It was also the club's most successful year up to that point, as they won the Football League Championship for the first time.

The success was unexpected; Chelsea had never won a major trophy before and their league positions since the Second World War had ranged from 8th to 20th.

They also began this season inauspiciously, and the club were languishing in 12th place after four consecutive defeats in October.

Subsequently, results improved and the team lost just three of their next 25 matches, ultimately securing the title with a game to spare.

As champions of England, Chelsea were invited to enter the inaugural European Cup.