2020–21 in English football explained

Country:England
Season:2020–21
Division1:Premier League
Champions1:Manchester City
Division2:Championship
Champions2:Norwich City
Division3:League One
Champions3:Hull City
Division4:League Two
Champions4:Cheltenham Town
Division5:National League
Champions5:Sutton United
Domestic:FA Cup
Dchampions:Leicester City
Supercup:EFL Trophy
Schampions:Sunderland
Leaguecup:EFL Cup
Lchampions:Manchester City
Domestic2:Community Shield
Dchampions2:Arsenal
Wdivision1:FA Women's Super League
Wchampions1:Chelsea
Wdivision2:FA Women's Championship
Wdivision3:FA Women's National League
Wdomestic:Women's FA Cup
Wleaguecup:FA Women's League Cup
Wlchampions:Chelsea
Wsupercup:Community Shield
Wschampions:Chelsea
Prevseason:2019–20
Nextseason:2021–22
Flagicon:yes

The 2020–21 season was the 141st season of competitive association football in England.

National teams

England national football team

See main article: England national football team.

Results and fixtures

UEFA Nations League

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Nations League A.

=Group 2

=

2022 FIFA World Cup qualification

See main article: 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA).

=Group I

=

See main article: 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group I.

UEFA Euro 2020

See main article: UEFA Euro 2020.

=Group D

=

See main article: UEFA Euro 2020 Group D.

=Knockout phase

=

See main article: UEFA Euro 2020 knockout phase.

England women's national football team

See main article: England women's national football team.

Results and fixtures

Friendlies

UEFA competitions

UEFA Champions League

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Champions League.

Group stage

Group H

Knockout phase

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Champions League knockout phase.

Round of 16

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Quarter-finals

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Semi-finals

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Final

See main article: 2021 UEFA Champions League Final.

UEFA Europa League

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Europa League.

UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round.

Second qualifying round

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Third qualifying round

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Play-off round

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Group stage

Group J

Knockout phase

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Europa League knockout phase.

Round of 32

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Round of 16

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Notes

Quarter-finals

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Semi-finals

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Final

See main article: 2021 UEFA Europa League Final.

UEFA Youth League

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Youth League. On 17 February 2021, the UEFA Executive Committee cancelled the tournament.[1]

UEFA Champions League Path

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UEFA Women's Champions League

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Women's Champions League.

Knockout phase

See main article: 2020–21 UEFA Women's Champions League knockout phase.

Round of 32

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Round of 16

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Quarter-finals

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Semi-finals

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Final

See main article: 2021 UEFA Women's Champions League Final.

Men's football

LeaguePromoted to league Relegated from league Expelled or Dissolved Re-elected
Premier LeagueNoneNone
ChampionshipNoneNone
League OneBuryNone
League TwoNone
National LeagueNone

Premier League

See main article: 2020–21 Premier League.

In a season played almost entirely behind closed doors, because of COVID-19 restrictions, all matches were televised live in the UK for the first time.[2] Manchester City overcame a shaky start to the campaign and secured their third Premier League title in four seasons – having stood in eighth place in mid-December, the team went on an impressive 13-match winning run that sent them rocketing up the table and into first place, despite a succession of unexpected losses in the closing stages of the season, securing the title on top of a fourth consecutive League Cup victory and reaching their first ever Champions League final, losing in an all-English final to Chelsea. City rivals Manchester United finished not far behind them, despite not really being in the title race for much of the season, a consequence of a poor start which included three home losses in their opening six games (with further losses to Sheffield United, Leicester City and Liverpool at the turn of the year); however, the Red Devils at least ensured Champions League football once again, thanks in part to a remarkable run of form that saw them go unbeaten away from home all season.

The battle for the last two Champions League spots ended up going to the final day, with Chelsea, Leicester City and Liverpool battling it out – remarkably taking third spot were Liverpool, whose first title defence since 1990 ended up being one of struggle; whilst the Merseyside club stood top at the end of 2020, a complete collapse in form in the new year saw both the team's hopes of retaining the title as well as their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield practically implode under the weight of both a lack of fans and an extensive injury crisis, including a season-ending injury to star defender Virgil van Dijk just five games into the campaign – however, a strong late run of form, coupled with the teams above them dropping points, helped the Reds to close the gap and squeeze into the top four. Chelsea finished fourth, a strong second half of the season under new manager Thomas Tuchel pushing the Blues from as low as ninth near the end of January to both securing a Champions League spot again and winning their first Champions League final since 2012 with victory over Manchester City, ending a mixed season (which included a second consecutive FA Cup final loss in a row) on a high. Having spent the most days in the top four for the season, another stuttering end to the league saw Leicester City finish fifth yet again and just barely miss out on the Champions League, with inferior home form compared to form on the road ultimately costing them; however, the Foxes at least finished the season with a trophy, winning their first ever FA Cup final and giving manager Brendan Rodgers his first piece of silverware with the club.

Finishing sixth were West Ham United, who surprised many in the season and went one further than their seventh-place finish in 2016 in manager David Moyes' first full campaign as Hammers boss, securing their biggest Premier League points total and a Europa League group spot for next year – the only blemish being an inconsistent end to the season, which cost what could have been potentially a shock top-four finish. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur endured difficult form across their campaigns, the Gunners even hovering above the drop zone in December, whilst Spurs briefly led the table just before Christmas; a dismal second half of the season though would see Spurs plummet down the table and ultimately culminate in Jose Mourinho being sacked in late April; under interim coach Ryan Mason, Spurs recovered to seventh and a place in the brand new Europa Conference League competition for the following season; Arsenal finished eighth for the second successive campaign, but would be left without any European football next season for the first time in 26 years. Leeds United's first top-flight season since 2004 proved to be ultimately successful for the Yorkshire side, both the team and veteran Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa attracting plenty of praise for their attacking football and providing some spectacular results even in defeat, the Lilywhites comfortably securing 59 points, the highest for a promoted side since 2001.

