The Carling Knockout Cup: A Comprehensive Guide
The Carling Knockout Cup, also known as the Carling Cup or League Cup, is an annual knockout cup competition in English football. Founded in 1960, it has a rich history and provides a platform for teams to compete outside of their regular league fixtures.
History of the Carling Knockout Cup
The first Carling Knockout Cup was held in the 1960-61 season, with 63 teams competing from the top four divisions of English football. The competition has undergone several changes over the years, including a name change to the League Cup in 1992.
However, due to sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights, it was rebranded as the Carling Cup in 2003. In 2012, the competition changed sponsors again, becoming known as the Capital One Cup following a three-year agreement with the American financial services company.
Format and Rules
The Carling Knockout Cup is contested by teams from the top four divisions of English football, including the Premier League and the Football League. The competition is structured in a knockout format, where teams compete against each other on a home-and-away basis until the final.
Each team enters the competition at different stages, with the Premier League teams entering in the second round. The winner receives a trophy and qualifies for European competitions. The runner-up may also qualify for a European tournament, depending on the league's performance in the Champions League or Europa League.
Recent Winners
The most recent winners of the Carling Knockout Cup are:
| Season | Winner | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Tottenham Hotspur | 1-0 vs. Aston Villa (final) |
| 2019-20 | Aston Villa | 2-1 vs. Manchester City (final) |
| 2018-19 | Birmingham City | 5-0 vs. Aston Villa (final) |
Key Statistics and Records
- Most successful team: Liverpool, with eight