WITH the news of Leeds and Burnley getting promoted after yesterday’s set of Championship fixtures, let’s have a look at the top 5 EFL points tallies in history.
FIVE – Northampton Town (2015/16): 99 Points
Northampton Town set the League Two record points tally in 2016 with 99 points, finishing 13 points above second placed Oxford United. The Cobblers won 29 games, drew 12 and lost 5, scoring 82 goals along the way, and were managed by now Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder.
FOUR – Newcastle United (2009/10): 102 Points
After their disappointing relegation from the Premier League in 2009, the Toon Army went unbeaten at home the following season, and won 30 matches, drew 12 and lost 4 across the campaign. Manager Chris Hughton managed to hold onto key players like Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, which ultimately helped Newcastle to their immediate return to the top flight.
THREE – Leicester City (2013/14): 102 Points
Managed by Nigel Pearson, Leicester City equalled Newcastle’s feat of 102 points in the Championship, winning 31 matches, drawing 9 and losing 6. David Nugent was their key man, scoring 22 goals to register the club’s seventh second-tier title. Of course 2 years later, they registered their first top-flight title.
TWO – Wolverhampton Wanderers (2013/14): 103 Points
Another triple digit season in the same year, but this time in the league below. Wolves broke the record for League One, generating 103 points across the season, surpassing Charlton’s 101 from 2012. The Wolves won 31 games, drew 10 and lost 5, with former Portsmouth boss Kenny Jacket leading the pack to glory. However, Birmingham City currently sit on 99 points with 4 games to play, so could we see Wolves’ record beaten this year by their west-midlands rivals?
ONE – Reading (2005/06): 106 Points
And taking the top spot is Reading, who amassed an incredible 106 points at the end of the 2005/06 Championship season. The Royals won 31 games, drew 13 and lost only 2, scoring a total of 99 goals and conceding just 32. Shane Long, Kevin Doyle, Steve Sidwell and Leroy Lita are some of many players that helped the R’s to their first ever top-flight campaign, with Steve Coppell’s side still holding the record points for any EFL side ever.
Fast forward 20 years, and Reading are on the edge of being expelled by the EFL, with current owner Dai Yongge needing to sell the club by the end of today if the club want to remain in the football league.
Could there be a new holder of the EFL points total should Reading get expelled, or will the Royals survive and keep hold of their Crown Jewel?
