Ranking the 92 EFL and Premier League Clubs by Top-Flight Seasons

The English football pyramid is rich with history, legacy, and stories of glory and heartbreak. While the Premier League might dominate the spotlight today, its roots — and those of the First Division before it — run deep across the entire 92-club structure of the English Football League and top tier.

From dominant dynasties like Everton and Aston Villa to proud clubs that have never tasted top-flight action, each team carries a unique relationship with England’s footballing summit. This article ranks all 92 clubs — from League Two to the Premier League — based on how many seasons they’ve spent in the top division. We start with those who have never made it, working our way up to the clubs that have defined the very history of the game.

92. Walsall – 0 top-flight seasons

Walsall have never reached the top tier of English football, spending their history in the lower divisions. The Saddlers continue to fight in League Two with hopes of climbing the pyramid one day.

91. Tranmere Rovers – 0 top-flight seasons

Despite some strong cup runs and near misses, Tranmere have never broken into the top division. Their best chance came in the 1990s, but promotion narrowly escaped them.

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90. Shrewsbury Town – 0 top-flight seasons

Shrewsbury have remained outside the top flight throughout their history. Consistently bouncing between League One and League Two, they’ve yet to find the breakthrough.

89. Salford City – 0 top-flight seasons

Salford’s rise has been rapid in recent years, but they still have a long way to go. Backed by members of Manchester United’s Class of ’92, top-flight football remains a long-term dream.

88. Newport County – 0 top-flight seasons

Newport have never reached the top division, with most of their history spent in the lower leagues and non-league football. Their modern resurgence has stabilized them in League Two.

87. MK Dons – 0 top-flight seasons

Founded in 2004 after the relocation of Wimbledon FC, MK Dons have yet to make it to the Premier League. Their highest point remains a stint in the Championship.

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86. Harrogate Town – 0 top-flight seasons

A recent arrival in the Football League, Harrogate Town have no top-flight pedigree. They remain focused on consolidation in League Two.

85. Gillingham – 0 top-flight seasons

Gillingham have never made it to the top division, with their peak being spells in the second tier. Their fight for promotion continues in the lower leagues.

84. Fleetwood Town – 0 top-flight seasons

Fleetwood are one of the EFL’s newer success stories, rising rapidly through the non-league ranks. However, top-flight football remains well out of reach for now.

83. Crewe Alexandra – 0 top-flight seasons

Known for their youth academy, Crewe have never featured in the top flight. Their legacy is built more on player development than league position.

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82. Crawley Town – 0 top-flight seasons

Crawley reached League One in the 2010s but have never come close to the top tier. Their time in the EFL has mostly been spent in League Two.

81. Colchester United – 0 top-flight seasons

Colchester made a brief appearance in the Championship, but have never graced the top division. They remain a lower-league mainstay.

80. Chesterfield – 0 top-flight seasons

Despite a long history, Chesterfield have never reached the top. They are currently rebuilding in League Two after dropping out of the EFL in recent years.

79. Cheltenham Town – 0 top-flight seasons

Cheltenham’s time in the Football League has been solid but unspectacular. They have never come close to a top-flight appearance.

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78. Cambridge United – 0 top-flight seasons

Cambridge enjoyed some near misses in the early 1990s, but the top flight eluded them. They remain in the lower tiers hoping to build upward.

77. Bromley – 0 top-flight seasons

Having just joined the Football League, Bromley are at the very beginning of their EFL journey. Top-tier football is still a distant dream.

76. Bristol Rovers – 0 top-flight seasons

Surprisingly, Bristol Rovers have never played in the top flight, unlike their city rivals Bristol City. They’ve spent decades in the third and fourth tiers.

75. Barrow – 0 top-flight seasons

Barrow rejoined the EFL in 2020 after nearly 50 years outside it. They’ve never been close to top-division football in their history.

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74. Barnet – 0 top-flight seasons

Barnet have yo-yoed between the Football League and non-league football and have never been near the top tier. Their focus remains on stability.

73. Accrington Stanley – 0 top-flight seasons

The original Accrington Stanley resigned from the league in 1962, and the reformed club has never played top-flight football. Their rise back to the EFL is remarkable, but the Premier League remains far away.