Despite achieving some superb results, including taking four points off city rivals Liverpool in two controversial Merseyside derby games, Everton's hopes of European football were let down by a poor run of form on their home ground, securing just six wins compared to eleven on the road, ending their season in a disappointing tenth. In what ended up being Nuno Espirito Santo's last season as head coach, Wolverhampton Wanderers endured what ended up being a less successful campaign than their previous two, the loss of star striker Raúl Jiménez to a freak accident in a win at Arsenal contributed to the Black Country club falling down the table after a decent start and only avoiding a relegation scrap because of the poor form of the teams below them. In what also ended up being Roy Hodgson's final season as their manager, Crystal Palace also comfortably avoided the drop, extending their record run of top-flight seasons to nine in a row for the next campaign.

At the bottom of the table, all three relegated teams ended up occupying the spots with at least three games to go, and for the first time since the introduction of three points for a win in the top-flight, none of the relegated sides broke the 30-point barrier. Just one season after breaking into the top ten, Sheffield United endured one of the worst seasons in their history, breaking many unwanted records and equalling the record for the most losses in a Premier League season and the lowest goals scored in a 38-game season, though a series of wins in the second half of the campaign meant they ended up with a points total that, while still poor, was far from the worst in Premier League history. West Bromwich Albion finished above them, the controversial decision to sack manager Slaven Bilić in December in favour of Sam Allardyce going against the Baggies, the former England manager suffering only his second relegation in his managerial history (and his first since 1997), as they fell back into the Championship after a single season. Also returning to the second tier after one season was Fulham; despite enjoying a much better campaign defensively and securing some impressive wins, the London club's hopes were ultimately let down by a lack of goals (including just nine scored at Craven Cottage) and a high number of draws, making it the fourth season in a row where they moved between the Premier League and the Championship.

Championship

See main article: 2020–21 EFL Championship.

Having been relegated on a whimper the previous year, Norwich City responded in emphatic style, securing both an immediate return to the Premier League and their second Championship title in three campaigns – whilst ultimately finishing with a lower goal record compared to other seasons, despite Finnish striker Teemu Pukki recording another superb goal haul, the Canaries enjoyed a rare and much-improved season in defence. Finishing second were Watford, who overcame yet another mid-season managerial change (their sixth in just over a year) to join the Canaries in returning to the top-flight after one season, a superb run of form in 2021 earning Spanish head coach Xisco Munoz promotion on top of the Hornets also having their own impressive defence, conceding the least number of goals for any second-tier team since losing play-off finalists Preston North End in 2006. Taking the final spot through the playoffs by beating Swansea City - and ending a barren run of nine playoff campaigns across their history without success - were Brentford, who made amends for their narrow final loss the previous year and secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time, their win also sending the Bees back into the top-flight for the first time in 74 years; in addition, in a first for English football, all three promoted managers from any of the Football League divisions came from outside the British Isles.

Despite ultimately losing out in the playoff semi-finals, Barnsley were undoubtedly the surprise package of the campaign; having looked likely to battle relegation yet again at the end of October and then seeing their head coach depart for America, the appointment of unknown French manager Valérien Ismaël saw the Tykes rocket up the table - with some impressive results along the way to boot - and comfortably secure 5th place. After having battled against relegation since losing in the play-off final in 2017, Reading enjoyed a much improved season under Serbian head coach Veljko Paunović, only missing out on promotion owing to several bouts of indifferent form throughout the season that the teams above them took advantage of. Despite hovering above the relegation zone for much of the season, Coventry City managed to pull themselves over the line in their first season in the second tier since 2012, a good run of results in the closing months of the campaign pushing them firmly into mid-table - whilst the Sky Blues also received some good news off-pitch, managing to secure a new contract to return to their home stadium of the Ricoh Arena after two seasons away.

For the second reason running, the battle to avoid relegation saw all three places left wide open going into the last round of games – taking bottom place in the closing minutes of the season were Sheffield Wednesday, who fought valiantly to avoid the drop, only for the points deduction (twelve later reduced to six on appeal) for breaching financial rules imposed prior to the start of the season result in survival falling out of their reach, sending the Yorkshire club back into the third tier after a nine-year absence. Rotherham United finished second-bottom, and were relegated straight back to League One, making this the fifth successive season in which they swapped between the two divisions; despite ending up as statistically the worst team in the division, they managed to keep themselves in contention for survival – mostly because of having a multitude of games in hand as a result of two COVID-19 outbreaks – and would actually have survived had they not conceded an 88th-minute equaliser in their final match. Despite having what proved to be a spirited first season in the Championship, Wycombe Wanderers endured an immediate relegation back to League One, their chances ultimately being undone by a dreadful start that saw them lose their first seven games of the campaign, but at least staving off relegation until the last day of the season. Derby County, who struggled all season despite the appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager in November, would also have been relegated if not for Wednesday's points deduction; they did secure survival on the final day by holding Wednesday to a draw, albeit the result would have relegated them both without Rotherham conceding a late equaliser.

League One

See main article: 2020–21 EFL League One. Playing in the third tier for the first time since 2005, Hull City made amends for their dramatic collapse in form and consequent relegation the previous season, this time being in the top two for almost the entire campaign and ultimately emerging as champions. Peterborough United finished as runners-up, making this the third time that manager Darren Ferguson had taken the club into the Championship, and his fourth promotion with the club overall; whilst a number of poor results nearly went against them, the Posh successfully achieved promotion in a 3–3 draw with Lincoln City. Taking the final promotion via the playoffs and ending a six-year exile from the second tier were Blackpool, who marked the end of their first full season under manager Neil Critchley in spectacular fashion; despite making a slow start to the campaign, the Seasiders rocketed up the table and solidified themselves in the top six, coming from behind to beat Lincoln City in the final.

