2007–08 in English football

The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.

Overview

* Deloitte reports on 4 September 2007 that transfer spending by all Premier League and Football League clubs exceeds £500 million, compared to £300 million spent the season before. Deloitte attributes the rise in spending to the huge increase in broadcasting revenue and new owners buying into Premier League clubs. [cite news | date=2007-04-09 | url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=460200&cc=4716 | title=English transfer spending breaks £500m barrier| work=soccernet.espn.go.com | accessdate=2007-04-09]

European competitions

In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7054216.stm Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on November 2, 2007] The record was broken the following month when Liverpool defeated Beşiktaş 8–0 at Anfield. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7076592.stm Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on November 7, 2007] All four English clubs competing in the Champions League reached the quarter-finals, resulting in three all-English ties during the competition's latter stages. Liverpool eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-finals, but lost the semi-final to Chelsea, who went on to meet Manchester United in the final in Moscow. United completed the European Double, winning the Premier League two points ahead of Chelsea and winning the UEFA Champions League, again against Chelsea 6–5 on penalties (1–1 after extra time) to lift the European Cup for the third time. This was a unique occurance – the first time two English clubs had met in the final of the European Cup/Champions League. It was also a repeat of the opening game of the season, the FA Community Shield, which also finished 1–1 and saw a United win on penalties, 3–0.

In the UEFA Cup, none of the English teams taking part reached the quarter-final stage. Blackburn Rovers, who had qualified for the competition via the Intertoto Cup, were beaten in the first round by Larissa F.C.. The three other English clubs progressed through the group stages, with Bolton Wanderers losing to Sporting Clube de Portugal, while Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were both eliminated on penalty shootouts in the round of 16, by PSV Eindhoven and Fiorentina respectively. The 2008 UEFA Cup Final was held at the City of Manchester Stadium, the first time that the UEFA Cup Final had been held in England since being reduced to a single match. The event was marred by riots in Manchester city centre prior to the game. [cite news |title=Battle of Piccadilly |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1049714_battle_of_piccadilly |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=2008-05-14 |accessdate=2008-08-14 ] In the match itself, FC Zenit Saint Petersburg beat Rangers 2–0 to lift the trophy. [cite news |title=Majestic Zenit triumph in Manchester |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15124/match=301605/report=rp.html |publisher=UEFA.com |date=2008-05-14 |accessdate=2008-08-14 ]

Premier League

Manchester United won the Premier League for the tenth time, securing the title on the final day of the season. Chelsea were runners-up. Reading F.C., Birmingham City and Derby County were relegated.
* The Premier League underwent a major rebranding, changing sponsored name from the Barclays Premiership to the Barclays Premier League (BPL).
*The Premier League changed the font printed on the back of players' shirts. [cite website | date=2007-02-26 | url=http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/1 | title=New Premier League lettering in 2007/08 | work=football-shirts.co.uk/fans | accessdate=2007-03-23]
* Birmingham City and Sunderland played in the Premier League, returning at the first time of asking since being relegated in 2005–06. They were joined by Derby County. Derby became the first team in Premier League history to be relegated before the end of March. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7309363.stm Derby 2-2 Fulham] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on March 29, 2008] They eventually finished on the lowest points tally ever, amassing only 11 points.

Football League

After the disappointment of a play-off final defeat the previous year, West Bromwich Albion won the Football League Championship title and returned to the Premier League. Stoke City secured the other automatic promotion spot, after a twenty-three year absence from the top flight. Hull City followed them by winning the play-offs, beating Bristol City 1–0 at Wembley Stadium in the final to reach the top-flight of English football for the first time in their history. Despite impressing on their Championship debut in 2006-07, Colchester United finished bottom this season and were relegated back to League One. Scunthorpe United's first journey into the Championship since the 1960s proved short-lived, and they also went back down. The biggest story however was Leicester City's relegation, as a lack of stability at the club (with no fewer than eight men, including caretakers, occupying the manager's seat over the season) proved their undoing and sent them down to League One for the first time in their history.

