Unofficial Champions of England: Chelsea 5-0 Manchester United, 03/10/1999

Jody Morris scores Chelsea's fifth goal

Manchester United are the treble winners and Unofficial Champions. They haven't lost a league game in ten months. They look unstoppable.
All except one thing and his name is Massimo Taibi. To be fair, it was a big ask for any keeper to fill the gloves of United's legendary keeper Peter Schmeichel. Taibi's time in Manchester was short but the stuff of legends.

Chelsea took the lead after just 27 seconds. Dan Petrescu played the ball forward for Gus Poyet to head past a stranded Taibi.
Chris Sutton, who didn't score many in his time at Stamford Bridge, made it 2-0 with a looping header from Albert Ferrer's cross.
It got worse for United when Nicky Butt was red carded for lashing out at Chelsea skipper Dennis Wise.

United survived conceding anymore until the second half when Gus Poyet got his second goal, scoring on the rebound after Taibi had saved Frank Leboeuf's low effort.
The fourth goal, despite Sutton's best efforts to claim it for himself, was an own goal from Henning Berg, sliding in to turn in Gianfranco Zola's low cross.
The final goal came from Jody Morris, completing Taibi's miserable day by shooting between his legs.

The Treble winners were well and truly humbled.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, 22/08/1999

Roy Keane equalises for Manchester United

The final part of the Arsenal-Manchester United trilogy, the 'Return of the King' if you will.
Much like the Gunners and United were sharing all the trophies between themselves in this period, now they were sharing the Unofficial Championship as well.

Arsenal-United games were always hotly contested at this time (particularly the Highbury encounters) and this was no different.
Both teams had good chances to take the lead but on forty minutes it was Arsenal who took first blood. Nwankwo Kanu linked up with Dennis Bergkamp, who set Freddie Ljungberg free in the box to give the Gunners the lead.

United levelled things up 13 minutes after half-time. Captain Roy Keane played a one-two with Andy (sorry, Andrew) Cole before scoring with a finish not too dissimilar from Ljungberg's.

From that point, the game went back and forth with chances for both sides, Keane and Patrick Vieira argued with each other, players needed to be pulled apart. As was standard in these fixtures.

The game seemed to be heading for a draw until two minutes from time. Ryan Giggs saw his effort blocked but it deflected into the path of Keane who scored to win the game and a fifth Unofficial Championship for Manchester United.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United, 01/08/1999

A re-match for the Unofficial English Championship in a Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium.

In the intervening period since these two sides previous epic encounter, Champions Manchester United had added the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League trophies to their collection. The weight of defending all four titles would be too much for any club to bear, even a colossus like United.

It started well, when David Beckham's free-kick hit the crossbar and Dwight Yorke followed up to give United a first half lead.

All looked good until midway through the second half when Denis Irwin pulled back on Patrick Vieira's shirt for a penalty to Arsenal. Nwankwo Kanu took the honours from 12 yards to equalise.

Then with thirteen minutes left, it was down to the 'Romford Pele' Ray Parlour to work his way into the box, shoot across goal and win the game, Community Shield and a third Unofficial English Championship for Arsenal.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, 14/04/1999

Ryan Giggs celebrates THAT goal

Ok, is there anyone who doesn't remember this game?

The two top teams in the land meet in an FA Cup Semi-final replay at Villa Park. It has become much forgotten that if the assistant referee had not wrongly disallowed Roy Keane's effort three days previously, this game would likely never have happened.

Arsenal were the reigning double winners of the previous season (as well as Unofficial English Champions) while Manchester United were on the verge of something spectacular.

17 minutes gone and Teddy Sheringham tees the ball up for David Beckham, who from 25 yards out sweeps the ball well beyond the reach of Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.

The score stayed that well until the 69th minute. From a similar position to Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp shot into the opposite corner to equalise for Arsenal.

Then it's all thrills and spills. Nicolas Anelka thinks he's won it, he's jumped into the stands...no, offside! Roy Keane brings down Marc Overmars, two yellow cards and he's off!
Last minute of the game, the 'Romford Pele' Ray Parlour brings the ball into the United penalty area, he's brought down by Phil Neville. Penalty! Bergkamp steps up to take it...AND IT'S SAVED BY SCHMEICHEL!

