1981–82 in English football

The 1981–82 season was the 102nd season of competitive football in England. It was also the first season that the Three points for a win system was introduced.

Three points for a win was introduced for the first time in England. Liverpool made up for the previous season's slip in league form by winning the league championship for the 13th time in their history, fighting off competition from Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Their season of triumph was overshadowed, however, by the death of former manager Bill Shankly in late September. Shankly had suffered a heart attack. He was 68.

Swansea City competed in the First Division for the first time in their history, and led the league at several stages during the early months of the season before finishing sixth in the final table.

Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Wolves were relegated.

Luton Town won promotion from the Second Division. Luton's local rivals Watford were runners-up and would begin 1982–83 as First Division members for the first time in their history. Also promoted were third placed Norwich City, who ensured an instant return to the First Division. Cardiff City, Wrexham and Orient were the three clubs to lose their Second Division status at the end of the 1981–82 season.

Burnley, Carlisle United and Fulham won promotion to the Second Division. Going down were Wimbledon, Swindon Town, Bristol City and Chester.

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