Football League to mark 125th anniversary fixtures for opening day

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.

will feature a number of the founder members of the world's original league football competition, as well as other pairings of historical significance. The six matches - two in each division -

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.

The two clubs have met each other in league football on 114 occasions. 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.

  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. Another of the original grounds, Deepdale, will host the meeting of founder members Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers in League 1.

Also in League 1, the world’s oldest Football League club, Notts County will be the visitors at the world’s oldest professional football ground – Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United.

While Hartlepool United will visit Rochdale in the 137th encounter between the two clubs - the most played Football League match between current members. 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.

 In announcing the 125th Anniversary fixtures, Football League Chairman Greg Clarke said:

In the process, attracting a total audience of more than 2.2 billion people and building indelible relationships with their local communities. “For 125 years, Football League clubs have delivered a compelling spectacle, week after week.

“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 9.00am on June 19.

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)