Extra-time and Ryan Giggs scores THAT goal. Do I even need to describe it to you? I'll just leave it to Martin Tyler:
'A rather weary one from Vieira. Giggs gets past Vieira, past Dixon who comes back at him...it’s a wonderful run from GIGGGGSSS! Sensational goal from Ryan Giggs in the second period of extra time. He’s cut Arsenal to ribbons and the team with 10 men go back in front 2-1.'

A game that had everything you could want as a football fan. Goals, drama, excitement and is rightly remembered as an all time classic.

And Manchester United got their fourth Unofficial Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea, 31/01/1999

Dennis Bergkamp strikes for Arsenal

Chelsea went into the game at Highbury in good confidence. Two defeats in 31 games all season, second in the table and the Unofficial Champions of England. Their latest run had seen successful defences against Manchester United, Newcastle United, Coventry City and er, Oxford United and Oldham Athletic.

Arsenal wanted a bit of revenge for their 0-5 defeat to Chelsea two months previously as they put their own season back on track.

A familiar chant rang out at Highbury of 'One-Nil, to the Arsenal!' as Dutch Menace Dennis Bergkamp's well taken strike was enough to win the game for the Gunners against their London rivals.

Arsenal were Unofficial Champions for the second time.

Unofficial Champions of England: Southampton 0-2 Chelsea, 26/12/1998

Zola chips the ball for the onrushing Tore Andre Flo

Southampton players had a week to celebrate their time as English Champions, which included being Champions at Christmas. Boxing Day however brought the visit of former Champions Chelsea to The Dell.

The Chelsea side of 1998-99 is often overlooked but they really were quite good. They would finish 3rd in the table and only lost three league games all season. The problem was they drew 15.

No problems for the Blues this day. In the first half, Gianfranco Zola lofted the ball over the Southampton defence for Tore Andre Flo to side-foot Chelsea ahead.

Chelsea doubled their advantage in the second half. Saints goalkeeper Paul Jones was unable to keep a hold of Dan Petrescu's cross and Gustavo Poyet poked the ball into an empty net.

A fourth English Championship for Chelsea made for a fine late Christmas present.

For trivia fans, this game also saw the Premier League debut of one John George Terry.

Unofficial Champions of England: Southampton 3-1 Wimbledon, 19/12/1998

Champions Wimbledon had made two successful defences of their title with wins over both Coventry City and Liverpool. Match three however brought them to The Dell to take on fellow strugglers, Southampton.

Southampton were not in good form going into this game. They had only won one of their last six matches and had lost their last three.

The Saints took the lead early in the first half through Norwegian striker Egil Ostenstad. Goals were added in the second half by Hassan Kachloul and a second for Ostenstad.

Wimbledon did pull one back through Marcus Gayle but it was to be Southampton's day as they became English Champions for a third time.

Kachloul goal:

Unofficial Champions of England: Wimbledon 2-1 Chelsea, 01/12/1998

Michael Hughes scores from the penalty spot

Since winning the Unofficial English Championship, Chelsea had been on a three match run of defences that included a 3-0 win against their opponents for this Worthington Cup tie, Wimbledon.

'The Crazy Gang' often lived up to their nickname, with no one ever quite sure what they would get out of them.

Wimbledon's first goal came in typical fashion, a high ball into the box for Robbie Earle to head in.

The second goal came when Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf pulled down Marcus Gayle in the box. Michael Hughes converted the penalty, blasting high into the goal.
Chelsea did pull one back through player-manager Gianluca Vialli but it was too little too late.

It marked a second English Championship for the Dons.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 0-5 Chelsea, 11/11/1998

Champions Arsenal went on a four match run defending their Unofficial Championship, seeing off threats from former champions Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Coventry City.

The fifth game was a League Cup tie against London rivals Chelsea. The Blues were on a decent run themselves, since an opening day defeat to Coventry they were unbeaten in their last 15 games in all competitions.

