128th First Football League Weekend Anniversary

This week marked the 128th anniversary of the first ever Football League weekend back in 1888.

To be exact, Thursday marked the exact day of the anniversary, as ten founder members of the inaugural Football League played out their first opening day fixtures on September 8, 1888.

Accrington, Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Preston North End, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers were all in action on the opening day, with fellow founder members Blackburn Rovers and Notts County, making their own Football League debuts the following weekend.

Aston Villa’s William McGregor became the first Football League President, whilst Stoke City’s Harry Lockett became the first secretary of the organisation, with Bolton Wanderers’ Kenny Davenport scoring the first goal of the new competition, after only two minutes at their Pikes Lane ground.

The Midlands derby between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa was also the first game to kick off.