{"match":{"id":772951,"date":"2025-09-24T18:45:00.000Z","status":"fixture","winner":null,"score_a":0,"score_b":0,"venue_type":"home_away","final_period":"soc_p2s","createdAt":"2025-09-03T10:31:19.648Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-03T15:01:28.302Z","gameweek":0,"attendance":0,"display_name":"2025-09-24 18:45:00 Newcastle United FC vs Bradford City AFC","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-09-24-18-45-00-newcastle-united-fc-vs-bradford-city-afc","overview":null,"leg":null,"result_info":null,"interesting_facts_team_a":null,"interesting_facts_team_b":null,"match_summary":null,"key_quotes":null,"match_statistics":null,"match_timeline":null,"league_standings":null,"head_to_head_analysis":null,"link_buy_ticket":null,"position":null,"stb_internal_id":"01990f21-8537-7bfb-9086-7a0c39680cc4","overrides":null,"broadcast_link":null,"after_broadcast_link":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"has_odds":null,"has_h2h":true,"has_overview":null,"has_statistics":false,"has_lineups":false,"has_predictions":null,"interesting_facts_team_a_html":null,"interesting_facts_team_b_html":null,"match_summary_html":null,"key_quotes_html":null,"match_statistics_html":null,"match_timeline_html":null,"league_standings_html":null,"head_to_head_analysis_html":null,"team_a":{"id":49643,"name":"Newcastle United FC","short_name":"Newcastle","tla_name":"NEW","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Newcastle United Football Club ","founded":1881,"colors":"Black,White","nicknames":"The Magpies,The Toon,Geordies","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:09.360Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T11:07:31.383Z","website":"http://www.nufc.co.uk","address":"Sports Direct Arena","address_city":"Newcastle upon Tyne","address_zip":"NE1 4ST","locale":"en","stb_id":"newcastle-united-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## What you need to know about Newcastle football team\n\n**Newcastle United** is not just a football club, but **part of the life of the north of England**. It appeared in **1892** in the city of **Newcastle-upon-Tyne** and has since become a **symbol of the region** where football is more than a game.\n\nThe team is often called **\"magpies\"** - because of the **black and white uniform**. The club has a **rich history**: **four championships, three FA Cups**, and also **a huge army of fans**, for whom this team is like a family.\n\n> \"Even in trophyless years, Newcastle retain a recognizable style, character and a frenetic stadium where every match is an explosion of emotion.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"\nThe beginning of **Newcastle** is connected with the **unification of two local clubs** — **East End and West End**. It was a classic story of a city looking for **one team** that everyone could root for. In **1892** it appeared — and immediately became **a part of local culture**.\n\n**At the beginning of the 20th century** **Newcastle** was very strong: the team won the **Championship of England in 1905, 1907 and 1909**. Then it was a **machine** — attacking, fast, aggressive.\n\n**After the Second World War** came new victories — the **FA Cups of 1951, 1952 and 1955** were especially memorable. In those years, **Newcastle** became famous not only for its trophies, but also for its **style of play** — **spectacular and open**.\n\n**But later the successes** came to naught. In the **70-80s**, the club struggled for survival, often changing coaches.\n\n> \"But things exploded in the 90s. Kevin Keegan built a brilliant team that almost won the championship in 1996.\"\n\n**Only a few points left.** That's when **Alan Shearer** joined the club, the goalscorer who said no to **Manchester United** and chose **hometown**.\n\n**In the 2000s** **Newcastle** played erratically, was relegated, returned. **Change came in 2021** when the club was bought by **new owners from Saudi Arabia**. With money and new ambitions, the team once again became **a threat to any opponent**.\n\n**Return to the Champions League**, **League Cup final** — and all this in less than two years. This is a **new chapter** that is just beginning.