Chelsea took the lead in the 34th minute from a hotly contested penalty (what would an Arsenal-Chelsea game be without a little controversy?). Frank Leboeuf stepped up to calmly slot it home.

Chelsea ran away with it in the second half thanks to two goals apiece for Gianluca Vialli and Gustavo Poyet (though there is an argument Poyet's first should be credited as an own goal, I doubt Giles Grimandi will be too keen to claim it).

Arsenal fans will no doubt point to a much changed side for this game, however the history books will only show a 5-0 win for Chelsea at Highbury. And their third Unofficial Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United, 04/10/1998

Champions Newcastle United's revival didn't last long.
Though they did win against Nottingham Forest, this was followed by defeat to Partizan Belgrade dumping them out of the UEFA Cup Winners Cup before a trip to Highbury to play Premier League Champions and 'Double' winners, Arsenal.

Arsenal hadn't started the Premier League season as well as they would have hoped, with just 2 wins, 4 draws and 1 defeat from their opening seven fixtures. This was an afternoon for them to put things right.

Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp was the star of the show. In the first half, Bergkamp gave Arsenal the lead with a customary cool finish after a through ball evaded the Newcastle defence. Then he unselfishly played in Nicolas Anelka for a tap-in to an empty goal for Arsenal's second.

In the second half, Bergkamp wrapped things up for the Gunners with a well-taken penalty.

Arsenal's first Unofficial Championship, to add to their Premier League crown.

Unofficial Champions of England: Coventry City 1-5 Newcastle United, 19/09/1998

Alan Shearer scores for Newcastle

Coventry City had brought the Unofficial English Championship back to the Premier League but their first defence of their new title at Highfield Road against Newcastle United.

Since returning to the top division of English football in 1993, Newcastle had established themselves as one of the Premier League's more dominant teams. However, they had started the 1998-99 season poorly and it had cost manager Kenny Dalglish his job.
Under new manager Ruud Gullitt there were green shoots of recovery, with a 4-0 win against Southampton in their last Premier League game and a 2-1 win against Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Cup Winners Cup.

Coventry actually started the game really well and took the lead in the fourth minute through Noel Whelan.
From there however, it was all Newcastle. The Toon Army roared back to record a 1-5 victory courtesy of goals from Nikos Dabizas, the late Gary Speed, Stephen Glass and two for the best striker of the Premier League era, Alan Shearer.

It was Newcastle's third reign as English Champions.

Alan Shearer's goals:

Unofficial Champions of England: Coventry City 1-0 Southend United, 16/09/1998

Paul Hall scores the winning goal for Coventry

Southend were the English Champions but the Worthington Cup brought up a big challenge for them in the shape of Premier League side Coventry City.

Coventry had made a poor start to the season and it would be another season of struggle for the Sky Blues. Southend fought valiantly but the class was too much as Coventry prevailed by a single goal from Paul Hall.

Coventry City won their second English Championship and for the first time in 18 months, it would be defended in the Premier League.

Unofficial Champions of England: Rotherham United, Southend United, 1998-99

Following Cambridge United's victory over Watford in the League Cup, the Unofficial Championship took a brief detour into Football League Division Three.

Cambridge had retained their title with a win against Swansea City but their next game was a trip to Yorkshire to take on Rotherham United.

The Millers will likely never be regarded as a glamour club but on this day they were the Champions of England with a 2-0 win.

Talking of unfashionable places, Rotherham's three game run as English Champions would come to an end by the coast against Southend United on 5th September 1998.

Southend won 3-0 to claim the English Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Cambridge United 1-0 Watford, 11/08/1998

Trevor Benjamin scores for Cambridge United

Champions Watford had begun life well in Division One. Their opening day bringing a hard fought 2-1 away win at Portsmouth.

Their next game was in the League Cup (now known as the Worthington Cup) and a seemingly favourable tie against Division Three outfit, Cambridge United. A minor shock was on the cards at the Abbey Stadium.

One goal was all that was needed as Trevor Benjamin was the quickest to react in the box to give Cambridge United the first leg victory.

