager respectively.

The end of the Second World War saw the birth of another great team. Newcastle signed Jackie Milburn after he responded to their advert for trialists, and with his help, they lifted the FA Cup three times in five years. They also recorded the highest victory in English League football, 13-0 over Newport County.

European success followed when the Magpies won the Fairs Cup - re-named the Uefa Cup in 1969 - despite a brief spell in Division Two, and in 1971 Malcolm Macdonald was signed from Luton Town. Devastating in front of goal, 'Supermac' led the Magpies to Wembley twice - in the FA Cup in 1974 and League Cup in 1976 - and quickly established himself as a Newcastle legend. The club have had their ups and downs since then but players such as Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle have seen them maintain their ethos of attractive and attacking football.

Premier League History

1992-93 - Promoted to FA Carling Premiership as Division One Champions
1994-95 - Sell Andy Cole to Manchester United for English record transfer fee of £7million.
1995-96 - FA Carling Premiership runners-up
1996-97 - Sign Alan Shearer for world record £15million. Manager Kevin Keegan quits in January. Replaced by Kenny Dalglish. FA Carling Premiership runners-up.
1997-98 - Lose FA Cup Final 2-0 to Arsenal
1998-99 - Ruud Gullit replaces Dalglish. Lose FA Cup final 2-0 to Manchester United
1999-00 - Bobby Robson replaces Gullit. Wins first match 8-0 against Sheffield Wednesday
2004-05 - Robson sacked. Replaced by Graeme Souness
2005-06 - Sign Michael Owen for club record £17million. Souness sacked, replaced by Glenn Roeder. Shearer becomes record goalscorer - overtaking Jackie Milburn's tally of 200. Retires having scored 206 goals for Newcastle
2006-07 - Roeder sacked with one game of the Barclays Premier League season to go. Sam Allardyce appointed two days after season ends. June 26 - Mike Ashley and St. James' Holdings gain 90% of shares, enough to takeover the club

Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea Football Club
Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS
Tel: 0870 300 2322
Founded: 1905 | Nickname: The Blues | Ground: Stamford Bridge | Capacity: 42,055

Overview

Chelsea will be desperate to regain their Premier League crown after finishing second to Manchester United last season. Manager Jose Mourinho, bankrolled by owner Roman Abromovich's millions, brought the first title to Stamford Bridge for 50 years when the Blues lifted the trophy in 2005. Chelsea became only the second team to win back-to-back Premier League titles when they clinched it a year later.

Although Chelsea reached the FA Cup Final in 1994, they hardly set the world alight in their early Premier League days. Ruud Gullit became manager in 1996 and steered the Blues to an FA Cup triumph in 1997, while his successor Gianluca Vialli guided the team to victory in the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1998.

Shortly after, he led the team to the UEFA Super Cup after a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The FA Cup followed in 2000. Vialli was replaced by Claudio Ranieri in 2000 and he led Chelsea to another FA Cup Final appearance in 2002.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the Blues for £140 million. After a trophyless season, he appointed Mourinho as new Chelsea manager and there was instant success. In 2005, Chelsea won the Barclays Premiership and League Cup, along with a Champions League semi-final appearance.

And Mourinho retained the Barclays Premiership crown the year after, equalling the club's own Premier League record of 29 wins set the previous season. They were league runners-up last term and also claimed the FA Cup and League Cup double.

Club Heritage

Chelsea were formed in 1905 and were elected into the Second Division of the Football League. They just missed out on silverware 10 years later with an FA Cup Final defeat. The Blues had to wait for their first major trophy in 1955, when under manager Ted Drake, they won the league title. Chelsea claimed the League Cup for the first time in 1965 and were defeated in the FA Cup Final two years later.

Featuring the likes of Ron 'Chopper' Harris, Ian Hutchison and Peter Osgood, Chelsea overcame Leeds to win the FA Cup in 1970. In the following season, they clinched the European Cup Winners' Cup with a replay victory over Real Madrid.

Financial problems meant the Stamford Bridge club dropped into the Second Division, and at one point they were close to falling to the Third Division.

They eventually won their place back in the top flight in 1984, but their stay only lasted four seasons. They clawed their way back to the First Division again as Second Division champions in 1989 and have remained there ever since.

