2010–11 in English football

none November 2015 November 2015 England 2010–11 Premier League Manchester United Championship Queens Park Rangers League One Brighton & Hove Albion League Two Chesterfield Conference National Crawley Town FA Cup Manchester City League Cup Birmingham City Community Shield Manchester United WSL Arsenal FA Women's Premier League National Division Sunderland FA Women's Premier League Northern Division Aston Villa FA Women's Premier League Southern Division Charlton Athletic FA Women's Cup Arsenal WSL Cup Arsenal 2009–10 2011–12 yes The 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England. The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. Key Dates Revealed http://www.football-league.co.uk/latestnews/20100308/key-dates-revealed_2293301_1987488 Football League 8 March 2010 5 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110071624/http://www.football-league.co.uk/latestnews/20100308/key-dates-revealed_2293301_1987488 10 November 2013 dead dmy-allhttp://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1912309,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111108174728/http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0%2C%2C12306~1912309%2C00.html 8 November 2011 Start date confirmed for new season Premier League 22 December 2009 5 November 2013 dead The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May 2011. The Premier League finished on 22 May 2011. Promotion and relegation Teams promoted to Premier League b Newcastle United b West Bromwich Albion b Blackpool b Teams relegated from Premier League b Hull City b Burnley b Portsmouth b Teams promoted to Championship b Norwich City b Leeds United b Millwall b Teams relegated from Championship b Sheffield Wednesday b Plymouth Argyle b Peterborough United b Teams promoted to League One b Notts County b Rochdale b Bournemouth b Dagenham & Redbridge b Teams relegated from League One b Gillingham b Wycombe Wanderers b Southend United b Stockport County b Teams promoted to League Two b Stevenage b Oxford United b Teams relegated from League Two b Grimsby Town b Darlington b Managerial changes List of English Football League managers Name Club Date of departure Replacement Date of appointment Martin O'Neill Aston Villa 9 August 2010 Gérard Houllier 8 September 2010 Steve Coppell Bristol City 12 August 2010http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2119540,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120324015430/http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10327~2119540%2C00.html 24 March 2012 STEVE COPPELL RESIGNS Bristol City FC 12 August 2010 5 November 2013 dead Keith Millen 12 August 2010http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2119553,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120324015413/http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10327~2119553%2C00.html 24 March 2012 KEITH MILLEN APPOINTED CITY BOSS Bristol City FC 12 August 2010 5 November 2013 dead Kevin Blackwell Sheffield United 14 August 2010 Gary Speed 17 August 2010 Chris Turner Hartlepool United 19 August 2010 Mick Wadsworth 1 December 2010 Alan Pardew Southampton 30 August 2010 Nigel Adkins 12 September 2010 Nigel Adkins Scunthorpe United 12 September 2010 Ian Baraclough 24 September 2010 Chris Sutton Lincoln City 29 September 2010 Steve Tilson 15 October 2010 Paulo Sousa Leicester City 1 October 2010 Sven-Göran Eriksson 3 October 2010 Simon Davey Hereford United 4 October 2010 Jamie Pitman 16 December 2010 Gordon Strachan Middlesbrough 18 October 2010 Tony Mowbray 26 October 2010 Craig Short Notts County 24 October 2010 Paul Ince 28 October 2010 Chris Hughton Newcastle United 6 December 2010 Alan Pardew 9 December 2010 Sam Allardyce Blackburn Rovers 13 December 2010 Steve Kean 22 December 2010 Gary Speed Sheffield United 14 December 2010 Micky Adams 30 December 2010 Paul Trollope Bristol Rovers 15 December 2010 Dave Penney 10 January 2011 Brian Laws Burnley 29 December 2010 Eddie Howe 17 January 2011 Darren Ferguson Preston North End 29 December 2010 Phil Brown 6 January 2011 Micky Adams Port Vale 30 December 2010 Jim Gannon 6 January 2011 George Burley Crystal Palace 1 January 2011 Dougie Freedman 11 January 2011 Mark Stimson Barnet 1 January 2011 Martin Allen 