\n","club_identity":"## Newcastle Stadium: where they play\n\n**St James Park** is the **heart of Newcastle**. The stadium, which **rises above the city**, became part of its silhouette. It can be seen from different areas, and it literally stands in the **center of life**.\n\n**Built** at the end of the **XIX century**, it now holds more than **52 thousand spectators**. But it's not the number that's important — it's how **those stands** sound. It's not just a buzz, it's a **buzz** that keeps the team running even with their last breath.\n\n> \"The atmosphere at St. James Park is unique. You don't need shows or pyrotechnics. When the fans start singing, when the wave goes through the stadium, that's the real energy of football.\"\n\n**It is particularly interesting** that this stadium is one of the **few in England** that has remained in the **very center of the city**, almost unchanged since its founding.\n\n## Newcastle achievements\n\n* **Newcastle** won the **England championship four times** — in **1905, 1907, 1909 and 1927**. It was the **golden generation** that made the club formidable.\n\n* The **FA Cup** was lifted by the team **three times** — in **1910, 1951 and 1955**.\n\n* There is another victory that not everyone knows about: in **1969**, **Newcastle** won the **Fairs Cup**, which was later transformed into the **UEFA Cup**.\n\n* In the **21st century** there were no trophies, but the club **played twice in the finals** of national cups — and each time the fans did not disappear, but on the contrary, became **even closer**.\n\n> \"Newcastle are among the favorites again today. Everyone is waiting for another big title.\"\n\n**And considering** how quickly the team changes, this is no longer a fantasy, but a **real scenario** for the upcoming season.\n","current_status_and_future":"## Newcastle famous players: are there legends\n\n**Alan Shearer** is **Newcastle's top name**. He is a **local boy** who became a hero. His **206 goals** is a **club record**. His style — **straightforwardness, impact, presence in the box** — became a standard for attackers. But besides him, there were many bright players.\n\n* **Peter Beardsley** is technical and clever, creating moments that audiences **remember for decades**.\n\n* **David Batty** is a tough defender, **a true warrior**.\n\n**In new times** the team is led forward by such as **Bruno Guimarães, Callum Wilson, Trippier**. Each of them has already become a **part of a new story**.\n\n> \"And in general, Newcastle have always had players who did not play for the salary, but for the chevron on the chest.\"\n\n## Newcastle interesting facts\n\n**Newcastle fans** is a separate topic. **They don't cheat.** A team can be relegated, lose a run of ten matches - but **St James Park** will still be full. Even in the cold, fans stand in **T-shirts**, sometimes **without clothes on the upper part of the body**.\n\n> \"It's not madness, it's a show of love for the club.\"\n\n* **One of Newcastle's records** is **consistent home support**. Even in the **Championship** the stadium was filled almost to capacity.\n\n* **It is also interesting** that **the color of the uniform** — **black and white** — appeared as early as **1894** and still has not changed.\n\n* And the **club anthem** - **\"Blaydon Races\"** - sounds as if it is not sung by the tribune, but by the **city**.\n\n> \"Newcastle is a club where traditions are respected, where fans live football, and every match is a celebration for the whole city.\"\n\n**It's worth noting** that **Newcastle United** is undergoing a **genuine renaissance**, combining **rich traditions** with new ambitions and resources. Will the team be able to return to the **glory of the early 20th century**? One thing is certain - the **spirit of St. James Park** and the **loyalty of the Toons** (as the fans call themselves) make **Newcastle** a special place where **football remains a religion** and the club is **a part of the soul of every city dweller**.\n","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-927c-7b47-8969-0ec66f6eb1b4","overrides":{"name":"Newcastle United FC"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