Premier League History

1992-93 - Inaugural members of the Premier League
1993-94 - FA Cup Finalists
1996-97 - Ruud Gullit appointed player-manger
1996-97 - FA Cup winners
1997-98 - Gianluca Vialli becomes manager
1997-98 - League Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup triumphs
1999-00 - FA Cup winners
2000-01 - Claudio Ranieri becomes manager
2001-02 - FA Cup Finalists
2003-04 - Chairman Ken Bates sells Chelsea to Roman Abramovich
2004-05 - Jose Mourinho takes over as manager
2004-05 - Chelsea win Barclays Premiership and League Cup
2005-06 - Chelsea win Barclays Premiership
2006-07 - FA Cup and League Cup winners

Liverpool Football Club

Liverpool Football Club
Anfield Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L4 OTH
Tel: 00844 844 0844
Founded: 1892 | Nickname: The Reds | Ground: Anfield | Capacity: 45,362

Overview

Liverpool have maintained their status as a domestic and European force since the Premier League began in 1992, rarely finishing outside the top positions. The club have won seven major trophies since then, including the Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

Indeed, 2001 saw the Reds claim an unprecedented League Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup treble. Having won more domestic and European trophies than any other English club, Liverpool's status as giants of the domestic game is undisputed.

Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool have secured Champions League football in each of the last three seasons. The Spaniard guided them to third place last season and an appearance in the Champions League final where they were beaten 2-1 by AC Milan.

Liverpool's first-ever competitive game was in the Lancashire League, where a predominantly Scottish team defeated Higher Walton 8-0 on 23rd September 1892.

Club Heritage

In 1891, John Houlding purchased Anfield after Everton left the ground for Goodison Park following a seven-year tenancy. With an empty stadium and only three players remaining, Houlding formed Liverpool Football Club on March 15th 1892. Everton FC and Athletic Grounds, Ltd, or Everton Athletic was to be the name, but the Football Association refused to recognise the team as Everton. Liverpool won their first title in 1901 after gaining promotion to the First Division in 1894.

The appointment of Bill Shankly in 1959 was the beginning of a golden era for Liverpool. He led the club to promotion to the First Division in 1962 and they have stayed their ever since. The title was secured in 1964 and 1966, with a first-ever FA Cup final victory sandwiched in between. A year after winning the Uefa Cup, Shankly retired and was replaced by his assistant Bob Paisley.

Within two seasons, the Reds had won the league, and the Uefa Cup for a second time. Paisley's nine-year reign saw Liverpool win 21 trophies, including three European Cups, six league titles, a UEFA Cup, and three League Cups. Joe Fagan took over in 1983 and inspired the club to the European Cup, League title, and League Cup in his first season.

Premier League History

1993-94 - Roy Evans replaced Graeme Souness
1994-95 - League Cup victory
1998-99 - Gerard Houllier joined Evans as joint-manager
1998-99 - Houllier takes sole charge in Nov 1998.
2000-01 - FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup
2002-03 - League Cup victory
2003-04 - Houllier departs by mutual consent in May 2004.
2004-05 - Rafa Benitez takes over
2004-05 - Djibril Cisse joins from Auxerre for a club record £14million
2004-05 - Champions League victory in May 2005
2005-06 - FA Cup victory in May 2006
2006-07 - American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks become owners in a deal worth £470million.
2007-08 - Fernando Torres becomes Liverpool's record signing at an initial fee of around £20.2million from Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United Football Club

Manchester United Football Club
Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA
Tel: 0870 757 1968
Founded: 1878 | Nickname: The Red Devils | Ground: Old Trafford | Capacity: 76,312

Overview

Manchester United are the most successful Premier League club having won the title nine times. It all began in 1993 when manager Sir Alex Ferguson ended a 26-year wait to lift the Premier League crown.

The signing of Eric Cantona for £1.2million from Leeds proved a masterstroke as the Frenchman was instrumental in the title victory, along with the likes of Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs and Paul Ince.

United retained the trophy in the following campaign and romped to further titles in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003. More silverware was added to the Red Devils' burgeoning trophy cabinet with FA Cup success in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004, plus League Cup victories in 1992 and 2006.

Perhaps the most memorable time in the club's history was the treble-winning season of 1999 when they added the European Champions League trophy to the league title and FA Cup.

Chelsea briefly broke their league dominance with title wins in 2005 and 2006. But last season, the Red Devils roared back to regain the Barclays Premiership and won't give it up without a fight.

Club Heritage

Formed as Newton Heath L&YR F.C in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902. Six years later they clinched the Division One title, then the FA Cup in 1909, and another title triumph in 1911.

Matt Busby became manager in 1945 and steered United to championship victories in 1952, 1956 and 1957. They became the first English club to compete in the European Cup and reached the semi-final, before going out to Real Madrid. Tragedy struck in 1958 after when the plane carrying the team home from a European game crashed, killing eight players.

Busby survived and led his rebuilt team to an FA Cup win in 1963, then league titles in 1965 and 1967. United won the European Cup in 1968 with victory over Benfica in the final - the first English club to do so. When Busby resigned in 1969, his successors failed to continue his glorious triumphs and United were relegated five years later.