23 March 2011 Chris Hutchings Walsall 4 January 2011 Dean Smith 21 January 2011 Phil Parkinson Charlton Athletic 4 January 2011 Chris Powell 14 January 2011 Paul Simpson Stockport County 4 January 2011 Ray Mathias 9 March 2011 Roy Keane Ipswich Town 7 January 2011 Paul Jewell 10 January 2011 Roy Hodgson Liverpool 8 January 2011 Kenny Dalglish 8 January 2011 Kevin Dillon Aldershot Town 10 January 2011 Dean Holdsworth 11 January 2011 Gary Johnson Peterborough United 10 January 2011 Darren Ferguson 12 January 2011 Eddie Howe Bournemouth 17 January 2011 Lee Bradbury 28 January 2011 Alan Irvine Sheffield Wednesday 3 February 2011 Gary Megson 4 February 2011 Andy Scott Brentford 3 February 2011 Nicky Forster 2 March 2011 Roberto Di Matteo West Bromwich Albion 6 February 2011 Roy Hodgson 11 February 2011 Peter Taylor Bradford City 26 February 2011 Peter Jackson 28 February 2011 Ian Sampson Northampton Town 2 March 2011 Gary Johnson 5 March 2011 Danny Wilson Swindon Town 2 March 2011 Paul Hart 3 March 2011 Dave Penney Bristol Rovers 7 March 2011 Paul Buckle 30 May 2011 Aidy Boothroyd Coventry City 14 March 2011 Andy Thorn 28 April 2011 Ian Baraclough Scunthorpe United 16 March 2011 Alan Knill 31 March 2011 Jim Gannon Port Vale 21 March 2011 Micky Adams 13 May 2011 Ronnie Moore Rotherham United 22 March 2011 Andy Scott 13 April 2011 Alan Knill Bury 31 March 2011 Richard Barker 1 June 2011 Paul Ince Notts County 3 April 2011 Martin Allen 11 April 2011 Martin Allen Barnet 11 April 2011 Lawrie Sanchez 13 May 2011 Paul Hart Swindon Town 27 April 2011 Paolo Di Canio 20 May 2011 Sammy McIlroy Morecambe 9 May 2011 Jim Bentley 13 May 2011 Micky Adams Sheffield United 10 May 2011 Danny Wilson 26 May 2011 Mark Robins Barnsley 12 May 2011 Keith Hill 31 May 2011 Avram Grant West Ham United 15 May 2011 Sam Allardyce 1 June 2011 Nicky Forster Brentford 19 May 2011 Uwe Rosler 10 June 2011 Carlo Ancelotti Chelsea 22 May 2011 André Villas-Boas 22 June 2011 Dave Jones Cardiff City 30 May 2011 Malky Mackay 17 June 2011 Paul Buckle Torquay United 30 May 2011 Martin Ling 13 June 2011 Keith Hill Rochdale 31 May 2011 Steve Eyre 12 June 2011 Gérard Houllier Aston Villa 1 June 2011 Alex McLeish 17 June 2011 Mark Hughes Fulham 2 June 2011 Martin Jol 7 June 2011 Billy Davies Nottingham Forest 12 June 2011 Steve McClaren 13 June 2011 Alex McLeish Birmingham City 12 June 2011 Chris Hughton 22 June 2011 Malky Mackay Watford 17 June 2011 Sean Dyche 21 June 2011 Ray Mathias Stockport County 5 July 2011 Dietmar Hamann 5 July 2011 New clubs Bromsgrove Sporting F.C. was formed by fans of Bromsgrove Rovers before the season began and before the original club folded. They were accepted into the Midland Football Combination Division two (level 12) while the original club was expelled from the Southern League, Division One South & West (Level 8) Chester F.C. was formed by fans of Chester City F.C. which had folded. They were accepted into the Northern Premier League Division One North (level 8), while the original club had been expelled from the Conference National (level 5). Merthyr Town F.C. was formed by fans of Merthyr Tydfil F.C. which had folded. They were accepted into the Western Football League Division One (level 10), while the original club had been expelled from the Southern Football League Premier Division (level 7) Clubs removed Bromsgrove Rovers, expelled from Southern League, Division One South & West (Level 8), 11 August 2010. Ilkeston Town, expelled from Conference North (Level 6), 8 September 2010. Leyton, expelled from Isthmian League, Division One North (Level 8), 14 January 2011. Atherstone Town, resigned from Southern League Division One Central (Level 8) at the end of the season. Announced 18 December 2010. Windsor & Eton, expelled from Southern League, Premier Division (Level 7), 2 February 2011. Windsor formed out of club's demise, and competed in the Combined Counties Football League (level 9) in 2011–12 Almondsbury Town, resigned from Southern League, Division One South & West (Level 8) at end of season. Announced 7 April 2011. Leigh Genesis, resigned from North West Counties Football League (level 9) after season finished. Announced 2 June 2011. Rushden & Diamonds, expelled from 2011–12 Conference National (level 5) after season finished. Announced 11 June 2011. AFC Rushden & Diamonds formed out of club's demise and will field a senior team in 2012–13. Rossendale United, expelled from 2011–12 North West Counties Football League (level 9) after season finished. Announced 18 June 2011. Retirements January 2014 July 2010 – Chris Lumsdon, 30, former Sunderland, Barnsley, Carlisle United and Darlington midfielder. 