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.

Unofficial Champions of England: Leicester City 2-0 Newcastle United, 26/10/1996

Emile Heskey salutes the Leicester City fans after scoring the second goal

There was a danger that new Champions Newcastle United could get a bit full of themselves after the thrashing they gave Manchester United.

Six days on and with a narrow League Cup win over Oldham Athletic in between, The Toon Army was back in action at newly promoted Leicester City.
Under manager Martin O'Neill, Leicester were proving to be the seasons surprise package. They had been expected relegation battlers but were proving more than a match for the big boys.

The Foxes went ahead after 17 minutes when Newcastle keeper Pavel Srnicek could only palm a low cross into the path of Steve Claridge, who was delighted to sweep in the rebound.

Newcastle had their chances to equalise but the game was settled 10 minutes from time when young Leicester striker Emile Heskey found himself one on one with the goalkeeper and coolly took it round him to slot home.

Now two-time Champions Leicester City were having a ball in the top flight.

Unofficial Champions of England: Newcastle United 5-0 Manchester United, 20/10/1996

Alan Shearer gets Newcastle's fourth

Double winners and Unofficial Champions Manchester United had started the 1996/97 season in imperious form. Their only defeat was a narrow 1-0 away to European Champions Juventus (not eligible for Unofficial English Championship).
Game 14 brought them to St James' Park to play the side they had so comprehensively beaten for the Unofficial Champions at Wembley Stadium, Newcastle United.
Nobody was expecting what happened next.

Slight controversy with Newcastle's first goal, Darren Peacock's header adjudged to have crossed the line much to Man United's chagrin.
No doubts about Newcastle's second goal, he-of-the-fabulous-hair David Ginola's curled effort from the left hand side of the box finding its way to the top right corner.

The Toon Army had to wait until the second half for their third. Alan Shearer crossed and Les Ferdinand headed in via two hits of the crossbar.
United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel may count himself unlucky with the fourth. He made two good saves from Peter Beardsley and Ferdinand but couldn't stop Shearer on the third attempt.
The scoring was wrapped up in the 83rd minute when Belgian central defender Philippe Albert spotted the big Dane Schmeichel too far off his line and chipped over him from the edge of the penalty area.

A glorious day for Newcastle United.

Unofficial Champions of England: Manchester United 4-0 Newcastle United, 11/08/1996

Nicky Butt gets the second goal for Manchester United

Here we go. Premier League Champions vs Unofficial Champions at Wembley Stadium, winner takes all. The winner even gets a nice little shield.

Newcastle were renowned for their great attacking line, bolstered further by world record £15m signing Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers. Their defence though, not so much.

It took 25 minutes for Man United to get off the mark, Newcastle giving Cantona far too much space leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper and 'Le Grand' Eric doesn't miss chances like those.
Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when Nicky Butt headed in from David Beckham's cross (following a cheeky stylish flick from Cantona).

Newcastle held out from conceding anymore until the 86th minute but Beckham beat Newcastle's offside trap from Cantona's pass and lobbed the ball over Pavel Srnicek from 25 yards out.
Newcastle's misery was completed two minutes later when Man United rolled a free-kick out to Roy Keane on the edge of the box and he blasted it in.

Manchester United: Premier League Champions, FA Cup holders and now the Unofficial Champions as well.

Unofficial Champions of England: Newcastle United 1-0 Southampton, 17/04/1996

Rob Lee scores for Newcastle

Having just taken the Unofficial English Championship from one Premier League title challenger, just four days later Southampton were back in action at St James' Park taking on the other title challenger, Newcastle United.

Newcastle had been leading from the front all year but as the season entered its closing stages, they were just starting to falter and now trailed Manchester United in the table. To have any chance, they needed to win.

On a nervous night for the Toon Army, it took just one goal from Rob Lee to win the game for Newcastle. Faustino Asprilla fed Lee loose on the right, he turned his defender inside the Saints penalty area and passed the ball into the bottom corner.

Newcastle would ultimately miss out on the Premier League title but at least they could console themselves they were Unofficial Champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Southampton 3-1 Manchester United, 13/04/1996

Le Tissier scores for Southampton in the first half...

This game is somewhat infamous.