72. Port Vale – 0 top-flight seasons

Port Vale have been a long-standing member of the Football League but have never managed to reach the top division. Their legacy is more regional than national.

71. AFC Wimbledon – 0 top-flight seasons

Since their rebirth in 2002, AFC Wimbledon have made remarkable progress through the leagues. However, top-flight football still lies far in the future.

70. Doncaster Rovers – 0 top-flight seasons

Despite over a century in English football, Doncaster have never appeared in the top tier. Their best finishes have come in the second division.

69. Plymouth Argyle – 0 top-flight seasons

Plymouth are one of the largest clubs to never play in the top flight. They’ve had multiple spells in the second tier but never made that final jump.

68. Burton Albion – 0 top-flight seasons

Burton’s rapid rise to the Championship in the 2010s was impressive, but the Premier League proved a step too far. They’ve since dropped back down the ladder.

67. Peterborough United – 0 top-flight seasons

Peterborough have become known for their attacking football and talent development. Still, they’ve never made it to the promised land of the top flight.

66. Mansfield Town – 0 top-flight seasons

Mansfield have a long and proud EFL history, but have never come close to top-flight football. Most of their campaigns have been in the third and fourth tiers.

65. Exeter City – 0 top-flight seasons

Exeter have spent the majority of their history in the lower leagues. The Grecians continue to build gradually, with the top division still well out of reach.

64. Stevenage – 0 top-flight seasons

Stevenage entered the Football League in 2010 and have yet to climb past the lower levels. Their rise has been steady but without top-tier aspirations realized.

63. Rotherham United – 0 top-flight seasons

Rotherham have become a bit of a yo-yo club between the Championship and League One. Despite that, they’ve never played in the top flight.

62. Lincoln City – 0 top-flight seasons

Lincoln made headlines with their FA Cup heroics in 2017, but top-flight football remains outside their grasp. They’ve never risen above the second tier.

61. Wycombe Wanderers – 0 top-flight seasons

Wycombe came close during their brief stint in the Championship, but they were relegated before ever reaching the Premier League. They remain ambitious nonetheless.

60. Stockport County – 0 top-flight seasons

Stockport were a second-tier club in the 1990s but never made it to the top level. After years in non-league, they’ve reestablished themselves in the EFL.

59. Wrexham – 0 top-flight seasons

Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed revival has brought them to the brink of the Championship. While they’ve never been in the top flight, momentum is building fast.

58. Barnsley – 1 top-flight season

Barnsley had a memorable Premier League debut in 1997–98 but were relegated immediately. They’ve not returned since, despite coming close several times.

57. Leyton Orient – 1 top-flight season

Orient’s only top-flight season came in 1962–63. Since then, they’ve been a regular fixture in the lower tiers of the Football League.

56. Northampton Town – 1 top-flight season

Northampton made a stunning rise to the First Division in 1965–66 but went straight back down. That brief stay remains their only top-tier experience.

55. Swindon Town – 1 top-flight season

Swindon’s lone Premier League season was in 1993–94, where they finished bottom. They have not returned to the top flight since.

54. Millwall – 2 top-flight seasons

Millwall made it to the First Division in the late 1980s and even qualified for Europe under modern rules. However, they’ve yet to return since those two campaigns.

53. Reading – 3 top-flight seasons

Reading’s Premier League debut came in 2006, and they impressed initially. However, relegation followed a few years later, and they haven’t been back consistently.

52. Oxford United – 3 top-flight seasons

Oxford reached the First Division in the 1980s and even won the League Cup in 1986. Their top-flight run was short-lived, and they’ve since fallen down the tiers.

51. Hull City – 5 top-flight seasons

Hull finally reached the Premier League in 2008 and even made it to an FA Cup final. Despite brief stays, they've built a respectable top-flight history.

50. Wigan Athletic – 8 top-flight seasons

Wigan became a Premier League mainstay in the 2000s and won the FA Cup in 2013. However, they were relegated that same season and haven’t returned since.

49. Swansea City – 9 top-flight seasons

Swansea enjoyed a popular spell in the Premier League and even won the EFL Cup in 2013. Their style under managers like Brendan Rodgers drew widespread praise.