24 August 2010 – Sam Hutchinson, 21, former Chelsea defender. 26 August 2010 – Matt Murray, 29, former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper. January 2011 – Gavin McCann, 33, former Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers midfielder who won one cap for England. 2 February 2011 – Gary Neville, 35, former England and Manchester United full back. 5 March 2011 – Miki Roqué, 22, former Liverpool and Oldham Athletic defender. 8 March 2011 – Chris Armstrong, 28, former Bury, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield United and Reading defender. 10 March 2011 – Sean McDaid, 25, former Doncaster Rovers and Carlisle United defender. 29 April 2011 – Michael Bridges, 32, former Sunderland, Leeds United, Bristol City, Carlisle United, Hull City and MK Dons striker. 22 May 2011 – Jerzy Dudek, 38, former Poland and Liverpool goalkeeper. 30 May 2011 – Claude Makélélé, 38, former France and Chelsea midfielder. 31 May 2011 – Paul Scholes, 36, former England and Manchester United midfielder. 6 June 2011 – Jon Dahl Tomasson, 34, former Denmark and Newcastle United striker. Summer 2011 – Edwin van der Sar, 40, former Netherlands, Fulham and Manchester United goalkeeper. Summer 2011 – Sami Hyypiä, 37, former Finland and Liverpool defender. Summer 2011 – Robbie Savage, 36, former Wales, Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County midfielder. Summer 2011 – Paul Hartley, 34, former Scotland, Millwall and Bristol City midfielder. Summer 2011 – Tony Roberts, 41, former Dagenham & Redbridge, QPR & Wales goalkeeper. Deaths 14 July 2010 – Ken Barnes, 81, wing-half who made 283 appearances for Manchester City, and was a member of the City side that won the FA Cup in 1956. Later became manager of Wrexham before returning to City as chief scouthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-10634515 Ex-Manchester City player Ken Barnes dies BBC News 14 July 2010 20 October 2010 17 July 2010 – Shaun Mawer, 50, full back who made 60 appearances for Grimsby Town from 1977 to 1980http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Fans-family-mourn-Mariners-70s-star/article-2432684-detail/article.html Fans and family mourn Grimsby Town's '70s star Shaun Mawer Grimsby Telegraph This is Grimsby 20 July 2010 20 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100724032951/http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Fans-family-mourn-Mariners-70s-star/article-2432684-detail/article.html 24 July 2010 dead dmy-all 30 July 2010 – Stanley Milburn, 83, played for Ashington, Chesterfield, Leicester City and Rochdale and had one England B team cap. Uncle of Jack and Bobby Charlton.http://menmedia.co.uk/rochdaleobserver/news/s/1312869_rochdale_football_legend_stan_milburn_dies Rochdale football legend Stan Milburn dies Rochdale Observer 4 August 2010 4 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100807071315/http://menmedia.co.uk/rochdaleobserver/news/s/1312869_rochdale_football_legend_stan_milburn_dies 7 August 2010 dead 10 August 2010 – Brian Clark, 67, forward who made over 600 appearances in The Football League, most notably with Cardiff City and Bristol City.http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~2117036,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120324115645/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10335~2117036%2C00.html 24 March 2012 Brian Clark: Deepest respect Cardiff City FC 10 August 2010 10 August 2010 dead 10 August 2010 – Adam Stansfield, 31, Exeter City forward who made over 300 career appearances for Yeovil Town, Hereford United and Exeter City.http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10436~2117958,00.html Adam Stansfield 1978–2010 Exeter City FC 10 August 2010 10 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100815074028/http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10436~2117958%2C00.html 