Chelsea FC’s 110th Anniversary: A Brief History Part One

Between The Wars

Credit: CFCUnofficial https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfcunofficial/15890793373/

In the years between the 2 world wars, Chelsea FC achieved its highest position in the First Division, finishing 3rd place in 1919-20 season, but was relegated in the 1923-24 season and remained there for 5 years before regaining promotion in 1929-30 season, where they remained for the next 32 years. The club continued its tradition of making expensive signings (Hughie Gallacher, Alex Jackson, Tommy Law, Sam Weaver etc) but were unable to match the massive spending with success on the pitch.

Calderwood stepped down for Leslie Knighton in 1933 (with little change in the club’s fortunes), who later stepped down for Billy Birell in 1939. The club’s status as one of the most supported British team remained as it continued to attract massive crowds to its games… the crowd of 82,905 that witnessed the club’s league game against Arsenal at the Bridge on 12 October 1935 remains a club attendance record and the second highest ever attendance in a league game till date.

It was also the first English club to attend an international club competition when it competed in the “Arts et Techniques dans la Vie moderne” tournament held in Paris in 1937, eventually finishing as runners-up to Bologna FC.

Next: Post-World War II