They managed to regain their top-flight status at the first attempt and later won the FA Cup in 1977. More FA Cup success followed in 1983 and 1985. But it was United's 1990 FA Cup replay win over Crystal Palace that proved to be the springboard to becoming the force they are today.

It saved under-pressure manager Alex Ferguson from losing his job and he went on to win the European Cup Winners' Cup the season after and began their Premier League dominance with the 1993 title.

Premier League History

1992-93 - Inaugural members of the Premier League
1991-92 - League Cup winners
1992-93 - Eric Cantona signs from Leeds for £1.2million
1992-93 - FA Carling Premiership winners
1993-94 - FA Carling Premiership winners and FA Cup winners
1995-96 - FA Carling Premiership winners and FA Cup winners
1996-97 - FA Carling Premiership winners
1998-99 - European Cup, Premiership and FA Cup winners
1999-00 - FA Carling Premiership winners
2000-01 - FA Carling Premiership winners
2001-02 - Juan Sebastian Veron smashes the British transfer record with a £28million move from Lazio
2002-03 - Barclaycard Premiership winners
2003-04 - FA Cup winners
2005-06 - American Malcolm Glazer takes control of club
2005-06 - League Cup winners
2006-07 - Barclays Premiership winners

Arsenal Football Club

Founded: 1886
Nickname: The Gunners
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Capacity: 60,432

Overview

Arsenal may have been off the pace in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93, but they made up for it by winning both the FA and League Cups.

The Premier League crown eluded them until 1998 - two years into manager Arsene Wenger's tenure - when they did the league and FA Cup double. Under the Frenchman, the Gunners shook off their "boring" image and began to play some of the most attractive football in England.

In eight of his 11 seasons at the club, Arsenal finished first or second. And together with star players such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp, Wenger took Arsenal to another "double" in 2002.

The Gunners reached the Champions' League final in 2006, becoming the first London team to do so, but lost to Barcelona. Their Barclaycard Premiership title in 2003/04 saw them become only the second team to win the league without losing a match - earning them the title "The Invincibles." Overall they went 49 matches unbeaten, which is a national record.

Club Heritage

In 1888, a group of workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory formed a team called Dial Square, renaming themselves to Royal Arsenal shortly afterwards. The team turned professional in 1891 and changed its name again to Woolwich Arsenal, eventually dropping the prefix completely in 1913 when they moved to Highbury.

The Gunners joined the Second Division in 1893 and were promoted in 1904. Success eluded them until the arrival of Herbert Chapman in 1925 when they won the league five times

between 1930 and 1938 and the FA Cup twice. Chapman, who died in 1934, was also behind the renaming of the nearest London Underground station to Arsenal.

Arsenal had to wait until the 1970s for their next period of success. But their first double in 1971 was followed by several near-misses - finishing second in 1972, and losing three FA Cup finals and the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup final.

It was not until the return of ex-player George Graham as manager that the club rose to greatness again - winning six trophies during his nine-year reign. That included League Cup success in 1987 and 1993, the FA Cup in 1993, the league title in 1989 and 1991 and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Arsenal hold the enviable record of the most consecutive seasons in the top flight - 80 at present.

Premier League History

1992-93 - Win the FA Cup and League Cup double
1993-94 - Win the European Cup Winners' Cup
1994-95 - George Graham sacked. Stewart Houston becomes caretaker. Lose the Cup Winners' Cup final to Real Zaragoza
1995-96 - Bruce Rioch takes charge for one season before resigning
1996-97 - Arsène Wenger becomes manager. Signs Nicolas Anelka and Patrick Vieira
1997-98 - Win the FA Carling Premiership and FA Cup double
1999-00 - Sign Thierry Henry. Lose the UEFA Cup final on penalties to Galatasaray
2000-01 - Break record transfer signing Sylvain Wiltord for £13million
2001-02 - Win the Barclaycard Premiership and FA Cup double
2003-04 - Win the Barclaycard Premiership without losing a match
2005-06 - Last season at Highbury. Lose the Champions' League final to Barcelona

2006-07 - Moved to Emirates Stadium

A History of The Premier League

It is the world's most watched league and the most lucrative - attracting the top players from all over the globe. Hard to believe then that the first ball kicked in the Premier League was as relatively recently as 15th August 1992.

The 1980s saw a nadir in English football. Stadiums were crumbling and hooliganism was rife. English teams were banned from Europe following the death of 39 fans at Heysel Stadium in Belgium ahead of Liverpool's European Cup Final against Juventus in 1985. Few of the world's top players would even contemplate plying their trade in England.

