1949–50 in English football explained

Country:England
Season:1949–50
Division1:First Division
Champions1:Portsmouth
Division2:Second Division
Champions2:Tottenham
Domestic:FA Cup
Dchampions:Arsenal
Prevseason:1948–49
Nextseason:1950–51
Flagicon:yes

The 1949–50 season was the 70th season of competitive football in England.

Overview

Portsmouth retained the First Division title by one of the narrowest margins in history ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.

An event that was much talked about in the city of Sheffield for many years was the way the promotion race from the Second Division was won. Going into the last game of the season, Sheffield Wednesday needed to beat Tottenham Hotspur to clinch promotion at the expense of their local rivals Sheffield United. The resulting 0–0 draw meant Wednesday won promotion by a goal average difference of just 0.008 – a 1–1 draw would have left the two great rivals level on points and goal average, and a unique play-off match would have had to be played.

Joe Mercer captained the winning Arsenal team in the FA Cup and was named FWA Footballer of the Year.[1]

Manchester United returned to a rebuilt Old Trafford eight years after it had been damaged by the Luftwaffe, but failed to win any silverware this season.[2]

Honours

CompetitionWinnerRunner-up
First DivisionPortsmouth (2)Wolverhampton Wanderers
Second DivisionTottenham HotspurSheffield Wednesday
Third Division NorthDoncaster RoversGateshead
Third Division SouthNotts CountyNorthampton Town
FA CupArsenal (3)Liverpool
Charity ShieldPortsmouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers (shared)
Home Championship

Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour. * indicates new record for competition

Football League

See main article: 1949–50 Football League.

Top goalscorers

First Division

Second Division

Third Division North

Third Division South

Notes and References

  1. [The Times]
  2. Web site: Old Trafford - Manchester United - Manchester - the Stadium Guide.
  3. Web site: English League Leading Goalscorers . . 2017-06-04.
  4. Web site: English League Leading Goalscorers . . 2017-06-04.