Manchester United were chasing the Premier League title and were now leading the table, having at one point trailed 12 points behind Newcastle United.

They visited The Dell unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions (including three as Unofficial Champions), winning 15 of them. They were blown away by Southampton in a first half blitz that saw The Saints lead 3-0 at half-time with goals from Ken Monkou, Neil Shipperley and Matt Le Tissier.
United did get one back in the second half through Ryan Giggs but too little, too late.

...something different about United in the second half

But its not the shock result that makes this memorable. What people remember is that in the first half, United were playing in their grey away strip, come the second half however they had changed to a blue and white number. The reason given was United players claimed 'they couldn't see each other' against the fans.
As excuses go, its pretty feeble. Needless to say, United never wore the grey strip again.

But some credit to Southampton, who took their second Unofficial Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur, 24/03/1996

Eric Cantona puts United ahead

The games were starting to come thick and fast as the 1995/96 season entered its final stretch.

New English champions Tottenham Hotspur had no time to savour their victory as they were soon back in action at Old Trafford against title chasing Manchester United.

Much is made of United's 'kids' this season but the man who really inspired them in this Double winning season was the controversial Frenchman in the upturned collar, Eric Cantona. Arguably the best player in Premier League history, Cantona had the uncanny knack of always being in the right place at the right time for United.

It was Cantona who was the difference maker once more for United on this day. A few minutes into the second half, Cantona took the ball near the halfway line, ran towards the Tottenham goal, made space for himself on the edge of the box before placing the ball into the bottom right corner of the Spurs net.

The first Unofficial Champions had reclaimed their crown after three years away.

Unofficial Champions of England: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur, 20/03/1996

Ruel Fox scores Tottenham's second goal

Since becoming English Champions, Bolton Wanderers had secured a 0-2 win away at Coventry City to give them hope in their battle against relegation.
Life is tough at the bottom though and it became a lot tougher after the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Burnden Park.

Spurs took the lead in the 15th minute when David Howells played a one-two with Ruel Fox to burst into the box and score.

The second half and it was Fox's turn to get his name on the scoresheet, breaking through Bolton's paper thin defence to finish from an acute angle.
In almost a carbon replica of Fox's goal, Chris Armstrong made it 0-3 to Spurs.
Bolton did get two back through Alan Stubbs and Scott Sellars but too late.

Deposed Champions Bolton would soon be relegated but Tottenham could now enjoy their Fourth reign as English Champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Leeds United 0-1 Bolton Wanderers, 02/03/1996

Gudni Bergsson heads Bolton ahead

Leeds are the English Champions. Did you enjoy it? Good, because now its over.

Three days to be exact. Leeds United's first game in the Premier League for a month and they would have thought bottom side Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road was an easy way to ease back in.

Wrong. Scott Sellars free-kick was headed in by Gudni Bergsson after 16 minutes for the only goal of the game.

Bolton had three crucial points in their battle against relegation and now the Unofficial English Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Port Vale 1-2 Leeds United

Champions Port Vale where on a fine run of form. They had been Champions for six games and were on a run of 10 games unbeaten in all competitions, including the scalp of Premier League side Everton in the FA Cup.

The 5th round drew them against Leeds United. They had gotten a creditable 0-0 draw at Elland Road and hoped to finish the job at Vale Park.

Port Vale took the lead when Tony Naylor stuck a foot out to divert a low cross, catching the Leeds defence napping.

Leeds equalised when professional tubster and some time footballer Tomas Brolin crossed into the Vale box and always looked about 50 Gary McCallister headed the equaliser.
The winning goal came from a free-kick when McCallister delayed taking his free-kick but it was worth the wait, a sublime curling effort.

Leeds were Champions for the third time.

Unofficial Champions of England: Ipswich Town 2-4 Port Vale, 23/01/1996

Ipswich Town had brought the Unofficial English Championship back to Division One but it would be surrendered in the long-forgotten Anglo-Italian Cup.

A European competition for second-tier sides from England and Italy, it is not overly fondly remembered but it has its place in history.

Ipswich were to host Port Vale, who had started the season badly but were just starting to pick up some form.