In a season mired by controversy and points deductions at both ends of the table, Swansea City were the clear champions in League One. In terms of results, Leeds United were actually the best team behind Swansea, but lost 15 points pre-season for financial irregularities, and so Nottingham Forest were able to take the second automatic promotion spot. Doncaster Rovers won promotion to the Championship by beating Leeds United 1–0 at Wembley Stadium in the League One play-off final, thus returning to the top two tiers for the first time since 1958. At the opposite end of the table, Port Vale were in fact the worst team going by results, but Luton Town went into administration and lost 10 points causing them to finish bottom, though they would have been relegated even without this penalty. Bournemouth also received a 10 point deduction for going into administration, and in their case it did prove fatal, sending the club down by to League Two. Gillingham were the other team to suffer relegation.

Milton Keynes Dons won their first honours as a club, winning the League Two title and the Football League Trophy. The other clubs automatically promoted were runners-up Peterborough United, who had pushed the Dons close for most of the season, and Hereford United, who returned to the third level of English football for the first time in 30 years. Stockport County won promotion to League One by beating Rochdale 3–2 at Wembley Stadium in the League Two play-off final. There was to be no repeat of Wrexham's last day heroics of the 2006-07 season, and this time they finished bottom and went out of the League. Despite a good run late in the season, Mansfield Town joined them.

*Brighton & Hove Albion had hoped to be moving to Falmer Stadium during this season. This was following a "Yes" verdict two years ago from the former Secretary of State John Prescott. However, persistent legal challenges from Lewes District Council have delayed this and forced the Government into a fresh assessment. The new Secretary of State finally gave planning permission on 24 July 2007. The stadium is now anticipated to open in 2010.
*Leeds United played in the third tier of English football for the first time in their history, six years after competing in the Champions League. The club started the season on -15 points following their failure to reach an agreement with HM Revenue & Customs on their Creditors Voluntary Arrangement. This penalty was imposed for the first time in league history.
*Sheffield celebrate their 150th anniversary. Sheffield are trying to plan a friendly with Real Madrid to commemorate the fact that they are the only two clubs to receive the FIFA Order of Merit. [cite news | date=2006-09-05 | url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2006/09/SheffieldCup.htm | title=Replays and Real Madrid | work=thefa.com | accessdate=2007-02-06]
*Shrewsbury Town moved to the New Meadow for the start of this season, leaving their old stadium, Gay Meadow.
*Milton Keynes Dons moved to their new 22,000 all seater stadium at Denbigh, Milton Keynes, known as . The stadium was officially opened on 29 November 2007 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2007/11/30/queen_mk_2007_feature.shtml The Queen visits Milton Keynes]
*Both Dagenham & Redbridge and Morecambe played in The Football League for the first time, after securing promotion to League 2 from the Conference National.
* Oldham Athletic had planning permission accepted for a redevelopment of their Boundary Park stadium, which will now be called Oldham Arena.
* Hull City played at Wembley Stadium for the first time in their history, winning the Championship play-off final to secure promotion to the top flight for the first time in their 104-year history. [cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7416502.stm |title=Bristol City 0-1 Hull |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=2008-05-24 |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher=BBC Sport]

Cup competitions and Community Shield

Portsmouth won the FA Cup with a 1–0 victory over Cardiff City. Tottenham Hotspur won the Carling Cup, beating the holders Chelsea 2–1 after extra time. It was the first League Cup final to be played at the new Wembley Stadium. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256729.stm Spurs 2-1 Chelsea] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on May 5, 2008] MK Dons won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after beating Grimsby Town 2–0 in the final. [cite news | date=2008-03-30 | accessdate=2008-08-17 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7309420.stm | title=Grimsby 0-2 MK Dons | publisher=BBC Sport | first=Mark | last=Mitchener] Manchester United took the first silverware of the season when they beat Chelsea 3–0 on penalties in the FA Community Shield.

Non-League football

The Conference National became known as the Blue Square Premier upon the announcement of a three year sponsorship deal. The two regional feeder leagues became known as the Blue Square North and South respectively. [cite news | date=2007-04-11 | url=http://www.footballconference.co.uk/News/FC_Story_Page/0,14288,5764_2051847,00.html | title=Conference Announce Deal| work=footballconference.co.uk | accessdate=2007-04-28] The deal signals the end of a nine year association between the Conference and the Nationwide Building Society. Aldershot Town won the Conference National to gain automatic promotion to the Football League, while Exeter City beat Cambridge United 1–0 in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium to secure the other promotion place.

