40 Facts About Championship Results

League Structure and Format

Understanding the structure of the EFL Championship is crucial for any fan. This section covers the basics of how the league operates and what makes it unique.

1. The EFL Championship consists of 24 teams, each playing 46 games in a season. The league operates on a double-round robin format, where each team plays every other team once at home and once away.

2. Promotion and relegation are key features of the Championship. The top two teams and the winner of the Championship play-offs are promoted to the Premier League. The bottom three teams are relegated to EFL League One.

3. The Championship play-offs are a knock-out competition for teams finishing between third and sixth place. The third-placed team plays against the sixth-placed team, and the fourth-placed team plays against the fifth-placed team in two-legged semi-finals. The winners of each semi-final then compete in a single match at Wembley Stadium for promotion.

Historical Performance and Records

The Championship has a rich history filled with memorable moments and records. Here are some fascinating facts about the league's past.

4. Since the restructuring into the Championship in 2004, 56 teams have spent at least one season in the division. Cardiff City has spent the longest in the league with 18 seasons, while Ipswich Town holds the record for the longest consecutive spell with 15 seasons between 2004 and 2019.

5. Thirteen different teams have won the EFL Championship, with seven teams (Burnley, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Reading, Sunderland, and Wolverhampton Wanderers) having won it twice. Burnley and Norwich City have been promoted out of the Championship on four occasions, while five teams (Fulham, Hull City, Sheffield United, Watford, and West Brom) have been promoted on three occasions.

6. Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic have been relegated from the Championship on four occasions, while two teams (Barnsley and Charlton Athletic) have been relegated on three occasions. Fourteen teams have been both promoted out of and relegated from the Championship.

Current Members and Attendance

The Championship is home to many well-known clubs. This section highlights the current members and some interesting attendance figures.

7. The current members of the EFL Championship include Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Burnley, Cardiff City, Coventry City, Derby County, Hull City, Leeds United, Luton Town, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Norwich City, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Preston North End, QPR, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, Sunderland, Swansea City, Watford, and West Bromwich Albion.

8. The average attendance in the Championship is significantly lower than in the Premier League. For example, in the 2011-2012 season, the average attendance for the three sides relegated from the Premier League (Wolves, Bolton, and Blackburn) was 25,671, 23,669, and 22,551 respectively. In contrast, the average Championship attendance for these teams was 21,789 for Wolves, 18,093 for Bolton, and 14,996 for Blackburn.

Unpredictability and Excitement

One of the most exciting aspects of the Championship is its unpredictability. Here are some facts that showcase the league's competitive nature.

9. The Championship is known for its unpredictability. In the 2012-2013 season, Bolton, Leicester, and Wolves were all favored to win the Championship title, but Bolton failed to reach the playoffs, Leicester lost out to Watford in the semi-finals, and Wolves were relegated. This unpredictability makes the Championship more exciting for fans.

10. The Championship offers more games to watch than the Premier League, with each team playing 46 games in a season compared to the Premier League's 38 games.

11. Supporting a Championship club is cheaper than supporting a Premier League club. According to the BBC's Price Of Football survey, the average price of the cheapest season ticket available in the Premier League was £467.95, while the cheapest average Championship season ticket price was £347.33.

Young Talent and Playing Style

The Championship is a breeding ground for young talent and has a distinct style of play. Here are some facts about the players and the game itself.

12. The Championship provides opportunities for young players to gain experience. Many Premier League teams have surplus teenagers who they would like to give match experience to. However, these players are often loaned out to Championship clubs, where they can develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

13. The Championship is known for its long ball style of play, which is often criticized but remains effective in the division. Six of the top 10 teams in the 2011 Premier League Long Ball Table were in the Championship or below, indicating that this style of play serves them best.

14. While some might find it boring, the Championship has its share of experienced managers who have honed their skills in the division. Managers like Ian Holloway and Nigel Adkins have become synonymous with the Championship, bringing a level of stability and expertise to their teams.

Unique and Fun Facts

The Championship has some unique and fun facts that add to its charm. Here are a few that might surprise you.

