It is generally accepted that Henry Norris, who was chairman of Arsenal at the time, was the man who influenced the FA to promote us ahead of Wolves and Barnsley (and also ahead of Spurs, who were relegated from the First Division that season).

No-one really knows what happened, but it is important to note that these particular promotions were not done on table positions – the First Division was expanding from 20 to 22 teams, which meant (in addition to the two up two down system that promoted Derby and Preston), two further clubs would be rewarded.

Chelsea (who came second bottom of the First) and Arsenal were picked, and the official line was that both clubs had richer histories and had contributed more to the game. I’m not going to debate whether that’s true or not.

Were it done on merit, I suppose one less relegation would’ve happened, plus one more promotion, so Chelsea and Barnsley would be in the First (not Wolves, in any case). But this was an election, not a promotion, so table positions were not the be all and end all. It is similar to whenever the Scottish leagues expand – there is an election there.

Of course, it is highly likely that Norris bribed certain people to vote for Arsenal, as we did comfortably win the election. If I remember my history correctly, Norris was later convicted of financial irregularities regarding something else, so it wouldn’t surprise me.

One thing to note – that isn’t the 1919 table – that’s the table from the last league played before the war (1914-5). We were elected after the war, five years later (one of the reasons they didn’t purely use results from so long before).

Here’s a suggestion – instead of coming on here and getting unnecessarily aggressive, why don’t you enjoy that fact that your side are back in the top flight, playing decent football, and were the better team for half an hour of our game.

Surely, that would be a more productive and positive use of your time?

I always want the newly promoted sides to succeed, and would love Wolves to have a decent season, but fans like you make me question that.

good luck to wolves, they had a good go at it when most other teams are too scared to attack. but john you certainly aren’t representing wolves in a way that makes you look like anything other than an idiot.

This is the 1919 season. It was contested by 20 teams, and Derby County won the championship.

[change] League Standings
Pos Club P W D L GF GA Pts Note
1 Derby County 38 23 7 8 71 33 53 Promoted
2 Preston North End 38 20 10 8 61 42 50 Promoted
3 Barnsley 38 22 3 13 51 51 47
4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 38 19 7 12 77 52 45
5 Arsenal 38 19 5 14 69 41 43 Promoted