15 August 2010 dead dmy-all 10 August 2010 – Markus Liebherr, 62, owner of Southampton F.C.Markus Liebherr of Southampton Football Club http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2119026,00.html Southampton FC 11 August 2010 11 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100814125046/http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10280~2119026%2C00.html 14 August 2010 dead 15 August 2010 – John Green, 71, midfielder who made 250 league appearances for Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool and Port Vale.R.I.P. JOHN GREEN http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2136820,00.html Port Vale FC 5 November 2013 27 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120306061059/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10381~2136820%2C00.html 6 March 2012 dead dmy-all 18 September 2010 – Bobby Smith, 77, who was a key member of Tottenham Hotspur's double winning side of 1961 . https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/9013675.stm Tottenham legend Bobby Smith dies, 77 BBC Sport 19 September 2010 19 September 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100921164928/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/9013675.stm 21 September 2010 live 1 October 2010 – Ian Buxton, 72, inside-forward who made 215 league appearances for Derby County, Luton Town, Notts County and Port Vale; also a captain of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.http://www.therams.co.uk/news/Buxton-line-rounders-featured-Rams-Derbyshire/article-2716065-detail/article.html Derby County FC Buxton the last in a line of all-rounders who featured for Rams and Derbyshire 4 October 2010 4 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101009132219/http://www.therams.co.uk/news/Buxton-line-rounders-featured-Rams-Derbyshire/article-2716065-detail/article.html 9 October 2010 live 13 October 2010 – Eddie Baily, 85, inside-forward who made 419 league appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, Port Vale, Nottingham Forest, and Leyton Orient, and the England national team; part of the Spurs 1950–51 League winning side.Eddie Baily Tottenham Hotspur FC, 13 October 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2013. 15 October 2010 – Malcolm Allison, 83, best remembered for his spell as coach under Joe Mercer at Manchester City during the successes of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and for his later but less successful spell as the club's manager.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9096162.stm BBC Sport Former Manchester City boss Allison dies 15 October 2010 29 October 2010 – Ronnie Clayton, 76, Right-half who made 35 appearances England, many as the skipper. Clayton was one of the most recognised wing-halves of his generation, during his 21-year career from 1950 to 1971, he spent 19 years at Blackburn Rovers.England and Blackburn winger Ronnie Clayton dies https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/9140892.stm BBC Sport 29 October 2010 30 October 2010 – John Benson, 67, Scottish football player and manager. Notably playing for Torquay United in the 60's, and for managing and directing Wigan Athletic.January 2014 14 December 2010 – Dale Roberts, 24, former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper playing for Conference National team Rushden & Diamonds. Roberts also featured for the England C team. His death was a suspected suicide.January 2014 17 December 2010 – Ralph Coates, 64, former Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient and England forward.January 2014 28 December 2010 – Avi Cohen, 54, former Liverpool defender who scored the club's title-clinching goal in 1980. Was also a captain of the Israel national football team. Died from injuries sustained in a motorcycling accident in his native Israel.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12089477 BBC News Liverpool FC to mark death of former player Avi Cohen 29 December 2010 10 January 2011 – Richard Butcher, 29, Macclesfield Town midfielder, who also enjoyed spells with Northampton Town, Kettering Town, Oldham Athletic, Peterborough United, Notts County and Lincoln City. 15 January 2011 – Nat Lofthouse, 85, spent his entire career at Bolton Wanderers as a striker, scoring 285 goals in 503 appearances from 1946 to 1960, along with scoring 30 goals in 33 appearances for England. 