1889
Sheffield United Football Club is formed as an offshoot of the Sheffield United Cricket Club, following a meeting in March, the first game is against Sheffield Club in August of the same year, and results in a 3-1 victory for United.
1889/90
United's first season is made up mostly of friendly and cup matches. The Blades, however, do reach the second round proper of the FA Cup before losing 13-0 to Bolton Wanderers, a record defeat which still stands today!
1890/91
United join the Midland Counties League and finish fifth in their first season. This campaign also signals the start of fixtures against Wednesday.
1891/92
The Blades join the Northern League in hope of a better standard of football and finish third in the table. In addition Harry Lilley and Mick Whitham become the first United players to win international honours.
1892/93
United elected members of the newly-formed Second Division of the Football League. In their first season, which includes a 10-0 away win at Port Vale, the Blades win promotion, finishing second behind Small Heath.
1893/94
It is estimated that around 27,000 fans turn out to see United's first Football League encounter with Wednesday, a 1-1 draw. The Blades end the season in 10th position after a promising start.
1894/95
United improve to sixth in the First Division after beginning the season with two new goalkeepers in Arthur Wharton, noteworthy for being the first coloured professional footballer, and the legendary Bill 'Fatty' Foulke.
1895/96
A new stand with 2,000 seats is opened on John Street, whilst United slip to 12th in the First Division.
1896/97
The Blades, with reportedly the best defence in the League, finish as runners-up in Division One to Aston Villa. This is also the season that bored goalkeeper Bill Foulke brought a game to a halt by smashing the crossbar.
1897/98
Champions. United win the First Division title by five clear points. The Blades lose just five of their 30 games on the strength of an exceptional defence. The Blades are also proclaimed 'Champions of Great Britain' after a series of challenge matches with Scottish League champions, Celtic.
1898/99
The Blades lift the FA Cup for the first time, but are unable to maintain their league form, finishing 16th in the First Division. However, the highlight is the FA Cup success, beating Derby County in the final at Crystal Palace. Goals from Walter Bennett, Billy Beer, Jack Almond and Fred Priest overturn a 1-0 half-time deficit.
1899/1900
In defence of the FA Cup, United beat Wednesday after three controversial games, but lose to Bury in the third round, however, it is in the league where United excel, going on a record run of 22 matches without defeat at the start of the season before eventually finishing second to Aston Villa.
1900/01
United return to the FA Cup Final where the game against Tottenham, London's first professional team, is watched by a record 110,000 at Crystal Palace. Goals from Walter Bennett and Fred Priest give the Blades a 2-2 draw, but Spurs win the replay at Bolton despite another Priest goal. United slip to 14th in the First Division.
1901/02
United's FA Cup glory years continue and the cup returns to Sheffield. This time United beat Southampton in the final replay at Crystal Palace 2-1 thanks to goals from George Hedley and Billy Barnes after an Alf Common strike in the first encounter, which finishes 1-1. The Blades also secure 10th position in Division One.
1902/03
Defeat in the final league game of the season condemns United to fourth in Division One after challenging for the title for much of the campaign. Other highlights of the season saw emergence in United colours of the legendary Herbert Chapman and Arthur Brown, one of the youngest players to win England international honours.
1903/04
The Blades began the campaign with eight straight victories and still head the table in late January, but slip to seventh by the end of the season.
1904/05
Three victories over Wednesday is the highlight of the season. Although handily placed in second in early January, the title challenge subsides and United are forced to settle for sixth position.
1905/06
Described as United's poorest season for some time, although there is never a serious threat of relegation as United finish in 13th position.
1906/07
A better season than many anticipated, with United finishing fourth in the First Division. They are the only team to take a point from champions Newcastle in the north-east -both games involving the two sides ended in 0-0 draws.
1907/08
The Blades spend most of the season in mid-table, but after a disappointing finish, slip to 17th in the First Division.
1908/09
United set a new ground record of 38,408 for Wednesday's visit to Bramall on Boxing Day - the Blades win 2-1, but can only manage to finish 12th in the First Division.
1909/10
United have a new captain with Bernard Wilkinson, taking over from the great Ernest Needham, who led the team for the around 14 years. The Blades top the table in both October and January, but eventually settle for sixth position.