What you need to know about Newcastle football team

Newcastle United is not just a football club, but part of the life of the north of England. It appeared in 1892 in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and has since become a symbol of the region where football is more than a game.

The team is often called \"magpies\" - because of the black and white uniform. The club has a rich history: four championships, three FA Cups, and also a huge army of fans, for whom this team is like a family.

\n
\"Even in trophyless years, Newcastle retain a recognizable style, character and a frenetic stadium where every match is an explosion of emotion.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

The beginning of Newcastle is connected with the unification of two local clubs — East End and West End. It was a classic story of a city looking for one team that everyone could root for. In 1892 it appeared — and immediately became a part of local culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century Newcastle was very strong: the team won the Championship of England in 1905, 1907 and 1909. Then it was a machine — attacking, fast, aggressive.

After the Second World War came new victories — the FA Cups of 1951, 1952 and 1955 were especially memorable. In those years, Newcastle became famous not only for its trophies, but also for its style of play — spectacular and open.

But later the successes came to naught. In the 70-80s, the club struggled for survival, often changing coaches.

\n
\"But things exploded in the 90s. Kevin Keegan built a brilliant team that almost won the championship in 1996.\"
\n

Only a few points left. That's when Alan Shearer joined the club, the goalscorer who said no to Manchester United and chose hometown.

In the 2000s Newcastle played erratically, was relegated, returned. Change came in 2021 when the club was bought by new owners from Saudi Arabia. With money and new ambitions, the team once again became a threat to any opponent.

Return to the Champions League, League Cup final — and all this in less than two years. This is a new chapter that is just beginning.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Newcastle Stadium: where they play

St James Park is the heart of Newcastle. The stadium, which rises above the city, became part of its silhouette. It can be seen from different areas, and it literally stands in the center of life.

Built at the end of the XIX century, it now holds more than 52 thousand spectators. But it's not the number that's important — it's how those stands sound. It's not just a buzz, it's a buzz that keeps the team running even with their last breath.

\n
\"The atmosphere at St. James Park is unique. You don't need shows or pyrotechnics. When the fans start singing, when the wave goes through the stadium, that's the real energy of football.\"
\n

It is particularly interesting that this stadium is one of the few in England that has remained in the very center of the city, almost unchanged since its founding.

Newcastle achievements

Newcastle won the England championship four times — in 1905, 1907, 1909 and 1927. It was the golden generation that made the club formidable.
\n
The FA Cup was lifted by the team three times — in 1910, 1951 and 1955.
\n
There is another victory that not everyone knows about: in 1969, Newcastle won the Fairs Cup, which was later transformed into the UEFA Cup.
\n
In the 21st century there were no trophies, but the club played twice in the finals of national cups — and each time the fans did not disappear, but on the contrary, became even closer.
\n

\n
\"Newcastle are among the favorites again today. Everyone is waiting for another big title.\"
\n

And considering how quickly the team changes, this is no longer a fantasy, but a real scenario for the upcoming season.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Newcastle famous players: are there legends

Alan Shearer is Newcastle's top name. He is a local boy who became a hero. His 206 goals is a club record. His style — straightforwardness, impact, presence in the box — became a standard for attackers. But besides him, there were many bright players.

Peter Beardsley is technical and clever, creating moments that audiences remember for decades.
\n
David Batty is a tough defender, a true warrior.
\n

In new times the team is led forward by such as Bruno Guimarães, Callum Wilson, Trippier. Each of them has already become a part of a new story.

\n
\"And in general, Newcastle have always had players who did not play for the salary, but for the chevron on the chest.\"
\n

Newcastle interesting facts

Newcastle fans is a separate topic. They don't cheat. A team can be relegated, lose a run of ten matches - but St James Park will still be full. Even in the cold, fans stand in T-shirts, sometimes without clothes on the upper part of the body.

\n
\"It's not madness, it's a show of love for the club.\"
\n

One of Newcastle's records is consistent home support. Even in the Championship the stadium was filled almost to capacity.
\n
It is also interesting that the color of the uniform — black and white — appeared as early as 1894 and still has not changed.
\n
And the club anthem - \"Blaydon Races\" - sounds as if it is not sung by the tribune, but by the city.
\n

\n
\"Newcastle is a club where traditions are respected, where fans live football, and every match is a celebration for the whole city.\"
\n