26 January 2011 – David Knowles, 69, former Bradford City goalkeeper.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8822312.Death_of_former_Bradford_City_keeper/ Death of former Bradford City keeper 31 January 2011 31 January 2011 Simon Parker Telegraph & Argus 3 February 2011 – Neil Young, 66, former Manchester City striker.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9386667.stm Former Manchester City star Neil Young dies at 66 BBC News 3 February 2011 28 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110208024851/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9386667.stm 8 February 2011 live 20 February 2011 – Tony Kellow, 58, former Exeter City, Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, Swansea and Newport County striker.http://cards.littleoak.com.au/rip_notices/rip_2010.html Nigel's WebSpace - English Football Cards, Player death notices 26 February 2011 – Dean Richards, 36, former Tottenham and Wolves defender.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9408254.stm Former Wolves and Spurs defender Dean Richards dies BBC News 26 February 2011 28 February 2011 23 March 2011 – Trevor Storton, 61, former Tranmere Rovers, Liverpool and Chester City defender.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/9434754.stm Ex-Chester and Liverpool defender Trevor Storton dies BBC News 24 March 2011 30 March 2011 Honours Trophy and League champions CompetitionWinnerDetailsAtMatch ReportFA CupManchester City2010–11 FA Cupbeat Stoke City 1–0WembleyReportLeague CupBirmingham City2010–11 Football League Cupbeat Arsenal 2–1WembleyReportPremier LeagueManchester United2010–11 Premier LeagueEwood ParkReportFootball League ChampionshipQueens Park Rangers2010–11 Football League ChampionshipLoftus RoadReportFootball League OneBrighton & Hove Albion 2010–11 Football League OneWithdean StadiumReportJanuary 2025 medicmedicFootball League TwoChesterfield2010–11 Football League TwoB2net StadiumReportFA Community ShieldManchester United2010 FA Community Shieldbeat Chelsea 3–1WembleyReportFootball League TrophyCarlisle United2010–11 Football League Trophybeat Brentford 1–0WembleyReportFA TrophyDarlington2010–11 FA Trophybeat Mansfield Town 1–0WembleyReport Playoff winners CompetitionWinnerDetailsFootball League ChampionshipSwansea City2010–11 Football League Championship Beat Reading 4–2Football League OnePeterborough United2010–11 Football League One Beat Huddersfield Town 3–0Football League TwoStevenage2010–11 Football League Two Beat Torquay United 1–0Conference NationalAFC Wimbledon2010–11 Conference NationalBeat Luton Town 4–3 on penalties (0–0 final score)Conference NorthTelford United2010–11 Conference NorthBeat Guiseley 3–2Conference SouthEbbsfleet United2010–11 Conference SouthBeat Farnborough 4–2 League tables Premier League 2010–11 Premier League Manchester United won their 12th Premier League title and their 19th championship overall, beating Liverpool's record of 18 championships set in 1990. A late surge consigned Chelsea to a second-place finish; their season fell apart following the departure of first-team coach Ray Wilkins in early November and this coincided with a horrendous run of form in the winter as they picked up just 10 points from 11 games, with manager Carlo Ancelotti losing his job on the final day. Arsenal qualified for the Champions League in 4th, having been realistic outsiders for the league title until losing the League Cup final, at which point they won just two of their last 11 league games, falling behind 3rd placed Manchester City, who entered Europe's elite competition for the first time after overturning a 5-point deficit with 3 games left. Tottenham settled for the Europa League spot, though they had an impressive first Champions League run that took them to the quarterfinals. Liverpool – who managed to put a terrible League start under Roy Hodgson behind them – seemed as if they were going to finish 5th under Kenny Dalglish, but lost their last two games and had to settle for 6th. This meant that they failed to qualify for any European competition for the first time in 12 years. Merseyside rivals Everton finished