1910/11
The Blades finish ninth in Division One without ever seriously threatening the title contenders.
1911/12
Joe Kitchen grabs a hat-trick in the first match of the season, including a remarkable goal with a run from his own half, but United have to settle for 14th position in Division One. Another highlight of the season is the signing of Billy Gillespie from Leeds City for £500. He would later become United's most capped international.
1912/13
United drop to 15th in the First Division and also suffer another early cup exit, forcing the supporters to feel they were 'jinxed' in the competition.
1913/14
Dreams of another FA Cup Final appearance disappear with a semi-final replay defeat against Burnley, whilst United climb to 10th in the First Division.
1914/15
Blades lift the FA Cup for the third time with a victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. Goals from Jimmy Simmons, Stanley Fazackerley and Joe Kitchen secure a 3-0 success in what is described as the 'khaki final', whilst United also improve to sixth in Division One.
1915/16
There as no lack of interest in football during the war years, although guest players are often used. United play a total of 37 games, finishing second in both of the Midland Section Principal Tournament and Subsidiary Competition.
1916/17
War-time football continues, even through an awful winter of ice and snow. United finish 10th in the Midland Section Principal Tournament, but win the Subsidiary Competition, holding off challenges from Wednesday, Barnsley and Rotherham County.
1917/18
Harold Pantling becomes the first United player to be sent off twice in one season. United finish second in the Midland Section Principal Tournament and third in the Subsidiary Competition.
1918/19
United win the Midland Section Subsidiary Competition once more, but only finish eighth in the Principal Tournament.
1919/20
The Blades return to Division One action following the end of the Great War. United struggle on the road and finish 14th in Division One, although completing an unlikely double over eventual champions, West Bromwich Albion.
1920/21
The signings of Fred Tunstall and Tommy Sampy stand out in an otherwise disappointing season that sees United finish 20th in Division One, just above the relegation places.
1921/22
A United side stronger than 12 months earlier finish in the mid-table security of 11th spot, whilst the Reserves win the Central League at the first time of asking.
1922/23
United finish 10th in Division One, but it is in the FA Cup where they once again make their mark. The Blades are within a whisker of making it to the first ever Wembley final, eventually losing to Bolton 1-0 in the semi-final in front of a crowd of 72,500 at Old Trafford - a record attendance outside London.
1923/24
United complete their 1,000 Football League fixture in this season on their way to fifth in the First Division. The side also included a number of international players.
1924/25
The Blades capture the FA Cup for the fourth time, although it is the first at Wembley. In the First Division, United finish 14th, but it is once again the Cup that dominates. In round two, United overturn a 2-0 deficit to beat Wednesday, whilst in the final, in front of 91,763 fans, a goal from Fred Tunstall is enough to beat Cardiff City.
1925/26
The offside law had been changed, but United¹s forwards cope admirably and they are the only team in the First Division to score over a century of goals on their way to fifth position. This included an 11-2 victory over Cardiff and other wins of 8-3 and 6-1.
1926/27
The Blades are involved in the first football match broadcast over the radio when they faced Arsenal - Billy Gillespie scored United's goal in a 1-1 draw. United also complete the league double over Wednesday on their way to a satisfactory eighth in Division One.
1927/28
Harry Johnson scores a hat-trick as United beat Wednesday in the FA Cup on the way to the semi-finals where they lose to Huddersfield after a second replay. Meanwhile, in the league United finish 13th in Division One, but only three points ahead of bottom of the table Middlesbrough.
1928/29
United record another big victory, a 10-0 success over Burnley, ironically a week after they had lost to the same side in the FA Cup. The Blades finish 11th in the First Division.
1929/30
The Blades survive the relegation fight, finishing 20th, but only after a remarkable 5-1 victory over Manchester United on the final day of the season. Irish striker Jimmy Dunne is among the scorers at Bramall Lane, netting his 36th goal of the campaign, a record for any United player in the Football League.
1930/31
Jimmy Dunne breaks his own record, scoring 41 league goals (50 in total) as United climb to 15th in the First Division. Harry Johnson's career comes to an end after a record 205 league goals for the Blades.
