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Scottish Football League (SFL)
Founded1890
Folded2013
Country Scotland
ConfederationUEFA
Last championsPartick Thistle
(2012–13)
Most championshipsRangers (47 titles)[note 1]

The Scottish Football League (SFL) is a defunct league featuring professional and semi-professional football clubs mostly from Scotland.[note 2] From its foundation in 1890 until the breakaway Scottish Premier League (SPL) was formed in 1998, the SFL was the top level of football in Scotland. After 1998, the SFL represented levels 2 to 4 of the Scottish football league system. In June 2013, the SFL merged with the SPL to form the Scottish Professional Football League.

The SFL was associated with a title sponsor from the 1985–86 season. As this sponsor changed over the years the league was known in turn as the Fine Fare League, B&Q League, Bell's Scottish Football League and finally as the Irn-Bru Scottish Football League. The SFL also organised two knock-out cup competitions, the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Challenge Cup.

History

[edit]
See also: History of Scottish football

Formation

[edit]

Organised football in Scotland began in 1873 with the formation of the Scottish Football Association (SFA).[1] During the next 15 years or so, clubs would play friendly matches, Scottish Cup ties and local cup (e.g. Glasgow Cup or East of Scotland Shield) ties.[1] The Football League, initially containing clubs from the North West and Midlands of England, was formed in 1888.[2] This had been done in response to the professionalisation of football in England in 1885, with the regular diet of league fixtures replacing the haphazard arrangement of friendlies.[2] Many Scottish players, known as the Scotch Professors, moved to the English league clubs to receive the relatively high salaries on offer.[3]

This prompted Scottish clubs into thinking about forming their own league. In March 1890, the secretary of Renton wrote to thirteen other clubs inviting them to discuss the organisation of a league.[3] All of the clubs accepted the invitation, except Queen's Park and Clyde.[4] Amateur club Queen's Park, who were the oldest organised club in Scotland and had played a key role in the development of football, were opposed to the league because it would lead to professionalism and eliminate many of the smaller clubs.[4] These concerns were to prove well-founded, as six of the founder members would leave the league before 1900.[4]

The Scottish Football League (SFL) was inaugurated on 30 April 1890.[5] The first season of competition, 1890–91, commenced with 11 clubs because St Bernard's were not elected.[5] The eleven original clubs in membership were Abercorn, Cambuslang, Celtic, Cowlairs, Dumbarton, Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, Renton, St Mirren, Third Lanark and Vale of Leven.[6] Renton were expelled after five games of the 1890–91 season[7] for playing against St Bernard's, who had been found guilty of concealed professionalism. Renton raised an action against the SFA in the Court of Session and won, which meant that their SFA and SFL memberships were restored.[7]

In the 1890–91 season, Rangers and Dumbarton were level at the top of the league on 29 points.[7] The teams drew 2–2 in a play-off match, but no further thought had been given to separating teams by another method and the championship was shared.[7] Goal average was introduced for the 1921–22 season and replaced by goal difference for the 1971–72 season.[8]

Split into divisions

[edit]

The league proved to be highly successful, and in 1893, a second tier was formed by the inclusion of a number of clubs previously in the Scottish Football Alliance. Promotion was initially based on a ballot of clubs; automatic promotion was not introduced until 1922.

The onset of World War I saw Division Two but not Division One being suspended, not restarting again until 1921 when the Central Football League was absorbed as a new division with automatic promotion.

Note: in contemporary sources the divisions were often referred to as 'First' and 'Second' rather than 'One' and 'Two'; the latter format has been used throughout the site to avoid confusion with the league's First and Second Division, each one tier lower than their predecessor, introduced in the 1970s (see below).

Division Three

[edit]

In 1923, the League decided to introduce a third tier. The Western League was used as its backbone[9] but the new set-up lasted only three years before it collapsed under heavy financial losses. From 1926 until 1946, the League reverted to two divisions with many of the third tier clubs joining the second iteration of Scottish Football Alliance.[10]

Post-World War II reforms saw the League resume with three divisions, renamed 'A', 'B' and 'C' with the last section also including reserve sides.[11][12] In 1947, league championship trophies were introduced for the first time for the top two divisions, until then only flags had been presented to the winners. The new trophies were engraved with the names of all previous winners.[13]

In 1949, the 'C' Division was expanded to two sections – South-East (North-East from 1950) and South-West. The withdrawal of the reserves from 'C' Division in 1955 saw a return to two divisions with the 5 first teams in Division C being given automatic promotion.[9][14] There were then 18 clubs in Division A and 19 in Division B. In 1956 the divisions were renamed Division 1 and Division 2.

Clydebank were elected to Division Two as the 20th club in 1966, but following the demise of Third Lanark in 1967, Division Two kept operating with just 19 clubs; the situation would not be corrected until the next change of format, which happened in 1975.

This change of structure split the league into three divisions, Premier, First, and Second Divisions. This permitted more frequent fixtures between the top clubs; the expectation was that meant greater revenue for them, and it was hoped it would stimulate greater interest, at a time when attendance at league matches had dropped alarmingly. One year before the restructuring, a new club entered the league, Meadowbank Thistle (which would eventually become Livingston). This three-divisional structure of 38 clubs continued until 1994.

Four-division period and SPL split

[edit]

After a couple of decades, in 1994 the league again reorganised (following an attempted 'Super League' breakaway by the top clubs in 1992)[15] with four divisions of 10 teams, as Highland League clubs Inverness Caledonian Thistle (a merger of two existing clubs in the city) and Ross County were elected to round out the league. At the same time, the SFL adopted the system of three points for a win. In 1998 the Premier Division clubs split from the league to form the Scottish Premier League (SPL).[16] The remaining leagues, of ten clubs each, kept their names and the Premier Division was not reconstituted, leaving First, Second and Third Divisions. Part of the agreement was that the SPL would expand to 12 clubs in 2000. The SFL then took in two new members to replace the two clubs lost to the SPL; Highland League clubs Elgin City and Peterhead were admitted, increasing the total number of clubs in the Scottish football league system to 42.

From 2005, the SFL determined a promotion and relegation place between each division according to playoffs between four clubs.[17] The playoffs were contested between the ninth placed (second bottom) club in the higher division and the second, third and fourth placed clubs in the lower division.[17] It was therefore possible for a team finishing fourth in the Second Division or Third Division to be promoted, rather than the clubs finishing immediately above them in the standings.[17] It was also possible for the ninth placed club to retain their position in the higher division.[17]

Our review of non-financial matters indicate an organisation which is not wholly suited to the modern-day business environment, or the size of the league.

— Pannell Kerr Foster, BBC Sport website

In March 2007, a self-conducted review found the league to be three times more expensive to run than equivalent leagues in England, with a report stating the league structure was "outdated": the report found that the Football Conference had four employees looking after 68 clubs, while the SFL had 14 people running leagues with just 30 clubs.[18]

Merger

[edit]

No clubs were relegated from the bottom end of the Scottish Football League,[17] although there were changes of membership due to clubs going out of business.[19][20][21][22] The Scottish Football Association were keen for a pyramid system to be instituted. SFL First Division clubs wanted to gain a greater share of the media revenue generated by the SPL.[23] In 2013, both the SPL and SFL voted in favour of merging to form the new Scottish Professional Football League.[23] The number of divisions and clubs in each division remained the same, but there were changes to the financial distribution model.[23] The first club to be promoted to the SPFL from the new Lowland League via playoffs was Edinburgh City in 2016 at the expense of East Stirlingshire, while in 2019 Cove Rangers were the first Highland League champions to go up, replacing Berwick Rangers.

Cup competitions

[edit]
Main articles: Scottish League Cup and Scottish Challenge Cup

The Scottish Football League organised two knock-out cup competitions: the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Challenge Cup. The League Cup was established in 1946, succeeding the wartime Southern League Cup. Unlike the Scottish Cup, organised by the Scottish Football Association, the League Cup was only open to Scottish Football League clubs. Scottish Premier League clubs continued to participate in the League Cup after the top tier clubs broke away in 1998. Until the mid-1990s, the competition winner was eligible to participate in the UEFA Cup, but this was discontinued due to a loss of European places.