Whilst ultimately missing out on promotion yet again, Sunderland did at least secure some success in their third consecutive League One season by winning their first EFL Trophy - whilst also gaining new ownership in the process, in the form of 24 year old businessman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. A very poor start to the campaign for Burton Albion saw the Brewers pulled into a relegation battle, a battle which was won with games to spare following the return of influential manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for a second spell as manager. Wigan Athletic endured what proved to be yet another turbulent season both on and off the pitch, battling both a potential second successive relegation (and a potential fourth in seven seasons) and an uncertain future; however, a superb run of form late in the season that coincided with the Latics managing to find new ownership helped save the club from the drop.

Bristol Rovers finished bottom and returned to League Two for the first time in five years, with three different managers all trying and failing to improve the club's fortunes during the season. Swindon Town's season rapidly fell apart after promotion-winning manager Richie Wellens moved to Salford City early in the campaign, finishing the season with both the most defeats and the worst defence in the division as they suffered immediate relegation back to League Two; fellow newly promoted side Northampton Town joined them in immediate relegation, ultimately being cost dear by a terrible run of form in the winter. Rochdale occupied the fourth and final relegation spot, bringing an end to their longest spell to date in the third tier and finally enduring the relegation they had battled against in previous seasons.

League Two

See main article: 2020–21 EFL League Two.

In a campaign marked with constant change among the top three, Cheltenham Town secured promotion back to League One for the first time since 2009, having stayed in the promotion race for nearly the entire season before edging back into the top three in late February, never once leaving it. The battle for both the remaining automatic promotion places and the playoff spots ended up going to the final day, with eight different clubs battling it out – but ultimately taking second and third place were Cambridge United and Bolton Wanderers; despite a poor run of form in December, promotion had never looked unlikely for Cambridge United, the U's securing promotion to the third tier for the first time since 2002, giving manager Mark Bonner his first promotion of his managerial career. Having spent the majority of the season looking likely to battle a third successive relegation, a surge in form in 2021 saw Bolton Wanderers rocket up the table and sneak into third place, securing an immediate return to League One and giving hope for a revival in form for the Greater Manchester club after years of struggle on and off the field. Winning the play-off final, and thereby securing promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history was Morecambe; a remarkable achievement considering their consistent battles against relegation in the previous seasons (which had seen them only escape relegation the previous season due to the demise of both Bury and Macclesfield Town), seeing off Newport County via a controversial penalty in extra time.

In their first ever Football League season, Harrogate Town defied all expectations and achieved safety with a number of games to spare – whilst inconsistent form prevented the Yorkshire side from challenging for promotion, they were never in any serious danger of an immediate return to non-league football. Barrow's first Football League season for 48 years saw the North West club ultimately secure survival against all odds – whilst first hit by the loss of influential manager Ian Evatt to Bolton Wanderers and then sacking two different managers before the end of February with results and form looking bleak, the club managed to pull themselves over the line thanks in part to caretaker manager Rob Kelly, who oversaw 10 of the Bluebirds' 13 wins in both his caretaker spells.

At the other end of the table, Grimsby Town endured a season full of struggle on and off the pitch that ultimately culminated in relegation – with even the return of manager Paul Hurst, who had overseen their return to the Football League in 2016, failing to help the Lincolnshire club escape the drop. Finishing just above them were Southend United, who suffered their second consecutive relegation and fell out of the Football League for the first time in their history, a run of just one win in their opening 15 games on top of an inability to score (their total of 29 goals being the lowest scored by anyone in a 24-team division since 1982) ended up setting the tone for the Essex club's hopes and in similar circumstances to Grimsby, the return of former manager Phil Brown late in the season proved to be too late to save the Shrimpers from losing their 101-year Football League status.

National League

See main article: 2020–21 National League. In a season marked with different teams taking top spot across the season, as well as postponement, delays and expunged results off the field, Sutton United finished top in their penultimate game and secured promotion to the Football League for the first time in their 123-year history, despite playing effectively with no fans all season. Taking the final battle through the play-offs, in a fight that went all the way to penalties in the final at Ashton Gate, were Hartlepool United, who reversed a run of three bottom-half finishes since falling out of the Football League in 2017 and ended manager Dave Challinor's first full season as Pools manager in superb fashion.

Mounting financial problems finally took its toll on Macclesfield Town, who were expelled from the National League and then finally wound up in the High Court before the campaign even began – the only positive coming late in the season, with the assets being rebranded as Macclesfield FC and the new club being given the go-ahead to enter the tenth tier for next season. Dover Athletic also encountered financial problems, which resulted in the team refusing to play due to a lack of promised funding and their results expunged for the season, on top of a points deduction being imposed at the start of the next campaign. As a result of the National League electing to declare the sixth tier null and void, no teams were relegated or promoted between the fifth and sixth tiers; a combination of all these factors proved beneficial for King's Lynn Town and Barnet, who were at threat of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table with the most losses and the worst defences in the division, ensuring fifth tier status for both clubs for next season.

League play-offs

Football League play-offs

See main article: 2021 English Football League play-offs.

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 EFL Championship play-off Final.

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 EFL League One play-off Final.

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 EFL League Two play-off Final.

National League play-offs

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 National League play-off Final.

Cup competitions

FA Cup

See main article: 2020–21 FA Cup.

Final

See main article: 2021 FA Cup Final.

EFL Cup

See main article: 2020–21 EFL Cup.

Final

See main article: 2021 EFL Cup Final.

