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Darwen (1891-1892, 1893-1994)

Darwen had two, separate, one-year spells in the top-flight. First time around they finished bottom in a season that included a 12-0 thrashing by West Brom (still a top-flight record).

In their second, Division One season they did slightly better, finishing above Newton Heath, fore-runner of Manchester United.

The club currently play in the North West Counties Second Division.

Glossop North End (1899-1900)

Currently to be found playing in the North West Counties First Division, Glossop had one season in the First Division in 1899-1900.

They finished bottom, winning only four games, and were relegated to Division Two (which at the time included the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal).

The town of Glossop is the smallest to have hosted top flight football.

Bury (1895-1912, 1924-1929)

These days, Bury may seem an unlikely top flight club, but there was a time when The Shakers were a genuine force in the game.

During their most successful era they spent 17 seasons rubbing shoulders with the elite, and also bagged a couple of FA Cups - their 6-0 victory over Derby in the 1903 final remains a record.

They had a second stint at the top between 1924 and 1929 but were unable to maintain their status and subsequently slid down the divisions.

Oldham Athletic (1910-1923, 1991-1994)

Oldham had two top-flight spells separated by a gap of 68 years.

During the first they actually came close to winning the title, finishing runners-up to Everton by a single point in 1914-15.

The following four seasons were disputed by the war, and when league play resumed the Latics were nowhere near the force they had been, and were relegated in 1923.

They returned for a brief spell between 1991 and 1994. During this time they reached the League Cup final as well as an FA Cup semi.

Northampton Town (1965-1966)

In 1961, the Cobblers were a Fourth Division side, four years later they were playing in the top flight. They came close to surviving as well, finishing just two points from safety.

The slide back down the divisions was just as spectacular as the rise. They were back in the bottom tier by 1969, the round-trip taking just eight seasons.

Carlisle United (1974-1975)

After narrowly achieving promotion via a third place finish in 1973/74, Carlisle became one of the most unlikely top flight clubs in football history. And they even won their first three games to sit proudly on top of the table.

Unfortunately, the honeymoon was soon over and they finished bottom despite winning twelve matches during the season.

Oxford United (1985-1988)

Bankrolled by Robert Maxwell, and ably managed by Jim Smith, Oxford were Division two champions in 1985 to earn promotion to the top division for the first time in their history.

And, despite the departure of Smith, things got even better a year later as they lifted the League Cup.

But Maxwell left the club for Derby in 1987 and Oxford were relegated a year later.

A slide down the divisions saw them drop into the Conference by 2006, although they regained their league status four years later.

Wimbledon (1986-2000)

The story of the Wimbledon FC is one of the most remarkable in football history. Rising from non-league football to Division One in just nine years, they went on to spend 14 seasons in the top division during which time they also won the FA Cup.

Unfortunately, relegation was followed by the disgraceful decision to allow the new owners to relocate the club to Milton Keynes.

In response, Wimbledon fans started a new club, AFC Wimbledon, who have enjoyed a rapid rise up the football pyramid.

Inevitably, AFC will attain league status, and we await the first Wimbledon vs. MK Dons clash with eager anticipation.

Swindon Town (1993-1994)

After being denied promotion due to financial irregularities in 1990, Swindon finally took their place in the Premier league in 1993.

Promotion was immediately followed by the departure of manager Glenn Hoddle for Chelsea, and the Robins endured a nightmare start to their first (and so far only) top level season, having to wait 16 games before recording their first win.

And it didn't get much better from there in a season during which the team conceded a record 100 goals.

By 1995 they were back in the third tier.

Barnsley (1997-1998)

Barnsley's sole top-flight season came in 1997-98 after they gained promotion via a second place finish.

In a strange season, they lost 6-0 to Chelsea and West Ham, and 7-0 to Manchester United, but managed a win at Anfield and a decent cup run during which they knocked out United and Tottenham.

They finished second bottom, 5 points from safety, and have not come close to a return since.

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