It's worth noting that Newcastle United is undergoing a genuine renaissance, combining rich traditions with new ambitions and resources. Will the team be able to return to the glory of the early 20th century? One thing is certain - the spirit of St. James Park and the loyalty of the Toons (as the fans call themselves) make Newcastle a special place where football remains a religion and the club is a part of the soul of every city dweller.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/466_9ecf18016c.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}},"team_b":{"id":50732,"name":"Bradford City AFC","short_name":"Bradford","tla_name":"BRA","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Bradford City Association Football Club","founded":1903,"colors":"Claret,Orange","nicknames":"The Bantams,The Paraders","createdAt":"2024-11-05T14:33:31.981Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:50:07.632Z","website":"http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk","address":"Valley Parade","address_city":"Bradford","address_zip":"BD8 7DY","locale":"en","stb_id":"bradford-city-afc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fcbe-b7eb-7c18-9662-0497d3c9be9c","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":null,"sporting_achievements_html":null,"club_identity_html":null,"current_status_and_future_html":null,"logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/490_d68962c3ea.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_490_d68962c3ea.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_490_d68962c3ea.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_490_d68962c3ea.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_490_d68962c3ea.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_490_d68962c3ea.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_490_d68962c3ea.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":571,"name":"Football League Cup","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"domestic_league_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:41:48.230Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-05T00:10:58.753Z","stb_id":"football-league-cup","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# Football League Cup\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **Football League Cup** stands as one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in English football. Commonly referred to as the **EFL Cup** due to its sponsorship by the English Football League, this knockout tournament occupies a significant position in the country's football hierarchy. Though it ranks below the FA Cup in terms of historical prestige, the Football League Cup football competition has carved out its own unique identity in the footballing landscape of England.\n\nEstablished as the third most important domestic competition after the Premier League and FA Cup, the Football League Cup statistics reveal its enduring popularity among fans and clubs alike. The tournament provides an alternative route to European qualification, offering the winner a place in the UEFA Conference League, which further enhances its appeal among participating teams.\n\n## History\n\nThe **Football League Cup history** dates back to 1960 when it was founded by Alan Hardaker, who served as Secretary of the Football League at that time. The Football League Cup creation emerged from practical considerations – primarily to provide additional midweek fixtures for clubs that faced early elimination from the FA Cup and to generate additional revenue through increased gate receipts.\n\nThe Football League Cup development has seen numerous format changes throughout its existence. During its early years (1960-1966), finals were contested over two legs, but this changed in the 1966-67 season when the final was moved to Wembley Stadium, significantly elevating the tournament's status. \n\nInitially, the competition faced resistance from some of England's top clubs, who viewed it as an unnecessary addition to their already congested schedules. However, the Football League Cup history took a significant turn when a UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) place was awarded to the winner from the 1971-72 season onwards. This development dramatically increased participation from elite teams, solidifying the tournament's importance in English football.\n\n**Aston Villa** claimed the inaugural trophy in the 1960-61 season, marking the beginning of what would become a storied competition in English football.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe **Football League Cup format** embraces inclusivity, with all 92 clubs from the Premier League and English Football League eligible to participate. The Football League Cup rules establish a progressive knockout structure consisting of seven rounds, culminating in a showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.\n\nThe Football League Cup tournament begins with lower-league teams entering in the first round. Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions join in the second round, while those participating in European tournaments enter at the third round stage. This staggered entry system creates opportunities for smaller clubs to progress before facing elite opposition.\n\nOne of the distinctive Football League Cup rules involves the structure of matches. All fixtures are decided in single-legged ties, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are played over two legs. In case of a draw after regular time, matches proceed directly to penalty shootouts without extra time (except in the final), adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nThroughout its history, several Football League Cup teams have established themselves as particularly successful in this competition. **Liverpool** stands as the most decorated club in Football League Cup history, having accumulated more titles than any other team. Their dominance in this tournament has contributed significantly to their overall trophy cabinet.\n\nOther Football League Cup clubs with impressive records include **Manchester City**, who achieved remarkable dominance in recent years under Pep Guardiola's management. **Aston Villa**, **Manchester United**, **Chelsea**, and **Tottenham Hotspur** also feature prominently among the Football League Cup winners.\n\nThe competition has witnessed several notable rivalries played out in memorable finals. The North London derby between **Arsenal** and **Tottenham Hotspur** has produced some thrilling encounters, while matches between **Liverpool** and **Manchester United** never fail to generate excitement regardless of the competition.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nThe Football League Cup records showcase the tournament's rich history and competitive nature. **Liverpool** holds the distinction of winning the most titles, demonstrating their historical commitment to this competition despite its perceived secondary status.\n\nIn terms of Football League Cup statistics, the tournament has provided a platform for numerous goal-scoring feats. The competition has witnessed remarkable \"giant-killing\" moments where lower-division teams have toppled Premier League giants, creating some of the most memorable upsets in English football.\n\nMany Football League Cup players have etched their names in the competition's folklore through outstanding individual performances. The tournament's history features numerous hat-tricks, spectacular goals, and heroic goalkeeping displays that have decided the outcome of crucial matches.\n\n**Manchester City's** recent period of dominance represents another significant Football League Cup record, highlighting how seriously top clubs now take this competition despite its humble beginnings.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe present Football League Cup season maintains the traditional format that has evolved over decades. The competition continues to involve all 92 professional clubs in the English football pyramid, with the same progressive entry system based on league status and European commitments.\n\nDespite occasional debates about its relevance in an increasingly congested football calendar, the Football League Cup today remains highly valued by clubs for several reasons. For top teams, it represents an opportunity to secure silverware relatively early in the season and provides valuable playing time for squad players and promising youth talents. For smaller clubs, it offers the chance to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially generate significant revenue through memorable cup runs.\n\nThe Football League Cup overview in modern football shows that while it may not command the same global attention as the Premier League or Champions League, it maintains strong domestic interest and continues to provide a valuable pathway to European competition for its winners.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nNumerous Football League Cup facts demonstrate the tournament's unique character and historical significance. It was one of the first competitions to regularly utilize floodlit midweek matches, contributing to the atmospheric night games that have become a hallmark of English football.\n\nThe Football League Cup interesting history includes instances of lower-league teams reaching advanced stages of the competition. Bradford City's journey to the final in 2013 as a fourth-tier team represents one of the most remarkable cup runs in English football history.\n\nAmong the most Football League Cup interesting stories is how the competition transformed from an initially dismissed addition to the football calendar to an established trophy that all clubs actively pursue. This evolution reflects broader changes in football's commercial development and the increasing importance of securing any available silverware in the modern era.\n\nThe competition has also served as a launching pad for many young players who received their first significant exposure in Football League Cup matches before going on to achieve stardom in the sport.","active":true,"short_code":null,"category":2,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192f732-1697-7ce9-923d-a430e924322d","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