The Scottish Challenge Cup was instituted in 1990, to celebrate the League's centenary.[24] The Challenge Cup was only open to Scottish Football League clubs outside the top division of the Scottish football league system. From 2011, two Highland Football League clubs were allowed to participate each year in the Challenge Cup, to give a round number of 32 clubs participating.[25] Both the League Cup and the Challenge Cup continued under the auspices of the Scottish Professional Football League.

League sponsorship and media rights

[edit]

From 1985, the League accepted sponsorships for its main competition.[26] Below is a list of sponsors and the League's name under their sponsorship:

The League's cup competitions have had different sponsors, with the Scottish League Cup first attracting sponsorship in 1979.[32] The competition was revamped in 1984, adopting a straight knock-out format, when Skol Lager began its sponsorship.[33] The Co-operative Insurance company sponsored the League Cup for 12 seasons, until the 2010–11 competition.[34] It has since been sponsored by the Scottish Government, under the name of the Scottish Communities League Cup.[35] The Scottish Challenge Cup was created by League sponsor B&Q in 1990, but it was cancelled in 1998–99 due to a lack of sponsorship.[36] Since 2008, the Challenge Cup has attracted its own sponsor, with BBC Alba and Ramsdens providing support.[25]

Before 1979, the major source of revenue to Scottish Football League clubs, apart from their attendances, was from the football pools.[37] In the year ended 31 March 1983, the pools generated £1.08 million out of a total of £1.46 million.[38] By 1990, this source of income had been overtaken by revenue from sponsorships and television rights.[37] As of 1990, 75% of these central revenues were split equally between the 38 member clubs, with the remaining 25% allocated according to each club's position in the league ladder.[37] During the 1970s and 1980s, the main terrestrial television companies (STV and BBC Scotland) produced shows (Scotsport and Sportscene respectively) containing highlights of league matches.[39] The revenues from these broadcasts were relatively small, with the companies paying less than £1000 per match in the mid-1970s.[39] BBC Radio Scotland had exclusive rights for live radio coverage of matches at this time,[40] with independent stations such as Radio Clyde providing coverage via score updates and analysis.[41]

The first live television broadcast of a Scottish league match was not until April 1986.[42] Earlier in the 1985–86 season, there had been no television coverage at all due to a dispute between the League and the broadcasters.[42] The birth of satellite broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting (Sky TV) changed the situation significantly.[43] As ITV had an exclusive contract for live coverage of games in the English league, the first match shown on Sky was a Scottish Premier Division match between Rangers and Dundee United in April 1991.[43] A year later, the top division English clubs formed a breakaway Premier League, signing an exclusive television contract with Sky. Live Scottish Premier Division games were shown on STV during the 1990s, but the top division clubs formed the breakaway Scottish Premier League in 1998 and signed an exclusive broadcast contract with Sky.

This left the remaining Scottish Football League clubs without live coverage, although STV continued to show highlights of First Division games in their Football First show. Scots Gaelic channel BBC Alba provided coverage of Scottish Football League games, including the Challenge Cup, from its launch in 2008.[25] Live coverage on English language channels returned to Scottish Football League games in the 2012–13 season, as Sky and ESPN agreed contracts to show Third Division matches involving Rangers.[44][45] These arrangements secured revenues that had been under threat due to the financial collapse of Rangers.[44][45]

Member clubs

[edit]
Main article: List of Scottish Football League clubs

Of the original SFL clubs, Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, St Mirren and Dumbarton are the only clubs today playing in the successor Scottish Professional Football League. Every other club is either defunct or out of the League.

Club First season in SFL Last season in SFL Last national title
Abercorn 1890–91 1914–15 —
Aberdeen 1904–05 1997–98 1984–85
Airdrieonians (1878) 1894–95 2001–02 —
Airdrieonians (2002) 2002–03[46] 2012–13 —
Albion Rovers 1903–04[47] 2012–13 —
Alloa Athletic 1921–22[48] 2012–13 —
Annan Athletic 2008–09[49] 2012–13 —
Arbroath 1921–22[50] 2012–13 —
Armadale 1921–22 1931–32 —
Arthurlie 1901–02 1928–29 —
Ayr 1897–98 1909–10 —
Ayr Parkhouse 1902–03 1909–10 —
Ayr United 1910–11[51] 2012–13 —
Bathgate 1921–22 1928–29 —
Beith 1923–24 1925–26 —
Berwick Rangers 1951–52[52] 2012–13 —
Bo'ness 1921–22 1931–32 —
Brechin City 1923–24[53] 2012–13 —
Broxburn United 1921–22 1925–26 —
Cambuslang 1890–91 1891–92 —
Celtic 1890–91 1997–98 2022–23
Clackmannan 1921–22 1925–26 —
Clyde 1891–92[54] 2012–13 —
Clydebank (1914) 1914–15 1930–31 —
Clydebank 1965–66 2001–02 —
Cowdenbeath 1905–06[55] 2012–13 —
Cowlairs 1890–91 1894–95 —
Dumbarton 1890–91[56] 2012–13 1891–92
Dumbarton Harp 1923–24 1924–25 —
Dundee 1893–94 2011–12 1961–62
Dundee United 1910–11 1997–98 1982–83
Dundee Wanderers 1894–95 1894–95 —
Dunfermline Athletic 1912–13[57] 2012–13 —
Dykehead 1923–24 1925–26 —
East Fife 1921–22[58] 2012–13 —
East Stirlingshire 1900–01[59] 2012–13 —
Edinburgh City (1928) 1931–32 1948–49 —
Elgin City 2000–01[60] 2012–13 —
Falkirk 1902–03[61] 2012–13 —
Forfar Athletic 1921–22[62] 2012–13 —
Galston 1923–24 1925–26 —
Greenock Morton 1893–94[63] 2012–13 —
Gretna 2002–03 2006–07 —
Hamilton Academical 1897–98[64] 2012–13 —
Heart of Midlothian 1890–91 1997–98 1959–60
Helensburgh 1923–24 1925–26 —
Hibernian 1893–94 1998–99 1951–52
Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1994–95 2009–10 —
Johnstone 1912–13 1925–26 —
Kilmarnock 1895–96 1997–98 1964–65
King's Park 1921–22 1938–39 —
Leith Athletic 1891–92 1952–53 —
Linthouse 1895–96 1899–1900 —
Livingston 1995–96[65] 2012–13 —
Lochgelly United 1914–15 1925–26 —
Meadowbank Thistle 1974–75 1994–95 —
Mid-Annandale 1923–24 1925–26 —
Montrose 1923–24[66] 2012–13 —
Motherwell 1893–94 1997–98 1931–32
Nithsdale Wanderers 1923–24 1926–27 —
Northern 1893–94 1893–94 —
Partick Thistle 1893–94[67] 2012–13 —
Peebles Rovers 1923–24 1925–26 —
Peterhead 2000–01[68] 2012–13 —
Port Glasgow Athletic 1893–94 1910–11 —
Queen of the South 1923–24[69] 2012–13 —
Queen's Park 1900–01[70] 2012–13 —
Raith Rovers 1902–03[71] 2012–13 —
Rangers 1890–91[72] 2012–13 2020–21
Renton 1890–91 1897–98 —
Ross County 1994–95 2011–12 —
Royal Albert 1923–24 1925–26 —
St Bernard's 1893–94 1938–39 —
St Johnstone 1897–98 2008–09 —
St Mirren 1890–91 2005–06 —
Solway Star 1923–24 1925–26 —
Stenhousemuir 1921–22[73] 2012–13 —
Stirling Albion 1946–47[74] 2012–13 —
Stranraer 1949–50[75] 2012–13 —
Third Lanark 1890–91 1966–67 1903–04
Thistle 1893–94 1893–94 —
Vale of Leven 1890–91 1925–26 —

Past winners

[edit]
Main articles: List of Scottish football champions, List of winners of the Scottish Championship and predecessors, and List of winners of the Scottish League One and predecessors

When the Scottish Football League was established in 1890, all of the clubs played in just one division. In 1893 the Scottish Football League absorbed many clubs from the Scottish Football Alliance and had enough clubs to form another division. The existing division was renamed Division One and the new division was called Division Two. Nevertheless, promotion and relegation between the top two divisions was not automatic until 1921–22 when Division Two was brought back after a hiatus provoked by World War I which affected only that division; hence some teams of the era winning Division Two twice in a row before being promoted, and some Division Two winners being never promoted at all.

