Football League Third Division
The Third Division of The Football League is the second highest league division in the English football league system. For sponsorship reasons it is referred to as the Nationwide Football League Division Three (though from next season this will change to the Coca-Cola Football League Division Three). It was the third highest league division until the creation of the FA Premier League prior to the 1992/93 season.
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2 Current Third Division teams 3 Previous League champions |
Overview
Prior to the formation of the Premiership in 1992, the Third Division was the third highest level in English football. Up until this time, teams were relegated to what was called the Fourth Division.
The third and fourth divisions were only formed in 1958, with the merger of Third Division North and Third Division South. Instead of being divided by regional location, the teams at this level became divided by ability.
The Third Division is also known as Division Three. Other names are often applied such as Nationwide Third Division, which is reference to the sponsors of The Football League. From 2004/05 season Coca-Cola will sponsor the League.
At the end of each season the top three teams are promoted to Second Division, along with the winners of a play-off between the next four teams. Also, the bottom two teams are relegated to the Football Conference.
Note: A team may be spared from relegation if one or both of the Conference teams nominated for promotion do not fulfil the required criteria for entering the League.
Plymouth Argyle hold the record points total for this division. In their 2001/02 championship season they amassed 102 points.
Current Third Division teams
Previous League champions
Winners of the old format Third Division
Winners of the new format Third Division
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Cardiff City |
| 1994 | Shrewsbury Town |
| 1995 | Carlisle United |
| 1996 | Preston North End |
| 1997 | Wigan Athletic |
| 1998 | Notts County |
| 1999 | Brentford |
| 2000 | Swansea City |
| 2001 | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| 2002 | Plymouth Argyle |
| 2003 | Rushden & Diamonds |