1931/32
The season ends on a sad note when Club Secretary, John Nicholson, who had held the post since 1899, dies in a traffic accident. It was also the end of first team playing days for Fred Tunstall and Billy Gillespie as United finish seventh in Division One.
1932/33
Teddy Davison is appointed in the new position of Secretary/Manager of United and helps United to 10th in the First Division, with Jack Pickering, Jimmy Dunne and Bobby Barclay all winning international honours.
1933/34
Disaster strikes, United are relegated for the first time in their history after finishing bottom of Division One. The only comfort is completing the league double over Wednesday.
1934/35
A mediocre season with United finishing 11th in the Second Division. The only highlight is the signing of Ephraim 'Jock' Dodds on a free transfer. The Scot scored 19 league goals in 28 appearances.
1935/36
United finish third in the Second Division and are possibly denied a place in Division One by a successful FA Cup run. A record crowd of 68,287 see the Blades beat Leeds at Bramall Lane in the fifth round, but a Ted Drake goal gives Arsenal the cup in front of 93,384 fans at Wembley, although Jock Dodds hits the crossbar.
1936/37
The Blades possess the best home record in Division Two but it is their away form that costs them a promotion place, instead United have to settle for seventh place.
1937/38
United miss out on promotion to Manchester United on goal average. The Blades finish third in the Second Division, despite leading the table for long spells.
1938/39
United secure promotion to Division One. They finish second place, beating Wednesday into third by a single point. A signing of note is that of a slightly-built 20 year old from Derby - Jimmy Hagan.
1939/40
The Blades play just three games when the outbreak of war suspends the league. The Regional League was set up and United finish third in the East Midland Division.
1940/41
Bramall Lane is badly damaged in the Sheffield blitz of December 1940, whilst on the field United finish 28th in the North Regional League, where positions are decided on goal average.
1941/42
United played home games at Hillsborough and Millmoor the previous season due to the blitz, but return to Bramall Lane for this season and finish 18th in the Football League North First Competition.
1942/43
Attendances begin to rise again, whilst United finish 20th in the Football League North First Competition, slipping to 23rd in the Second Competition.
1943/44
United finish 14th in the Football League North First Championship and 18th in the Second Championship, whilst also reaching the semi-final of the League North Cup against Aston Villa, losing just 5-4 on aggregate.
1944/45
Joe Shaw, the man who went on to make more appearances than anyone else, makes his debut for United, who finish 36th in the Football League North First Championship and 30th in the Second Championship.
1945/46
United clinch the Football League North Championship. They finish five points clear in the 22-team league.
1946/47
The Blades return to First Division action and finish a creditable sixth, as well as progressing to the sixth round of the FA Cup.
1947/48
Following a disappointing first half of the season, United recover to finish in the mid-table security of 12th position in Division One.
1948/49
It is clear from early in the season that United would struggle to avoid relegation and just three points from the final six games condemn the Blades to bottom of the First Division table and relegation back to Division Two.
1949/50
United are denied promotion back to the First Division by a goal average margin of .008. It was a bitter pill to swallow for United, especially as it was Wednesday who were promoted in second position behind Tottenham.
1950/51
The talking point of the season is Wednesday's offer of a British record transfer fee for Jimmy Hagan, although the Blades forward opts to stay at Bramall Lane. The season itself is a great disappointment with United finishing eighth in the Second Division.
1951/52
United finish 11th in the Second Division, but the season will be remembered for the record 7-3 victory over Wednesday and the emergence as full-back partners of Graham Shaw and Cec Coldwell.
1952/53
Reg Freeman is appointed manager of United in succession to Teddy Davison and brings instant rewards to the club by claiming the Second Division Championship. The Blades take over league leadership in November and are never in serious danger of losing it.
1953/54
United narrowly avoid relegation, finishing 20th in Division One. Other season highlights include the debut of goalkeeper Alan Hodgkinson, plus the first floodlit game at Bramall Lane since the 19th century and the first floodlit game to be televised.
1954/55
Two big defeats early in the season cause concern but United complete the league double over Wednesday on their way to 13th in Division One. However, disaster strikes on the end of season tour as manager Reg Freeman is taken ill and dies before the new season opens.