Managerial changes

Football League Championship

* Deducted 10 points for entering administration

Transfer deals

Retirements

* 5 July 2007 – Chris Sutton (Aston Villa) cite news|title = Eye injury forces Sutton to quit|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6272566.stm|publisher = BBC Sport|date = 2007-07-05|accessdate = 2007-07-05]
* 26 July 2007 – Matt Piper (ex Sunderland) cite news|title=Trialist Piper decides to retire|url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/6897047.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-07-26|accessdate=2007-07-26]
*3 August 2007 – Charlie Oatway (Brighton & Hove Albion) cite news|title=Brighton's Oatway forced to quit|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/6917863.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-08-03|accessdate=2007-08-17]
*15 August 2007 – Mark Delaney (Aston Villa) cite news|title=Injury forces Delaney to retire|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/6947421.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-08-15|accessdate=2007-08-15]
*28 August 2007 – Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Manchester United) cite news|title=Man Utd striker Solskjaer retires|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6966229.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-08-28|accessdate=2007-08-28]
*28 August 2007 – David Woozley (Crawley Town) cite news|title=Former Crawley boss Woozley quits |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crawley_town/6966615.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-08-28|accessdate=2007-08-28]
*30 August 2007 – Neal Ardley (Millwall) cite news|title=Veteran midfielder Ardley retires |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/6970109.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-08-30|accessdate=2007-08-30]
*11 September 2007 – James Quinn (Northampton Town) cite news|title=N Ireland striker Quinn retires|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6988817.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-09-11|accessdate=2007-09-11]
*7 December 2007 – Phil Gilchrist (Oxford United) cite news|title=Oxford defender Gilchrist retires|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/7132354.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2007-12-07|accessdate=2007-12-07]
*2 January 2008 – Mark Goodlad (Port Vale) cite news|title=Port Vale keeper forced to retire|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7168377.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-01-02|accessdate=2008-01-02]
*16 January 2008 – Juan Ugarte (Wrexham) cite news|title=Injury-prone Ugarte quits Wrexham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wrexham/7192797.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-01-16|accessdate=2008-01-16]
*7 February 2008 – John Hartson (West Bromwich Albion) cite news|title=Hartson brings career to an end|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/7218185.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-02-07|accessdate=2008-02-07]
*12 March 2008 – Tore André Flo (Leeds United) cite news|title=Striker Flo announces retirement|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/7291280.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-03-12|accessdate=2008-03-13]
*25 March 2008 – Claus Lundekvam (Southampton) [cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/7312314.stm |title=Lundekvam set to hang up boots |date=2008-03-25 |accessdate=2008-03-26 |publisher=BBC Sport]
*End of season – Dion Dublin (Norwich City) [cite news|title=Dublin announces retirement plans |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7197825.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-01-19|accessdate=2008-01-19]
*End of season – Teddy Sheringham (Colchester United) [cite news|title=Sheringham to call time on career|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/colchester_united/7272672.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-03-01|accessdate=2008-03-01]
*End of season – David Wetherall (Bradford City) [cite news|title=Wetherall poised to hang up boots|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7254349.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-02-21]
*End of season – Neil Young (Bournemouth) [cite news|title=Cherries' veteran Young to retire|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/7340403.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-25]
*End of season – Alan Thompson (Leeds United) [cite news|title=Thompson calls it quits|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_3620289,00.html|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2008-05-28|accessdate=2008-05-28]

