Scottish football teams have been a part of the Football League since its inception in 1888. From Aberdeen to Ross County, these teams have been competing in the top-tier of English football for more than 130 years. Over the years, Scottish teams have been some of the most successful in the league, with a total of nine teams claiming the title of champions. Scottish teams have also won two FA Cups, two League Cups, and a European Cup Winners' Cup. This article takes a look at the history of Scottish teams in the Football League and their success in the competition. Scottish football teams have been competing in the Football League since its inception in 1888. Each season, as many as seven teams from Scotland battle it out for a place in the top division, with a further four playing in the second division.
This article looks at the history of each team, how they have performed over the years and their current standings.
Aberdeen
: Aberdeen joined the Football League in 1903 and have enjoyed some success over the years. They won the First Division championship in 1955, and have also claimed three Scottish Cup titles and three League Cup titles. In recent years, they have been a consistent presence in the top flight of Scottish football. Currently, they sit in seventh place in the Premiership.Celtic
: Celtic have long been one of the most successful teams in Scotland and are one of the most successful teams in the Football League.They joined the Football League in 1888 and have since won an impressive 47 league titles, including a record nine consecutive titles from 1966 to 1974. They have also won 40 Scottish Cups and 15 League Cups. Currently, Celtic are third in the Premiership.
Dundee United
: Dundee United were founded in 1909 and joined the Football League in 1921. They have enjoyed some success over the years, most notably winning the First Division title in 1983 and reaching the final of the UEFA Cup in 1987. In recent years, they have been a mainstay of the Scottish Premiership and are currently eighth in the table.Heart of Midlothian
: Founded in 1874, Heart of Midlothian joined the Football League in 1893. They won the First Division title twice (in 1958 and 1960) and have also been crowned Scottish Cup champions on four occasions. More recently, they have been a mid-table team in the Premiership and are currently 11th.Hibernian
: Hibernian joined the Football League in 1893 and have been one of Scotland's most successful teams over the years. They have won three First Division titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups.In recent years, they have been mid-table in the Premiership and are currently tenth.
Kilmarnock
: Kilmarnock were founded in 1869 and joined the Football League in 1890. They won the First Division title once (in 1965) and have also been crowned Scottish Cup champions on three occasions. In recent years, they have been a mid-table team in the Premiership and are currently 12th.Motherwell
: Founded in 1886, Motherwell joined the Football League in 1895. They have enjoyed some success over the years, most notably winning the First Division title in 1931 and reaching two European Cup Winners' Cup finals (in 1991 and 1992). Currently, they sit in sixth place in the Premiership. The future looks bright for all of Scotland's teams competing in the Football League.Each team has ambitious plans for new stadiums and other major investments, as well as lofty ambitions for success both domestically and on a European stage. It promises to be an exciting few years for Scottish football fans.
Team Profiles
The Football League in Scotland is a competitive environment, with seven teams vying for a place in the top division and four competing in the second division every season. Here, we take a look at each team, their history, performance, and current standings.Rangers FC
Rangers FC is one of Scotland's most successful clubs, having won 54 league titles, 33 Scottish Cups and 27 League Cups. They are currently in the top division and have spent most of their time since their formation in 1872 in the top tier of Scottish football.In recent years, they have failed to win any major trophies, but remain a major force in Scottish football.
Celtic FC
Celtic FC is Rangers' main rival and the two teams have been battling for supremacy in the Scottish game for over a century. Founded in 1887, Celtic have won 50 league titles, 36 Scottish Cups and 15 League Cups. They too have spent most of their time since their formation in the top division and have been very successful in recent years, winning domestic trebles in both 2016/17 and 2017/18.Aberdeen FC
Aberdeen FC are another of Scotland's most successful clubs, having won four league titles, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. They were founded in 1903 and have spent most of their time since then in the top division.In recent years, they have had some success, winning the League Cup in 2014/15 and finishing runners-up in both the league and Scottish Cup in 2016/17.
Heart of Midlothian FC
Heart of Midlothian FC, commonly known as Hearts, are one of Scotland's oldest clubs. Founded in 1874, they have won four league titles, seven Scottish Cups and four League Cups. They spent most of their time since their formation in the top division but suffered relegation to the second tier in 2014/15. They are currently back in the top tier and will be looking to make an impact this season.Hibernian FC
Hibernian FC are another of Scotland's oldest clubs. Founded in 1875, they have won three league titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups.They have spent most of their time since their formation in the top division but suffered relegation to the second tier in 2016/17. They are currently back in the top tier and will be looking to make an impact this season.
St Johnstone FC
St Johnstone FC are one of Scotland's smaller clubs but have still enjoyed some success over the years. Founded in 1884, they have won one league title, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup. They have spent most of their time since their formation in the lower divisions but are currently back in the top tier and will be looking to make an impact this season.Motherwell FC
Motherwell FC are another of Scotland's smaller clubs but have still enjoyed some success over the years. Founded in 1886, they have won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup.They have spent most of their time since their formation in the lower divisions but are currently back in the top tier and will be looking to make an impact this season. The Scottish teams competing in the Football League have a long and illustrious history, and have provided plenty of entertainment to football fans across Scotland and beyond. Each team has its own unique story, with different highs and lows along the way. As they continue to compete in the league, they are sure to continue to provide an exciting mix of drama and success.