15. The first winners of the EFL Championship were the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association in 1892-93. Since then, numerous teams have won the title, including the Montreal Victorias, Ottawa Silver Seven, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

16. The Stanley Cup, awarded to the NHL playoff champion, has a rich history dating back to 1892. The trophy was originally intended for the best hockey team in Canada but has since become the exclusive property of the NHL.

17. In 2022, the EFL Championship took a unique four-week break in November and December to allow players to join their national teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

18. Labatt Park in London, Ontario, is the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world, with a history dating back to 1877. This historic stadium has hosted numerous games and events over the years, showcasing its enduring legacy.

19. Hockey pucks are frozen before NHL games to make them glide smoother and reduce bouncing. This practice ensures that the game is played fairly and safely, with minimal interruptions.

20. The first Olympic Games were won by a chef, highlighting the diverse range of participants in the early Olympics. This fact underscores the inclusive nature of the Olympic Games, which have evolved significantly over the years.

21. Golf was the first sport played on the moon by Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard in 1971. This historic moment marked a significant milestone in space exploration and sports history.

22. The colors of the Olympic Rings represent one of the five continents of the world. This symbol has become an iconic representation of international sports and unity.

23. Modern-day baseball was invented in 1845. The game has since evolved into one of the most popular sports globally, with a rich history and cultural significance.

24. Every baseball used in Major League Baseball is dirty. Each baseball is wiped down with mud to give pitchers a better grip, ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely.

25. The sport of badminton was initially called “Poona”. This name reflects the sport's origins in India, where it was first played by British soldiers in the 19th century.

26. Golf and football were banned in Scotland for a total of three times in 1457, 1471, and 1491. This historical prohibition highlights the complex relationship between sports and society over the centuries.

27. Tug of war was an Olympic event between 1900 and 1920. This sport requires strength, strategy, and teamwork, making it a unique addition to the Olympic Games.

28. There are exactly 108 stitches on a baseball. This precise number ensures that the ball is perfectly round and consistent in its performance.

29. The longest successful shot in NBA history was 89 feet by Baron Davis on February 17, 2001. This remarkable shot showcased Davis's exceptional skill and accuracy.

30. Identifying players by their jersey number was popularized by baseball. This practice has since been adopted by other sports, making it easier for fans to recognize and track players.

31. The first-ever Olympic Games were won by a chef. This unexpected winner highlights the diverse range of participants in the early Olympics.

32. Golf was the first sport played on the moon by Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard in 1971. This historic moment marked a significant milestone in space exploration and sports history.

33. The colors of the Olympic Rings represent one of the five continents of the world. This symbol has become an iconic representation of international sports and unity.

34. Modern-day baseball was invented in 1845. The game has since evolved into one of the most popular sports globally, with a rich history and cultural significance.

35. Frozen cow poo was the first-ever puck used in a hockey game. This unusual material highlights the early days of hockey and the creative solutions used to play the game.

36. Olympic gold medals have some gold in them but are mostly made of silver. This combination of metals adds to the prestige and value of these medals.

37. The longest boxing match in history lasted 7 hours and 19 minutes for 110 rounds in 1893. This grueling match showcases the endurance and determination of boxers.

38. The Stanley Cup has misspellings of both player and team names. Despite these errors, the trophy remains an iconic symbol of excellence in hockey.

39. The Championship offers more seats for fans to watch their teams play. For example, in the 2011-2012 season, the average attendance for the three sides relegated from the Premier League was significantly higher than the average Championship attendance for these teams.

40. Each game in the Championship is up for grabs, making it more fun to watch. Unlike the Premier League, where teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea dominate lower teams, every game in the Championship is competitive.

Final Thoughts on Championship Results

The EFL Championship is a rollercoaster of excitement, unpredictability, and rich history. With 24 teams battling it out in a grueling 46-game season, every match counts. The promotion and relegation system keeps fans on the edge of their seats, while the play-offs add an extra layer of drama. Clubs like Cardiff City and Ipswich Town have left their mark, showcasing the league's competitive spirit. The Championship also offers a platform for young talent to shine, often serving as a stepping stone to the Premier League. From attendance figures to the long ball style of play, the Championship has its unique quirks that make it special. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the league, there's no denying the thrill and passion that the EFL Championship brings to the world of football.