Welcoming Old Friends...

Today’s game at Goodison Park is the only top-flight fixture this weekend that features two founder members of the Football League.

- Tony Onslow

Burnley began life playing under the rules of Rugby School but switched to the FA code following an invitation from the local cricket club to join them at their established home of Turf Moor.

The Burnley footballers first played here in 1883, which means only Preston North End have occupied their home ground for a longer length of time in English football.

Burnley were soon given a shock introduction into the realities of the association game when, in October 1883, they were beaten 9-1 by a neighbouring Padiham side that included several Scottish imports. The Turf Moor outfit quickly did the same, surpassed their neighbours and, in September 1888, became a founder member of the Football League.