Watford still had the second-leg to recover but Cambridge United had taken the English Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Watford 2-1 Bournemouth, 28/04/1998

A pineapple-less Jason Lee equalises for Watford

Bournemouth first defence of their Unofficial English Championship was away to top of the table Watford.

Watford had already secured promotion but now they were looking to add the Division Two title as well.

It didn't start well for the Hornets when Bournemouth took the lead through a free-kick from veteran striker Mark Stein.

Watford equalised in the second half through a header from Jason Lee, who was better known to fans as a figure of ridicule on Fantasy Football League. Noted for being a bit rubbish in his Nottingham Forest days, David Baddiel donned blackface and put a pineapple on his head to mock his exuberant hairstyle and limited footballing ability. In fairness, Frank Skinner has since come out in his autobiography and said they went too far in their mockery but David Baddiel to the best of my knowledge is unrepentant.

Watford's winning goal came from the head of Gifton Noel-Williams, whom as far as I am aware has never been the subject of parody.

Watford were the new English Champions and a 2-1 win over Fulham a few days later won the Division Two Championship as well.

Unofficial Champions of England: Carlisle United, Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth, 1997-98

11th April 1998 and the reigning Unofficial Champions are Oldham Athletic.

A lot can change in a year. Carlisle United had started the season as English Champions having dominated Division Three the previous season. Now they were facing relegation back to Division Three and would lose 9 of their last ten games. The one bright spot was the visit of Oldham Athletic. A 3-1 win to give Carlisle United their third English Championship.

Carlisle United had perhaps the shortest reign as English Champions, lasting just two games before surrendering the title to play-off bound Fulham for their second reign. Fulham were just days away from the most exciting period in their history. Mohammed Al Fayed had taken over as Chairman and manager Ray Wilkins would shortly be replaced by former England manager Kevin Keegan (meaning for a short period, Division Two could boast two ex-England managers. The other being Graham Taylor at Watford). Fulham won 5-0 with a hat-trick from Paul Peschisolido, a penalty from Paul Moody and one for Tony Thorpe.

Such is the nature of lower league football where seemingly anyone can beat anyone, it was another short reign as Fulham's next game was away to Burnley five days later. It was the Claret's who emerged victorious with three vital points in their relegation battle but more importantly, to win their first English Championship. They won 2-1 with goals from Andy Cooke and Andy Payton, while Paul Moody pulled one back for Fulham.

Yet again, the reign was brief as on 25th April 1998, Burnley took on Bournemouth at Dean Court. Bournemouth still had hopes of a play-off spot and ran out as 2-1 winners. Their goals came from Steve Robinson and Steve Fletcher. Damian Matthew replied for Burnley.

Four title changes in 14 days, Bournemouth were now beginning their second reign as English Champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Northampton Town, Wrexham, Plymouth Argyle, Oldham, 1997-98

Staying in Division Two, it is February 1998 and the current reigning champions are Grimsby Town.

Grimsby had successfully held on to their English Championship with wins against Bournemouth and Blackpool before visiting Sixfields Stadium on 28th February.
It was not to be their day though as Northampton ran out 2-1 winners to claim their first English Championship.

The Cobblers reign was short as their next game was against former champions Wrexham. The Dragons won 1-0 to bring the English Championship back to Wales for a second time.

The Welsh men held on to the championship for four matches before English pride was restored by Plymouth Argyle. The Pilgrims won 2-0 thanks to goals from Carlo Carozzin and Mark Saunders

Plymouth's reign was another short one, as their next game was against former two-time champions, Oldham Athletic.

Bringing us to 4th April 1998, Oldham Athletic won 2-0 thanks to two goals from Adrian Littlejohn and the Latics became English Champions for the third time.

Unofficial Champions of England: Blackpool, Luton Town, Oldham Athletic, Grimsby Town, 1997-98

Champions York City held on to their Unofficial Championship for three games before a trip to Blackpool in the Auto Windscreen Shield. The game itself finished 1-1 after extra time so for the first time, the Unofficial Championship was won on penalties, with Blackpool triumphing 10-9 in a marathon game.