A third tier of Scottish league football was first established in the 1923–24 season, but it only lasted for two full seasons due to financial difficulties. A third tier league (called Division C) was reintroduced in 1946–47. Division C, which also included reserve teams of higher division clubs, operated as a national competition for the first three seasons but thereafter it was split into two regional sections. During this period only full-strength clubs (not reserve teams) were promoted if they finished as champions. The two-division tier was abolished after the 1954–55 season.

Since the 1975–76 season there has been a third tier, known as the Second Division. The top tier became the Premier Division and the second tier became known as the First Division. A fourth tier, known as the Third Division, was introduced in 1994. The last major change within the Scottish football league system was in 1998–99, when the Premier Division clubs broke away from the Scottish Football League to form the Scottish Premier League. The remaining Scottish Football League divisions continued as before.

No. Season 1st tier 2nd tier 3rd tier 4th tier
  1. 1890–91 Dumbarton (share)[7]
Rangers (share)[7] 		— — —
  2. 1891–92 Dumbarton
  3. 1892–93 Celtic
  4. 1893–94 Celtic Hibernian
  5. 1894–95 Heart of Midlothian Hibernian
  6. 1895–96 Celtic Abercorn
  7. 1896–97 Heart of Midlothian Partick Thistle
 8. 1897–98 Celtic Kilmarnock
 9. 1898–99 Rangers Kilmarnock
 10. 1899–1900 Rangers Partick Thistle
 11. 1900–01 Rangers St Bernard's
 12. 1901–02 Rangers Port Glasgow Athletic
 13. 1902–03 Hibernian Airdrieonians
 14. 1903–04 Third Lanark Hamilton Academical
 15. 1904–05 Celtic Clyde
 16. 1905–06 Celtic Leith Athletic
 17. 1906–07 Celtic St Bernard's
 18. 1907–08 Celtic Raith Rovers
 19. 1908–09 Celtic Abercorn
 20. 1909–10 Celtic Leith Athletic (share)
Raith Rovers (share)
 21. 1910–11 Rangers Dumbarton
 22. 1911–12 Rangers Ayr United
 23. 1912–13 Rangers Ayr United
 24. 1913–14 Celtic Cowdenbeath
 25. 1914–15 Celtic Cowdenbeath
 26. 1915–16 Celtic —
 27. 1916–17 Celtic
 28. 1917–18 Rangers
 29. 1918–19 Celtic
 30. 1919–20 Rangers
 31. 1920–21 Rangers
 32. 1921–22 Celtic Alloa Athletic
 33. 1922–23 Rangers Queen's Park
 34. 1923–24 Rangers St Johnstone Arthurlie
 35. 1924–25 Rangers Dundee United Nithsdale Wanderers
 36. 1925–26 Celtic Dunfermline Athletic Not awarded[note 3]
 37. 1926–27 Rangers Bo'ness United —
 38. 1927–28 Rangers Ayr United
 39. 1928–29 Rangers Dundee United
 40. 1929–30 Rangers Leith Athletic
 41. 1930–31 Rangers Third Lanark
 42. 1931–32 Motherwell East Stirlingshire
 43. 1932–33 Rangers Hibernian
 44. 1933–34 Rangers Albion Rovers
 45. 1934–35 Rangers Third Lanark
 46. 1935–36 Celtic Falkirk
 47. 1936–37 Rangers Ayr United
 48. 1937–38 Celtic Raith Rovers
 49. 1938–39 Rangers Cowdenbeath
 50. 1939–40 League abandoned after five matches due to the commencement of World War II.
—
 1940–46 League suspended due to World War II.
 51. 1946–47 Rangers Dundee Stirling Albion —
 52. 1947–48 Hibernian East Fife East Stirlingshire
 53. 1948–49 Rangers Raith Rovers Forfar Athletic
 54. 1949–50 Rangers Morton Hibernian A
Clyde A
 55. 1950–51 Hibernian Queen of the South Heart of Midlothian A
Clyde A
 56. 1951–52 Hibernian Clyde Dundee A
Rangers A
 57. 1952–53 Rangers Stirling Albion Aberdeen A
Rangers A
 58. 1953–54 Celtic Motherwell Brechin City
Rangers A
 59. 1954–55 Aberdeen Airdrieonians Aberdeen A
Partick Thistle A
 60. 1955–56 Rangers Queen's Park —
 61. 1956–57 Rangers Clyde
 62. 1957–58 Heart of Midlothian Stirling Albion
 63. 1958–59 Rangers Ayr United
 64. 1959–60 Heart of Midlothian St Johnstone
 65. 1960–61 Rangers Stirling Albion
 66. 1961–62 Dundee Clyde
 67. 1962–63 Rangers St Johnstone
 68. 1963–64 Rangers Morton
 69. 1964–65 Kilmarnock Stirling Albion
 70. 1965–66 Celtic Ayr United
 71. 1966–67 Celtic Morton
 72. 1967–68 Celtic St Mirren
 73. 1968–69 Celtic Motherwell
 74. 1969–70 Celtic Falkirk
 75. 1970–71 Celtic Partick Thistle
 76. 1971–72 Celtic Dumbarton
 77. 1972–73 Celtic Clyde
 78. 1973–74 Celtic Airdrieonians
 79. 1974–75 Rangers Falkirk
 80. 1975–76 Rangers Partick Thistle Clydebank
 81. 1976–77 Celtic St Mirren Stirling Albion
 82. 1977–78 Rangers Morton Clyde
 83. 1978–79 Celtic Dundee Berwick Rangers
 84. 1979–80 Aberdeen Heart of Midlothian Falkirk
 85. 1980–81 Celtic Hibernian Queen's Park
 86. 1981–82 Celtic Motherwell Clyde
 87. 1982–83 Dundee United St Johnstone Brechin City
 88. 1983–84 Aberdeen Morton Forfar Athletic
 89. 1984–85 Aberdeen Motherwell Montrose
 90. 1985–86 Celtic Hamilton Academical Dunfermline Athletic
 91. 1986–87 Rangers Morton Meadowbank Thistle
 92. 1987–88 Celtic Hamilton Academical Ayr United
 93. 1988–89 Rangers Dunfermline Athletic Albion Rovers
 94. 1989–90 Rangers St Johnstone Brechin City
 95. 1990–91 Rangers Falkirk Stirling Albion
 96. 1991–92 Rangers Dundee Dumbarton
 97. 1992–93 Rangers Raith Rovers Clyde
 98. 1993–94 Rangers Falkirk Stranraer
 99. 1994–95 Rangers Raith Rovers Morton Forfar Athletic
100. 1995–96 Rangers Dunfermline Athletic Stirling Albion Livingston
101. 1996–97 Rangers St Johnstone Ayr United Inverness Caledonian Thistle
102. 1997–98 Celtic Dundee Stranraer Alloa Athletic
103. 1998–99 — Hibernian Livingston Ross County
104. 1999–2000 St Mirren Clyde Queen's Park
105. 2000–01 Livingston Partick Thistle Hamilton Academical
106. 2001–02 Partick Thistle Queen of the South Brechin City
107. 2002–03 Falkirk Raith Rovers Morton
108. 2003–04 Inverness Caledonian Thistle Airdrie United Stranraer
109. 2004–05 Falkirk Brechin City Gretna
110. 2005–06 St. Mirren Gretna Cowdenbeath
111. 2006–07 Gretna Morton Berwick Rangers
112. 2007–08 Hamilton Academical Ross County East Fife
113. 2008–09 St Johnstone Raith Rovers Dumbarton
114. 2009–10 Inverness Caledonian Thistle Stirling Albion Livingston
115. 2010–11 Dunfermline Athletic Livingston Arbroath
116. 2011–12 Ross County Cowdenbeath Alloa Athletic
117. 2012–13 Partick Thistle Queen of the South Rangers