Ipswich took the lead early on but Tony Naylor came back with a hat-trick for Port Vale. Ipswich got another goal back but Martin Foyle rounded off the scoring in the last minute to give Port Vale a 2-4 win.

Unofficial Champions of England: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Ipswich Town, 16/01/1996

Sometimes words come back to haunt you. In the wake of Ipswich Town losing 9-0 to Manchester United, Alan Shearer had this to say:

'There are no easy games...except maybe Ipswich at home.'

Ipswich fans did not forget that.

Blackburn had been on a good run as Champions with six successful defences. One of those was a 0-0 draw at Portman Road in the FA Cup. Ipswich had a second bite of the cherry at Ewood Park in the replay.

Expectation was that the Champions would brush aside the Division One side but the Tractor Boys had other ideas. Paul Mason scored deep into extra-time for the big upset win.

Two-time champions Ipswich showed they weren't so easy after all.

Unofficial Champions of England: Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Middlesbrough, 09/12/1995

It was another quick reign as new Unofficial English Champions Middlesbrough visited Ewood Park to take on Premier League Champions Blackburn Rovers, who were looking to reclaim their dual PL-Unofficial Champions Crown.

Blackburn's form had been indifferent entering this match, they had just come off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Coventry City.
They only needed one goal to win this game, a side-footed effort from their talisman Alan Shearer on 40 minutes.

It was Rovers fourth reign as Unofficial Champions and second time as dual champions.

Unofficial Champions of England: Middlesbrough 4-1 Manchester City, 09/12/1995

Nick Barmby celebrates his second goal

Manchester City's first defence of their championship came away at Middlesbrough, who were enjoying their first season back in the Premier League.

It started well for City when on the quarter hour, Georgi Kinkladze embarked on one of his trademark mazy runs to give the Citizens the lead.
Boro equalised 20 minutes later when City failed to deal with a low cross that ran through to Nick Barmby at the back post.

Middlesbrough took the lead in the second half when Phil Stamp done his own Kinkladze impression, weaving through the Man City defence.
Then Boro' hit City on the counter-attack, Jan-Aage Fjortoft crossed and Nick Barmby headed it in for his second of the game.
The scoring was completed in the 74th minute when City goalkeeper Eike Immel failed to hold on to Stamp's long range effort and everyone's favourite little Brazilian Juninho was on hand to score the rebound.

Life was good at the Riverside and now they had the Unofficial English Championship.

Unofficial Champions of England: Leeds United 0-1 Manchester City, 02/12/1995

Gerry Creaney celebrates

Leeds had no opportunity to enjoy their time as English Champions as they were soon back in action with the visit of Manchester City to Elland Road.

City were struggling near the bottom of the table but were hoping for a change in fortunes.

One goal was enough as substitute Gerry Creaney headed in from Steve Lomas' cross deep into the second half.

A second championship for City and a welcome boost in their battle against relegation.

Unofficial Champions of England: Leeds United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers, 29/11/1995

Brian Deane opens the scoring

Blackburn Rovers, Premier League and Unofficial Champions, rocked up at Elland Road for a League Cup tie on the back of a successful title defence against Arsenal.

Leeds took the lead on 21 minutes, Brian Deane capitalising on uncertainty in the Blackburn defence to put the ball beyond the reach of Rovers keeper Tim Flowers.
Tony Yeboah, who didn't score ordinary goals, hit a 25 yarder to double Leeds advantage.

Blackburn did get one back but cheekily, got Leeds to score it for them. The unfortunate Gary Kelly stooping low to head into his own goal.

Leeds were back on top as Unofficial Champions for a second time.

Unofficial Champions of England: Blackburn Rovers 7-0 Nottingham Forest, 18/11/1995

Alan Shearer celebrates his first goal

Battle of the Champions: the Premier League Champions versus the Unofficial English Champions for all the marbles.

Nottingham Forest had a three game run as champions, defending their title against Bolton Wanderers, Queens Park Rangers and gaining an impressive 4-1 win against Wimbledon. Blackburn had been on an indifferent run of form since winning the Premier League but with someone like Alan Shearer in their side, they could never be written off.