Blackpool's reign was brief as in their next game was away to Luton Town. Luton won the game 3-0 to begin their reign as English Champions.

Luton did manage one successful defence of their title but their run was ended at Boundary Park in a 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic, claiming their second English Championship. Oldham's goals were both scored by Richard Graham.

Oldham had a relatively lengthy run of three matches before taking on Blackpool. Blackpool won 2-1 to take their second English Championship.

Blackpool enjoyed a slightly longer run in their second time as champions but the Northern Area Semi-Final of the Auto Windscreen Shield drew them away at Grimsby Town. Grimsby ran out as 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Wayne Burnett.

Unofficial Champions of England: Oldham Athletic, Fulham, Bournemouth, Wrexham and York City, 1997

A quick round up as details and media for these games is scarce.

Oldham Athletic 1-0 Preston North End, 09/09/1997

English champions Preston North End were usurped by Oldham Athletic, thanks to a goal from Tommy Wright. It had been a harsh few years for Oldham. Three years previous they had been tearing it up in the Premier League, now they were in Division Two. The Unofficial English Championship is some comfort.

Fulham 3-1 Oldham Athletic, 04/10/1997

Champions Oldham held on to their title with successive draws against Northampton, Blackpool and Bristol Rovers but a trip to Craven Cottage would prove too much.
Oldham were sunk by two goals from Paul Moody and an own goal from Lee Sinnott.

Bournemouth 2-1 Fulham, 18/10/1997

Fulham had retained their title in a game against Blackpool but a trip to the south coast was anything but fun.
Bournemouth were under severe financial difficulties at the time and would be for some years yet but goals from Ian Cox were enough to win the English Championship for Bournemouth.


Wrexham 2-1 Bournemouth, 04/11/1997

A little history was made when Bournemouth travelled to Wrexham.

A 2-1 win for Wrexham meant the Welsh club became the first non-English side to win the Unofficial English Championship.


York City 1-0 Wrexham, 13/12/1997

Wrexham held onto their title for three matches until they played the Minstermen of York.

A goal from Tony Barras was all that was required and York City held on to the championship until the new year.

Unofficial Champions of England: Preston North End 2-0 Watford, 30/08/1997

Kurt Nogan puts Preston ahead

Watford had two defences of their title against Brentford and Swindon Town but their third defence brought them to Deepdale to play one of Britain's (and football's in general) most historic clubs, Preston North End.

Preston were the first Football League Champions, the first 'Double' winners and the original 'Invincibles'. However, they have not been in the top division of English Football since 1961.

A return to former glories came with a first half goal from the boot of Kurt Nogan.
Nogan added another in the second half to secure victory for the Lilywhites.

After over a century, Preston North End could call themselves the English Champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Carlisle United 0-2 Watford, 16/08/1997

Richard Johnson's long range effort for 2-0 to Watford

English Champions Carlisle United had been promoted to Division Two and had successfully defended their title in a game away to Southend United and a League Cup tie at Chester City. Their third game of the season brought them to a resurgent Watford, back under the tutelage of the former England manager Graham Taylor.
Taylor was out of his depth in the England job but was undeniably effective at a club of a certain level.

Watford were made to wait until the second half for their goals. First, Peter Kennedy headed them into the lead from a cross from the right. Then Richard Johnson powered in a free-kick from 40 yards to secure the points for the Hornets.

Watford would be fighting for promotion all season and winning the Unofficial English Championship was a great way to start their season.

Unofficial Champions of England: Cambridge United, Rochdale and Carlisle United, 1997

Authors note: whenever possible, I like to have details for all the games covered and ideally footage of all the goals. Sometimes, I get lucky. Other times, not so. Details for Premier League games from this period can be difficult, Division Three games from twenty years ago can be near impossible.

So, I will just have to rattle through these next three:

Hartlepool United 0-2 Cambridge United, 12/04/1997

Champions Hartlepool United's first defence of their title came against Cambridge United, who had outside hopes of a play-off spot.
Cambridge won the game 0-2 to win the game and take their first English Championship.


