Always a good debate for those that are interested in it.
I've said this in the past but I don't think it's as easy as just doing 1 list as things change so much. Look at where Wolves were 2-3 years ago, Leicester 5-6 years ago, and how far Sunderland have dropped in 4-5 years. Currently i'd say Sunderland are on a par with the likes of Leeds and Forest. Big formerly successful clubs who are out of the top flight. Overall, i'd have Sunderland at a similar size as Newcastle, Leeds and West Ham.
I would have it like this overall:
Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal
Everton, Villa, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, West Ham
Then clubs like Wolves, Forest, Leicester, Southampton, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn, Bolton, West Brom
More recently (taking in to account about the last 3/4/5 years)
"The big 6"
Leicester, Everton, Wolves
West Ham, Newcastle, Villa, Southampton
Leeds, Sunderland, Villa
For me, the main things are success (most importantly League Titles and the European Cup/CL), fanbase (including home crowds and away following), overall history, recent achievements and status within the game.
I've said this in the past but I don't think it's as easy as just doing 1 list as things change so much. Look at where Wolves were 2-3 years ago, Leicester 5-6 years ago, and how far Sunderland have dropped in 4-5 years. Currently i'd say Sunderland are on a par with the likes of Leeds and Forest. Big formerly successful clubs who are out of the top flight. Overall, i'd have Sunderland at a similar size as Newcastle, Leeds and West Ham.
I would have it like this overall:
Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal
Everton, Villa, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds, West Ham
Then clubs like Wolves, Forest, Leicester, Southampton, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn, Bolton, West Brom
More recently (taking in to account about the last 3/4/5 years)
"The big 6"
Leicester, Everton, Wolves
West Ham, Newcastle, Villa, Southampton
Leeds, Sunderland, Villa
For me, the main things are success (most importantly League Titles and the European Cup/CL), fanbase (including home crowds and away following), overall history, recent achievements and status within the game.