The Football League is to present specially commissioned blue plaques to its 12 founder member clubs.
The plaques are in recognition of the special role they played in the formation of the world’s original league football competition.
The first season of The Football League kicked off on 8th September 1888 and featured Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Football League Chairman, Greg Clarke and Chief Operating Officer, Andy Williamson, who has worked for the organisation for the last 42 years, will be on hand this weekend to make presentations to Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Derby, Notts County, Preston and Wolves ahead of kick off in their respective Anniversary Fixtures.
PNE deputy chairman David Taylor will receive the Lilywhites plaque at approximately 2.50pm on Saturday, just before the action gets underway.
In looking forward to this weekend’s Anniversary Fixtures Programme and the new Sky Bet Football League season, Clarke said: “The supporters of The Football League’s founder members should take great pride from the contribution their clubs have made to the game of football and we looking forward to marking that achievement at the weekend.
“But as soon as the whistle goes, it is all about the new season and ten months of hard fought, competitive football. As ever, fans will be optimistic that this season will be their year and I’m sure every one of them can’t wait to get started.”
Accrington Stanley were presented with a plaque - on behalf of their predecessor club Accrington FC - along with Everton ahead of their recent friendly that re-created the Everton v Accrington match from the opening day of the 1888/89 season.
The League will also make special presentations to all the other clubs featuring in this weekend’s 125thAnniversary Fixtures.
125th Anniversary Fixture Programme:
Sky Bet Championship
Burnley v Bolton Wanderers (Sat 12.15pm)
Derby County v Blackburn Rovers (Sun 4pm)
Sky Bet League 1
Preston North End v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Sat 3pm)
Sheffield United v Notts County (Fri 7.45pm)
Sky Bet League 2
Newport County v Accrington Stanley (Sat 3pm)
Rochdale v Hartlepool United (Sat 3pm)
Celebrations of The Football League's 125th Anniversary will continue into the new season with the opening of a special exhibition at the National Football Museum in September. To find out more visit FL125.co.uk.