From the moment you hear “Liverpool,” you think of European nights, Anfield’s roar, and trophies. But beneath that glitter lies a question some younger fans might wonder: has Liverpool ever been relegated from the top flight of English football? The short answer is: yes — but it’s been a long time. In this article, MantaBall will take you through Liverpool’s relegation history, the eras, the lessons learned, and how the Reds cemented their place as a perennial football powerhouse.
Early years and the first relegation
Liverpool Football Club was founded in 1892 following a split, the club went through a rapid rise: they entered the Football League Second Division in 1893–94 and won promotion to the First Division immediately.
However, that first spell in the First Division was short-lived. In the 1894–95 season, Liverpool finished 16th (in a league of 17 or so teams) and were relegated after a test match defeat to Bury. Despite this setback, the club responded strongly, earning promotion back to the First Division at the first opportunity.
So that’s relegation number one—and it came in Liverpool’s third season of league football.
The second drop: 1903–04
Liverpool reestablished itself as an early giant of English football, but history repeated itself in 1903–04. After nearly a decade in the top flight, the Reds ended that season in 17th place and were relegated again.
Once again, the club wasted little time restoring its status. They won promotion straight back to the First Division the next season, and in fact went on to clinch the First Division title in 1905–06.
These early chapters show that relegations, while painful, were part of the growing pains of a club finding stability.
The 1953–54 collapse: last time relegated
After decades of consistency, Liverpool’s final relegation came in the 1953–54 season. The Reds finished bottom of a 22-team First Division, collecting just 28 points and conceding 97 goals—an alarming figure in any era.
That relegation ended a run of 49 consecutive seasons in the top flight. Liverpool then spent eight seasons in the Second Division before mounting a successful return under the impending influence of Bill Shankly.
Since that 1954 relegation, Liverpool have never returned to the second tier. That means more than 70 years of continuous top-flight presence.
Relegation in the Premier League era?
When the First Division was rebranded as the Premier League in 1992, a new era began. Many clubs have come and gone, but Liverpool have stayed put. In fact, Liverpool have never been relegated during the Premier League era.
This fact often leads to some confusion: “Never relegated?” “Relegated once?” The nuance is this:
- Yes, Liverpool has been relegated from the English top flight — three times in total.
- But no, Liverpool has never been relegated in the Premier League era (post-1992).
Hence, in modern football discussions, Liverpool is often cited among clubs that “have never been relegated.”
Relegation tally and seasons in second tier
Let’s bring clarity through numbers:
| Relegation | Season | Outcome | Time in Second Tier |
| 1st | 1894–95 | Relegated | 1 season (immediate bounce back) |
| 2nd | 1903–04 | Relegated | 1 season (immediate promotion) |
| 3rd | 1953–54 | Relegated | 8 seasons (until 1961–62) |
So—Liverpool has been relegated three times in its long history.
Cumulatively, they have spent about ten seasons outside the top flight.
Since their promotion in 1961–62, every competitive season has been in the top flight.
Why the decline of relegation fear?. Several factors explain why they never risked another drop:
- Strong leadership — Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, and subsequent managerial legends built structures and cultures that sustained long-term success.
- Investment in infrastructure — Youth systems, scouting, and stadium expansion helped the club compete both domestically and in Europe.
- Winning habit — Success compounds stability. Titles, trophy runs, and revenue helped buffer against dips.
- Fanbase and identity — Liverpool became a global brand, with reputational weight that deterred managerial or structural crisis.
Thus, while relegations can hone character, Liverpool pivoted toward invincibility.
Common misunderstandings and clarifications
- “Liverpool has never been relegated” is sometimes said — strictly wrong, unless qualified by “in the Premier League era.”
- When lists of “clubs never relegated” appear, they usually mean since the Premier League’s formation. In that sense, Liverpool qualifies.
- There is sometimes confusion with Everton or Manchester United — their relegation histories differ.
- Relegation in the early 1900s or 1950s doesn’t carry the same weight in modern conversations — it’s history, not happening.
Legacy: reclaiming top-flight pride
The memory of those three relegations informs Liverpool’s modern ethos: resilience, ambition, and consistency. Those dark seasons are now part of the lore, the rebound stories that show how far the club has come.
The pride in saying “we’ve never been relegated since…” contributes to fans’ identity. It reminds everyone how long the club has been a pillar of English football.
Conclusion
Does the fact that has Liverpool ever been relegated matter today? Absolutely. It’s one of those questions that bonds fans in debate and teaches history to newcomers. The answer is that yes, Liverpool was relegated three times — in 1894–95, 1903–04, and 1953–54 — but those days lie far behind. In the Premier League era, Liverpool have never faced relegation.
If you enjoy these deep dives, MantaBall invites you to explore more on Liverpool’s greatest players, iconic wins, and statistical records. Want to learn about Liverpool’s longest unbeaten runs, top scorers, or epic comebacks? Just say the word.