Scottish Football League XI

[edit]
Main article: Scottish Football League XI

The SFL was the organising body of the Scottish Football League XI, a select side which represented the SFL in matches against other leagues, including the English Football League, the League of Ireland, the Northern Irish league and the Italian Serie A.[76] These matches began in 1892, soon after the foundation of the SFL.[77] Before the Second World War, inter-league matches were only second in importance to Scotland international matches. After the war, however, the inter-league matches became less important as European club football was instituted and clubs withdrew players due to fixture congestion.[78] The last inter-league match was played in 1980, while a Scottish Football League XI was last selected in 1990 for a match against the Scotland national team to mark the centenary of the SFL.[79]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Scottish Football League

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Scottish Football League (SFL) was the principal professional association football competition in from its founding in 1890 until its dissolution in 2013, serving as the top tier of Scottish football for over a century and establishing the country as a pioneer in organized league play as the third-oldest national league in the world after England's (1888) and Ireland's (1890). Formed on 13 May 1890 by 11 founding member clubs—Abercorn, , Celtic, Cowlairs, , Heart of Midlothian, Renton, Rangers, St Mirren, Third Lanark, and Vale of Leven—the league initially operated on an amateur basis with each team playing the others twice (home and away) under a points system awarding two for a win and one for a draw, inspired by the emerging English model to provide structured competition amid the growth of the . was legalized by the in 1893, transforming the SFL into a fully entity and enabling clubs like Rangers and Celtic to dominate, with Rangers securing 54 titles and Celtic 42 in the top division by the league's end. The league expanded over time, introducing a second division in 1893 and a third in 1924 (with interruptions during wartime), creating a pyramid structure that promoted and relegated teams based on performance to foster competition across Scotland's regions. In 1998, the top 10 clubs broke away to form the separate (SPL), leaving the SFL to administer the lower three divisions with 30 clubs in total, a split motivated by desires for greater commercial control and revenue sharing among elite teams. This arrangement persisted until 28 June 2013, when the SFL and SPL merged to create the unified (SPFL), incorporating four divisions—Premiership, Championship, League One, and League Two—while preserving promotion/relegation and integrating lower-tier pyramid access for broader participation. The SFL's legacy endures in Scottish football's competitive framework, having hosted iconic rivalries like the derby and produced generations of talent that influenced the global game.

History

Formation

The Scottish Football League (SFL) was established in 1890 as Scotland's first organized football competition, inspired by the success of the formed two years earlier. A pivotal meeting took place on 28 March 1890 at Hilton's Commercial Hotel in , convened by the secretary of , where representatives from 12 clubs agreed to form the league. These founding members included prominent teams such as Rangers, Celtic, and Heart of Midlothian, alongside Abercorn, , Cowlairs, , Renton, St Mirren, Third Lanark, and Vale of Leven. The league was officially inaugurated on 30 April 1890, with its inaugural 1890–91 season beginning on 16 August 1890. It operated as a single-division featuring the 11 teams (after St Bernard's withdrawal due to SFA suspension), each playing a home-and-away schedule of 22 matches. Although professionalism was implicit in the structure, the league initially maintained an amateur designation to align with prevailing SFA policies, marking a transitional phase in Scottish football. Leadership roles were assigned at the formation, with J. H. McLaughlin of Celtic appointed as the first secretary, supported by figures like William Wilton of Rangers as treasurer. The SFL affiliated closely with the (SFA), adopting its rules and prioritizing national cup fixtures over league games to avoid conflicts. This affiliation provided legitimacy but also imposed constraints on scheduling and player eligibility. Among the early challenges were frequent fixture disputes arising from congested calendars, particularly clashes with ties that took precedence. Additionally, the league excluded major amateur clubs like Queen's Park, which declined membership due to opposition to any professional elements, underscoring the sport's ongoing debate over amateurism versus payment for players. These issues tested the league's viability in its formative years.

Division Expansion

The league expanded in 1893 by introducing a Second Division with 10 teams, primarily from the , creating a two-division structure without initial automatic ; instead, movement between divisions was determined by . This expansion allowed more clubs to participate in organized competition, though the Second Division operated intermittently until stabilizing post-1900. Following the end of , the Scottish Football League faced significant financial challenges that limited its operations to a single division from 1919 to 1921, as many clubs struggled with reduced attendance and economic recovery in post-war . To broaden participation and enhance competitiveness, the league reintroduced a second tier in the 1921–22 season, splitting into Division One and Division Two, each comprising 20 teams. This structure accommodated a total of 40 clubs, drawing primarily from the dissolved (which had served as an unofficial second tier during the war) along with select teams from the Scottish Alliance and Western League, thereby allowing more regional clubs to join the professional fold and addressing the growing demand for structured competition beyond the top level. The expansion introduced automatic between the divisions starting in the 1921–22 season, replacing earlier ballot-based elections and fostering greater dynamism in club standings. Alloa Athletic emerged as the inaugural Division Two champions that year, securing promotion with a record of 26 wins in 38 matches, while the system aimed to maintain high standards across tiers by ensuring the strongest performers advanced. Economic pressures from the , including industrial decline in and regions, influenced club participation, with many lower-tier teams relying on local support to sustain operations; this led to a balanced representation of clubs from central , such as those in the Forth , alongside emerging sides from the Borders and , promoting regional equity in the league's footprint. By , the introduction of a Third Division with 12 teams brought the total to 52 clubs, reflecting stabilized post-war recovery and increased interest in professional football. The two-division format operated continuously until the outbreak of , when the Scottish Football League suspended regular competitions from 1939 to 1946 due to government restrictions on travel and resources amid wartime austerity. During this period, regional leagues and cup tournaments provided limited alternatives, but the suspension halted , preserving the pre-war structure of 20 teams per division upon resumption in 1946–47. This interwar expansion ultimately solidified the league's role in Scottish sport, enabling broader club involvement and competitive depth despite ongoing economic fluctuations.

Lower Division Introductions

The introduction of lower divisions in the Scottish Football League (SFL) during the mid-20th century aimed to enhance inclusivity by providing opportunities for smaller and semi-professional clubs to compete at a structured national level, building on the earlier two-division setup established in the 1890s. In 1951, the SFL created a C Division as the third tier, comprising primarily semi- and non-league clubs alongside reserve teams, to absorb regional sides and expand the league's reach beyond the professional elite in Divisions A and B. This division operated until 1955, when it was disbanded due to the withdrawal of reserve teams to a separate Scottish Reserve League, resulting in the automatic promotion of five senior C Division clubs to Division B, effectively returning the SFL to a two-division structure while bolstering the lower tier with 19 teams in Division B for the 1955–56 season. The inaugural full season of the restructured lower division in 1955–56 highlighted the potential for smaller clubs, with Queen's Park emerging as champions of Division B after securing 54 points from 36 matches, earning promotion to Division A and marking a significant achievement for the amateur side in a semi-professional context. This period saw the absorption of various non-league clubs into the SFL structure, such as , which gained full membership ahead of the 1955–56 campaign, fostering greater participation from regional teams but also exposing the financial vulnerabilities of lower-tier operations. The (SFA), as the sport's governing body, played a key role in approving these expansions and restructurings to ensure alignment with professional standards and regional development. Lower-division clubs faced substantial challenges, including chronic financial strains exacerbated by low attendances, limited sponsorship, and the costs of maintaining semi-professional status amid post-war economic recovery. A notable example was Third Lanark, a Second Division (formerly B Division) club that succumbed to mismanagement and debt, leading to its in 1967—the first SFL club to fold since the —illustrating the precarious position of smaller teams reliant on gate receipts and minimal SFA support. These issues underscored the need for further reorganization to sustain viability across tiers. By 1975, declining overall attendances and the dominance of top clubs prompted a major restructuring, approved by the SFA, which reduced the total number of teams to 38 and created a three-division format: a new 10-team Premier Division at the top, followed by 14-team First and Second Divisions to concentrate stronger competition and aid lower-tier stability. This change eliminated the uneven 18- and 20-team setup, promoting more balanced fixtures—four games per opponent in the Premier and three in the lower divisions—while prioritizing inclusivity for surviving smaller clubs through promotion pathways.