Deaths

*3 July 2007 – Dave Simmons, 58, former striker who played for Aston Villa, Colchester United, Brentford and Cambridge United. Perhaps best known for scoring the decisive goal in Colchester's upset win against Leeds in the 1971 FA Cup. [ [http://www.cambridge-united.premiumtv.co.uk/page/FormerPlayers/0,,10423~1072974,00.html Dave Simmons (1948-2007)] "Cambridge United official site". Retrieved on 15 June 2008]
*20 July 2007 – David Preece, 44, former midfielder, most notably at Luton Town, where he played 11 seasons and won the League Cup in 1988. Began his career at Walsall, and also played for Derby County, Cambridge United and Torquay United. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/6909924.stm Luton legend Preece dies aged 44] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 3 August 2007]
*24 July 2007 – Eric Davis, 75, former Plymouth Argyle, Scunthorpe United and Chester City striker. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/plymouth_argyle/6913336.stm Former Argyle forward Davis dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 10 August 2007]
*25 July 2007 – Danny Bergara, 65, Uruguayan who was one of the first Football League managers born outside the British Isles, and the first to lead out an English side at Wembley. Managed several clubs in the lower leagues, and most notably won promotion to the old Third Division with Stockport County in 1991. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/6917615.stm Stockport hero Danny Bergara dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 3 August 2007]
*16 August 2007 – Jeroen Boere, 39, Dutch striker who played for West Ham, Crystal Palace and Southend United in the late 1990s. [ [http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKL181359020070818 Former West Ham player Boere dies aged 39] "Reuters". Retrieved on 18 August 2007]
*25 August 2007 – Ray Jones, 18, Queens Park Rangers striker, killed in a car accident. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/6963546.stm QPR's Ray Jones dies in car crash] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 25 August 2007]
*31 August 2007 – Willie Cunningham, 77, former Leicester City defender who played for Northern Ireland in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. [ [http://sport.scotsman.com/football.cfm?id=1392462007 Cunningham passes away] "The Scotsman". Retrieved on 1 September 2007]
*6 September 2007 – Byron Stevenson, 50, former Leeds, Birmingham City and Bristol Rovers defender who also won 15 caps for Wales. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6982007.stm Ex-Wales defender Stevenson dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 6 September 2007]
*7 September 2007 – Norman Deeley, 73, former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger who scored twice in the 1960 FA Cup Final, and won two caps for England. Also played for Leyton Orient. [ [http://www.expressandstar.com/2007/09/08/wolves-fa-cup-hero-dies-73/ Wolves FA Cup hero dies, 73] "Express and Star". Retrieved on 9 September 2007]
*11 September 2007 – Ian Porterfield, 61, former Sunderland midfielder who scored the winning goal in the 1973 FA Cup Final. Later became a successful manager, managing Chelsea, Reading, Sheffield United and various other clubs and national teams. Was managing Armenia at the time of his death. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6984906.stm Cup hero Porterfield dies at 61] , "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 11 September, 2007]
*14 September 2007 – Malcolm Musgrove, 74, former West Ham and Leyton Orient winger. Played more than 300 games for the Hammers, and later manager Torquay United and several teams in the United States. Died from Alzheimer's disease. [ [http://www.ex-hammers.com/news.php?extend.74 Ex-Hammers.com: Malcolm Musgrave obituary] . Accessed 30 November 2007]
*20 September 2007 – Johnny Gavin, 79, former striker who is Norwich City's all-time top goalscorer. Also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Crystal Palace, and won seven caps for the Republic of Ireland. [ [http://www.canaries.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetails/0,,10355~1116942,00.html Club record goalscorer dies] , "Norwich City official site". Retrieved on 20 September 2007]
*27 September 2007 – Bill Perry, 77, former Blackpool winger who scored the winning goal in the 1953 FA Cup Final, and played three times for England despite being born in South Africa. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/articles/2007/09/27/bfc_bill_perry_dies.shtml Blackpool legend dies] "BBC Lancashire". Retrieved on 28 September 2007]
