Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest reigning monarch today and football has changed a lot since she ascended to the throne on 6 February 1952 – especially for Huddersfield Town.
Town were in the top flight, but were at the foot of the table, while Manchester United were top of the old First Division equal on points with Portsmouth, Arsenal were in third, Newcastle in fourth and Preston North End fifth.
Championship outfit Town were relegated that season but bounced back in the 1952-53 season with promotion – playing with an unchanged defence all season.
Arsenal, Aston Villa and Sunderland had the joint record for the most First Division titles with six apiece.
Manchester United, the current record holders, had just two to their name when Elizabeth ascended to the throne, though would claim their third at the end of the 51-52 campaign.
Back then there were only two national leagues - the First and Second Division. It would be another six years before the Third and Fourth divisions were established for the 1958-59 season.
Back in 1952 a win earned a team just two points. The three points for a win system would take almost 30 years to be established and didn’t become the norm in England until the 1981-82 season.
In 1952 there was no Champions League, that didn’t come around until the 1955-56 season.
Uruguay were the world champions having stunned the world two years earlier beating Brazil on their home turf in the infamous Maracanaço.
First Division on February 6, 1952
1 - Manchester United (38)
2 - Portsmouth (38)
3 - Arsenal (37)
4 - Newcastle (34)
5 - Preston (33)
6 - Tottenham (33)
7 - Aston Villa (32)
8 - Bolton (32)
9 - Man City (31)
10 - Burnley (31)
11 - Wolves (30)
12 - Liverpool (30)
13 - Blackpool (30)
14 - Charlton (30)
15 - Derby (27)
16 - Sunderland (25)
17 - West Brom (24)
18 - Chelsea (23)
19 - Stoke (21)
20 - Middlesbrough (20)
21 - Fulham (18)
22 - Huddersfield (15)