Football League Cup

Introduction

The Football League Cup stands as one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in English football. Commonly referred to as the EFL Cup due to its sponsorship by the English Football League, this knockout tournament occupies a significant position in the country's football hierarchy. Though it ranks below the FA Cup in terms of historical prestige, the Football League Cup football competition has carved out its own unique identity in the footballing landscape of England.

Established as the third most important domestic competition after the Premier League and FA Cup, the Football League Cup statistics reveal its enduring popularity among fans and clubs alike. The tournament provides an alternative route to European qualification, offering the winner a place in the UEFA Conference League, which further enhances its appeal among participating teams.

History

The Football League Cup history dates back to 1960 when it was founded by Alan Hardaker, who served as Secretary of the Football League at that time. The Football League Cup creation emerged from practical considerations – primarily to provide additional midweek fixtures for clubs that faced early elimination from the FA Cup and to generate additional revenue through increased gate receipts.

The Football League Cup development has seen numerous format changes throughout its existence. During its early years (1960-1966), finals were contested over two legs, but this changed in the 1966-67 season when the final was moved to Wembley Stadium, significantly elevating the tournament's status.

Initially, the competition faced resistance from some of England's top clubs, who viewed it as an unnecessary addition to their already congested schedules. However, the Football League Cup history took a significant turn when a UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) place was awarded to the winner from the 1971-72 season onwards. This development dramatically increased participation from elite teams, solidifying the tournament's importance in English football.

Aston Villa claimed the inaugural trophy in the 1960-61 season, marking the beginning of what would become a storied competition in English football.