Rochdale 3-0 Cambridge United, 26/04/1997

Cambridge managed one successful defence of their title in a 1-1 draw with relegation threatened Brighton and Hove Albion (a lot can change in 20 years, they survived on goals scored) before turning up at Spotland Stadium to take on mid-table Rochdale.
A 3-0 defeat for Cambridge dented their promotion hopes but The Dale could enjoy their time as English Champions.


Carlisle United 3-2 Rochdale, 29/04/1997

Rochdale's time as English Champions was short, their final game of the season was away at Carlisle United.
Carlisle were already promoted but the Division Three title was gone for them now (unless Fulham and Wigan Athletic both lost their final games and they won theirs 10-0).

Still, becoming English Champions for the second time was a nice consolation.

Unofficial Champions of England: Hartlepool United 3-1 Leyton Orient, 05/04/1997

Here's an interesting curio: this match for the Unofficial English Championship was played out between two sides who are both no longer in the Football League.

Back in 1997, Hartlepool were already stuck in a relegation battle from Division Three. A win over Leyton Orient would do them a world of good.

Orient took the lead in the first half with a fine effort from outside the box by Justin Channing.
However, Hartlepool equalised before half-time with an equally stunning strike from Russell Bradley.

Hartlepool took control in the second half. First, Paul Baker gave Hartlepool the lead via a header from a corner and the win was wrapped up when Stephen Halliday took the ball around the Orient keeper to score in the final minutes.

Jeff Stelling would have been over the moon.

Unofficial Champions of England: Leyton Orient 2-1 Carlisle United, 31/03/1997

English Champions Carlisle United were promotion bound but their aim to finish as Division Three Champions as well took a knock with a visit to Brisbane Road to play Leyton Orient.

One of London's smallest professional clubs, until their relegation in 2017 Orient had been members of the Football League for 112 years.
Back in 1997 they were flirting with relegation as well but a win over Carlisle put many of their fears to bed.

Two first half goals for Scott McGleish were enough for Orient, though Carlisle did pull one back on the stroke of half-time.

Leyton Orient's future right now may well be in doubt but they can always remember the time they were Champions of England.

Unofficial Champions of England: Carlisle United 2-0 Stockport County, 18/03/1997

Stockport County had shown great desire in defeating Middlesbrough to become English Champions but a week later, they were to be victims of a giant-killing.

Carlisle United weren't doing too badly themselves, challenging at the top for promotion and the championship of Division Three. They met Stockport in the Northern Area Final of the Auto-Windscreens Shield, more formally known as the Football League Trophy. Everyone's favourite lower league football competition.

Divison Two side Stockport were the favourites but it was Carlisle who took the lead. Owen Archdeacon had a shot from outside the area the County keeper might feel he should have saved but it took one of those awkward bounces commentators are always talking about.

Stockport had a man sent off and Owen Archdeacon secured the win for Carlisle in the last minute from the penalty spot.

The northern-most team in the English league were now its champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Middlesbrough 0-1 Stockport County, 12/03/1997

Sean Connelly scores for Stockport

There is a theory that one reason Middlesbrough got relegated in 1997 (apart from the deducted points) was that they overstretched themselves with runs to the final of both major domestic cups.
It's possible, the visit of Stockport County for the second leg of their League Cup semi-final was their 4th game in 12 days.

Middlesbrough were comfortable 2-0 winners and were expected to finish the tie comfortably in the at the Riverside. Third-tier side Stockport on the other hand had different ideas.

It took barely five minutes for the Hatters to take the lead. Full-back Sean Connelly bursting through the Boro' defence to lash the ball beyond Boro' keeper Mark Schwarzer to put the tie on a knife-edge.

Though Stockport couldn't quite find a second goal and would ultimately lose the tie on aggregate, there was one consolation: little Stockport County were now Champions of England.

Unofficial Champions of England: Middlesbrough 6-1 Derby County, 05/03/1997

Vladimir Kinder scorer of the first Middlesbrough goal

Hard to see how this could have gone any worse for Unofficial Champions Derby County.

Middlesbrough may have been in the relegation zone but they still had some quality players in their side.