Community Shield

See main article: 2020 FA Community Shield.

EFL Trophy

See main article: 2019-20 EFL Trophy.

2020 Final

See main article: 2020 EFL Trophy Final.

2020–21

See main article: 2020–21 EFL Trophy.

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 EFL Trophy Final.

FA Trophy

2020 Final

See main article: 2020 FA Trophy Final.

2020–21

See main article: 2020–21 FA Trophy.

=Final

=

See main article: 2021 FA Trophy Final.

Women's football

FA Women's Super League

See main article: 2020–21 FA WSL.

FA Women's Championship

See main article: 2020–21 FA Women's Championship.

FA Women's National League

See main article: 2020–21 FA Women's National League. On 5 June 2020, all results were expunged from the 2019–20 FA Women's National League with no teams being promoted or relegated for the 2020–21 season.[3]

Cup competitions

FA Women's Cup

2019–20 Final

See main article: 2020 Women's FA Cup Final. The final was played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 1 November 2020.[4]

2020–21

See main article: 2020–21 Women's FA Cup.

=Final

=The final was played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 5 December 2021.

FA Women's League Cup

See main article: 2020–21 FA Women's League Cup.

Final

See main article: 2021 FA Women's League Cup Final.

Women's FA Community Shield

See main article: 2020 Women's FA Community Shield.

Managerial changes

This is a list of changes of managers within English league football:

TeamOutgoing managerManner of departureDate of departurePosition in tableIncoming managerDate of appointment
Barrow Ian Evatt[5] Signed by Bolton Wanderers1 July 2020Pre-Season David Dunn[6] 9 July 2020
Bristol City Lee Johnson[7] Sacked4 July 2020Pre-Season Dean Holden[8] 10 August 2020
Tranmere Rovers Micky Mellon[9] Signed by Dundee United6 July 2020Pre-Season Mike Jackson[10] 21 July 2020
Colchester United John McGreal[11] Sacked14 July 2020Pre-Season Steve Ball[12] 28 July 2020
Huddersfield Town Danny SchofieldEnd of caretaker spell19 July 2020Pre-Season Carlos Corberán[13] 23 July 2020
Birmingham City22 July 2020Pre-Season Aitor Karanka[14] 31 July 2020
Watford [15] [16] 22 July 2020Pre-Season Vladimir Ivić[17] 15 August 2020
Wigan Athletic Paul Cook[18] Resigned29 July 2020Pre-Season John Sheridan[19] 11 September 2020
Oldham Athletic Dino Maamria[20] Sacked31 July 2020Pre-Season Harry Kewell[21] 1 August 2020
Bournemouth [22] Mutual consent1 August 2020Pre-Season [23] 8 August 2020
Scunthorpe United Russ WilcoxEnd of caretaker spell7 August 2020Pre-Season Neil Cox[24] 7 August 2020
Reading Mark BowenMutual consent29 August 2020Pre-Season Veljko Paunović[25] 29 August 2020
Barnsley Gerhard Struber[26] Signed by New York Red Bulls6 October 202021st Valérien Ismaël23 October 2020
Nottingham Forest Sabri Lamouchi[27] Sacked6 October 202022nd Chris Hughton6 October 2020
Salford City Graham Alexander[28] 12 October 20205th Richie Wellens[29] 4 November 2020
Mansfield Town Graham Coughlan[30] 27 October 202022nd Nigel Clough[31] 6 November 2020
Tranmere Rovers Mike Jackson[32] 31 October 202018th Keith Hill[33] 21 November 2020
Swindon Town Richie WellensSigned by Salford City4 November 202020th John Sheridan[34] 13 November 2020
Sheffield Wednesday Garry Monk[35] Sacked9 November 202023rd Tony Pulis[36] 13 November 2020
Wigan Athletic John Sheridan[37] Signed by Swindon Town13 November 202024th Leam Richardson (caretaker)13 November 2020