immediately behind them in seventh place, after a much improved second half of the campaign. Fulham rose up the table to finish eighth, and qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play League. Stoke also qualified for the Europa League by reaching their first ever FA Cup Final, despite losing by a single goal to eventual winners Manchester City. Martin O'Neill, just days before the campaign began, resigned from his position as Aston Villa manager. This hit Villa immensely and they found themselves in a relegation battle for much of the season, despite the efforts of former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier. They confirmed survival with a 9th-place finish, but only after Houllier took a leave of absence following a heart scare with a few weeks to go. Newly promoted West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United also enjoyed decent finishes, in eleventh and twelfth places respectively. Albion began the season well under Roberto di Matteo until a loss in form saw them fall down the table. With Albion just above the drop zone, the Italian was replaced by Roy Hodgson, who recovered from his disappointing Liverpool tenure to steer the Baggies away from relegation trouble. Newcastle's twelfth place was achieved despite the surprise sacking of Chris Hughton, who was replaced by Alan Pardew, and the departure of striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool for £35 million in January. West Ham United were the first team to go down, despite the efforts of their star midfielder Scott Parker (who won the Footballer of the Year Award); the Hammers' relegation was confirmed following a 3–2 defeat at Wigan. Blackpool returned to the Championship after a run of only three wins from their last 21 games, despite a league double over Liverpool. Despite winning the Football League Cup (and thereby qualifying for the following season's Europa League), Birmingham were relegated on the last day after they suffered a late season slump in form, enabling close rivals Wolves, as well as Blackburn and Wigan, to survive in one of the top-flight's tightest relegation battles. Leading goalscorers: Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) – 21 Football League Championship 2010–11 Football League Championship Queens Park Rangers won the Championship and returned to the Premier League after a fifteen-year absence. Neil Warnock became the first manager in six years to complete a full season in charge with the club, and equalled the record for the most promotions ever won by a single manager. The runners-up spot was taken by Norwich City, who earned their second successive promotion under Paul Lambert and became only the third English club to achieve back to back promotions to the top flight, and the first since Manchester City 11 years previous. Swansea City were promoted via the play-offs after beating Reading in the play-off final, becoming the first Welsh club ever to play in the Premier League. Ironically, Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers was a former manager of Reading, having been sacked by the Royals midway through the previous season. None of the three teams relegated from the Premier League in the previous season were able to mount a challenge for promotion. Burnley, whom many tipped for an immediate return to the top flight, ultimately fell just short of the top six, but the efforts of Hull City and Portsmouth were hindered by respective financial constraints. Cardiff City were the league's biggest chokers as they threw away their chances of automatic promotion in shocking fashion, amid reports of several players seen out drinking in the early hours before a crucial game against Middlesbrough, meaning they had to settle for the play-offs. Dave Jones was sacked at the end of May after they were crushed by losing play-off finalists Reading. Scunthorpe United were unable for a consecutive season to escape the consequences of competing against teams with more financial resources and were relegated, despite the arrival of Alan Knill. Sheffield United were relegated only a year after their cross-city counterparts, meaning that the Steel City derby would now be taking place in the third tier since 1980, the sacking of Kevin Blackwell after