Top 5 English clubs that have never won a trophy

Jacob HarveyJanuary 4, 2024 10:55 pmFebruary 16, 20247:58 pm

"Fulham v Athletico Madrid" by nicksarebi is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Which high-profile English clubs are yet to win their first major trophy?

In the grand tapestry of English football, the discussion about the biggest club often revolves around triumphs and silverware. However, there is a less-explored but equally compelling debate: which English clubs stand tall despite never clinching a major trophy?

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, undeniably one of the best English clubs that have never won a trophy, came agonizingly close to glory in the 1990 FA Cup final. Mark Hughes’ last-gasp goal forced a replay, ultimately leading to their defeat. Despite a rich past featuring a third-place league finish in 1991 and six semi-final appearances in FA Cup, Palace’s trophy cabinet remains eerily empty. As England’s highest-ranked non-trophy winners by historic league position, they continue to be a perennial contender for the elusive silverware.

Fulham

For Fulham, the dream of major silverware seemed distant until recent times. Their FA Cup final loss in 1975 and a remarkable run to the 2010 Europa League final, where Diego Forlan’s late winner shattered their hopes, are etched in Fulham’s history. The club’s recent resurgence under coach Marco Silva, reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals and the League Cup semi-finals, signals a potential turning point as they aim to escape the list of English teams to have never won a major trophy.

Brighton

Brighton’s ascent from the lower tiers to the Premier League is a remarkable journey among the best English clubs yet to win a trophy. Despite spending most of their history in the lower tiers, Brighton has recently become a top-tier mainstay. With their seventh consecutive Premier League season and a maiden European campaign, Brighton is on the cusp of a new era. Last season’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United was a painful setback, but their current Europa League venture offers a shot at redemption.

Watford

Watford’s competitive history includes finishing as runners-up for three major trophies and a memorable foray into Europe. In their debut top-flight campaign in 1982-83, Watford finished second, showcasing their prowess against Bob Paisley’s Liverpool. The FA Cup final defeats in 1984 and 2019, the latter against Manchester City with a record-equalling margin, emphasized Watford’s resilience against elite opponents. Despite only one season in Europe, Watford’s legacy is marked by competitive performances and an unyielding spirit.

Brentford

Brentford’s recent ascent, fueled by majority shareholder Matthew Benham’s vision, positions them as one of the best English clubs seeking a first major trophy. From the third tier to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League, Brentford’s rise has been meteoric. However, major silverware still eludes them. A notable League Cup semi-final run in 2020-21 showcased their potential. Although the FA Cup provides a chance this season, a challenging draw against Wolves makes the journey more arduous. Brentford’s fans, often self-deprecatingly referring to their club as “just a bus stop in Hounslow,” eagerly await the day they rewrite their history with a trophy win.