Eddie Howe has become the first English manager to lift a major trophy in men's football since the year 2008.

The 47-year-old manager has paved Newcastle United’s way to a major domestic trophy, as the Magpies salvaged a deserved 2-1 victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final last night.

𝐂.𝐇.𝐀.𝐌.𝐏.𝐈.𝐎.𝐍.𝐒 🏆

Newcastle United lift a domestic title for the first time in 70 years!

They beat Liverpool FC to clinch the Carabao Cup 2024-25!

Congrats, Newcastle United!#NewcastleUnited #CarabaoCupFinal #CarabaoCup #LiverpoolFC pic.twitter.com/RUfDu2zNhj

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 16, 2025

The Newcastle United manager has touched the silverware to be only the first English manager to lift a major trophy in Men’s football since Harry Redknapp led Portsmouth to win the FA Cup in 2008.

Eddie Howe is the first Englishman to win a major domestic trophy in England since Harry Redknapp won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008. pic.twitter.com/wTJLF6fykH

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 16, 2025

After 17 years, the drought has finally been broken by Eddie, who expressed that he will “certainly won’t” forget this, stating the fact that Newcastle has won a major domestic trophy in 70 years.

With such a long wait for a trophy, this will be a day that I’m sure everyone will never forget,

In this article, we discuss the last English managers to lift each of the major honours available in men’s football, before Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup last night.

Harry Redknapp – FA Cup

Harry Redknapp was the last English manager to win one of the major domestic men's football titles when he led Portsmouth to FA Cup victory in 2008.

The team's triumph was secured by Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Cardiff City in the Final. 

🎥 "It was full of good players, that team, and it was a fantastic time" 🏆

🔟 years on from #Pompey's FA Cup win in 2008, manager that day Harry Redknapp recalls the Blues' fairytale run to the final, which culminated in a 1-0 win over Cardiff at Wembley Stadium ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8rJ0ZW58ha

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) May 17, 2018

Steve McClaren – League Cup

Steve McClaren led Middlesbrough to the first major trophy in the club’s history when they defeated Bolton Wanderers to win the 2004 EFL Cup, which was known as the Carling Cup at the time.

Joseph-Desire Job scored an early goal, and Bolo Zenden converted a penalty, putting Middlesbrough ahead 2-0 within the first seven minutes at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Although Kevin Davies managed to pull one back for the Sam Allardyce-coached Bolton side, the Teessiders held on to secure the victory.

Middlesbrough players celebrate with manager Steve McClaren after their victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup Final match between Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough at The Millennium Stadium (2004) pic.twitter.com/Q44rCDLUyd

— Great British Getty Images (@shitbritishpics) February 25, 2024

Howard Wilkinson – First Division

No English manager has won the Premier League title; however, Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson achieved this remarkable feat 13 times. The last English manager to lead a championship-winning team was Howard Wilkinson, who did so in the final season of the old First Division. 

Wilkinson’s Leeds United secured the title by defeating Sheffield United 3-2 on the penultimate weekend of the 1991-92 season. Meanwhile, Manchester United, managed by Ferguson at that time, lost 2-0 to Liverpool. Ultimately, Leeds topped the table, finishing four points ahead of Manchester United.

#ManagerMonday Howard Wilkinson

To coincide with the release of 1992 - The Birth of Modern Football by @rob_fletcher_

'Sgt Wilko' won the last 1st Division Championship with Leeds United in 1992 and is still the last Englishman to win the top flight league title in England pic.twitter.com/XLZVVL6YjC

— 80s&90sFootball ⚽ (@80s90sfootball) March 27, 2023

Sir Bobby Robson – Cup Winners’ Cup

Although domestic success has been limited for English managers, achieving glory in European competitions has been even more challenging.

