Was asked this question in a football quiz.

[CorgiRegisteredFriend]

In the unlikely event that Yeovil get promoted there would then be four clubs.

 

[ofco8]

Grimsby were promoted to top flight in 1902. Wiki say the answer is actually 4 clubs. Grimsby, Carlisle, Luton and Oxford.

 

[Luke93]

Accrington Stanley have been in the top flight (founding members), wouldn't they be one? I also thought Notts County could have been one, but unsure if they were ever in the conference.

 

[dougdeep]

Bradford Park Avenue, although probably earlier than when Conference was formed.

What?

 

[BensGrandad]

There are 4 that have played in all the 4 FL Divisions and The Conference: Carlisle, Luton Oxford and Grimsby but none have risen from The Conference they have all gone down to The Conference after better times in a higher division.

 

[CorgiRegisteredFriend]

Accrington Stanley have been in the top flight (founding members), wouldn't they be one? I also thought Notts County could have been one, but unsure if they were ever in the conference.

Its not Notts County. After thinking it was I looked it up and you are right. They were never in conference but very close to relegation 2005/6 when they escaped the drop on the final day of the season.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Grimsby were promoted to top flight in 1902. Wiki say the answer is actually 4 clubs. Grimsby, Carlisle, Luton and Oxford.

Stockport County were in the top flight for 5 seasons and having played at all levels including the Conference are now in Conference North.

 

[Trevor]

Accrington Stanley have been in the top flight (founding members), wouldn't they be one? I also thought Notts County could have been one, but unsure if they were ever in the conference.

Didn't Accrington go out of existence , so the current club is technically a different one

 

[ofco8]

What?

Bradford Park Avenue have played in all four top Leagues. They went bust and are now back in Conference North, but don't think they have ever got back to Conference level yet.

 

[Durlston]

Portsmouth - this time next year.

 

[BensGrandad]

Portsmouth - in eight months.

Hopefully, keep fingers crossed but even that is more than they deserve.

 

[Kumquat]

Didn't Accrington go out of existence , so the current club is technically a different one

Yes, like Wimbledon. Think that is correct.

 

[Theatre of Trees]

Stockport County were in the top flight for 5 seasons and having played at all levels including the Conference are now in Conference North.

Stockport County have never played in the top division. Second tier is the highest they have been.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Bradford Park Avenue have played in all four top Leagues. They went bust and are now back in Conference North, but don't think they have ever got back to Conference level yet.

They were completely liquidated in the 70s and reformed so although the name is the same, it's not the same club.

 

[CorgiRegisteredFriend]

Stockport County were in the top flight for 5 seasons and having played at all levels including the Conference are now in Conference North.

And Whitehawk in Conference South so at the same level as Stockport! Who would have predicted that? Whitehawk v Stockport.

 

[Seagull on the wing]

Northampton should have shared this honour but were saved by Kidderminster's ground not being up to Football League standard

True...did'nt they get successive promotions and demotions?

 

[Goldstone Rapper]

True...did'nt they get successive promotions and demotions?

I'm pretty sure you're right there. There are some Match of the Day clips of Northampton being in the top flight. Seems bizarre to have them rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tottenham, Leeds and Chelsea. They'd fallen right back by the time of George Best's televised six goals against them in the 1970s.