National Football Museum marks 125 years of the Football League
- Published
The National Football Museum has launched an exhibition celebrating the 125-year history of the Football League, which includes a signed home shirt from all 72 teams currently in the Championship, League One and League Two.
William McGregor founded the Football League in 1888. At that point, it comprised of 12 clubs - Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke City (then Stoke FC), West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
McGregor, who owned a draper's shop in Birmingham, sold fabrics and football shirts. He eventually became the chairman of Aston Villa.
As the Football League expanded, separate southern and northern sections of the Third Division were created. Pictured is the 1921 Division Three North shield.
Sir Tom Finney, one of the biggest stars in the Football League's history, played for his local club Preston North End for his entire career. The exhibition includes a pair of replica Finney boots.
Items on display from another of the league's most famous names, George Best, include letters sent from the player to his parents while he lived in Manchester.
Carlisle United goalkeeper Jimmy Glass's name went down in football folklore on the final day of the Division Three season in 1999. After coming up for a corner in injury time with his side facing relegation, he volleyed home the winner to earn his side a 2-1 win and avoid the drop.
Game Changers: 125 Years of The Football League runs at the museum in Manchester until 27 April 2014.