The last major European triumph for an Englishman came under the guidance of the legendary Sir Bobby Robson, who led FC Barcelona to victory in the UEFA European Cup Winners' Cup in 1997. Ronaldo secured the win with a penalty, resulting in a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Sir Bobby Robson, Ronaldo and José Mourinho after winning the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1997. pic.twitter.com/XMGY24l9ff

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) March 9, 2023

Joe Fagan – European Cup

Although no manager has yet won the Champions League, Joe Fagan is the most recent winner of the tournament's predecessor, the European Cup in 1984.

Fagan succeeded Bob Paisley as the manager of Liverpool during the summer of 1983. He watched from the sidelines as Alan Kennedy scored the decisive penalty in a shootout victory against AS Roma in the Italian capital, marking Liverpool's fourth triumph in the European Cup in seven years.

#OnThisDay 4️⃣0️⃣ years ago...

Fagan's Reds beat Roma in their own backyard to confirm European Cup number 4 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/nRTCh3yAdg

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 30, 2024

Keith Burkinshaw – UEFA Cup

Manager Keith Burkinshaw secured the UEFA Cup, the predecessor of the Europa League, with Tottenham in the 1984 season.

Tottenham had drawn 1-1 against Anderlecht in the first leg in Brussels. In the return leg, captain Graham Roberts scored a late equalizer to end the match 2-2 after extra time.

The Spurs went on to win the trophy by securing a 4-3 victory in the shootout, as Goalkeeper Tony Parks saved a penalty from Anderlecht's Arnor Gudjohnsen.

PARKS SAVES! We’ve won the 1984 UEFA Cup! #TheLaneTheFinale
✅✅✅✅❌
❌✅✅✅❌ pic.twitter.com/acn3Acxmzk

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 11, 2017

The English Premier League, or the Premier League, has been the best football league in Europe for a long now. As per UEFA Club Coefficients, the Premier League is the best football league on the continent, with the best standard of football and competitiveness. 

The competitiveness not only makes it tough for teams to finish at the summit of the points table, but the battle for the UEFA Champions League spot also intensifies. This season, Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC, Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League from the Premier League. 

This is the first time six teams from any league have qualified for the Champions League. Not only that, there is also a chance that another team can qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on Chelsea's performance in the Conference League final this season. 

Read Also | Ranking all 33 UEFA Champions League finals

How do teams qualify for the Champions League from a league?

Till the 2022-23 season, every top-four team from the European Leagues used to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Along with the top four teams, the Europa League winners also qualified for the Champions League next season. 

But, from the 2024 season, along with the top four teams and Europa League/Conference League winners, leagues started getting an additional European Performance Spot. EPS is awarded to the league with strong UEFA coefficient performances, which the Premier League earned this season as well. 

Read Also | Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit

Premier League teams to qualify for the Champions League every season since 2016

2015-16

In the 2025-16 Champions League season, Chelsea qualified as the champions of the Premier League 2014-15. Manchester City and Arsenal qualified as the second and third finishers of the league. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United qualified for the Champions League play-off round as the UEFA Europa League 2014-15 winners.

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester City
3. Arsenal
4. Manchester United

2016-17

Leicester City surprised everyone to win the 2015-16 Premier League after a historic season. They entered the Champions League as the champions of England. Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City qualified as the second to fourth spot finishers. 

• Leicester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (3rd)
• Manchester City (4th)

2017-18

Chelsea qualified for the Champions League by winning the 2016-17 Premier League. Spurs, who were very close of a title, finished second to qualify for Europe. Manchester City and Liverpool qualified as the third and fourth place finishers. 

Meantime, Manchester United, who were sixth in the league qualified after winning the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League. 

• Chelsea (Champions, 1st)
• Tottenham Hotspur (2nd)
• Manchester City (3rd)
• Liverpool (4th)
• Manchester United (6th, qualified via Europa League win)

2018-19

Manchester City's domination in the Premier League started with winning the 2017-18 season, as they entered the Champions League 2018-19 as the champions of England. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool were the other teams to qualify for Champions League.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur played an all-England final where Liverpool defeated Spurs by 2-0 to win the title. 