just two games and subsequent managerial instability proving their downfall. The third relegated club was Preston North End, who had been the longest-serving members of the Championship, having been in the division since 2000. Much like Sheffield United, their decision to replace manager Darren Ferguson backfired on them. Leading goalscorer Danny Graham (Watford) – 24 Football League One 2010–11 Football League One Brighton and Hove Albion gave their old Withdean Stadium a memorable send-off as they dominated the division for nearly the whole season and won the League One title, ensuring that the new Falmer Stadium would open to Championship football. Fellow south coast club Southampton, whose promotion challenge had been derailed by a ten-point administration penalty in the previous season, were promoted at the second time of asking, finishing as runners-up. At first, they didn't look like promotion chasers when Alan Pardew was sacked in early September and replaced by Nigel Adkins. But Adkins gave Saints fans what they wanted for years; attacking football and a 2nd-place finish. Peterborough United, who were the top scorers in any of the top four divisions, won the play-offs and clinched an immediate return to the Championship after the previous year's relegation. It meant that manager Darren Ferguson – who had left the Posh 2 years ago – had achieved his third successive promotion with the club. Swindon Town suffered a shock relegation: having been runners-up in the play-off final the previous season, they struggled for the entire campaign and were eventually relegated in bottom place after the departures of strike-duo Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin. Plymouth Argyle suffered their second successive relegation, the loss of ten points for entering administration proving fatal. Bristol Rovers, who had been promoted alongside Swindon in 2007, were relegated with them this year. Dagenham & Redbridge battled until the final day of the season, but ultimately suffered relegation in their first-ever season at this level. Coincidentally, had it not been for Plymouth's points deduction then Walsall would have been relegated, meaning that three of the four clubs promoted from League Two at the end of the 2006–07 season would have gone down together. Leading goalscorer: Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough United) – 27 Football League Two 2010–11 Football League Two Chesterfield enjoyed a dream start to life at their new stadium, winning the title. Runners-up were Bury, who had been in impressive form for most of the season and secured second place with a blistering late run of form under new manager Richard Barker, even threatening to overtake Chesterfield in the final weeks of the season. Wycombe Wanderers were the final automatically promoted team, making an immediate return to League One after being relegated the previous season. Stevenage won the play-offs and earned promotion in their first ever Football League season. Stockport suffered their second successive relegation, with continued financial problems and the worst defensive record in the whole Football League costing them dearly. Barnet escaped relegation on the last day of the season with a 1–0 win over Port Vale at Underhill, and along with Lincoln City losing 3–0 to Aldershot, condemned Lincoln to their second relegation from the Football League. They had looked safe with two months to go, but an appalling run, with only two points gained from their last eleven matches saw them dumped into the relegation zone on the last day (their first relegation from the League in 1987 occurred under nearly identical circumstances). Promoted from the Football Conference as champions were Crawley Town, who entered the Football League for the first time in their history. Also promoted (via the play-offs) were AFC Wimbledon, who were technically also newcomers to the League, but widely seen as the continuation of the original Wimbledon, who became the Milton Keynes Dons at the start of the 2004–05 season. Leading goalscorer: Clayton Donaldson (Crewe Alexandra) – 28 Women's football Women's Super League 2011 FA WSL FA WSL Women's Premier League National Division 2010–11 FA Women's Premier League National Division Northern Division 2010–11 FA Women's Premier League Northern Division Southern Division 2010–11 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division FA Women's Cup 2010–11 FA Women's Cup Final 2011 FA Women's Cup final FA WSL Cup 2011 FA WSL Cup Final 2011 FA WSL Cup final FA Women's Premier League Cup 2010–11 FA Women's Premier League Cup England national football team Euro 2012 qualification During the season, the England national football team played the first five of their eight scheduled Group G qualifying matches for Euro 2012. 