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.