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester United (2nd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (3rd)
• Liverpool (4th)

2019-20

After winning the Champions League, Liverpool finished second in the Premier League, just one point behind the champions, Manchester City. Chelsea and Spurs qualified as the third and fourth team from Premier League.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Liverpool (2nd)
• Chelsea (3rd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (4th)

2020-21

Liverpool finally broke City's Premier League domination as they lifted 2019-20 Premier League title with 18 points lead over Manchester City, who finished second. Manchester United and Chelsea were the other teams to qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester City and Chelsea played an all-English Champions League in 2021, where Chelsea won their second UCL title. 

• Liverpool (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester City (2nd)
• Manchester United (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)

2021-22

Manchester City again won the Premier League title to qualify for Europe, with Manchester United finishing second in the league. Liverpool and Chelsea were the other tequalified as the third and fourth teams from the Premier League. 

Liverpool lost the Champions League final against Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Manchester United (2nd)
• Liverpool (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)

2022-23

City defended the Premier League title in the 2021-22 season and entered the Champions League 2022-23, which they eventually won, beating Inter Milan in the final. 

Liverpool, who lost the Premier League race by just one point, qualified alongside Chelsea and Spurs.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Liverpool (2nd)
• Chelsea (3rd)
• Tottenham Hotspur (4th)

2023-24

City won their third consecutive Premier League title helped them earn the Champions League spot. Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League 2023-24. 

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Manchester United (3rd)
• Newcastle United (4th)

2024-25

Back-to-back four Premier League titles for City ensured them another go at the Champions League. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa were the other teams from Premier League to qualify for the new format Champions Legaue. 

Arsenal were the only team from the Premier League to play semi-final that season.

• Manchester City (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Liverpool (3rd)
• Aston Villa (4th)

Read Also | Most English Top Flight Titles: Liverpool equal with United

2025-26

A record six teams qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League season from the Premier League. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea qualified as the top four teams. The EPS allowed an added spot as Newcastle United qualified as the fifth team.

Spurs qualified as the Europa League 2024-25 winners. Chelsea can also become the seventh team to qualify from the Premier League, if they win the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on 28th May. 

• Liverpool (Champions, 1st)
• Arsenal (2nd)
• Manchester City (3rd)
• Chelsea (4th)
• Newcastle United (5th)
• Tottenham Hotspur (17th, qualified via Europa League win)

With their 20th top-flight title, Liverpool FC have now equalled Manchester United for the record of most English top flight titles. Through the eras of English football, Manchester United and Liverpool FC have made themselves one of the most successful clubs in the league's history. 

Founded in 1888, the English Football League started as the Football League, the oldest football league in the world. In 1892, the Football League First Division kicked off and continued till 1991 as the top flight football league in England.

Later, in 1992, the Premier League was created and replaced the Football League First Division as the top flight football league in England.

In this article, we will discuss all the teams with the most titles in England's top flight football. Till now, 24 clubs have been able to lift the top flight title.

10. Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City | 1 title

Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City have been crowned the champions of English football once. Sheffield United won the league in 1897–98, the tenth season of the Football League First Division. Since then, they have roamed between the first division and second division leagues. 

West Bromwich Albion won the league in 1919–20, right after the First World War. Ipswich Town won the competition in 1961–62, while Nottingham Forest won in 1977–78. 

Leicester City are the only team to win the league in the Premier League when they lifted the Premier League in a miraculous 2015–16 season. 

9. Preston North End, Burnley, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County | 2 titles

Preston North End, the first ever champion of the Football League, won the title in back-to-back seasons. This made them the first ever team to win a football league and also defend it. They won the league in the 1888–89 and 1889–90 seasons. Preston now plays in the EFL Championship. 

Burnley, who recently got promoted to the Premier League this season, won the league twice in the 1920–21 and 1959–60 seasons. Portsmouth won the title first time in the 1948-49 season and then defended the crown in the next season as well. 