Bristol Rovers Ben Garner[38] Sacked14 November 202018th Paul Tisdale[39] 19 November 2020
Derby County Phillip Cocu[40] Mutual consent14 November 202024th Wayne Rooney[41] [42] 27 November 2020
Watford Vladimir Ivić[43] Sacked19 December 20205th Xisco Muñoz[44] 20 December 2020
Shrewsbury Town Sam Ricketts[45] 25 November 202023rd Steve Cotterill[46] 27 November 2020
Sheffield Wednesday Tony Pulis[47] 28 December 202023rd Darren Moore[48] 1 March 2021
Sunderland Phil Parkinson[49] 29 November 20208th Lee Johnson[50] 5 December 2020
Bradford City Stuart McCall[51] 13 December 202022nd Mark Trueman
Conor Sellars[52] 		22 February 2021
Barrow David Dunn[53] 13 December 202021st Michael Jolley[54] 23 December 2020
West Bromwich Albion [55] 16 December 202019th [56] 16 December 2020
Grimsby Town Ian Holloway[57] Resigned23 December 202020th Paul Hurst[58] 30 December 2020
Burton Albion Jake Buxton[59] Sacked29 December 202024th Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink[60] 1 January 2021
Fleetwood Town Joey Barton[61] 4 January 202110th Simon Grayson[62] 31 January 2021
Port Vale John Askey[63] 4 January 202117th Darrell Clarke[64] 15 February 2021
Cardiff City Neil Harris[65] 21 January 202115th Mick McCarthy[66] 22 January 2021
Chelsea [67] 25 January 20219th [68] 26 January 2021
AFC Wimbledon Glyn Hodges[69] Mutual consent30 January 202121st Mark Robinson[70] 17 February 2021
Bournemouth Jason Tindall[71] Sacked3 February 20216th Jonathan Woodgate[72] 21 February 2021
Bristol Rovers Paul Tisdale[73] 10 February 202120th Joey Barton[74] 22 February 2021
Northampton Town Keith Curle[75] 10 February 202123rd Jon Brady[76] 11 February 2021
Walsall Darrell ClarkeSigned by Port Vale[77] 15 February 202115 February 202111th Brian Dutton[78] 15 February 2021
Bristol City Dean Holden[79] Sacked16 February 202113th Nigel Pearson[80] 22 February 2021
Barrow Michael Jolley21 February 202123rd Rob Kelly (Caretaker)[81] 21 February 2021
Colchester United Steve Ball24 February 202121st Wayne Brown (Caretaker)[82] 24 February 2021
Leyton Orient Ross Embleton[83] 27 February 202114th Jobi McAnuff (Caretaker)[84] 28 February 2021
Ipswich Town Paul Lambert[85] Mutual consent28 February 20218th Paul Cook[86] 2 March 2020
Doncaster Rovers Darren Moore[87] Signed by Sheffield Wednesday1 March 20216th Andy Butler (interim)[88] 1 March 2021
Oldham Athletic Harry Kewell[89] Sacked7 March 202116th Keith Curle[90] 8 March 2021
Sheffield United [91] Mutual consent13 March 202120th Paul Heckingbottom (interim)13 March 2021
Portsmouth Kenny Jackett[92] Sacked14 March 20207th Danny Cowley19 March 2021
Charlton Athletic Lee Bowyer[93] Resigned15 March 20218th Nigel Adkins18 March 2021
Birmingham City Aitor Karanka[94] 16 March 202121st Lee Bowyer[95] 16 March 2021
Preston North End Alex Neil[96] Sacked21 March 202116th Frankie McAvoy (interim)21 March 2021
Salford City Richie Wellens[97] Mutual consent22 March 20219th Gary Bowyer[98] 23 March 2021
Colchester United Wayne Brown (Caretaker)End of caretaker spell31 March 202121st Hayden Mullins (Caretaker)[99] 31 March 2021
Southend United Mark Molesley[100] Mutual consent9 April 202123rd Phil Brown[101] 9 April 2021
Forest Green Rovers Mark Cooper[102] Sacked11 April 20216th Jimmy Ball (interim)11 April 2021
Swindon Town John Sheridan[103] 18 April 202124th Tommy Wright (interim)18 April 2021
Tottenham Hotspur [104] 19 April 20217th Ryan Mason (interim)19 April 2021

