1898–99 Southern Football League


The 1898–99 season was the fifth in the history of the Southern League. This season saw the expansion of Division One up to 14 teams and the creation of Division Two South-West, though it was disbanded at the end of the season after all its clubs left. No Southern League clubs applied for promotion to the Football League.
Southampton were Division One champions for the third season in a row. Overall Division Two champions being decided in a playoff in which Thames Ironworks defeated Cowes 3-1 at The Den.

Division One

A total of 14 teams contest the division, including ten sides from the previous season and four new teams.
Teams promoted from 1897-98 Division Two:
Newly elected teams:

Division Two London

Division Two London was formed on the basis of the previous season's Division Two. A total of 12 teams contest the division, including eight sides from the previous season and four new teams.
Team relegated from Division One:
  • Wolverton L&NWR - test matches losers
Newly elected teams:

Division Two South-West

Division Two South-West was a newly formed and short-lived formation. At the end of the season, the division was liquidated and the League returned to a 2-division structure.

Promotion-relegation test matches

At the end of the season, test matches were held between the bottom two clubs in Division One and the top club in both Division Twos. Royal Artillery Portsmouth lost 4-1 to Cowes and were relegated to Division Two, whilst Cowes were promoted. Royal Artillery Portsmouth then disbanded. Sheppey United and Thames Ironworks drew 1-1, leading to Sheppey remaining in Division One and Thames Ironworks joining them.