Spurs, one of the big six of English football, won the league in the 1950–51, 1960–61 seasons. Since then, they have not been able to win the league again. Derby County won the title in the 1971–72 and 1974–75 seasons.

8. Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Wolves, Leeds United | 3 titles

Blackburn Rovers, one of the founding members of the Football League, won the league twice in the 1911–12 and 1913–14 seasons. Then, they were crowned the Premier League champions in 1994–95, when Alan Shearer brought them to glory with 34 goals. But in the next season, they were relegated to the second division. 

Huddersfield Town were one of the stronger teams in English football, winning the First Division in three back-to-back seasons in 1923–24, 1924–25 and 1925–26. But, after many promotions and relegations, they now play in the third division in England.

Wolves, who are now competing in the Premier League, won the first-division title in the 1953–54, 1957–58, and 1958–59 seasons. 

Leeds United, who also won promotion to the Premier League, won the first division in 1968–69, 1973–74, and 1991–92 seasons. They were the last champions of the Football League First Division before the Premier League took over.

Read Also | Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news

7. Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United | 4 titles

Sheffield Wednesday, the second-oldest professional association football club in England, have won the league four times and are one of the most successful clubs in English football. They won the league in the 1902–03, 1903–04, 1928–29, and 1929–30 seasons. 

Newcastle United, one of the biggest names in English football, have spent 93 years in the top tier of English football. They and Sheffield Wednesday won the league in back-to-back seasons. Newcastle won in 1904–05, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1926–27.

6. Sunderland, Chelsea FC | 6 titles

Newcastle United's arch-rival, Sunderland, are one of the most underrated teams in tournament history. They were also the first winners of the Football League First Division in the 1892 season. Nicknamed Black Cats, they won the First Division titles in 1891–92, 1892–93, 1894–95, 1901–02, 1912–13, 1935–36.

Chelsea, one of the most prominent names in European football. Before the Premier League era started, Chelsea had only won the First Division league once in the 1954–55 season. But, after Roman Abramovich's takeover, Chelsea evolved as one of the strongest teams in the Premeier League. 

In the Premier League era, they won the title in 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, and 2016–17. 

Read Also | Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains

5. Aston Villa | 7 titles

Although they have not won the league title in the Premier League era, Aston Villa are still one of the most successful clubs in England's top-tier football. In fact, it was  William McGregor, the Aston Villa director, who founded the Football League in 1888, which was the World's First Football League as mentioned earlier.

Not only that, George Ramsay, who was Villa manager in 1886, was the world's first professional football manager.

With 7 titles in 1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99, 1899–1900, 1909–10, and 1980–81, they still remain one of the oldest clubs to remain in the top-flight football. 

4. Everton | 9 titles

Another club with great history and culture that lost the battle in modern football. Although Everton have stayed in the First Division of Football for more than 122 years now, is one of the three clubs to be a founding member of the Football League and Premier League.

Everton won the First Division titles in 1890–91, 1914–15, 1927–28, 1931–32, 1938–39, 1962–63, 1969–70, 1984–85, and 1986–87 seasons. This makes them the club with the fourth most English Top Flight titles.

3. Manchester City |  10 titles

Manchester City are the second most successful football club in the Premier League era. They have revolutionised modern football after Pep Guardiola took over the manager's role in 2016. 

Since then, they have won 6 Premier League titles, out of which four came in consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2024, which is a record in English top flight football. Before Pep Guardiola, it was Roberto Mancini, who led them to Premier League success in the 2011-12 season, the club's first league title in 45 years. 

Till now, Manchester City have won 10 titles in top-flight English football. Their success came in 1936–37, 1967–68, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24.

Read Also | Most Premier League Titles till 2025

2. Arsenal | 13 titles

One of the most loved and historical clubs in England, Arsenal, comes in the list as the third club with the most English top-flight titles. They were the second most successful club in the top flight before Manchester United went past them in the Premier League era.