*15 October 2007 – Jackie Little, 95, former Ipswich Town winger who spent 15 years at Portman Road and played in the club's first-ever league match in 1938. [ [http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/sport/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=sportITFC&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=sport&itemid=IPED17%20Oct%202007%2009%3A25%3A01%3A857 Town legend Jackie Little dies aged 95] "Evening Star". Retrieved on 4 January 2008]
*19 October 2007 – Michael Maidens, 20, Hartlepool United midfielder, killed in a car accident. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7043096.stm Hartlepool player dies in crash] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 21 October 2007]
*13 November 2007 – John Doherty, 72, former Busby Babe who played as an inside-forward for Manchester United and later Leicester City in the 1950s. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7093875.stm Man Utd mourn Busby Babe Doherty] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 19 November 2007]
*18 November 2007 – Joe Shaw, 79, former Sheffield United defender; the club's all-time record appearance holder with 629 league matches for the Blades. [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19112007/1/sheffield-united-legend-shaw-dies.html Sheffield United legend Shaw dies] "Yahoo Sport". Retrieved on 19 November 2007]
*19 November 2007 – Ken Leek, 72, former Welsh international striker, who won the 1963 League Cup with Birmingham City; also played for Northampton Town, Leicester City, Newcastle United and Bradford City. [ [http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1768_2891393,00.html Former Blues and Foxes star dies] "TeamTalk". Retrieved on 19 November 2007]
*19 November 2007 – Graham Paddon, 57, former Norwich City and West Ham United midfielder; 1975 FA Cup winner. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/norwich/7101857.stm Norwich legend Paddon dies at 57] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 19 November 2007]
*2 December 2007 – Les Shannon, 81, played as a winger for Liverpool and Burnley in the 1950s; later managed Bury, Blackpool and several clubs in Greece, most notably Olympiakos. [ [http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/famousperson/shannon/2684639 Les Shannon Obituary] "lastingtribute.co.uk". Retrieved on 29 December 2007]
*7 December 2007 – John Hollowbread, 73, former Tottenham and Southampton goalkeeper. [ [http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/obitjohnhollowbread.html John Hollowbread Obituary] "Tottenham Hotspur official site". Retrieved on 29 December 2007]
*9 December 2007 – Jim Langley, 78, full-back who spent the bulk of his career at Fulham (1957-1965), where he won three England caps. Also played for Leeds, Brighton and QPR. [ [http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2007/December/JimLangley19292007.aspx Jim Langley 1929-2007] "Fulham official site". Retrieved on 29 December 2007]
*11 December 2007 – Ray Goddard, 58, goalkeeper who played for Leyton Orient, Millwall and Wimbledon between 1967 and 1981. Was a member of three promotion-winning sides during his career. [ [http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/goddard/2694336 Tribute to Ray Goddard] "lastingtribute.co.uk". Retrieved on 15 February 2008]
*13 December 2007 – Harry Kirtley, 77, former Sunderland, Cardiff and Gateshead forward. [ [http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=13800 Former SAFC player dies] "Sunderland AFC official site". Retrieved on 28 June 2008]
*15 December 2007 – Jimmy O'Neill, 76, former Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper who played club football for Everton, Stoke, Darlington and Port Vale. [ [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jimmy-oneill-crowdpleasing-goalkeeper-766456.html Jimmy O'Neill obituary] "The Independent". Retrieved on 2 August 2008]
*25 December 2007 – Tommy Harmer, 79, inside-forward for Tottenham in the 1950s. Later played for Watford and Chelsea before moving into coaching. [ [http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/obituarytommyharmer261207.html Tommy Harmer Obituary] "Tottenham Hotspur official site". Retrieved on 29 December 2007]
*27 December 2007 – Brian Lambert, 71, former Mansfield Town full-back. [ [http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/ExStags-player-mourned.3644262.jp Ex-Stags player mourned] "Mansfield Chad". Retrieved on 5 January 2008]
*29 December 2007 – Phil O'Donnell, 35, Motherwell midfielder who spent four seasons at Sheffield Wednesday in the early 2000s. Won one cap for Scotland during his first spell at Motherwell in the early 1990s, and had scored for Motherwell in the 1991 Scottish Cup final. Collapsed on the pitch during a Scottish league match, and died later that evening. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7164150.stm Motherwell captain O'Donnell dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 29 December 2007]
