Football League Third Division

Until the 2004/05 season, the Football League Third Division was the third-highest division of The Football League and the fourth-highest division in the overall English football league system. Before that it was the third division overall, but that ended with the creation of the FA Premier League prior to the start of the 1992/93 season.

The Third Division was replaced by Football League Two prior to the start of the 2004/05 season.

Overview

Prior to the formation of the Premiership in 1992, the Third Division was the third highest level in English football. Up until this time, teams were relegated to what was called the Fourth Division.

The Third Division was originally formed in 1920 with the addition of Southern League clubs to the League, before becoming the Third Division South in 1921. A new Third Division was formed in 1958 from the top clubs of the Third Division North and Third Division South. Instead of being divided by regional location, the teams at this level became divided by ability.

At the end of each season the top three teams were promoted to Second Division, along with the winners of a play-off between the next four teams. Also, the bottom two teams were relegated to the Football Conference.

Note: A team could be spared from relegation if one or both of the Conference teams nominated for promotion did not fulfil the required criteria for entering the League.

Plymouth Argyle hold the record points total for this division. In their 2001/02 championship season they amassed 102 points.

Previous League champions

Winners of the original Third Division (1921)

Winners of the old format Third Division (1959-1992)

Winners of the new format Third Division (1993-2004)