48. Bristol City – 9 top-flight seasons

Bristol City last played in the top flight in 1980. Despite consistent Championship presence, they’ve yet to make it back to the big stage.

47. Bournemouth – 9 top-flight seasons

Bournemouth’s rise under Eddie Howe was remarkable, earning five straight Premier League seasons. They’ve returned since and are now a mid-table top-flight team.

46. Brentford – 10 top-flight seasons

Brentford finally made it to the Premier League in 2021 and have quickly established themselves. Their modern approach has made them a tough opponent.

45. Grimsby Town – 12 top-flight seasons

Grimsby were once a force in the early 20th century but have long been absent from the top. They currently compete in League Two.

44. Bradford City – 12 top-flight seasons

Bradford returned to the Premier League in 1999 and famously survived their first season. But relegation soon followed, and they’ve since fallen down the ladder.

43. Oldham Athletic – 12 top-flight seasons

Oldham were founder members of the Premier League in 1992. Their time at the top was brief, and they only recently returned to the Football League.

42. Brighton & Hove Albion – 13 top-flight seasons

Brighton have built something special since their Premier League return in 2017. They’ve grown into a competitive top-half side with European ambitions.

41. Watford – 14 top-flight seasons

Watford have been a yo-yo club between the Premier League and Championship. Their best spell came under Graham Taylor in the 1980s.

40. Cardiff City – 17 top-flight seasons

Cardiff have had multiple short Premier League stints but were a First Division mainstay decades ago. They continue to push for a return from the Championship.

39. Luton Town – 17 top-flight seasons

Luton played in the top flight throughout the 1980s and returned in 2023. Their comeback was one of football’s best underdog stories.

38. Queens Park Rangers – 23 top-flight seasons

QPR were a top-tier fixture in the 1970s and 80s. They’ve had Premier League spells since, but none as stable as their earlier years.

37. Crystal Palace – 26 top-flight seasons

Palace have become a familiar Premier League side in recent years. Their longest-ever stay in the top division is ongoing.

36. Charlton Athletic – 26 top-flight seasons

Charlton were a stable Premier League team in the early 2000s but have since tumbled down the divisions. They’re now rebuilding in League One.

35. Norwich City – 27 top-flight seasons

Norwich are infamous for yo-yoing between the Premier League and Championship. Despite multiple promotions, they’ve struggled to stay up.

34. Ipswich Town – 27 top-flight seasons

Ipswich were once a top-flight force, winning the league in 1962 and the UEFA Cup in 1981. They are now looking to rebuild their legacy in the Championship.

33. Blackpool – 28 top-flight seasons

Blackpool won the FA Cup in 1953 during their golden era. Their lone Premier League season in 2010–11 was thrilling, but ultimately ended in relegation.

32. Notts County – 30 top-flight seasons

Notts County, the world’s oldest professional club, once spent decades in the top division. Though now in League Two, their history remains deeply tied to the top flight.

31. Fulham – 31 top-flight seasons

Fulham have become a solid Premier League club in recent years after years of bouncing between divisions. Their longest spell came in the 2000s under Roy Hodgson.

30. Huddersfield Town – 32 top-flight seasons

A giant of the 1920s with three straight league titles, Huddersfield’s modern top-flight stints have been short. Still, their legacy is one of historical greatness.

29. Portsmouth – 33 top-flight seasons

Pompey won back-to-back league titles in the late 1940s and had a Premier League stint in the 2000s. Financial issues have since seen them drop to League One.

28. Coventry City – 34 top-flight seasons

Coventry were a First Division mainstay from 1967 to 2001. Since then, they’ve struggled to return, but promotion hopes are alive in the Championship.

27. Preston North End – 46 top-flight seasons

One of the founding clubs and the very first league champions, Preston haven’t played in the top flight since 1961. Their history, though, is rich.

26. Southampton – 47 top-flight seasons

The Saints were a Premier League fixture for years and even reached the EFL Cup final in 2017. Relegated recently, they are fighting to bounce back.

25. Leeds United – 54 top-flight seasons

Leeds were a dominant force in the 1960s and 70s and won the league in 1992. They returned to the Premier League in 2020 but went down again in 2023.

