Bolton Wanderers’ opening Championship fixture will be part of a special set of games marking the 125th Anniversary of the Football League’s foundation.
The Trotters will face Lancashire rivals Burnley at Turf Moor on the first weekend of the 2013/14 Football League season, pitting two founder members against one another.
It will be their 115th meeting and Football League Chairman Greg Clarke feels the fixtures are proof of English football’s enduring appeal, with an audience of 2.2billion worldwide.
“For 125 years, Football League clubs have delivered a compelling spectacle, week after week,” he said.
“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.”
Rochdale are Greater Manchester’s other representative in the anniversary fixtures – commemorating the 1888/89 campaign – entertaining Hartlepool United at Spotland in League Two.
As for Wanderers, Dougie Freedman’s men also now know their opponents in the first round of the Capital One Cup after being drawn away to League One Shrewsbury Town.
The full Football League fixture list for the upcoming season was released today.
Image courtesy of bwfc official, via YouTube, with thanks.
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