It took 20 minutes for Shearer to open the scoring, getting on the end of Mike Newell's knock-down from Stuart Ripley's cross.
Shearer turned provider for the second, receiving the ball on the edge of the box and laying it off for Lars Bohinen to score against his former club.

Rovers had to wait until the second half to add to their lead, Shearer headed in from Ripley's corner.
Things got worse for Forest when defender Steve Chettle received a second yellow card for a foul on Shearer. To further add salt to the wound, Shearer scored from the free-kick to complete his hat-trick.
It was 5-0 when Forest failed to clear a free-kick and Bohinen came charging in for his second goal of the game with a half-volley from edge of the penalty area.
Newell got himself on the scoresheet, turning in Shearer's low cross. Three goals and two assists for Shearer, not a bad days work for the Premier Leagues all time leading goalscorer.
Arguably the goal of the game came in the last minute when Graeme Le Saux received the ball 35 yards out before pinging it back into the top corner.

Blackburn's third Unofficial Championship and the first time since inaugural champions Manchester United that the Premier League champions were the Unofficial Champions as well.

Unofficial Champions of England: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Nottingham Forest, 14/10/1995

Steve Stone chips in the winner

Tottenham Hotspur had defended their title successfully against Sheffield Wednesday, QPR and Wimbledon, as well as two successful defences against erm, Chester City.
Nottingham Forest were looking to complete a triple crown of Unofficial English Championships.

It only took one goal to do it. Forest were struggling to replace recently departed striker Stan Collymore but they still had some quality to them. In the 65th minute, Steve Stone chipped the ball over Ian Walker from the right to win the game for Forest.

A hat-trick of titles for Nottingham Forest.

Unofficial Champions of England: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Leeds United, 09/09/1995

Teddy Sheringham heads the winning goal

Leeds United enjoyed a lengthy 10 match run as champions that included successful defences against Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Aston Villa (twice) and a re-match with Liverpool.

Also coming back for a second bite at the cherry was Tottenham Hotspur. Their previous attempt to unseat Leeds had ended in a 1-1 draw, now they would go one better.

The first goal came near the half-hour mark when David Howells headed in from Darren Anderton's corner.

Leeds equalised shortly after half-time, when Tony Yeboah scored a very ordinary goal by his standards, heading in from Carlton Palmer's cross.
But it would be Tottenham's day when new signing Chris Armstrong crossed and Teddy Sheringham was at the back post to get the winning goal.

A hat-trick of titles for Spurs.

Unofficial Champions of England: Liverpool 0-1 Leeds United, 09/04/1995

Brian Deane celebrates his winning goal

Liverpool were on a roll, their previous two games had seen them win the Coca-Cola Cup and then become the new English Champions. But it all came crashing down at Anfield with the visit of Leeds United, their latest reign as champions lasting just four days.

Leeds are a side I possibly unfairly overlooked when deciding who the original Unofficial English Champions are, so three years on I can put that right.

It took just one goal to win it for Leeds, Brian Deane following up on Gary Speed's effort that hit the post.

Leeds United were, belatedly, the Unofficial Champions of England.

Unofficial Champions of England: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton, 05/04/1995

Ian Rush celebrates his second goal with team-mates

Southampton's time as English Champions was to last just three days as they surrendered their title to Liverpool at Anfield.

It started well for the Saints when Liverpool goalkeeper David James failed to reach a corner and Richard Hall was able to stroke it in for a Southampton lead.
From that point on though, the Liverpool Red Machine was in full effect. When Liverpool got a corner of their own, Ian Rush came steaming in to equalise.

Liverpool took the lead in the second half with an element of good fortune as Rush's effort from outside the box took a deflection to deceive former Liverpool stalwart Bruce Grobbelaar in the Southampton goal.
The win was wrapped up when Mark Walters was brought down in the box and Robbie Fowler dispatched the penalty.

4 titles for Liverpool and two more goals for Ian Rush. Rush is one of the finest strikers English football has ever produced but somehow feels a bit overlooked. This is likely due to him plying his trade primarily in the 1980's when football had lost a lot of its glamour and by the time the Premier League came along he was just reaching the twilight of his career. Nevertheless, on the four occasions Liverpool had won the Unofficial English Championship, Rush had contributed with 8 goals. A marksman supreme.