24. Leicester City – 56 top-flight seasons

Leicester made history by winning the Premier League in 2016. Though they’ve since been relegated again, their top-flight legacy is forever cemented.

23. Birmingham City – 57 top-flight seasons

Birmingham have bounced between divisions throughout their history. Their last Premier League spell ended in 2011 despite winning the League Cup that year.

22. Nottingham Forest – 60 top-flight seasons

European champions in 1979 and 1980, Forest were once among Europe’s elite. After a long top-flight absence, they returned to the Premier League in 2022.

21. Middlesbrough – 61 top-flight seasons

Middlesbrough reached a UEFA Cup final in 2006 and have had several top-flight spells. However, they’ve struggled to regain that consistency in recent years.

20. Burnley – 61 top-flight seasons

A two-time English champion, Burnley have had a rollercoaster journey in modern football. They’ve spent much of the last decade in the Premier League.

19. Stoke City – 62 top-flight seasons

Stoke were a solid Premier League side for a decade and even reached an FA Cup final. Their historic presence in the top flight dates back to the 19th century.

18. Sheffield United – 63 top-flight seasons

A founding member of the league and 1898 champions, Sheffield United have a proud history. Their recent Premier League stints have been short but eventful.

17. Derby County – 65 top-flight seasons

Derby are two-time league champions and had top-tier success in the 1970s. Relegation in 2008 marked the end of their Premier League era — for now.

16. Sheffield Wednesday – 66 top-flight seasons

One of the traditional northern giants, Wednesday were once league champions and cup winners. Their absence from the top flight has lasted since 2000.

15. West Ham United – 68 top-flight seasons

West Ham are a long-standing top-tier club, winning European silverware in 1965 and 2023. Their status as a Premier League regular is firmly reestablished.

14. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 71 top-flight seasons

Wolves dominated English football in the 1950s and have enjoyed a modern revival. Their recent European run under Nuno Espírito Santo was a highlight.

13. Blackburn Rovers – 72 top-flight seasons

Blackburn were one of the original league members and famously won the Premier League in 1995. They’ve not returned since their relegation in 2012.

12. Bolton Wanderers – 73 top-flight seasons

Bolton were a major force in early English football and enjoyed a solid Premier League run in the 2000s under Sam Allardyce. They’ve since dropped but their top-tier legacy remains significant.

11. West Bromwich Albion – 81 top-flight seasons

A historic club and FA Cup regulars in the early 20th century, West Brom have spent more time in the top flight than out of it. Their Premier League stints have been frequent in recent decades.

10. Sunderland – 87 top-flight seasons

Sunderland have a deep history in the top division, with six league titles. Though they’ve fallen in recent years, their fanbase and tradition remain massive.

9. Chelsea – 91 top-flight seasons

Chelsea’s transformation in the 2000s led to multiple league titles and Champions League success. Despite ups and downs, they are now one of England’s top-tier mainstays.

8. Tottenham Hotspur – 91 top-flight seasons

Spurs have been a regular top-flight club for most of their history, winning the league twice and building a strong modern Premier League presence.

7. Newcastle United – 94 top-flight seasons

Newcastle are a proud club with four league titles to their name. With a passionate fanbase and recent investment, they’re aiming to add to that legacy.

6. Manchester City – 97 top-flight seasons

City have exploded into a global powerhouse over the past decade, but their top-tier history extends well beyond that — including a league title back in 1937.

5. Manchester United – 101 top-flight seasons

One of the most successful clubs in world football, United have dominated English football since the 1950s, winning 20 league titles in the top division.

4. Arsenal – 109 top-flight seasons

Arsenal hold the record for the most consecutive top-flight seasons. Their history includes 13 league titles and the famous "Invincibles" season in 2003–04.

3. Liverpool – 111 top-flight seasons

Liverpool have been one of England’s most successful clubs, with 19 league titles and six European Cups. Their presence in the top flight is nearly uninterrupted.

2. Aston Villa – 112 top-flight seasons

Aston Villa are one of the game's true pioneers, with seven league titles and a European Cup to their name. They’ve been in the top division more often than not.

1. Everton – 123 top-flight seasons

No club has spent more seasons in the top flight than Everton. The Toffees have only missed four seasons in their entire history, dating back to the league’s founding in 1888.