Premier League Split

In 1998, the top ten clubs in the Scottish Football League (SFL) broke away to establish the (SPL), seeking greater commercial autonomy and modeled after the 's structure to enhance financial opportunities for elite teams. This separation was driven primarily by the desire to negotiate better television and sponsorship deals independently, as SFL clubs had been receiving significantly less broadcast revenue compared to their English counterparts—approximately £4 million per club versus £8 million in the at the time. The SPL retained control over its commercial revenues, distributing them among its members while providing an annual solidarity payment to the SFL and a "parachute" payment to clubs relegated from the SPL to cushion their financial transition. Following the split, the SFL continued to operate its three lower divisions—now designated as levels two through four in the Scottish —with Division One reduced to ten teams to align with the departing clubs. This restructuring positioned the SFL as a feeder system for the SPL, with annual between the SPL and SFL Division One based on league positions: the bottom SPL club was automatically relegated and replaced by the Division One champion, subject to a vote by SPL member clubs for entry. In , the SFL introduced inter-division play-offs among its three tiers to determine additional spots, increasing competitiveness for access to the SPL but without directly involving SPL teams until later reforms. The financial implications for SFL clubs were substantial, as the loss of the top-tier teams diminished overall league prestige and , particularly from broadcasting deals that favored the SPL's concentrated marketability. Lower-division clubs experienced reduced payments relative to the SPL's growing income, exacerbating disparities and prompting adaptations such as cost controls and reliance on gate receipts. The 1998–99 season exemplified this new dynamic: Rangers claimed the inaugural SPL title with 77 points from 36 matches, while Hibernian secured promotion as SFL Division One champions, marking the leagues' initial coexistence and the SFL's shift to a supporting role in the national structure.

Merger and Dissolution

In June 2013, the Scottish Football League (SFL) and the (SPL) reached an agreement to merge, forming the (SPFL) as a unified governing body for professional football in Scotland. The merger, finalized after a 15-hour meeting at on 28 June, was driven primarily by the need for financial sustainability amid ongoing economic challenges facing Scottish clubs, including uneven revenue distribution and the high costs of operating separate leagues. It aimed to establish a single administrative structure to streamline operations, enhance power for broadcasting and sponsorship deals, and promote greater equity in fund allocation across divisions. The transition preserved the core of the SFL's structure while integrating it with the SPL. The SFL's three divisions—First, Second, and Third—were rebranded as the SPFL One, and League Two, respectively, each comprising 10 teams, while the top tier became the 12-team Premiership. The 2012–13 season marked the SFL's final standalone campaign, with Partick Thistle securing the First Division title on 20 April 2013 via a 2–0 victory over , earning promotion to the SPL for the following year. Key negotiations, overseen by (SFA) chief executive Stewart Regan alongside SPL chief Neil Doncaster and SFL chief David Longmuir, required approval from at least 22 of the 29 participating clubs; ultimately, 23 voted in favor, overcoming initial hitches related to . The talks were significantly influenced by the of Rangers in June 2012, which had exposed vulnerabilities in the fragmented when the club was to the Third Division as a new entity, disrupting competitive balance and revenue streams. This event accelerated calls for reform, with Rangers holding only associate membership during the merger process and thus no voting rights, though the new club gained full SPFL membership immediately afterward. SFL assets, including the , were retained and integrated into the SPFL framework to maintain continuity for lower-tier competitions. Post-merger, immediate changes focused on operational efficiencies, such as the introduction of play-offs between the Premiership and to increase competitiveness and viewer interest. Discussions on integrating a broader pyramid system, allowing promotion from regional leagues like the Highland and Lowland Leagues, were part of the merger proposals but faced delays and were not fully implemented until the 2014–15 season.

League Structure

Divisions and Organization

The Scottish Football League (SFL) originated as a single-division competition in , comprising 11 founding member clubs. A Second Division was added in 1893 to accommodate expanding interest, with promotion determined initially by and later automatically from 1922. The league experimented with a Third Division in 1923, but it collapsed after three seasons due to financial strains in 1926. Post-World War II reconstruction in reintroduced three divisions (A, B, and C), though Division C included reserve teams and regional sections until reforms in 1955 reduced the structure back to two divisions: Division One and Division Two. A major reorganization occurred in 1975 amid concerns over attendances and competitive balance, creating a three-division format: the Division with 10 full-time professional clubs, and expanded First and Second Divisions each with 14 teams, totaling 38 clubs. This addressed the dilution of quality in the previous 18-team top flight by concentrating elite teams. Further evolution came in 1994 with the addition of two new clubs (Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County), establishing four divisions of 10 teams each—, First, Second, and Third—bringing the total to 40 member clubs. However, in 1998, the 10 Division clubs separated to form the independent (SPL), reducing the SFL to three divisions (First, Second, and Third) of 10 teams apiece, focusing on semi-professional and lower-tier professional football. The SFL's administrative governance was handled by a , elected annually from representatives of the member clubs, which managed league operations, fixtures, and disciplinary matters. As a constituent body of the (SFA), the SFL maintained formal affiliation, ensuring compliance with SFA standards for club licensing, player registration, and overall football regulation in . Regional dynamics influenced the SFL's lower divisions, particularly through feeder leagues like the , which covered northern and provided a pathway for ambitious clubs. Eligible champions from the Highland League could enter play-offs against the SFL Third Division's bottom team for promotion eligibility, integrating semi-professional regional talent into the national structure while respecting geographic challenges.

Promotion, Relegation, and Play-offs

The promotion and relegation system in the Scottish Football League (SFL) primarily operated through automatic movement between divisions, with the champions of the lower division promoted and the bottom team of the higher division relegated. For instance, the last-placed team in Division One would swap places with the Second Division at the end of each season. This automatic system was introduced in the 1921–22 season, replacing an earlier ballot-based process where clubs voted on membership changes rather than using league positions. Prior to the introduction of play-offs, the system was straightforward, as seen in the 2006–07 season when Dunfermline Athletic finished bottom of the (SPL) and were directly relegated to the SFL First Division without a play-off. The SFL introduced play-offs in 2005 to determine one additional promotion and relegation spot between its divisions, adding competitiveness to the boundaries between First Division and Second Division, and Second Division and Third Division. The format consisted of two-legged semi-finals—one between the ninth-placed team in the higher division and the fourth-placed team in the lower division, and one between the second- and third-placed teams in the lower division—with the winners advancing to a two-legged final; the winner secured the higher division place. These play-offs first took place at the end of the 2005–06 season and continued until the SFL's dissolution. Concurrently, for the 2007–08 season, the SPL adopted a play-off system involving the 11th-placed SPL team against the First Division runner-up in a two-legged tie, while the bottom SPL team remained automatically relegated; this marked the first inter-league play-off, exemplified by St Mirren retaining their SPL status against Hamilton Academical after a 1–1 aggregate draw decided by penalties. Tiebreakers for league positions determining promotion, relegation, or play-off qualification relied first on , followed by goals scored, head-to-head results, and, if necessary, a one-off play-off at a neutral venue. By 2013, ahead of the SFL's merger with the SPL to form the (SPFL), the play-off structure expanded to include all divisions, with semi-finals and finals across the One, and League Two boundaries, plus a pyramid play-off between the League Two play-off winners and the Lowland League champions. This evolution aimed to increase excitement and financial stakes, though the core two-legged format persisted for fairness.

Associated Competitions

Scottish League Cup

The , established in 1946, served as the Scottish Football League's flagship knockout competition, designed as a mid-season exclusively for its member clubs to supplement league fixtures following the resumption of organized football after . Unlike the , which was administered by the and open to a broader range of teams, the League Cup was a dedicated SFL event that emphasized participation across all divisions, fostering competition and revenue generation for professional clubs. The inaugural edition in 1946–47 marked the competition's debut as Scotland's oldest national league cup, structured with group stages followed by knockout rounds to maximize matches in an era of limited scheduling. In its early years during the late , the tournament adopted a format of eight regional league sections (groups) comprising four teams each, where clubs played a round-robin schedule within their section, and the winners advanced to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final at . Rangers claimed the first title with a 4–0 victory over in the 1947 final at Hampden, setting a for high-profile clashes at the national stadium. This group-based structure persisted as a core element, evolving by the into sectional ties that incorporated seeding for top-division teams to distribute stronger sides across groups, thereby ensuring broader competitiveness and extending the involvement of leading clubs like Celtic and Rangers. Prior to the 1998 split forming the , the competition remained SFL-exclusive, mandating participation from all divisions—typically eight groups of four or five teams from Divisions One, Two, and Three—allowing lower-tier sides opportunities to face elite opposition and gain exposure.

