1938–39 Southern Football League

The 1938–39 season was the 41st in the history of the Southern League. Colchester United won the title.^[1] Three clubs applied to join the Football League, although none were successful. The following season saw the league split into Eastern and Western sections as part an emergency war-time competition, after which the league was discontinued until the end of World War II.

Final table

Football league season

A total of 23 teams contest the division, including 17 sides from previous season, one team relegated from The Football League and five new teams.

Team relegated from 1937–38 Football League:

• Gillingham

Newly elected teams:

• Chelmsford City from the Essex County League
• Worcester City from the Birmingham & District League
• Arsenal II
• Cardiff City II
• Ipswich Town II from the Eastern Counties League

Source: ^{[citation needed]}
Rules for classification: The system of using goal average to separate two teams tied on points was used up until the 1976-77 season. The points system: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for losing.
Notes:

1. Number of goals for and/or against is inaccurate.

Football League election

Three Southern League clubs, Chelmsford City, Colchester United and Gillingham, applied to join the Football League. However, both League clubs were re-elected.^[2]

References

1. England - Southern League Final Tables RSSSF
2. A history of admission to the Football League