From 1931 to 1938, they won the First Division League five times in 8 seasons, which made them one of the most loved and feared clubs in England. In the Premier League era, they won the league three times in 1997–98, 2001–02, and 2003–04.

In the 2003-04 season, they won the Premier League without losing a single game, which is still a record in England's top-flight football. 

Arsenal were crowned the champions of England in 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1970–71, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04. 

Read Also | The Invincibles: 8 times a football team won their league undefeated

1. Manchester United, Liverpool FC | 20 titles

After Liverpool FC's success in the Premier League 2024-25, they have now equalled Manchester United's record for most English Top Flight titles with 20 titles. 

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are among the most popular football teams in World football. Liverpool were ahead of Manchester United in terms of top-flight titles, but Manchester United's resurgence under Sir Alex Ferguson left them behind. 

In the Premier League era, Manchester United won the most titles. Their 13 Premier League titles are yet to be matched by any club, although they won the league title last time in the 2012-13 season. 

Meantime, in the Premier League era, Liverpool have only won the league title twice, in the 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons. 

Manchester United have won the league in 1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13.

Meantime, Liverpool FC won the league in 1900–01, 1905–06, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1946–47, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83,1983–84, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1989–90, 2019–20, 2024–25.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid after his contract expires at the end of the season.

There have been a few massive Bosman moves over the years, and Alexander-Arnold would be the biggest ever to leave a Premier League club. Also, If he actually pens down to a move to Los Blancos, he would definitely replace an old teammate as the biggest in the Reds' Premier League record.

In this article, we explore the biggest free transfer exits for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Read Also | Trent to Real Madrid: Is it a done deal? Or is It just another rumor spreading?

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey

Following eight long years at the North London club, Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2019 to sign for Juventus.

Ramsey's departure was disappointing but no one could question him; the wages Juventus offered him were astronomical.

Aston Villa: Thomas Hitzlsperger

Thomas Hitzlsperger, renowned as 'Der Hammer', departed Aston Villa to change sides with VfB Stuttgart in July 2005 on a free transfer.

However, he returned to England five years later, signing with West Ham United in July 2010 and spending most of 2012/13 at Everton.

Bournemouth: Jefferson Lerma

Even though Lerma's exit was hardly convenient for Bournemouth in the build-up to returning to the top flight, it was a huge loss for them.

He was a key figure in the Cherries' midfield and has proved to be an inspirational free transfer recruit for Crystal Palace in July 2023.

Brentford: Christian Eriksen

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield maestro was forced out of Serie A following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and Brentford gave him a return to the Premier League, which was absolutely ideal in all respects.

Though he was desperate to retain him beyond the six-month deal he signed in January 2022, Brentford were unable to persuade Eriksen to put pen to paper, and the midfielder joined Manchester United.

Brighton: Jose Izquierdo

Jose Izquierdo departed Brighton to join Club Brugge in the Summer of 2021 on a free transfer.

The Colombian winger's stay in Belgium, however, was brief, as he retired in 2022 soon after being released by Brugge.

Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger

Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Willian, Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, N'Golo Kante, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko… Chelsea have a long list in this context to choose from.

Missing out on a top Antonio Rudiger would have hurt, though. The German centre-back was at Stamford Bridge for five years before he was roped in by Real Madrid in the Summer of 2022.

Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha

Zaha is undoubtedly Palace's all-time best player. He departed when his deal ran out in the summer of 2023, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bold switch for Champions League action.

After years of transfer rumors that had him joining Arsenal, Zaha failed to sparkle in Turkey and was sent out on loan to French club Lyon after one season. That did not quite work out either, and he is now playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS.

Everton: Wayne Rooney

Not the first time, as that was for a transfer fee, but the second time, Wayne Rooney departed Everton is likely their biggest Bosman loss of the Premier League era.