New clubs

Clubs removed

Deaths

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2020/21 UEFA Youth League cancelled. UEFA.com. 17 February 2021.
  2. News: A record-breaking season . Premier League . 30 June 2023.
  3. Web site: Association . The Football . Chelsea Women awarded Barclays FA WSL title and Aston Villa win Women's Championship . www.thefa.com . en.
  4. Web site: The Women's FA Cup Final 2020.
  5. News: Ian Evatt: Bolton Wanderers name Barrow manager as new head coach . 1 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 1 July 2020.
  6. News: David Dunn: Barrow name ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder as new manager . 11 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 9 July 2020.
  7. News: Lee Johnson: Bristol City head coach sacked by Championship club. 14 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 4 July 2020.
  8. News: Dean Holden: Bristol City confirm head coach appointment. 10 August 2020 . BBC Sport . 10 August 2020.
  9. News: Dundee United: Micky Mellon appointed as manager. 14 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 6 July 2020.
  10. News: Mike Jackson: Tranmere Rovers appoint assistant manager as new boss. 21 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 21 July 2020.
  11. News: John McGreal: Colchester United part company with head coach . 14 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 14 July 2020.
  12. News: Colchester United: Steve Ball named new head coach. 28 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 28 July 2020.
  13. News: Carlos Corberan: Huddersfield Town appoint Leeds United assistant as new head coach. 23 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 23 July 2020.
  14. News: Aitor Karanka: Birmingham City confirm Spaniard as new head coach. 31 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 31 July 2020.
  15. Web site: Arsenal v Watford, 2019/20. Premier League. 30 August 2020. 26 July 2020.
  16. Web site: Mullins: "It Hurts A Lot" - Watford FC. Watford Football Club Official Website. 27 July 2020.
  17. News: Vladimir Ivic: Watford confirm appointment of new head coach. 15 August 2020 . BBC Sport . 15 August 2020.
  18. Web site: Paul Cook resigns as manager of troubled Wigan before appeal hearing. 29 July 2020. The Guardian.
  19. Web site: Wigan Athletic FC - John Sheridan appointed as Wigan Athletic manager. Wigan Athletic. FC. Wigan Athletic FC. 11 September 2020 .
  20. News: Dino Maamria: Oldham Athletic sack head coach after 10 months. 31 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 31 July 2020.
  21. News: Harry Kewell: Oldham Athletic name ex-Liverpool & Leeds United winger as new boss. 8 August 2020 . BBC Sport . 1 August 2020.
  22. Web site: Statement: Eddie Howe Leaves Club by Mutual Consent. A.F.C. Bournemouth. 1 August 2020. 1 August 2020.
  23. Web site: Jason Tindall: Bournemouth appoint Eddie Howe's former assistant as manager. BBC Sport. 8 August 2020. 8 August 2020.
  24. Web site: Neil Cox: Scunthorpe United appoint Notts County assistant as new manager. BBC Sport. 8 August 2020. 8 August 2020.
  25. Web site: Veljko Paunovic: Reading appoint Serb as manager, replacing Mark Bowen. BBC Sport. 29 August 2020. 31 August 2020.
  26. News: Gerhard Struber: Barnsley boss leaves to become New York Red Bulls head coach. 6 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 6 October 2020.
  27. News: Nottingham Forest: Chris Hughton replaces Sabri Lamouchi as manager. 6 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 6 October 2020.
  28. News: Graham Alexander: Salford City sack boss & put Paul Scholes in charge. 12 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 12 October 2020.
  29. News: Richie Wellens: Salford City name Swindon Town boss as new manager. 4 November 2020 . BBC Sport . 4 November 2020.
  30. News: Graham Coughlan: Mansfield Town sack boss after nine-match winless start. 28 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 28 October 2020.
  31. News: Nigel Clough: Mansfield Town appoint Nottingham Forest favourite and ex-Derby boss as manager. 6 November 2020 . BBC Sport . 6 November 2020.
  32. News: Mike Jackson: Tranmere Rovers sack manager after three months. 31 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 31 October 2020.
  33. News: Keith Hill: Tranmere Rovers name ex-Rochdale and Bolton boss as their new manager. 21 November 2020 . BBC Sport . 21 November 2020.
  34. News: Swindon Town: John Sheridan leaves Wigan Athletic for manager role. 13 November 2020 . BBC Sport . 13 November 2020.
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  233. News: Meynell . Johnny . Former Halifax Town winger Frank Brogan has died, aged 79 . 4 May 2021 . Halifax Courier . 4 May 2021.
  234. https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-lead-tributes-as-former-blades-leeds-and-rotherham-united-goalkeeper-steve-conroy-passes-away-3224902 Sheffield United lead tributes as former Blades, Leeds and Rotherham United goalkeeper Steve Conroy passes away
  235. News: McDonnell . Daniel . Ireland football hero Alan McLoughlin dies at the age of 54 . 4 May 2021 . Irish Independent . 4 May 2021.
  236. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/19290100.body-found-inn-search-missing-footballer-james-dean/, Body found in search for missing footballer James Dean, 9 May 2021
  237. https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/billy-sharp-leads-tributes-as-sheffield-united-legend-len-badger-dies-aged-75-3245016 Billy Sharp leads tributes as Sheffield United legend Len Badger dies, aged 75
  238. News: Chris Chilton. 20 May 2021. Hull City A.F.C.. 20 May 2021.
  239. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-city-colin-appleton-death-5476356 Leicester City's first cup-winning captain Colin Appleton dies aged 85
  240. Web site: WEB Sports Management: "Why is being an ex professional footballer an advantage? There are many advantages of being an ex professional footballer. Over the 12 years playing in the many different leagues I have found myself in many different situations both on and off the pitch. Having been through these situations first hand, I can now give feedback on how to best navigate each one and translate to our clients the best way to successfully overcome each obstacle that they may encounter." . 19 May 2021 . 19 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210219000137/https://www.web-sportsmanagement.com/ . dead .
  241. Web site: New Academy Management Team. 8 July 2020. Stockport County F.C..
  242. Web site: Former Mansfield Town goalkeeper retires from football. 8 July 2020. Mansfield and Ashfield Chad.
  243. News: 12 July 2020. 12 July 2020. Mile Jedinak, former Socceroos captain, retires from football with Instagram announcement. ABC News.