Boro's first goal had an element of good fortune to it as Vladimir Kinder's long range effort took a deflection that wrong-footed Derby keeper Russell Hoult. The score at half-time was a creditable 1-0.

The second half however saw Middlesbrough romp away with it. Fabrizio Ravanelli used his strength to outmuscle the Derby defence before slotting the ball past Hoult who had been caught out of position.
Craig Hignett and Mikkel Beck added two more goals in quick succession to make it 4-0 to the Boro.
Ravanelli than made it 5-0, following up on his initial shot which was saved and rolling it into the empty goal. Ravanelli completed his hat-trick on 85 minutes (with a hint of offside), taking it around the Derby keeper to score.

Derby did get one back through Paul Simpson but it was the scantest of consolations. They did have an immediate re-match in the FA Cup though in which they done a little better, only losing 2-0 this time.

Six goals for Boro, three for Ravanelli and three English Championships for Middlesbrough.

Unofficial Champions of England: Derby County 3-2 Chelsea, 01/03/1997

Derby celebrate Ashley Ward's winning goal

This was the era of 'Sexy Football' at Stamford Bridge, under the management of Dutch superstar Ruud Gullitt. With the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo and Gianluca Vialli in their squad, on their day they could beat anyone.

Unfortunately, on the flip side of that they lacked consistency to make them real contenders so on their day, they could also be beaten by anyone.

It started well for Chelsea and at half-time they were ahead, Scott Minto scoring a nice first time effort from Paul Hughes low through-ball.

It didn't go quite so well in the second half for Chelsea or Minto. On 51 minutes Derby were level, a low ball across the penalty area being credited as a Minto own goal.
Chelsea did retake the lead through Frank Leboeuf but that lead lasted just eight minutes. Leboeuf continued a trend of Chelsea heroes becoming villains, handling the ball on the line to concede a penalty and earn himself a red card. Aljosa Asanovic stepped up to equalise from the spot.

As full time approached, Chelsea might have thought they'd done enough to collect a point but a ball broke loose in the penalty area and poacher Ashley Ward was on hand to win the game for Derby and their third English Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Chelsea, 01/02/1997

Roberto Di Matteo's stunning effort for 2-0

Back in the 90's there was saying: 'Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and Chelsea beating Tottenham.'

Tottenham Hotspur's defence of their English championship couldn't have gotten off to a worse start.
Gianfranco Zola's free-kick created chaos in the Spurs box resulting in Sol Campbell scoring an own goal with barely a minute played.

Chelsea's second came in the second half from the cultured boot of Roberto Di Matteo with a stunning effort from 30 yards.
Spurs did get one back through a David Howells header but as was so often the case in these fixtures, it wouldn't be enough.

Chelsea claimed their second English Championship after nearly four years away.

Unofficial Champions of England: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Blackburn Rovers, 29/01/1997

Steffen Iversen puts Tottenham ahead

Blackburn Rovers were the first five time Unofficial English Champions but looking to join them were Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs were not in the best form heading into this game having lost their previous four matches in all competitions, including a 7-1 drubbing by Newcastle United.

Tottenham took the lead just before half-time after Blackburn had been sloppy in defence and Steffen Iversen was able to prod them ahead.

Blackburn equalised in the second-half, veteran defender Colin Hendry arriving to head home from a corner.
The winning goal came in the 83rd minute. A long-throw bounced loose in the box and Andy Sinton pounced on it, driving it in low to win the game for Spurs.

If there was an Unofficial English Championship trophy it was now Spurs' to keep.

Unofficial Champions of England: Blackburn Rovers 4-0 Coventry City, 11/01/1997

George Donis scores for Blackburn Rovers

Coventry City had made it into the new years as English Champions, seeing off the challenge of Sunderland, but life can be tough at the bottom.

Blackburn Rovers had declined over the last couple seasons but could still provide the occasional reminder of just why they had been Premier League Champions.

Blackburn set the ball rolling early on with Chris Sutton heading in from a corner. It got worse for the Sky Blues a few minutes later when Dion Dublin was shown a red card for a two footed challenge.
Blackburn doubled their lead shortly after, Tim Sherwood hitting the post from a header but Kevin Gallacher storming in to blast in the rebound.
Before half-time it was 3-0 to Rovers. Ogrizovic done well to keep out a header from a Blackburn corner but poacher Sutton was on hand to get his second of the game.