Scottish Challenge Cup

The Scottish Challenge Cup was introduced in 1990 by the Scottish Football League as the B&Q Centenary Cup to commemorate the league's 100th anniversary. Designed as a knockout tournament exclusively for non-Premier Division clubs, it offered lower-tier teams additional competitive fixtures, generating revenue through gate receipts and providing vital exposure for emerging players and smaller member clubs. Initially contested by the 28 teams from the First and Second Divisions, the competition filled a gap as a secondary cup focused on development opportunities beyond the primary . The inaugural 1990–91 season culminated in Dundee's 3–2 extra-time victory over Ayr United in the final at Fir Park, , drawing an of 11,506. Hamilton Academical followed as in 1991–92, securing a 1–0 triumph against Ayr United at the same venue before 9,663 spectators, representing a significant achievement for a Second Division outfit against First Division opposition. The early format emphasized straight knockout ties after preliminary rounds, fostering intense matches that highlighted the potential for upsets among lower-division sides. By the mid-1990s, the tournament expanded to 30 teams following SFL restructuring, incorporating clubs from all lower divisions to broaden participation. After the 1998 formation of the , the Challenge Cup encompassed the entire SFL membership, reinforcing its role in sustaining interest and financial support for teams outside the elite level. Finals rotated among neutral venues to maximize accessibility, with in Perth hosting multiple editions starting from 1994–95, including notable contests that drew crowds exceeding 10,000. Throughout its SFL era, the produced memorable upsets, such as Second Division Hamilton Academical's 1991–92 success, which underscored the tournament's value in promoting parity and player growth across divisions. This structure not only boosted morale and scouting visibility for participating clubs but also contributed to the overall vibrancy of Scottish lower-league football.

Sponsorship and Media

Sponsors

The Scottish Football League (SFL) began accepting title sponsorships for its main competition in the 1985–86 season, marking a shift toward commercial partnerships to supplement revenue from gate receipts and pools. Prior to this, sponsorships were limited, with no major league-wide deals in the , though occasional arrangements like those involving automotive brands supported individual events or cups rather than the divisions themselves. These early partnerships provided modest funding but lacked the structured that became standard later. From 1985 onward, sponsors secured for the league and its divisions, enhancing visibility through logo placements on matchday programs, stadium banners, and official materials, while distributing funds to clubs via a model that allocated approximately 75% equally among member teams and 25% based on final standings. The first such deal was with from 1985 to 1988, rebranding the competition as the Fine Fare League and providing initial commercial stability. This was followed by from 1988 to 1992, which supported the league during a period of expansion in the lower divisions. then took over in 1994, sponsoring until 1998 and resuming from 1999 to 2006 under the Bell's League banner, including specific naming for divisions like Bell's League Division One; these agreements were valued at around £850,000 annually, contributing significantly to club revenues amid growing operational costs. Following the 1998 formation of the , which separated the top tier, the SFL focused on its three lower divisions, attracting sponsors tailored to this structure. After a brief unsponsored period in 1998–1999 and 2006–2007, became the title sponsor from 2007 to 2013, rebranding the league as the Scottish Football League in a deal worth over £3 million across its duration. This partnership emphasized branding integration, such as product placements at matches and shared revenue that helped sustain smaller clubs, particularly post-SPL split when the SFL's visibility relied heavily on such commercial ties. The deals collectively generated annual values of £1–2 million for the SFL, bolstering financial equity among divisions while tying media exposure to sponsor promotions.

Broadcasting Rights

Prior to the formation of the (SPL) in 1998, broadcasting coverage of (SFL) matches was dominated by highlights packages on public service broadcasters, with and ITV Scotland (via STV) providing weekly round-ups from the 1980s onward, while live transmissions remained limited to protect gate receipts under longstanding blackout agreements. Following the 's separation in 1998, which enabled it to attract lucrative premium rights from pay-TV providers such as starting in 1998 and from 2002, the SFL was relegated to negotiating modest secondary broadcasting arrangements that offered far less financial return. A notable development for the SFL came in 2008, when , the Gaelic-language channel, secured rights to air select lower-division matches, beginning with live coverage of the final and expanding to include regular highlights and occasional live games through the 2000s and into the . Key joint broadcasting agreements between the SFL and SPL during this period, such as the 2007–2012 contract with and Setanta, reflected the SFL's diminished bargaining power post-split.

Member Clubs

Membership Criteria

Membership in the Scottish Football League (SFL) required clubs to satisfy (SFA) licensing standards, which encompassed , facilities, and youth development provisions. was evaluated through audits and guarantees to ensure clubs could fulfill operational and competitive obligations without risking . standards mandated minimum capacities and safety features, such as at least 1,000 covered seats for clubs in the First Division, along with floodlighting and pitch dimensions compliant with SFA guidelines. Youth academies were required to meet basic developmental criteria, including structured training programs for players under 18 to promote talent nurturing. New clubs gained entry through an election process conducted by existing SFL members at the annual general meeting, where applicants presented their case for admission or re-election if relegated. This voting system allowed the league to control expansion and quality; for instance, in 1994, Inverness Caledonian Thistle was successfully elected alongside Ross County to increase the league from 38 to 40 teams, marking the first Highland representation in the senior structure. Expulsion or removal occurred for severe breaches, particularly financial collapse, as seen with Third Lanark, who were wound up and expelled in February 1967 following bankruptcy proceedings that revealed mismanagement and debts exceeding £30,000. In the 2000s, after the Scottish Premier League's formation in , SFL criteria were progressively tightened, incorporating stricter ground grading aligned with UEFA-influenced SFA licensing introduced around 2004 to support pyramid integration and elevate overall standards.

Historical Member Clubs

The Scottish Football League (SFL), founded in 1890, encompassed a total of 66 unique member clubs over its history until the 2013 merger with the to form the . Among the 11 founding members were Celtic and Rangers, collectively known as the "," which rapidly asserted dominance in the league's early decades through consistent title wins and establishing a rivalry that shaped Scottish football. The geographical distribution of SFL clubs was heavily skewed toward the , with the majority originating from the densely populated encompassing areas around , , and the surrounding regions, reflecting the concentration of industrial communities and early football development there. Representation from the Highlands was minimal until the , when clubs like Inverness Caledonian Thistle gained entry, broadening the league's reach northward. Several member clubs experienced dramatic entries and exits, highlighting the financial and structural challenges within the league. , a border club, was elected to the Third Division in 2002 after previous rejections, achieved successive promotions to reach the First Division by 2007, but folded into in 2008 amid unsustainable debts following their brief stint in the top flight. Similarly, the original , a fixture since 1894, entered in 2002 after over a century of membership due to mounting financial pressures, prompting the creation of Airdrie United (later renamed Airdrieonians) to continue the tradition. Caledonian Thistle's 1994 formation via the merger of local Highland clubs Caledonian F.C. and Inverness Thistle facilitated their admission to the Third Division that season, symbolizing expanded regional inclusion. Longevity in the SFL varied significantly, with some clubs maintaining membership across multiple divisions for over a century.