3 September 2010 20:00 BST England 4–0 Report Bulgaria Defoe 3 61 86 A. Johnson 83 Wembley Stadium, London 73,246 Viktor Kassai (Hungary) W 7 September 2010 19:45 BST Switzerland 1–3 Report England Shaqiri 71 Rooney 10A. Johnson 69Bent 88 St. Jakob Park, Basel 39,700 Nicola Rizzoli (Italy) W 12 October 2010 20:00 BST England 0–0 Report Montenegro Wembley Stadium, London 73,451 Manuel Grafe (Germany) D 26 March 2011 15:00 GMT Wales 0–2 Report England Lampard 7 pen. Bent 14 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 68,959 Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal) W 4 June 2011 England 2–2 Report Switzerland Lampard 37 pen. Young 51 Barnetta 32 35 Wembley Stadium, London 84,459 D Friendlies England also participated in a number of friendly matches. 11 August 2010 20:00 BST England 2–1 Report Hungary Gerrard 69 73 Jagielka 63 o.g. Wembley Stadium, London 72,024 Stéphane Lannoy (France) W 17 November 2010 21:00 CET England 1–2 Report France Crouch 82 Benzema 16 Valbuena 55 Wembley Stadium, London 85,495 Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark) L 9 February 2011 Denmark 1–2 Report England Agger 8 Bent 10 Young 68 Parken, Copenhagen 21,523 Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) W 29 March 2011 20:00 BST England 1–1 Ghana Carroll 43 Gyan 90+1 Wembley Stadium, London 80,102 Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey) D English clubs' performance in Europe These are the results of the English teams in European competitions during the 2010–11 season. (English team score displayed first) Team Contest and round Opponent 1st leg score* 2nd leg score** Aggregate scoreManchester United Champions League Group Phase ESP Valencia 1–1 1–0 None SCO Rangers 0–0 1–0 TUR Bursaspor 1–0 3–0 Champions League Round of 16FRA Marseille 0–0 (A) 2–1 (H) W 2–1 Champions League Quarter FinalENG Chelsea 1–0 (A) 2–1 (H) W 3–1 Champions League Semi-finalGER Schalke 04 2–0 (A) 4–1 (H) W 6–1 Champions League FinalESP Barcelona 1–3 (N) None L 1–3Chelsea Champions League Group Phase FRA Olympique Marseille 2–0 0–1 None RUS FC Spartak Moscow 4–1 2–0 SVK MŠK Žilina 2–1 4–1 Champions League Round of 16DEN Copenhagen 2–0 (A) 0–0 (H) W 2–0 Champions League Quarter FinalENG Manchester United 0–1 (H) 1–2 (A) L 1–3Arsenal Champions League Group Phase SER Partizan Belgrade 3–1 3–1 None UKR Shakhtar Donetsk 5–1 1–2 POR Braga 6–0 0–2 Champions League Round of 16ESP Barcelona 2–1 (H) 1–3 (A) L 3–4Tottenham Hotspur Champions League Playoff Round SUI BSC Young Boys 2–3 (A) 4–0 (H) W 6–3 Champions League Group Phase ITA Inter Milan 3–4 3–1 None GER SV Werder Bremen 3–0 2–2 NED FC Twente 4–1 3–3 Champions League Round of 16ITA A.C. Milan 1–0 (A) 0–0 (H) W 1–0 Champions League Quarter FinalESP Real Madrid 0–4 (A) 0–1 (H) L 0–5Manchester City Europa League Playoff Round ROU FC Timişoara 1–0 (A) 2–0 (H) W 3–0 Europa League Group Phase ITA Juventus 1–1 1–1 None POL Lech Poznań 3–1 1–3 AUT Red Bull Salzburg 3–0 2–0 Europa League Round of 32GRE Aris 0–0 (A) 3–0 (H) W 3–0 Europa League Round of 16UKR Dynamio Kyiv 0–2 (A) 1–0 (H) L 1–2Aston Villa Europa League Playoff Round AUT SK Rapid Wien 1–1 (A) 2–3 (H) L 3–4Liverpool Europa League 3rd Qual. Round Republic of Macedonia FK Rabotnički 2–0 (A) 2–0 (H) W 4–0 Europa League Playoff RoundTUR Trabzonspor 1–0 (H) 2–1 (A) W 3–1 Europa League Group Phase ITA Napoli 3–1 0–0 None ROM Steaua București 4–1 1–1 NED Utrecht 0–0 0–0 Europa League Round of 32CZE Sparta Prague 0–0 (A) 1–0 (H) W 1–0 Europa League Round of 16POR Braga 0–1 (A) 0–0 (H) L 0–1 * For group games in Champions League or Europa League, score in home game is displayed ** For group games in Champions League or Europa League, score in away game is displayed References 2010