  244. News: Fede Bessone will leave FC Andorra squad and join Nacho Castro's coaching staff . 17 July 2020 . . 13 July 2020 . 16 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200716013547/https://www.fcandorra.com/en/fede-bessone-sincorporara-a-lstaff-de-nacho-castro/ . dead .
  245. News: Former Nottingham Forest defender announces retirement with 'emotional' message . 15 July 2020 . . 14 July 2020.
  246. Web site: Andre Schurrle: Former Chelsea forward and World Cup winner retires at 29. 17 July 2020. BBC Sport.
  247. News: Jamie Mackie: Oxford United's ex-Scotland forward retires aged 34. 21 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 21 July 2020.
  248. News: Leighton Baines: Everton defender retires from playing at 35. 26 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 26 July 2020.
  249. News: Swiss former Juventus defender Lichtsteiner retires at 36. 14 August 2020 . . 12 August 2020.
  250. Web site: Lee Cattermole: Former Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Wigan midfielder retires. 14 August 2020. BBC Sport.
  251. Web site: Ali al Habsi announces retirement. 21 August 2020. Oman Daily Observer.
  252. Web site: Former midfielder joins academy set up. 24 August 2020. Mansfield Town F.C..
  253. Web site: Gareth Barry: Former Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton midfielder retires. 27 August 2020. BBC Sport.
  254. 1305058887284846592. LCFC. Happy birthday, Lloyd Dyer! All the best in your retirement . 13 September 2020.
  255. Web site: Pablo Zabaleta: Ex-Man City and West Ham defender retires. 16 October 2020. BBC Sport.
  256. Web site: James Collins: Ex-Wales, Cardiff City, West Ham and Aston Villa defender retires. 17 October 2020. BBC Sport.
  257. Web site: Michel Vorm: Former Tottenham and Swansea goalkeeper announces retirement from football. 26 October 2020. 26 October 2020. Sky Sports.
  258. Web site: Javier Mascherano: Former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder retires from football . BBC Sport . 15 November 2020 . 15 November 2020.
  259. News: Dollery . Paul . Former Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter retires at 35 . 20 November 2020 . The42 . 17 November 2020 . en.
  260. News: Former Irish international Bruce announces retirement . RTÉ Sport . 23 November 2020 . 23 November 2020.
  261. News: 'Always been his dream' - Leicester City cult hero tipped for cage fighting career. Leicester Mercury. 24 November 2020 . 24 November 2020.
  262. Web site: Former Carlisle United Favourite Jabo Ibehre Announces Retirement. 1 December 2020. www.newsandstar.co.uk.
  263. News: Aaron Wilbraham joins Town . 2020-12-02 . Shrewsbury Town FC.
  264. News: Rooney appointed Derby County manager. BBC Sport.
  265. Web site: Ashley Williams: former Wales and Swansea captains announces retirement.. Skysports.com. 26 January 2021. 26 January 2021.
  266. Web site: Danny Graham announces retirement after Sunderland exit, Chroniclelive.co.uk, 4 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210214022005/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/danny-graham-announces-retirement-after-19767054.amp. live. 14 February 2021. 4 February 2021 .
  267. Web site: February 10, 2021. Ron Vlaar (35) stopt per direct met voetballen. Ron Vlaar (35) will stop playing football immediately. 2021-02-10. AD. nl.
  268. Web site: Bobby Copping: Peterborough United defender, 19, retires after head injury, BBC Sport, 18 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210219201045/https://www.bbc.com/sport/amp/football/56117550. live. 19 February 2021. 18 February 2021 .
  269. News: Yohan Cabaye: Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace midfielder announces retirement at age of 35. Sky Sports. 19 February 2021. 19 February 2021.
  270. Web site: Luke Hyam announces retirement. . 27 February 2021 . 27 February 2021 .
  271. Web site: Jurišić. Predrag. 2021-03-01. Apsolutna legenda HNL-a odlučila zaključiti karijeru! Oprašta se i bivši Vatreni: 'Više ne mogu!'. 2021-03-01. Sportske novosti. hr-hr.
  272. Web site: Club Statement: Lewis Hardcastle. www.barrowafc.com. 24 March 2021.
  273. Web site: Angel Rangel: Former Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers defender retires, aged 38. BBC Sport. 20 April 2021.
  274. News: Proud Turner marks the end of an era at Slough Town . 14 May 2021 . The Non-League Football Paper . 1 May 2021.
  275. News: Plymouth Argyle skipper Sawyer to retire. en-GB. BBC Sport. 2021-05-06.
  276. https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2021/april/romain-vincelot-to-retire-at-end-of-season, Romain Vincelot to retire at end of season, BT Sport, 27 April 2021
  277. 1391070032705228801. JonSteadSA. 700 games 165 goals and I have loved every second! Boots finally getting hung up and look forward to what's next!.... 8 May 2021. 8 May 2021.
  278. Web site: Shrewsbury Town defender Scott Golbourne announces his retirement from football. Shropshire Star. 8 May 2021. 9 May 2021.
  279. Web site: JOBI MCANUFF RETIRES FROM PLAYING: A LOOK BACK AT A WONDERFUL CAREER . Leyton Orient . 9 May 2021. 9 May 2021.
  280. Web site: Peterborough United legend formally announces his playing retirement after almost 800 career appearances. Peterborough Telegraph. 10 May 2021. 10 May 2021.
  281. Web site: Frankie McAvoy Appointed Head Coach. www.pnefc.net. 10 May 2021.
  282. News: Antonio Valencia . es . Club Querétaro . 27 November 2020 . 27 November 2020 . 27 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201127194727/https://clubqueretaro.com/gallos/prensa/notas/908-antonio-valencia . dead .
  283. Web site: Dalić progovorio o Sosi i otkrio kako stoje stvari!; Ćorluka objavio kraj karijere: 'Bilo je teško' . Sportske novosti . 17 May 2021 . hr-hr . 17 May 2021.
  284. Web site: Leicester City Captain Wes Morgan Calls Time On Historic Career. 2021-05-21. www.lcfc.com. en.
  285. Web site: Club News Jimmy Smith to retire from professional football . ytfc.net . Yeovil Town F.C. . 27 May 2021 . 29 May 2021 . 28 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210528130230/https://www.ytfc.net/news/2021/may/club-news--jimmy-smith-to-retire-from-professional-football/ . dead .
  286. News: Garnett . Richard . Tranmere striker James Vaughan retires from football . 27 May 2021 . Wirral Globe . 27 May 2021.
  287. 1399274254722424835. GM_83. To all the Clubs, Players & Fans that I've come across on this life changing journey....THANK YOU from the bottom o.... 31 May 2021. en. 31 May 2021.
  288. Web site: Eric Winstanley | 1944–2021 |publisher=Barnsley F.C. |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=21 May 2021}} ], 85, Leicester City, Charlton Athletic and Barrow defender, who also managed Barrow, Hull City, Swansea City and Exeter City.[239]

