Rochdale

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They applied again in 1919, before eventually being elected to Division Three North in 1921.

At the end of their first season, Dale had to seek re-election but thereafter their form improved and they narrowly missed promotion in 1924 and 1927.

The Thirties brought another slump in form and the club had to apply for re-election three times in the years leading up to World War II.

In 1958, they finished in tenth place, which was good enough to secure a place in Division Three when the regional divisions were scrapped the following season. However, they could not cope with the higher standard and were relegated to Division Four in 1959.

They spent the next decade rooted in Division Four but there was one highlight when they reached final of the League Cup in 1962, losing to Norwich City.

In 1968 the club finished third in Division Four to win their first, and so far, only promotion.

They lasted at the higher level until 1973-74, when a catastrophic season saw them win only two matches, and finish in last place.

They had to apply for re-election four times between 1978 and 1984.

Tommy Cannon (of comedy act, Cannon and Ball) became chairman in 1984, but his tenure was a disaster and he resigned in 1988 leaving the club deep in debt.

The club was saved from disaster partly by a deal with Rochdale Hornets Rugby League Club to groundshare at Spotland.

In 2002, Dale reached the play-offs, but failed to secure promotion. The reached the play-offs again in 2008, but again fell at the final hurdle, losing 3-2 to Stockport County in the final.