The best points tally in the history of the championship

The race from the championship to the Premier League has always been eye-catching viewing, and the same goes for the 2024/25 season, with Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United all competing for the top two automatic spots.

The Whites and Clarett ultimately managed to make it in the regular season thanks to both clubs reaching the 100-point mark. But who is the best championship team in recent history?

In this list, we’ll look at teams tallying the best second tier points as they were awarded three points in their 1981/82 victory.

12

Portsmouth (2002/03)

98 points (GD +52)

Harry Redknap took Portsmouth into the Premier League in 2002/03, winning 29 out of 46 games. In fact, they lost only one of their first 15 games, slightly shy of 100 league goals, piping Leicester City for the title.

Svetoslav Todorov was Pompeii’s top scorer with 26 goals in all competitions with his team, including Paul Merson, Yakubu and Eddie Howe.

11

Wolverhampton Wanderers (2017/18)

99 points (GD +43)

More recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers have raided the championship with a team that includes famous players under Nuno Espirito Santo. Things like Reuben Neves and Diogo Jota brought Portuguese talent to Molinaw, but Conor Cody, Matt Doherty and Barry Douglas were regulars behind John Raddy with goals.

The Wolves broke through the table from their 15th game to the conclusion of the season, earning 30 wins and competed in European football in their first season in the Premier League.

10

Chelsea (1988/89)

99 points (GD +46)

Another aspect of just missing out on the three-man figure was Chelsea’s road under Bobby Campbell in 1988/89, but would have hit that milestone without such a late start.

However, the Blues ultimately lost just five floor games throughout the season, boasting a team with star forward Kelly Dixon, who scored 25 league goals. The biggest victory of the memorable campaign at Stamford Bridge was a 7-0 victory over Walsall.

9

Manchester City (2001/02)

99 points (GD +56)

The third final team, who just missed 100 points, was Manchester City under Kevin Keegan. The Sky Blues lost just once at home, scoring an incredible 108 goals throughout the campaign. Sean Goter and Darren Hackerby both went over 20.

The city would have had more points if it weren’t inconsistent shape on the road, and Keegan’s side would not have scored the largest points on 11 of the 23 away fixtures.

8

Burnley (2024/25)

100 points (GD +53)

Burnley ran a back-to-back championship campaign with triple figures, with Scott Parker taking over from Vincent Compony in 2024/25, and the former Claret boss heading out to Bayern Munich.

Despite finishing second due to goal differences, Burnley only lost twice and only admitted 16 goals throughout the season, breaking his previous championship record of 30.

If they scored more frequently, they could have got the league sewn together for themselves – the Lancashire side had 12 goalless draws throughout the campaign.

7

Leeds United (2024/25)

100 points (GD +65)

Leeds United played off the ultimate disappointment behind them by returning to the second Premier League, asking for the second time under Daniel Fark, to record the best championship season ever.

The whites were beat only four times, earning the final six in a spin and gaining the edge towards Burnley in the Silverware Battle.

In fact, Leeds could have tallied more impressive points. Because shocking goalkeeping threatened to completely derail their hopes of promotion.

6

Burnley (2022/23)

101 points (GD +52)

Vincent Company made an immediate impact as UK manager after taking over to Burnley in 2022 following his relegation.

The former Manchester City defender, who joined from Anderlecht, changed the team with many new signatures that helped him take over Claretto to the title before Sheffield United.

Burnley lost just three games with 46, sealing off the promotion and remaining a championship record with seven games remaining. They then secured the title with a 1-0 victory over rival Blackburn Rovers. Nathan Terra, Manuel Benson and Jay Rodriguez all scored over 10 goals.

5

Fulham (2000/01)

101 points (GD +58)

Fulham also finished with 101 points at the start of the millennium under Jantigana. After not conceding goals in the preseason, things looked promising in the summer, and the cottages began with the intention of them moving forward, winning their first 11 league matches.

The promotion was sealed by Christmas when he cleared 10 points at the top despite more defeats later in the campaign, and comfortably won the title with teams that include Steve Finan, Chris Coleman and Louis Sacha.

4

Leicester City (2013/14)

102 points (GD +40)

Leicester City broke many club records under Nigel Pearson 10 years ago, this time under threat from Maresca’s side.

Fox won 31 games, beating Burnley to the title, losing only one of their final 26 games. Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy all played roles in the second tier after winning the Premier League title under Claudio Ranieri two years later.

3

Newcastle United (2009/10)

102 points (GD +55)

Newcastle United also finished with 102 points, winning the title under Chris Hughton four years ago.

Magpies lost just once from the end of October until the end of the campaign, winning the title at Plymouth Argyle. Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll both scored 17 championship goals that year, with Peter Ravenklans and Shora Ameobi also batting double digits.