Six games announced to mark 125th anniversary
The Football League is to mark the 125th anniversary of its first season (1888/89) with a programme of special anniversary league fixtures to be played on the opening weekend of the 2013/14 campaign.
The six matches – two in each division – will feature a number of the founder members of the world’s original league football competition, as well as other pairings of historical significance.
In the Championship, four founder members will go head-to-head with Derby County, League champions in 1972 and 1975 hosting Blackburn Rovers, champions of England in 1912, 1914 and 1995.
Lancashire rivals Burnley and Bolton Wanderers will face each other at Turf Moor, one of only three grounds used in the 1888/89 league season that is still in use today. The two clubs have met each other in league football on 114 occasions.
Another of the original grounds, Deepdale, will host the meeting of founder members Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers in League 1. Since hosting its first league match on the opening day of the very first season, Deepdale has staged 2,342 Football League matches, more than any other stadium. Also in League 1, the oldest Football League club, Notts County will be the visitors at the world’s oldest professional football ground – Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United.
In League 2, Accrington Stanley will visit the Football League’s newest ground and newest member - Rodney Parade the home of the re-formed Newport County. While Hartlepool United will visit Rochdale in the 137th encounter between the two clubs – the most played Football League match between current members.
In announcing the 125th Anniversary fixtures, Football League Chairman Greg Clarke said: “For 125 years, Football League clubs have delivered a compelling spectacle, week after week. In the process, attracting a total audience of more than 2.2 billion people and building indelible relationships with their local communities.
“Our clubs and their supporters are the heartbeat of the domestic game, giving English league football a breadth and popularity that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.
“We look forward to celebrating 125 years of incredible matches, unforgettable moments and intense footballing rivalry.”
The remainder of the 2013/14 Football League fixture programme will be announced at 9am on June 19th.
To find out more about the 125th Anniversary of The Football League visit FL125.co.uk.
Anniversary Fixture Programme:
Championship
Burnley v Bolton Wanderers
Derby County v Blackburn Rovers
League 1
Preston North End v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sheffield United v Notts County
League 2
Newport County v Accrington Stanley
Rochdale v Hartlepool United
(Dates & kick-off times subject to confirmation.)