*9 January 2008 – Paul Aimson, 64, former striker who spent the majority of his career at York City, scoring more than 100 goals. [ [http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/news/display.var.1955680.0.paul_aimson_dies.php Paul Aimson dies] "York Press". Retrieved on 16 January 2008]
*14 January 2008 – Johnny Steele, 91, former inside-forward who spent more than half a century at Barnsley as player, coach, manager, secretary and director. He is Barnsley's longest-serving manager. [ [http://www.barnsleyfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~1215633,00.html Johnny Steele - an Oakwell legend] "Barnsley official site". Retrieved on 16 January 2008]
*18 January 2008 – Wally Fielding, 88, former Everton inside-forward who played more than 400 games for the Toffees. At the time of his death he was believed to be the oldest living former Everton player. [ [http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/01/19/blues-hero-nobby-88-is-dead-100252-20369225/ Everton hero Wally Fielding, 88, is dead] "Liverpool Echo". Retrieved on 19 January 2008]
*21 January 2008 – Billy Elliott, 82, former Sunderland winger who won five England caps. Also played for Bradford Park Avenue and Burnley, and later became manager of Darlington. He also managed Norwegian side Brann and the Libyan national team. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/7200528.stm Sunderland mourn death of Elliott] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 21 January 2008]
*c. 1 February 2008 – Johnny Edgar, 71, former Barnsley, Gillingham, York, Hartlepool and Exeter striker; scorer of York's fastest-ever hat-trick (three goals in six minutes against Accrington Stanley in 1959). [ [http://www.ycfc.net/news/february08/3.php Death of John Edgar] "York City official site". Retrieved on 15 February 2008]
*7 February 2008 – Frank Wayman, 76, former winger who played briefly at the professional level with Chester City and Darlington. Died after being struck by a motorcycle. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7235521.stm Ex-footballer dies after accident] "BBC News". Retrieved on 15 February 2008]
*14 February 2008 – Len Boyd, 84, former Plymouth Argyle, Birmingham City and England B wing half. Captained Birmingham to 1954–55 promotion and the 1956 FA Cup Final. [ [http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1242574,00.html 1956 Cup Final captain passes away] "Birmingham City official site". Retrieved on 16 February 2008]
*17 February 2008 – Brian Harris, 72, versatile former Everton, Cardiff City and Newport County player who played at every position on the pitch except goalkeeper during his career; also managed Newport. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7250851.stm Cardiff and Everton mourn Harris] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 18 February 2008]
*26 February 2008 – Jimmy Dugdale, 76, former West Bromwich, Aston Villa and England B defender. Won the FA Cup twice; with WBA in 1954 and with Villa in 1957. [ [http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2008/02/26/former-aston-villa-captain-jimmy-dugdale-dies-97319-20524017/ Former Aston Villa captain Jimmy Dugdale dies] "Birmingham Mail". Retrieved on 9 March 2008]
*2 March 2008 – Carl Hoddle, 40, former Barnet and Leyton Orient midfielder; brother of Glenn Hoddle. [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=524534&in_page_id=1779&ct=5 Glenn Hoddle's brother dies of heart attack aged 40] "Daily Mail". Retrieved on 3 March 2008]
*5 March 2008 – Derek Dooley, 78, legendary Sheffield Wednesday striker who scored 62 goals in 61 games for the Owls before having his leg amputated in 1953 following a serious injury. He also played for Lincoln City, and later managed Sheffield Wednesday (1971-1973) before joining city rivals Sheffield United where he held a number of jobs, including commercial manager and chairman. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7279889.stm Sheffield mourns death of Dooley] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 5 March 2008]
*8 March 2008 – Les Smith, 80, former Wolverhampton and Aston Villa winger; member of Aston Villa's 1957 FA Cup winning side. [ [http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~1260145,00.html Cup hero dies] "Aston Villa official site". Retrieved on 9 March 2008]
*24 March 2008 – John Cushley, 65, Scottish defender who spent three seasons at West Ham in the late 1960s, and also played for Celtic, Dunfermline and Dumbarton north of the border. Worked as a teacher outside football. [ [http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/obituaries/display.var.2145851.0.John_Cushley.php John Cushley obituary] "The Herald". Retrieved on 7 April 2008]
*24 March 2008 – Ray Drinkwater, 76, former Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper. [ [http://www.surreyad.co.uk/sport/2024/2024760/football_and_cricket_star_drinkwater_dies_aged_76 Football and cricket star Drinkwater dies, aged 76] "Surrey Advertiser". Retrieved on 12 April 2008]