    Retirements

    Diary of the season

    • 30 September 2020: The first month of the condensed football season ends with Leicester City, Liverpool, and Everton leading the Premier League, all winning their three games played so far. Aston Villa, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United have all also made good starts with six points from the first three matches. Burnley, Sheffield United, and Fulham (the only clubs without points so far) made up the bottom three. Reading and Bristol City are setting the early pace in the Championship with a full nine points each, followed by Swansea City, Bournemouth, and Watford on seven, and Blackburn Rovers in sixth due to a +8 goal difference at this early juncture. The third relegated club, Norwich City, finish September in midtable. Nottingham Forest, who missed the playoffs on the final day of the previous season, only avoid finishing the first month of the new season in the relegation zone due to Sheffield Wednesday's 12-point deduction. Wednesday finish September on -8 points, joined in the relegation zone by Derby County (22nd) and newly promoted Wycombe Wanderers.
    • 31 October 2020: October ends with Liverpool on top of the table, three points ahead of Everton (who have a game in hand) and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur hold fourth through to seventh, while Sheffield United, Fulham, and Burnley remain in the relegation zone (their only changes in position coming about from changes in goal difference). Reading continue their good start in the Championship with a four-point lead on second-placed Swansea. Bournemouth, Norwich, and Watford continue to make headway on their campaigns to immediately return to the Premier League and stand third, fourth, and sixth respectively (Middlesbrough are fifth). Sheffield Wednesday remain on a negative points tally, and Derby and Wycombe continue to occupy the basement of the second tier.
    • 30 November 2020: Tottenham take the lead over Liverpool at the top of the table as November ends, albeit only on goal difference. However, with a quarter of the season played the Premier League table still shows congestion, with two points separating Chelsea, Leicester, West Ham United, Southampton and Wolves in the top seven, and six separating Chelsea from 15th-placed Crystal Palace. Sheffield United, the only club in the top four divisions without a league win so far, are firmly rooted to the foot of the table. Fulham have climbed out of the relegation zone at the expense of West Bromwich Albion; Burnley are 19th. The three sides relegated to the Championship last season continue to lead the way in the Championship, occupying the top three positions. Swansea and Reading are level with third-placed Watford on points, and Bristol City are sixth. Sheffield Wednesday are now 23rd after their points deduction was cut to 6 points, replaced at the bottom by Derby, while Wycombe remains in the relegation zone despite some good recent form.
    • 31 December 2020: For the third year running Liverpool finish the year top of the table, three points ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United having played a game more. The race for European football remains hotly contested with Leicester and Everton finishing 2020 in the top four and Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Southampton all tied on 26 points. Sheffield United remain bottom with the worst-ever start to a Premier League season - 2 points from 16 matches. West Brom have dropped to 19th, prompting the sacking of Slaven Bilic in favour of Premier League veteran Sam Allardyce. Fulham are back in the relegation zone but have a game in hand over their nearest rivals, Brighton & Hove Albion. Norwich have climbed to the Championship summit, three points ahead of EFL Cup semi-finalists Brentford. Swansea consolidate third place, with them and Reading sandwiching Bournemouth and Watford, although the two relegated sides have a game in hand over their rivals. Derby have experienced a resurgence under former England international Wayne Rooney and finish December in 20th. Wycombe are now bottom. Sheffield Wednesday remain in the bottom three but have ceded 23rd place to Rotherham United, who have two games in hand over their Yorkshire neighbours due to postponements following a Covid outbreak.
    • 31 January 2021: A resurgent Manchester City finish January on top of the Premier League, having won all 9 games they played that month. Manchester United remain three points behind of the leaders in second, though City have the game in hand. A poor January that has seen the end of their 68-match unbeaten run at home sees Liverpool finish the month in third. Leicester drop to fourth, West Ham continue their unexpected run for European football to finish January fifth, and Spurs, Chelsea, and Everton are tied on 33 points to hold sixth through to eighth. The relegation zone remains unchanged from December despite Sheffield United picking up their first two league victories of the season, with Fulham 7 points adrift of 17th-placed Brighton. In the Championship, Norwich extend their lead to four points, with Swansea and Brentford swapping places from the end of 2020. Watford, Reading, and Bournemouth remain in the Championship top six (in that order), as do Rotherham (22nd), Sheffield Wednesday (23rd), and Wycombe (24th) in the bottom three.
    • 28 February 2021: Manchester City have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points, having extended their winning run in all competitions to 20 games. Manchester United remain second, while Liverpool's poor form has seen Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea leapfrog them in the chase for Champions League football, with seventh-placed Everton also having a chance of jumping ahead of their Merseyside rivals if they win their two games in hand. Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United remain in the relegation zone, but Fulham are now only 3 points behind Brighton and Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Norwich's lead in the Championship has been extended to 7 points, with Brentford taking back second place. Watford, Swansea (with two games in hand on their promotion rivals), Reading and Bournemouth remain in the top six, although Barnsley (who only avoided relegation the previous season with an injury-time goal in their final match) are only a point behind Bournemouth with a game in hand. The Championship relegation zone remains unchanged, but Rotherham hold two games in hand on relegation rivals Coventry City and Birmingham City.
    • 31 March 2021: Manchester City continue to extend their Premier League lead, standing 14 points ahead of Manchester United despite having their winning run ended by their city rivals. Leicester remain third, Chelsea and West Ham end the month exchanging their positions from February, and Liverpool have dropped to seventh, below Spurs. The relegation zone is unchanged, though Brighton have begun to pull away from the drop zone, leaving Fulham and Newcastle to fight for 17th. In the Championship, Norwich's lead has been slightly increased to 8 points despite the resurgence of second-placed Watford, but more importantly they are 14 points clear of Swansea, who have 27 left to play for. Brentford have dropped to fourth, while Barnsley have climbed to fifth, knocking Reading and Bournemouth down a place each. For the fourth consecutive month Wycombe, Sheffield Wednesday, and Rotherham hold the bottom three spots, but with Rotherham's multiple games in hand Coventry, Birmingham, and Derby are by no means out of the woods.
    • 30 April 2021: Manchester City are on the brink of their fifth Premier League title, standing 10 points ahead of Manchester United with only 5 games remaining. Leicester remain third with a 6-point lead over fourth-placed Chelsea who have a game in hand over them. West Ham remain fifth, three points behind Chelsea in the chase for a Champions League place. Liverpool and Spurs exchange their positions from March. The relegation zone in unchanged, though a resurgent Newcastle side are now 9 points clear of relegation places. Fulham and West Brom chances of staying are slim at this point, needing a highly unlikely turnaround in their last five games to have any chance of surviving. In the Championship, Norwich and Watford have been promoted to the Premier League after a single season at this level, with Norwich needing just another win to go up as league champions. Brentford have all but confirmed to finish the season third, meanwhile Swansea, Bournemouth and Barnsley have all confirmed their playoff spots as well. For the fifth consecutive month Wycombe, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham are in the relegation zone, with Wycombe needing a highly unlikely swing in the goal difference to stay up, but Rotherham still have a game in hand over Derby.

    References

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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2020–21 in English football".

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