1955/56
Joe Mercer, who had no previous managerial experience, takes over on the eve of the new season, but cannot prevent United slipping back into the Second Division after finishing the season with four successive defeats.
1956/57
United began the season with five straight victories, with international Colin Grainger particularly impressive, but the form is not maintained and United are forced to settle for seventh in Division Two.
1957/58
This season saw the introduction of Derek Pace as Joe Mercer began to build a new team. United rose to sixth in Division Two and reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.
1958/59
Joe Mercer resigned as manager in December, Archie Clark, the chief scout, acted as caretaker manager until John Harris took over the reins in April. On the field, United just miss out on promotion, finishing third in Division Two, as well as reaching the sixth round of the FA Cup.
1959/60
United finished fourth in Division Two in John Harris's first full season in charge, as well as progressing to the sixth round of the FA Cup.
1960/61
An excellent season for United, securing promotion to the First Division after finishing second behind Ipswich in the Second Division. United beat Everton and Newcastle in the cup run before losing to Leicester City after three encounters.
1961/62
United complete the league double over Wednesday, with Derek 'Doc' Pace taking the headlines, on their way to fifth in the First Division and the quarter-final stages in both the FA and League Cups.
1962/63
The first appearances of Tony Wagstaff, Mick Jones, Len Badger and Bernard Shaw as the United youth policy begins to flourish. The Blades finish in a comfortable 10th position in Division One.
1963/64
'Doc' Pace, in his last full season, was again United's top scorer as they finish 12th in Division One after leading the league for four weeks.
1964/65
Alan Birchenall and Alan Woodward are the new faces in the team
and United finish 19th in Division One.
1965/66
Joe Shaw makes his final bow in a United shirt after 631 league appearances. United again lead the First Division but slip away to ninth by the end of the campaign.
1966/67
A new Bramall Lane Stand is opened, Cec Coldwell's career comes to an end and United again finish in a mid-table (10th) position in Division One. The Blades also progress to the quarter-final of the League Cup and fifth round of the FA Cup.
1967/68
United make their first significant change in kit since 1890 as they introduce white shorts. They also sign a young inside forward named Tony Currie, but are relegated, finishing 21st in Division One after a disappointing start and finish to the season.
1968/69
Following the previous season's relegation, Arthur Rowley replaces John Harris as team manager and wastes little time in changing the team. However, despite some good signings, United can only manage ninth in the Second Division.
1969/70
Arthur Rowley is sacked as manager just before the start of the new season and John Harris resumes control. It was widely thought that United should have won promotion but four league defeats in March condemn the team to sixth in Division Two.
1970/71
Promotion back to Division One is secured in the final match of the season against Watford, finishing second in Division Two behind Leicester City. This was also the season that Alan Hodgkinson played the last of his 576 league games for United.
1971/72
United make an extraordinary start to the campaign with a 10-match unbeaten run which sees them top the table until a George Best goal helps Manchester United to victory at Old Trafford. Results become erratic and the Blades finish 10th in Division One.
1972/73
The season begins with a Watney Cup Final appearance against Bristol Rovers, but in a largely unspectacular campaign, United finish 14th in Division One.
1973/74
Before the season begins, Yorkshire played their final every County Cricket encounter at Bramall Lane, whilst United finish 13th in Division One with Ken Furphy replacing John Harris as manager mid-season.
1974/75
Despite financial restrictions, United give some excellent performances with the fans looking at a possible Championship success or European place. However, none materialise and United finish sixth in Division One.
1975/76
Prospects look bright as United open the new South Stand, but performances do not match expectations and United are relegated after finishing bottom of Division One. In addition, Jimmy Sirrel replaced the sacked Ken Furphy as manager following Cec Coldwell's temporary rein in charge.
1976/77
Tony Currie is sold to Leeds before the season begins but Alan Woodward breaks 'Doc' Pace's post-war League goalscoring record and there is also a new goalscorer on the scene in youngster Keith Edwards, but United's season is only mediocre and they finish 11th in Division Two.
1977/78
Cec Coldwell has another spell as acting manager when Jimmy Sirrel's contract is terminated, but Harry Haslam takes over in January. Money is again tight as United finish in mid-table (12th).
