Blades to open League season with special anniversary match

The game was confirmed ahead of the official release of the full 2013-14 fixture list at 9am today, with the decision effectively meaning that the Blades’ city rivals Sheffield Wednesday are likely to be away from home on the first weekend of the new season, August 3-4.

Bramall Lane is recognised as the world’s oldest professional football ground, while Notts County are the oldest team in the world playing at professional level after being formed in 1862.

That year saw the first football game at the Lane on December 29 when Sheffield FC took on Hallam FC in a charity match, with the famous venue used for football matches between local Sheffield sides prior to the Blades being formed in 1889 when they moved into the stadium and became a permanent occupant. They have remained there ever since.

Blades historian John Garrett said: “Sheffield United is a wonderfully historic club, with some great characters having played for it and some great achievements. The club’s home is just as illustrious and this is a nice honour.”

Throughout its history, Bramall Lane – originally opened as a cricket ground in 1855 – has claimed numerous firsts, hosting the maiden floodlit football match in 1878 and becoming the first stadium outside of London and Glasgow to stage an England versus Scotland clash in 1883.

It is also one of only two venues, the other being The Oval, to stage an Ashes Test and an FA Cup final.

In more modern times, Bramall Lane has also seen history made, with the first goal in the Premier League scored there by former Blades striker Brian Deane against Manchester United on August 15, 1992.

The other matches announced for the opening weekend include a Lancashire derby between Burnley and Bolton at Turf Moor, one of only three grounds used in the 1888-89 league season that is still in use today.

A second Championship clash between two founder members of the Football League sees Derby County welcome Blackburn Rovers.

Another of the original grounds, Deepdale, will host the meeting of founder members Preston and Wolves in League One.

In League Two, Accrington Stanley will visit the Football League’s newest ground and newest member – Rodney Parade, the home of the re-formed Newport County. Hartlepool visit Rochdale in the 137th encounter between the two clubs – the most played Football League match between current members.

Football League chairman Greg Clarke 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.”

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