Rooney netted a staggering ten goals in 30 league games in 2017/18. His departure from Goodison Park was not only felt, but his arrival in America to play for D.C. United was shocking as well.

Fulham: Tosin Adarabioyo

Fulham messed up by allowing Moussa Dembele to move to Celtic, but that is a regret rather than a huge transfer. Tosin Adarabioyo departed the Cottagers for London rivals Chelsea in the summer of last year, during his peak years.

Ipswich: Sylvain Legwinski

Sylvain Legwinski, a former French midfielder, left Ipswich Town following the 2007/08 season and did not join a club until April of the following year before having a couple of months at St. Neots Town. 

Leicester City: Youri Tielemans

Caglar Soyuncu was a tragic loss, but nothing is close to Tielemans' departure at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Belgian departed a club legend, having left with his FA Cup final goal in 2021. He was reportedly linked to Arsenal for ages before ending up with Aston Villa. Having had a struggling first year with Unai Emery, Tielemans is once again one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.

Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool lost Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2021 summer transfer window that also saw the signings of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos. It is little wonder that Wijnaldum's signing was overshadowed.

Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan

Alongside Erling Haaland and KDB, Gundogan was likely City's most crucial player in their Treble-winning 2022/23 season, with his final task as City captain being to hold aloft the Champions League trophy.

But after a year at his dream destination, Barcelona, the German midfielder renewed his connection to City, signing for the club in 2024.

Manchester United: Paul Pogba

Pogba's experience at Manchester United was marred by debate. On His Day, he was a world beater. For the Red Devils' misfortune, he was quite literally only ever On His Day for France.

The best part of it all is that Man United let Pogba join Juventus for nothing in 2012, re-signed him for a world-record £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.

Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez

Gutierrez's departure in 2015 was typical of what Newcastle were like under Mike Ashley's ownership.

The Argentine preserved the Magpies in the Premier League after returning to the squad after suffering from cancer and wound up being let go over the telephone by John Carver.

Nottingham Forest: Stuart Pearce

Following being at the club for 12 years, Pearce left on a Bosman move in 1997.

It was a miserable last season for Pearce, who took caretaker player-manager duties after Frank Clark's resignation. The job eventually shared with Dave Bassett, Forest slipped and a 35-year-old Pearce desired to be released, whereupon he became Newcastle United. 

Southampton: Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong departed from Southampton on a free transfer in September 2024 and signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

His contract at Southampton had run out at an earlier stage that summer. He was then signed as a Designated Player by the Whitecaps.

Tottenham Hotspur: Sol Campbell

The greatest free transfer in Premier League history. The 'Big Sol' called an unexpected press conference, revealing his incredible transfer from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001, leaving everyone in sheer shock.

Campbell had already informed fans that he was remaining but rejected the opportunity to become the Spurs' best-paid player to achieve his ambition of playing in the Champions League. There was nothing to suggest Arsenal were even in the running for his signature, but stunned reporters watched the sensational and iconic unveiling.

Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend and an integral part of the Arsenal Invicibles.

West Ham: Ben Johnson

West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.

Wolves: Adama Traore

The Adama's future was the subject for ages' worth of talk. Spurs were in the running for a while, and most expected a switch to a big club when his Wolves deal ran out in 2023. Unfortunately, he signed for Fulham.

Wolves might have received a reasonable price for the Spanish midfielder but were unfortunate to lose him on a free transfer.

Newcastle United has won their first domestic silverware in 70 years after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final at the Wembley Stadium. Newcastle United arrived at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final determined to end football's longest-ever trophy droughts, with no success in any competition since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fair Cup triumph.

From the start of the game, Eddie Howe's managed side was superior to Liverpool. The deadlock was broken just before half-time by Dan Burn. Liverpool was beyond poor in the first half. Alexander Isak doubled Newcastle's lead after a minute before his goal ruled out. 

Federico Chiesa scored a consolation goal in the dying minutes. But Newcastle's defense held on to secure an emotional victory. Here are the 10 records created by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup 2025 triumph.

