Behind the badge: The origins of EPL team nicknames

The English Premier League (EPL) isn’t just famous for its thrilling matches and star players; it’s also home to some of the most intriguing yet interesting team nicknames in sports. Each nickname tells a story, revealing the club's history and traditions.

Uncover the stories and origins behind the nicknames of some of the top EPL teams and what makes each one special in this guide:

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Newcastle United: The Magpies

Newcastle United (NUFC) was formed in 1892 when two local clubs, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, merged. NUFC’s nickname, ‘The Magpies’, came from their team kit's black and white colours, which resemble the colours of a magpie bird. Some say it relates to the club's history of using a magpie on their crest from 1976 until 1983.

Image source: logos-world.net

The Magpies also represent Newcastle United’s identity and connection to the city and symbolise loyalty and community. With the team’s widespread success, Newcastle United has partnered with Sportsbet.io, offering fans an enhanced sports betting experience.

Chelsea: The Blues

Chelsea is based in London, England and was founded in 1905. The team started playing in the English leagues right away and their big break came in 1955 when they won their first major honour, the League Championship.

Their nickname ‘The Blues’ comes from the team's blue uniforms. The squad has worn blue since it was founded in 1905, making it a big part of their identity. Fans and commentators started using it to refer to the team because it’s easy to say and remember. ‘The Blues’ is also used in songs and chants by fans, showing their pride in the club.

Arsenal: The Gunners

Another renowned football club based in London, Arsenal was founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the EPL. The club’s initial name was Dial Square, but later changed to Arsenal in 1915.

In 1886, Arsenal was founded by workers at the Royal Arsenal, a munitions factory in Woolwich, London. Hence, the nickname ‘The Gunners’ which ties back to its roots in the military reflects the club's strong and fighting spirit.

Southampton: The Saints

At the end of the 19th century, many people were worried about the behaviour of young men, especially in religious groups. In 1885, Reverend Arthur Baron Sole from St. Mary's Church on the south coast decided to take action.

Sole started a football team, which people now know today as Southampton, to keep the young men active and engaged. This way, they could use their time positively and promote a healthy spirit of competitiveness. The team adopted the nickname ‘The Saints’ to honour their connection to the church.

Manchester United: The Red Devils

Manchester United (Man UTD) was founded in 1878 and was first named Newton Heath LYR Football Club. After the names Manchester Central and Manchester Celtic were turned down, the team chose the name Manchester United in April 1902.

They also changed their colours. At first, the club wore white shirts with black shorts as well as wearing all white with a big red V. Finally, they settled on the famous red shirts they’re known for today. Man UTD was first called the ‘Busby Babes’, a nickname formed due to their Scottish manager at the time being Sir Matt Busby.

Despite being named after him, Busby wanted a more aggressive and intimidating nickname for Man UTD. He came across the Salford Rugby Club since the squad was also based near the original Old Trafford and wore red colors.

The rugby club just finished touring France at the time and a French Press article dubbed them as the ‘Les Diables Rouges'—in English, translates to ‘The Red Devils’. Busby liked the nickname and since Man UTD also wears red on the field, he decided to use the nickname, becoming a well-known tag for the EPL club today.

Manchester City: The Citizens

Manchester City (Man City) was founded in 1880 and was first named St. Mark's (West Gorton). In 1894, they changed their name to Manchester City. The team won the Premier League title in 2012, their first in 44 years, and continued to win more titles in the next few years.

Man City’s nickname ‘The Citizens’ comes from the club's ties to the city of Manchester and reflects the team's connection to the local community and its fans. The nickname became popular in the late 20th century, showing pride in being a part of Manchester. The Citizens also highlights the club's goal of representing the people of the city.

Liverpool: The Reds

Founded in 1892, the team’s nickname, ‘The Reds’, came from the team's red uniforms, which they have worn since the early 20th century. The colour red has become a big part of Liverpool's identity, reflecting the passion and spirit of the team and its fans. It is also used by supporters during matches, creating a strong sense of unity and pride.

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Other EPL team nicknames you should know

Aside from the ones mentioned above, here are other club nicknames in the EPL:

Why should you bet on EPL matches?

The EPL is one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, offering thrilling games, famous teams, and top players. Here’s why betting on EPL matches is worth your while:

• Top-tier competition → The EPL features some of the best football teams in the world, like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea. These teams not only have skilled players but also great coaches. This high level of competition means that each match is exciting and thrilling.

• Variety of betting options → In the EPL, you can choose from many different types of bets. For example, you can bet on which team will win, how many goals will be scored, or even who will be the top scorer in a match. This variety allows you to find a bet that you feel good about.

• Surprises and underdogs → Due to EPL’s intense competition, not every game goes as expected. Sometimes, a team that is not favoured to win, called an underdog, can surprise everyone and beat a stronger team. This makes the matches thrilling to watch and bet on.

• Historic rivalries → Many teams in the EPL have long-standing rivalries that make their matches special. For example, matches between Liverpool and Man UTD, or Arsenal and Tottenham, are full of passion and energy. These rivalries often lead to intense games where both teams want to win more than usual.

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