The League Cup: A Brief History
The League Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, has a rich history dating back to 1960. The tournament was initially created by the Football Association and the Football League to raise funds for football clubs during the 1959-60 season. Over the years, the competition has undergone several changes, including a name change from the Milk Cup to the Coca-Cola Cup in 1984.
Evolution of the Competition
The League Cup was first contested by teams from the top two divisions of English football. However, with the introduction of the Premier League and the creation of the Football League Championship, the competition has expanded to include teams from all divisions below the top flight.
- In 1967, the competition was opened up to include teams from the old Third Division.
- 1978 saw the inclusion of teams from the Fourth Division (now known as League Two).
The changes have resulted in a more inclusive and competitive tournament. The competition is now contested by over 90 teams, including those from the Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two.
Trophy Winners
Since its inception, the League Cup has been won by some of England's most iconic clubs.
Manchester United holds the record for the most wins with eight