1978/79
Argentina win the World Cup and manager Harry Haslam travels South America to try and sign a youngster by the name of Diego Maradona, although that doesn't work out he returns with the skillful Alex Sabella, who cost a record £160,000, but his magic, combined with Alan Woodward's decision to move to America, fail to save United from relegation after finishing 20th in Division Two.
1979/80
Despite moves in the transfer market, United cannot get out of Division Three at the first attempt and have to settle for 12th position, whilst Alex Sabella is sold to Leeds.
1980/81
United, league leaders at one stage, slip down the table and into trouble. Harry Haslam stands down as manager and World Cup winner Martin Peters takes over, but it rests on the final game of the season whether United would be relegated. A successful penalty three minutes from the end of the season would save United but a poor spot-kick from Don Givens resigns United to the Fourth Division for the first time in their history.
1981/82
The Blades bounce straight back by clinching the Fourth Division Championship at the first attempt, accumulating 96 points to top the table. A new chairman and a new manager in Ian Porterfield signals the start of the revival, whilst Keith Edwards contributes 35 goals. United finish the season with 19 games unbeaten, including the promotion party at Darlington.
1982/83
Described as an unsatisfactory season, United finish 11th in Division Three. The season also includes United's first ever League fixture to be played on a Sunday when the Blades travel to Bradford.
1983/84
United secure promotion back to Division Two on goals scored, edging out Hull City. The Blades finish third in Division Three and the most notable signing of the season is that of defender Paul Stancliffe.
1984/85
A largely disappointing season with United finishing 18th in Division Two avoiding relegation, it is reported, due to quality of the teams below them.
1985/86
Ian Porterfield¹s rein as manager ended mid-season and Billy McEwan takes over in temporary charge. United finish seventh despite some disappointing performances.
1986/87
With Billy McEwan in charge, United finish ninth in Division Two after another unspectacular season. Crowds dwindle but 17,500 turn out for a benefit match for Tony Currie.
1987/88
More disappointing performances and Billy McEwan resigns, to be replaced by Dave Bassett, who made numerous changes but could not save United from relegation after finishing 21st in Division Two, losing in a two-legged play-off to Bristol City.
1988/89
United celebrate their centenary season with promotion back to Division Two after finishing second behind Wolves in Division Three. Dave Bassett restructures the side bringing the likes of Simon Tracey, Bob Booker, Tony Agana and Brian Deane, whilst youngster Dane Whitehouse makes his first appearance.
1989/90
The Blades return to the big time - securing promotion to Division One thanks to a 5-2 away win at Leicester, missing out on the title only on goal difference to Leeds. The Blades also progress to the sixth round of the FA Cup before losing by a solitary goal to Manchester United.
1990/91
United are favourites for relegation, especially as they failed to win before 22 December. Vinnie Jones is signed and a stirring second half of the season saw United climb to a very creditable 13th in Division One, whilst the end of the season saw the Blades build a new Kop.
1991/92
The Blades again sit at the foot of the table, but a league double over Wednesday helps United's revival and they climb to ninth in Division One.
1992/93
United become founder members of the Premier League, finishing 14th, and also score the first goal of the new competition when Brian Deane nets against Manchester United. The Blades also reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, but lose in extra-time to Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley in front of 76,364 fans. Money is once again tight but goalkeeper Alan Kelly is signed.
1993/94
Heartbreak. United are relegated by the the last kick of the season at Chelsea with results of other matches going the wrong way.
1994/95
Bramall Lane becomes a three-side ground once more as the old John Street Stand is demolished, whilst on the pitch the Blades finish eighth in Division One.
1995/96
Early season results are disastrous and Dave Bassett is replaced by Howard Kendall, who halts the slide down the table and helps United to ninth in Division One, as well as splashing out a Club record transfer fee of £1.2m to tempt Don Hutchison away from West Ham.
1996/97
Another cruel twist of fate goes against United. In the play-off final at Wembley, with a place in the Premiership at stake, the Blades lose to a last minute goal and Crystal Palace earn the final promotion spot. Earlier United finished fifth in Division One and invested heavily on the playing staff after floating on the Stock Market.