GOOD MORNING! 😍 pic.twitter.com/pCqxLC3Sfl

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 17, 2025

10 records created by Newcastle United:

WE ARE NEWCASTLE UNITED

CARABAO CUP WINNERS#wedontdoquiet pic.twitter.com/83eJqEr3gb

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025

Record 1:

Newcastle United's starting XI contained five different players aged 30 or older, with the average age of the side 29 years 13 days, the oldest by a side in a cup final since Manchester City in 2018.

Record 2:

Dan Burn became the first Newcastle player to score a goal in a major domestic League Cup final since Alana Gowling netted against Manchester City in the 1976 League Cup final.

Record 3:

Dan Burn (32years) is the third oldest Englishmen to score in a League Cup final, after Stoke City's Geroge Eastham in 1972 (35years) and John Terry for Chelsea in 2015 (34years)

Record 4:

Dan Burn was also the first Newcastle Player to score a competitive goal at Wembley Stadium since Rob Lee in April 2000.

Record 5:

Liverpool did not attempt a single touch of the ball in the Newcastle box or a shot in the League Cup final until three minutes into the first half added time.

Record 6:

Jacob Murphy has assisted Alexander Isak eight times for Newcastle this season; the most by any Premier League player for teammates across all competitions.

Record 7:

They have become the 24th different winners of the Carabao Cup since the tournament's inception in 1960.

Record 8:

Newcastle United has won their first piece of domestic silverware since 1955. It will be a night to remember.

Record 9:

Alexander Isak celebrated his 100th Newcastle appearance with the 58th goal for the club. Without any question, the goal was the decider.

Record 10:

Newcastle United has secured European football next season, as they secured UEFA Conference League by winning the Carabao Cup.

Carabao Cup, formerly known as the EFL Cup, is a 92-team knock-out tournament organised by the English Football League (EFL). Teams from Premier League, and three divisions of the English Football League compete in this tournament.

Although the prize value of the EFL Cup is not that significant compared to tournaments like FA Cup and other, EFL Cup has had it's reputation among football fans since 1961. Here are all the previous winners of the Carabao Cup since the beginning.

Who were the first-ever winners of the Carabao Cup?

Aston Villa were the first-ever champions of the Carabao Cup or the EFL Cup in 1961. They defeated Rotherham United by a 3-2 aggregate after a two-leged final after being down by 0-2 in the first leg. Alan O'Neill, Harry Burrows and Peter McParland were the scorers for Aston Villa.

For the first six seasons, the EFL Cup finals were played in two legs.

Who are the current winners of the Carabao Cup?

Newcastle United defeated defending champions Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium to win their maiden EFL Cup or Carabao Cup title. They defeated Liverpool by 2-1 to clinch their first-ever domestic title since 1955 FA Cup triumph.

Alexander Isak and Dan Burn scored the goals for them.

𝐂.𝐇.𝐀.𝐌.𝐏.𝐈.𝐎.𝐍.𝐒 🏆

Newcastle United lift a domestic title for the first time in 70 years!

They beat Liverpool FC to clinch the Carabao Cup 2024-25!

Congrats, Newcastle United!#NewcastleUnited #CarabaoCupFinal #CarabaoCup #LiverpoolFC pic.twitter.com/RUfDu2zNhj

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 16, 2025

Also Read: Most Goals in the Premier League for a single club

Which is the most successful team in Carabao Cup history?

Liverpool with 10 EFL trophies, are the most successful team in Carabao Cup history. They won the trophy in 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2011-12, 2021-22, and 2023-24 seasons.

Most successful teams in Carabao Cup/ EFL Cup history

Most Carabao Cup wins as a player

Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho are the most successful players with three Carabao Cup titles in 2014, 2016, 2018-2021 with Manchester City.

All the past winners of the Carabao Cup/ EFL Cup since 1961