Records and Achievements

Past Division Winners

The Scottish Football League (SFL) operated its top division, initially as Division One from 1890 to 1975 and then as the Premier Division from 1975 to 1998, where it was characterized by the overwhelming dominance of Rangers and Celtic, particularly in the pre-World War II era. Between 1890 and 1939, the pair claimed 41 of the 48 available titles, with Rangers securing 26 and Celtic 14, underscoring the early establishment of the rivalry as the league's central dynamic. Post-war, this pattern continued, though occasional breakthroughs by clubs like , Hearts, and Hibernian added variety, with Rangers amassing a total of 44 titles and Celtic 32 by the end of the 1997–98 season, the final year under SFL top-flight governance. The following table lists all SFL top division winners from 1890–91 to 1997–98:
SeasonWinner
1890–91Dumbarton & Rangers (shared)
1891–92Dumbarton
1892–93Celtic
1893–94Celtic
1894–95Heart of Midlothian
1895–96Celtic
1896–97Heart of Midlothian
1897–98Celtic
1898–99Rangers
1899–00Rangers
1900–01Rangers
1901–02Rangers
1902–03Hibernian
1903–04Third Lanark
1904–05Celtic
1905–06Celtic
1906–07Celtic
1907–08Celtic
1908–09Celtic
1909–10Celtic
1910–11Rangers
1911–12Rangers
1912–13Rangers
1913–14Celtic
1914–15Celtic
1915–16Celtic
1916–17Celtic
1917–18Rangers
1918–19Celtic
1919–20Rangers
1920–21Rangers
1921–22Celtic
1922–23Rangers
1923–24Rangers
1924–25Rangers
1925–26Celtic
1926–27Rangers
1927–28Rangers
1928–29Rangers
1929–30Rangers
1930–31Rangers
1931–32Motherwell
1932–33Rangers
1933–34Rangers
1934–35Rangers
1935–36Celtic
1936–37Rangers
1937–38Celtic
1938–39Rangers
1946–47Rangers
1947–48Hibernian
1948–49Rangers
1949–50Rangers
1950–51Hibernian
1951–52Hibernian
1952–53Rangers
1953–54Celtic
1954–55Aberdeen
1955–56Rangers
1956–57Rangers
1957–58Heart of Midlothian
1958–59Rangers
1959–60Heart of Midlothian
1960–61Rangers
1961–62Dundee
1962–63Rangers
1963–64Rangers
1964–65Kilmarnock
1965–66Celtic
1966–67Celtic
1967–68Celtic
1968–69Celtic
1969–70Celtic
1970–71Celtic
1971–72Celtic
1972–73Celtic
1973–74Celtic
1974–75Rangers
1975–76Rangers
1976–77Celtic
1977–78Rangers
1978–79Celtic
1979–80Aberdeen
1980–81Celtic
1981–82Celtic
1982–83Dundee United
1983–84Aberdeen
1984–85Aberdeen
1985–86Celtic
1986–87Rangers
1987–88Celtic
1988–89Rangers
1989–90Rangers
1990–91Rangers
1991–92Rangers
1992–93Rangers
1993–94Rangers
1994–95Rangers
1995–96Rangers
1996–97Rangers
1997–98Celtic
In the lower divisions, the SFL introduced greater competitive variety after the 1975 reorganization into three tiers, with no single club dominating as in the top flight, allowing for successes by smaller teams across the Second and Third Divisions. Clubs like achieved notable consistency in the second tier, winning seven titles across various eras of the division's structure. Queen's Park also secured multiple third-tier honors, reflecting the amateur club's resilience in professional leagues. The final SFL season in 2012–13 saw Partick Thistle claim the Division One title and Rangers, following their and demotion, win the Third Division. The table below lists winners of the SFL's second-level division (Division Two from 1893–94 to 1974–75, Division One from 1975–76 to 2012–13):
SeasonWinner
1893–94Hibernian
1894–95Hibernian
1895–96Abercorn
1896–97Partick Thistle
1897–98Kilmarnock
1898–99Kilmarnock
1899–00Partick Thistle
1900–01St Bernard's
1901–02Port Glasgow Athletic
1902–03Airdrieonians
1903–04Hamilton Academical
1904–05Clyde
1905–06Leith Athletic
1906–07St Bernard's
1907–08Raith Rovers
1908–09Abercorn
1909–10Leith Athletic & Raith Rovers (shared)
1910–11Dumbarton
1911–12Ayr United
1912–13Ayr United
1913–14Cowdenbeath
1914–15Cowdenbeath
1921–22Alloa Athletic
1922–23Queen's Park
1923–24St Johnstone
1924–25Dundee United
1925–26Dunfermline Athletic
1926–27Bo'ness
1927–28Ayr United
1928–29Dundee United
1929–30Leith Athletic
1930–31Third Lanark
1931–32East Stirlingshire
1932–33Hibernian
1933–34Albion Rovers
1934–35Third Lanark
1935–36Falkirk
1936–37Ayr United
1937–38Raith Rovers
1938–39Cowdenbeath
1946–47Dundee
1947–48East Fife
1948–49Raith Rovers
1949–50Morton
1950–51Queen of the South
1951–52Clyde
1952–53Stirling Albion
1953–54Motherwell
1954–55Airdrieonians
1955–56Queen's Park
1956–57Clyde
1957–58Stirling Albion
1958–59Ayr United
1959–60St Johnstone
1960–61Stirling Albion
1961–62Clyde
1962–63St Johnstone
1963–64Morton
1964–65Stirling Albion
1965–66Ayr United
1966–67Morton
1967–68St Mirren
1968–69Motherwell
1969–70Falkirk
1970–71Partick Thistle
1971–72Dumbarton
1972–73Clyde
1973–74Airdrieonians
1974–75Falkirk
1975–76Partick Thistle
1976–77St Mirren
1977–78Morton
1978–79Dundee
1979–80Heart of Midlothian
1980–81Hibernian
1981–82Motherwell
1982–83St Johnstone
1983–84Morton
1984–85Motherwell
1985–86Hamilton Academical
1986–87Morton
1987–88Hamilton Academical
1988–89Dunfermline Athletic
1989–90St Johnstone
1990–91Falkirk
1991–92Dundee
1992–93Raith Rovers
1993–94Falkirk
1994–95Raith Rovers
1995–96Dunfermline Athletic
1996–97St Johnstone
1997–98Dundee
1998–99Hibernian
1999–00St Mirren
2000–01Livingston
2001–02Partick Thistle
2002–03Falkirk
2003–04Inverness Caledonian Thistle
2004–05Falkirk
2005–06St Mirren
2006–07Gretna
2007–08Hamilton Academical
2008–09St Johnstone
2009–10Inverness Caledonian Thistle
2010–11Dunfermline Athletic
2011–12Ross County
2012–13Partick Thistle
The SFL's third-level competition evolved through formats including the short-lived Division Three (1924–26), the 'C' Division (1946–55, often featuring reserve teams), Division Two from 1975–76 to 1993–94, and the Second Division from 1994–95 to 2012–13, where promotion opportunities fostered diverse champions from regional clubs. Stirling Albion led with four titles in the modern era, while teams like Clyde and Brechin City each won three, highlighting the division's role in nurturing lower-tier talent. The table below lists all SFL third-level winners:
SeasonWinner(s)
1924–25Arthurlie
1925–26No champion
1946–47Stirling Albion
1947–48East Stirlingshire
1948–49Forfar Athletic
1949–50Clyde 'A' & Hibernian 'A' (shared)
1950–51Clyde 'A' & Hearts 'A' (shared)
1951–52Rangers 'A' & Dundee 'A' (shared)
1952–53Rangers 'A' & Aberdeen 'A' (shared)
1953–54Rangers 'A' & Brechin City (shared)
1954–55Partick Thistle 'A' & Aberdeen 'A' (shared)
1975–76Clydebank
1976–77Stirling Albion
1977–78Clyde
1978–79Berwick Rangers
1979–80Falkirk
1980–81Queen's Park
1981–82Clyde
1982–83Brechin City
1983–84Forfar Athletic
1984–85Montrose
1985–86Dunfermline Athletic
1986–87Meadowbank Thistle
1987–88Ayr United
1988–89Albion Rovers
1989–90Brechin City
1990–91Stirling Albion
1991–92Dumbarton
1992–93Clyde
1993–94Stranraer
1994–95Morton
1995–96Stenhousemuir
1996–97Stirling Albion
1997–98Alloa Athletic
1998–99Livingston
1999–00Clyde
2000–01Partick Thistle
2001–02Queen of the South
2002–03Raith Rovers
2003–04Airdrie United
2004–05Brechin City
2005–06Gretna
2006–07Greenock Morton
2007–08Ross County
2008–09Raith Rovers
2009–10Stirling Albion
2010–11Livingston
2011–12Cowdenbeath
2012–13Queen of the South