1997/98
Howard Kendall resigns as manager, Nigel Spackman takes over but United count the cost of missing out on a Premiership place. Spackman lasts less than seven months in charge before Steve Thompson takes over and steers United into the FA Cup semi-final, losing to Newcastle at Old Trafford. In the league United finish sixth, reach the play-offs yet again but lose over two legs to Sunderland. The Blades also officially open the new John Street Stand and the Reserves win the Pontin's League Cup.
1998/99
More managerial changes with Steve Bruce taking over team affairs. United challenge for a play off place but eventually finish eighth, but there is drama in the FA Cup where United are beaten by Arsenal, but only after a replayed match due to controversy in the original tie. The Youth Team bring in silverware after clinching the Football League Youth Alliance title.
1999/2000
Steve Bruce quits, Adrian Heath takes over as manager but resigns after less than six months in charge and Blades fan Neil Warnock takes control. He prevents the threat of relegation and secures mid-table (16th) position, whilst striker Lee Morris is sold for a Club record transfer of £3m.
2000/2001
Neil Warnock's first full season sees United flirting with the play-off places following pockets of good runs. A victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough is possibly the highlight as the season ends with the Blades in 10th position.
2001/2002
A string of early season draws hinders United's progress but the battling spirit and a number of impressive results - namely against Birmingham and Portsmouth - offer hope. However, the season is marred by the abandonment of the fixture with West Bromwich Albion when United are unable to complete the match due to only having six men on the field!
2002/2003
One of the best season's in recent years for Blades fans as they see there heroes beat Leeds (twice), Liverpool and Sunderland in a run of ten successive home cup games on the way to the semi-finals of both the Worthington and FA Cups. In the league, United mount a serious challenge with Brown in fine goalscoring form from midfield. The Blades finish third and beat Forest in a memorable play-off semi-final before losing 3-0 in the final at Cardiff to Wolves.
2003/2004
Despite topping the table and being amongst the leaders for most of the season, United's slim hopes of reaching the play-offs ends on the final day of the season. Another FA Cup run ends at the quarter-final stage. Highlights of the season, including successive five-goal hauls against Rotherham and Cardiff and hat-tricks from Ndlovu and Peschisolido.
2004/2005
United again flirt around the play-offs places but inconsistencies see the club fall just short. Once again Warnock brings in a host of new faces with the pick being arguably the signings of former Sheffield Wednesday players Bromby, Quinn and Geary. Highlights include a league double over Leeds, who were overwhelmed by a 4-1 margin at Elland Road.
2005/2006
The Blades seal promotion back to the Premiership. A fantastic start sees United remain in the top two for the entire season, despite a scary spell in February and March. The final points tally of 90 is only bettered by Reading's remarkable season, which sees them win the Championship.
2006/2007
After the euphoria of playing in the Premiership - and a couple of impressive results - United's season finally ends in disaster by the shortest possible margin. Defeat to Wigan on the final day sees the Blades relegated by just one goal. Claude Davis becomes the new record signing, whilst leading scorer Rob Hulse's leg break in March is a decisive factor.
2007/08
With Bryan Robson taking over from Neil Warnock and a new record signing at the club - £4m James Beattie - Blades fans were understandably optimistic about a quick return to the Premiership. However, indifferent results kept the club in the bottom half of the table and cost Robson his job. Former assistant boss Kevin Blackwell took over in February and almost guided United to a play-off spot.
2008/09
United fall at the final hurdle once again. After finishing third in the Championship table - three points off an automatic spot - Kevin Blackwell's side cruelly lose in the play-off final at Wembley to Burnley. An impressive season, which sees the emergence of homegrowns Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker includes a record-breaking run of 15 games without defeat on the road.
2009/10
Unprecedented injury problems - on top of suspensions and sales - undermine United's aspirations to be amongst the Championship's frontrunners once again. Kevin Blackwell leans on the loan market heavily the Blades are unable to field a settled side which ultimate ends with an eighth position finish. Notable results include an home victory over Sheffield Wednesday and a first win at Ipswich in 35 years.
2010/11
United suffer a disastrous season, ultimately culminating in relegation to League One after finishing in 23rd place in the Championship. The club use a total of four managers - Kevin Blackwell, Gary Speed, John Carver (caretaker) and Micky Adams - but a wretched run of 14 games without a win in the league proves insurmountable.