Competition Format

The Football League Cup format embraces inclusivity, with all 92 clubs from the Premier League and English Football League eligible to participate. The Football League Cup rules establish a progressive knockout structure consisting of seven rounds, culminating in a showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.

The Football League Cup tournament begins with lower-league teams entering in the first round. Premier League clubs not involved in European competitions join in the second round, while those participating in European tournaments enter at the third round stage. This staggered entry system creates opportunities for smaller clubs to progress before facing elite opposition.

One of the distinctive Football League Cup rules involves the structure of matches. All fixtures are decided in single-legged ties, with the exception of the semi-finals, which are played over two legs. In case of a draw after regular time, matches proceed directly to penalty shootouts without extra time (except in the final), adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.

Famous Teams

Throughout its history, several Football League Cup teams have established themselves as particularly successful in this competition. Liverpool stands as the most decorated club in Football League Cup history, having accumulated more titles than any other team. Their dominance in this tournament has contributed significantly to their overall trophy cabinet.

Other Football League Cup clubs with impressive records include Manchester City, who achieved remarkable dominance in recent years under Pep Guardiola's management. Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur also feature prominently among the Football League Cup winners.

The competition has witnessed several notable rivalries played out in memorable finals. The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur has produced some thrilling encounters, while matches between Liverpool and Manchester United never fail to generate excitement regardless of the competition.

Statistics and Records

The Football League Cup records showcase the tournament's rich history and competitive nature. Liverpool holds the distinction of winning the most titles, demonstrating their historical commitment to this competition despite its perceived secondary status.

In terms of Football League Cup statistics, the tournament has provided a platform for numerous goal-scoring feats. The competition has witnessed remarkable \"giant-killing\" moments where lower-division teams have toppled Premier League giants, creating some of the most memorable upsets in English football.

Many Football League Cup players have etched their names in the competition's folklore through outstanding individual performances. The tournament's history features numerous hat-tricks, spectacular goals, and heroic goalkeeping displays that have decided the outcome of crucial matches.

Manchester City's recent period of dominance represents another significant Football League Cup record, highlighting how seriously top clubs now take this competition despite its humble beginnings.

Current State

The present Football League Cup season maintains the traditional format that has evolved over decades. The competition continues to involve all 92 professional clubs in the English football pyramid, with the same progressive entry system based on league status and European commitments.

Despite occasional debates about its relevance in an increasingly congested football calendar, the Football League Cup today remains highly valued by clubs for several reasons. For top teams, it represents an opportunity to secure silverware relatively early in the season and provides valuable playing time for squad players and promising youth talents. For smaller clubs, it offers the chance to test themselves against elite opposition and potentially generate significant revenue through memorable cup runs.

The Football League Cup overview in modern football shows that while it may not command the same global attention as the Premier League or Champions League, it maintains strong domestic interest and continues to provide a valuable pathway to European competition for its winners.

Interesting Facts

Numerous Football League Cup facts demonstrate the tournament's unique character and historical significance. It was one of the first competitions to regularly utilize floodlit midweek matches, contributing to the atmospheric night games that have become a hallmark of English football.

The Football League Cup interesting history includes instances of lower-league teams reaching advanced stages of the competition. Bradford City's journey to the final in 2013 as a fourth-tier team represents one of the most remarkable cup runs in English football history.

Among the most Football League Cup interesting stories is how the competition transformed from an initially dismissed addition to the football calendar to an established trophy that all clubs actively pursue. This evolution reflects broader changes in football's commercial development and the increasing importance of securing any available silverware in the modern era.

The competition has also served as a launching pad for many young players who received their first significant exposure in Football League Cup matches before going on to achieve stardom in the sport.

\n","has_description":true,"area":{"id":10526,"name":"England","country_code":"ENG","iso_code":"GB-ENG","createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:57.031Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:31.305Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-c5f8-7824-be2a-11bd7ce0c3d3","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/England_GB_ENG_f1c9ba5d11.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}}}}

Ciarán Kelly: Profile