Then in 1989 came Hillsborough and the Taylor report. 96 fans died and over 150 were injured - crushed during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Lord Justice Taylor recommended a complete overhaul in the way football grounds were run and structured - leading to the introduction of all-seater stadia.

radical restructuring

Faced with the huge cost of implementing the recommendations and growing concern over the inability to attract quality players, there was mounting discontent among the top clubs. As early as 1988 ten clubs had threatened to break away in order to take advantage of higher television revenue.

A radical restructuring was needed if English clubs and the game in general were to develop and flourish.

The Founder Members Agreement was signed on 17th July 1991 establishing the basic principles for the setting up of the Premier League. The League would have commercial independence from the Football League and FA, leaving it free to organise its own broadcast and sponsorship agreement.

On the 20th February 1992 the first division clubs resigned from the Football League en masse and three months later the Premier League was established as a limited company.

The League decided to take the radical step of assigning television rights to Sky TV. At the time charging fans to watch televised sport was a relatively new concept, but a combination of the quality of football on offer and Sky's marketing strategy saw the value of the Premier League soar. The initial deal was worth £191million over five years. To televise the matches from 2007-2010, Sky and Setanta have paid a staggering £1.7billion.

shape and develop

Sponsorship has also played an enormous role. In 1993 Carling paid £12million for four years and the competition became known as the FA Carling Premiership. They renewed for another four years paying a 300% increase. In 2001 Barclaycard became the new sponsors for £48million over three years. Barclays took over in 2004 with their renewal price for 2007 coming in at £65.8million for three seasons.

Increased revenue has ensured that English clubs can compete on a global scale in terms of transfer fees and wages - an important factor which has seen some of the best overseas players grace the Barclays Premier League.

In 1992 there were just 11 non-British or Irish footballers in the Premier League, by 2007 this had increased to over 250. Over the years overseas players have helped shape and develop the British game. Overseas managers, too, have been eager to work in England, and techniques used by the likes of Arsene Wenger, Gerrard Houllier and Ruud Gullit have had an enormous impact.

The Premier League was initially composed of 22 clubs but it was always the intention to reduce that number to 20 to promote development and excellence at club and international level. This was achieved at the end of the 1994/95 season when four clubs were relegated and just two promoted.

Reading's promotion in 2006 made them the 40th club to ply their trade in the Premier League. The most successful team in Premier League history is undoubtedly Manchester United. Alex Ferguson's side have won a remarkable nine titles and have never finished below third since the Premier League was launched in 1992.

Arsenal Signature Ball [Toy]

Arsenal Woven Warm Up Suit

Arsenal Woven Warm Up SuitThe Arsenal woven suit is worn by the players in training for their games in the Premiership and the Champions League.
The Arsenal suit comes complete with a zip up jacket and bottoms, manufactured by Nike

Arsenal Knitted Hat Red

content: 100% acrylic.arsenal profile: knitted hat with contrast colour strip. club badge to centre front. Nike Swoosh at centre back

Arsenal Baseball Cap White 07

Adult one-size adjustable cap.Arsenal badge on front.Embroidery on back.Nike Swoosh on bill.Content: 70% polyester / 30% cotton

Arsenal Sleeveless Training Top 07/08

Arsenal Sleeveless Training Top 07/08The Arsenal sleeveless training top will be worn by the Arsenal players during training and before matches in their forthcoming season in the FA Premier League and Champions League.
The Arsenal sleeveless training top features an embroidered Nike logo and Arsenal club crest.

Arsenal Team Polo Shirt Red

Arsenal Team Polo Shirt RedThe Arsenal team polo shirt is worn by the players during training and when travelling to their games in the FA Premiership and UEFA Champions League.
The Arsenal polo shirt is 68% cotton and 32% polyester and is an official Nike Tiempo design, it features embroidered Nike logos and the Arsenal club crest.

Arsenal Polo Shirt White 07/08

Arsenal Polo Shirt 07/08The Arsenal polo shirt will be worn by the Arsenal players during training and before matches in their forthcoming season in the FA Premier League and Champions League.
The Arsenal polo shirt features an embroidered Nike logo and Arsenal club crest.

Senior Home Shirt - Nike Arsenal - Red White - X-Large

Arsenal Teslon Size 4 Ball

Arsenal Teslon Size 4 Ball

Junior Training Top - Nike Arsenal - Replica - 13yr

2007 arsenal season training top. Contrast panel at neck. Mesh panels at under arms and back. Contrast stitching at arm holes, neck and back. Crest badge at left chest. Swoosh print at right chest and centre back neck. Sponsor logo print at chest. 100% polyester.

Arsenal Cap - Pink - One Size

Arsenal nice caps