All-Time League Tables

The all-time league tables for the Scottish Football League compile the cumulative performance of clubs across its divisions from 1890 to 2013, encompassing over 120 years of competitive matches prior to the merger with the Scottish Premier League to form the Scottish Professional Football League. These aggregates track key metrics such as matches played, wins, draws, losses, goals for and against, and points accumulated, revealing patterns of dominance, longevity, and competitiveness among member clubs. Points reflect the historical awarding system—2 points per win from 1890–94 to 1994–95, transitioning to 3 points per win thereafter—resulting in unadjusted totals that prioritize factual records over normalized comparisons. Official compilations from historical archives ensure the integrity of these statistics, excluding non-competitive or wartime interruptions. Note that top clubs' stats include only SFL top division games until 1997–98, as the SPL operated separately from 1998–2013. The following table summarizes the top 10 clubs based on points in the all-time Scottish league table up to 2013 (sourced from comprehensive records; note: figures approximate SFL contributions for top clubs):
RankClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstPoints
1Rangers4,0582,6167826609,1373,9916,568
2Celtic4,0652,5307987378,9534,1126,442
3Heart of Midlothian4,0751,8479401,2887,1435,5514,971
4Hibernian4,0031,5989201,4856,5075,9114,423
53,9321,5979141,4216,2635,7404,394
63,7241,5849181,2225,9954,9144,390
74,0241,5598791,5866,5036,4354,283
8Morton3,9861,5308651,5916,5526,6064,244
9Partick Thistle4,0031,5039341,5666,1286,2924,218
103,9921,5169161,5606,1196,3264,217
This table draws from comprehensive records up to the 2012–13 season, highlighting the Old Firm's separation from the field while including contributions from clubs with extensive lower-division histories. Division-specific aggregates further illustrate club endurance; for instance, Airdrieonians (1878–2002) hold a record of over 50 seasons in the second tier from 1893 to and beyond, reflecting their frequent promotions and relegations. Other clubs, such as Queen of the South with 47 seasons in the second tier and Alloa Athletic with prolonged stays, demonstrate the competitive churn in mid-table divisions. These metrics, derived from membership logs and season-by-season tables, emphasize stability amid restructuring, including the expansion to three and four divisions in and 1994. Notable statistical highlights include peak attendances that captured the SFL's cultural significance, such as the 118,567 fans at Ibrox for Rangers versus Hearts on 2 January 1939—a league record—and multiple derbies exceeding 100,000, like the 117,000 at in 1938. These figures, verified through contemporary reports, peaked in the pre-war era before stadium safety regulations and television influenced crowds. Adjustments for incomplete seasons account for major disruptions, notably the SFL's suspension during (1939–40 to 1945–46), when regional leagues like the operated in lieu of national competition. All-time tables omit these years entirely, with no pro-rated points or simulated results, preserving the focus on full, official fixtures. Data sources, including the Scottish Football Historical Archive and official league annals, cross-reference newspaper archives and club records for precision up to the 2013 merger.

Legacy

Scottish Football League XI

The Scottish Football League XI was a representative side comprising leading players from SFL member clubs, formed in the early to compete in inter-league fixtures against equivalent teams from other nations. The inaugural match took place on 29 1893, when the SFL XI lost 3–2 to the Irish League XI at in . These fixtures provided an opportunity for league stars to showcase their talent beyond domestic competitions, often drawing large crowds and highlighting the competitive balance between British leagues. The SFL XI's most frequent opponents were the XI, with 75 matches played from 1892 to 1974, primarily on an annual basis during the mid-20th century. The overall record against was 19 wins, 14 draws, and 42 losses, with 117 goals scored and 180 conceded. Home games at venues like or Ibrox yielded a stronger return of 13 wins from 38 encounters, though away fixtures proved challenging, with only 6 victories in 37. The standout result was a 6–2 home win on 16 March 1901 at Ibrox, while the heaviest defeat came in a 0–5 loss at on 20 March 1974, contributing to the decline of these traditional rivalries. Matches against the Irish League XI formed another cornerstone of the SFL XI's schedule, spanning 62 games from 1893 to 1980, where the Scottish side dominated with 56 wins, 1 draw, and just 5 losses (229 goals for, 62 against). Annual fixtures were common from the 1950s through the 1980s, often alternating between home and away legs. Key results from this era included an 8–1 home victory at Ibrox on 7 1949 and a 7–1 away win at on 5 1956. In the , the SFL XI secured a 5–2 home win at Ibrox on 19 November 1969, a rare 1–1 draw at Fir Park on 1 November 1978, and a 4–2 away triumph at on 18 March 1980. These encounters underscored the SFL XI's superiority in the , with an approximate overall inter-league record of around 75 wins from over 130 documented fixtures across major opponents. The selection process typically involved choosing form players from across the SFL divisions, prioritizing those in contention for international honors but unavailable due to scheduling. Post-1998, following the creation of the , selections increasingly drew from lower-tier SFL clubs to maintain the representative tradition. The final major outing came in the 1990s, with a 1–0 victory over a national XI at on 18 August 1990 to mark the SFL's centenary, scored by from a penalty. Notable contributors included prolific forwards like , who netted multiple goals in inter-league games during the 1920s and 1930s.

Post-Merger Impact

Following the 2013 merger that formed the (SPFL), several traditions from the Scottish Football League (SFL) were retained and integrated into the new structure, ensuring continuity for lower-tier competitions. The , established by the SFL in 1990 to commemorate its centenary, persisted under SPFL governance as a key knockout tournament for clubs outside the top division, emphasizing inclusivity and opportunities for semi-professional teams. By the 2025–26 season, the competition—now rebranded the KDM Evolution Trophy under a new sponsorship—had expanded to include 10 Premiership B teams alongside representatives from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, broadening participation while honoring its SFL origins. This evolution reflects the SFL's historical focus on accessible cup football, with the tournament's format adapting to modern needs without losing its foundational role in nurturing talent across Scotland's leagues. The merger also accelerated the SFL's long-advocated integration of the Scottish football , a process that began in earnest for the 2014–15 season. Under the new SPFL framework, winners of the Highland and Lowland Leagues gained promotion play-off rights against the SPFL League Two bottom club, creating a structured pathway for non-league sides to ascend—a direct extension of SFL efforts to democratize access beyond the professional tiers. In the , this pyramid has seen further refinements, including SFA approval on 29 July 2025 for a restructured tier-five league starting in 2026–27, which replaces the Lowland League with two regional divisions (Lowland League East and Lowland League West) to accommodate growing interest from regional clubs and enhance local competition while maintaining fluidity between levels four and five. These developments address ongoing expansions and sustain competitive balance inherited from the SFL era. Financially, the SFL's pre-merger role in supporting lower leagues through limited pools—primarily from receipts and modest deals—evolved into a more robust system under the SPFL, with centralized providing greater stability. Post-merger agreements enabled fairer solidarity payments, drawing from enhanced TV rights and sponsorships, resulting in SPFL group turnover surpassing £50 million for the first time in the 2024–25 season at £50.4 million, of which approximately £42 million was distributed to clubs across all divisions. This uplift, representing a significant increase from the SFL's fragmented finances, has been instrumental in sustaining regional and lower-tier teams, allowing investments in facilities and youth development that might otherwise have been unfeasible. Culturally, the SFL's legacy endures through the SPFL's preservation of regional club identities and historic rivalries, particularly in the lower divisions where former SFL members continue to thrive. The 2025–26 League Two lineup, comprising teams like Annan Athletic, Clyde, , Elgin City, Forfar Athletic, Stirling Albion, and —all with deep SFL roots—upholds local derbies and community ties, such as the longstanding Clyde- rivalry along the Clyde River valley. These elements foster engagement and regional pride, ensuring that the SFL's emphasis on Scotland's diverse football heritage remains vibrant in the professional era.

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