*29 April 2008 – Gordon Bradley, 74, former Carlisle United wing-half who later became an American citizen, where he played for a number of teams including the New York Cosmos, and won one cap for the U.S. national team. He also served as head coach of Cosmos and later the Washington Diplomats of the NASL. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/sports/soccer/01bradley.html?ref=obituaries Gordon Bradley, who nurtured U.S. soccer, dies at 74] "New York Times". Retrieved on 2 May 2008]
*1 May 2008 – Mark Kendall, 49, former goalkeeper who played for Tottenham, Newport County, Wolverhampton and Swansea. Capped by Wales at Under-21 level. [ [http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/footballnation/swansea-city-fc/2008/05/02/former-keeper-kendall-dies-91466-20853983/ Former 'keeper Mark Kendall dies] "icWales.co.uk". Retrieved on 2 May 2008]
*6 May 2008 – John Reames, 66, former Lincoln City chairman and manager. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/lincoln_city/7389865.stm Ex-Lincoln chairman Reames dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 10 May 2008]
*15 May 2008 – Tommy Burns, 51, former Scottish international midfielder who served 18 months as Reading manager in the late 1990s. Spent his playing career north of the border, for Celtic and Kilmarnock. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7402185.stm Celtic's Burns loses cancer fight] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 15 May 2008]
*19 May 2008 – Nigel Cassidy, 62, former striker who began his professional career at Norwich City, and later played for Scunthorpe, Oxford and Cambridge. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/7411270.stm Oxford United great Cassidy dies] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 21 May 2008]
*20 May 2008 – Lord Tom Burlison, 71, former Hartlepool United wing-half and honorary life president. Also played for Lincoln City and Darlington. After his football career, he became a trade union leader and Labour peer. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tees/7413645.stm Footballer turned peer dies at 71] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 21 May 2008]
*24 May 2008 – Reg Flewin, 87, former Portsmouth defender, who captained his hometown side to the 1948-49 and 1949-50 league titles, and also won one wartime cap for England. [ [http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/Pompey-mourn-death-of-legend.4120570.jp Pompey mourn death of legend Flewin] "Portsmouth News". Retrieved on 15 June 2008]
*12 June 2008 – Derek Tapscott, 75, former Welsh international striker who played for Arsenal, Cardiff City, Newport County, and several non-league clubs. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7452449.stm Bluebirds mourn striker Tapscott] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 15 June 2008]
*19 June 2008 – Tim Carter, 40, former goalkeeper at Sunderland, Bristol Rovers, Hartlepool United, Millwall and several other clubs. Was Sunderland's goalkeeping coach at the time of his death. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7467056.stm Ex-Sunderland keeper found dead] "BBC Sport". Retrieved on 21 June 2008]
*22 June 2008 – Ron Stitfall, 82, former Cardiff City defender who played more than 400 games for the Bluebirds. He also won two caps for Wales. [ [http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1333183,00.html In memory: Ron Stitfall] "Cardiff City official site". Retrieved on 28 June 2008]
*23 June 2008 – Mick Hill, 60, former Sheffield United, Ipswich and Crystal Palace forward who also played twice for Wales. [ [http://www.sufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~1332956,00.html Sixties striker mourned] "Sheffield United official site". Retrieved on 28 June 2008]

ee also

2007–08 season

*Arsenal Premier League
*Birmingham City Premier League
*Chelsea Premier League
*Fulham Premier League
*Liverpool Premier League
*Manchester United Premier League
*Middlesbrough Premier League
*Newcastle United Premier League
*Reading Premier League
*Sunderland Premier League
*Tottenham Premier League
*West Ham United Premier League
*Charlton Athletic Football League Championship
*Crystal Palace Football League Championship
*Norwich City Football League Championship
*Plymouth Argyle Football League Championship
*Queens Park Rangers Football League Championship
*Bristol Rovers Football League One
*Crewe Alexandra Football League One
*Huddersfield Town Football League One
*Leeds United Football League One
*Oldham Athletic Football League One
*Bradford City Football League Two
*Hereford United Football League Two
*Lincoln City Football League Two
*Peterborough United Football League Two
*Aldershot Town Conference National
*Woking Conference National
*York City Conference National

References