Coventry done well not to concede any more until the 76th minute, a fine team move from Blackburn finished off by George Donis (nope, don't remember him either).

Blackburn Rovers, Unofficial English Champions for a record FIVE times.

Unofficial Champions of England: Coventry City 3-0 Middlesbrough, 28/12/1996

The crazy run of Christmas fixtures meant that Middlesbrough's run as English Champions would last just two days.

Boro made the trip to Highfield Road to play Coventry City in a crucial relegation battle.
Coventry opened the scoring in the 24th minute, John Salako crossing for Darren Huckerby to meet with a header.

Coventry added a second when Boro conceded a penalty for a handball. Gary McAllister stepped up to dispatch from 12 yards.
The scoring was completed when Middlesbrough defender Craig Liddle turned Darren Huckerby's cross into his own goal.

Coventry became English Champions and Handsome Steve Ogrizovic celebrated his record breaking 544th Coventry appearance with a clean sheet.

Unofficial Champions of England: Middlesbrough 4-2 Everton, 26/12/1996

Juninho scores for Middlesbrough

Everton's run as Champions would be brief but they did manage one defence in a 0-0 draw with Leeds United.

The Christmas period is always a crazy time for football with lots of games coming very quickly. Everton took a trip to the Riverside Stadium on Boxing Day to take on Middlesbrough. The 'Boro were having a disappointing season despite big summer signings Emerson and Fabrizio Ravenelli. They found themselves in the relegation zone and faced the prospect of being docked three points for failing to play a fixture at Blackburn Rovers, blaming injuries and illness in the club.

The first half was a belter. On 22 minutes, Emerson played in Craig Hignett to give Middlesbrough the lead but the lead was short lived as David Unsworth equalised with a penalty following a handball by Derek Whyte.
Boro retook the lead through veteran midfielder Clayton Blackmore, who curled in a low effort from outside the box. Right before half-time however, Middlesbrough committed the cardinal sin of giving Toffee striker Duncan Ferguson space and time in the box for a header. And you never give Duncan Ferguson space and time for a header.

In the second half, Middlesbrough took control of the game. Juninho saw his initial effort stopped by Everton's legendary keeper Neville Southall but the ball found its way back to him and he scored on the second attempt.
With fifteen minutes to go, the game was made safe for Boro'. Ravenelli linked up with Juninho inside the Everton box and the little Brazilian scored his second of the game.

Troubled times for Middlesbrough but some Christmas cheer as they became English Champions for the second time.

Unofficial Champions of England: Derby County 0-1 Everton, 16/12/1996

Nick Barmby heads the winner

Derby County had enjoyed a relatively lengthy run as Champions with successful defences against Middlesbrough, West Ham United, Coventry City and even Arsenal.

Looking to become Champions for the first time on this day were the Toffee men of Everton.
Forever in their larger, more successful neighbours shadow, it was Everton's time to shine.
They had to wait for their big moment but it eventually came in the 86th minute. Derby failed to clear their lines and Joe Parkinson hit a speculative effort from outside the box that looped up off the crossbar and Nick Barmby was on hand to head it in.

For the first time in a long time, Everton were champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Derby County 2-0 Leicester City, 02/11/1996

Ashley Ward pokes in the opening goal

Leicester City only had one week to enjoy their time as English Champions as their next fixture was a midlands derby match against erm, Derby County.

Along with Leicester, Derby had been promoted to the Premier League the previous season as Division One runners-up. This was their first season in the Premier League but also their last playing at their historic home, the Baseball Ground.

The first goal came early in the second half, Christian Dailly heading across goal for Ashley Ward to poke in the opener for The Rams.
The win was secured in the last minute when Dean Sturridge (uncle of current England international, Daniel) saw his effort take a cruel deflection off Mike Whitlow for an own goal.

Derby County were back in the big time and Unofficial Champions for a second time.