We'll be back in 81

That is incredible Ellafella, if that is a picture of the first ever league game to kick off in world football and that document must be worth a fortune. It is amazing that these exist. It is great to know Derby County kicked off the first ever league game in history.

…and another hugely historic document connected with the game. The Derby County Committee Meeting notes from 3rd September detailing inter alia the team to play v Bolton. This is the stuff of history {thanks to @loweman2, who else}. 

Couldn't let this day pass without reminding us...it all began today...134 years ago.
On this day 134 years ago, Derby County travelled to Pikes Lane, Bolton. They travelled by train. They were 15 minutes late and so kick-off was delayed. The delay unsettled the team because they fell 0-3 behind quickly but rallied after the break to win 6-3. Derby's goals came from George Bakewell (2), Lewis Cooper (2) and 'Lol' Plackett (2). Derby had poached all of those players from local rivals.     
Ten of the twelve teams took part in the first ever round of Championship fixtures on Saturday, 8 September 1888 and although no league table was published in any of the newspapers of the time West Bromwich Albion would have been the very first table toppers. By modern-day calculations, Derby County would have been the first ever table toppers because of their superior goal difference which was +3 after the first game. Albion won 2–0 at Stoke in front of 4,500 spectators and would have headed Preston North End, Derby County and Everton by virtue of an infinite goal average as they kept a clean sheet. Goal Average was the number of goals scored divided by the number of goals conceded. Goal Average was used to separate teams who were tied on points at that time. Preston defeated Burnley 5–2, Derby were 6–3 winners at Bolton and Everton secured the points in a 2–1 victory over Accrington. Aston Villa defender Gershom Cox was thought to have earned the distinction of scoring the first ever league goal with an unfortunate own goal in a 1–1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fred Dewhurst opening the scoring minutes later at Preston with the first intentional goal. However the post-match reports of relative kick-off times show most games were delayed allowing for crowds to assemble. A goal by England and Bolton winger Kenny Davenport 2 minutes into the match against Derby County was scored comfortably before any other and is now regarded as the first ever football league goal. 
To put it all in context, as the Derby Team would have been arriving back at Derby station later that evening, the London newspapers would have also been arriving by train in Derby and would have been detailing how earlier that morning the body of Annie Chapman was discovered in Whitechapel, London. She was the 2nd victim of Jack the Ripper. 
The picture below shows Pikes Lane Bolton and then the shirt Derby County wore that day, thanks to @loweman2for re-producing such a brilliant and quality item. 
I will raise a glass tonight in celebration.  
 

Oh B4, you do have a habit of brightening ours days up. ?

Oh B4, you do have a habit of brightening ours days up. ?

Oh B4, you do have a habit of brightening ours days up. ?

Yep, thought the new shirts looked very good yesterday. Those of you who disagree are entitled to your opinion, but you are wrong ;)
 

Agree with this, too many bar code lines, I would prefer it plain. I like the black socks too. Just get Rolls Royce to sponsor the shirts, that would sell well.

Wouldn't imagine we owe money for anyone. Once the club was purchased by clowes the fee would have included paying off football debts which includes transfers. So we don't owe anyone anything.

I took advice from the guy who does the leather and shoe repairs on the BBC program the work shop, I had to restore the soles and asked the best way to retain their authenticity but to also ensure they would be around in 100 years, I also invested in the UV protective display, Alan is really pleased with what I have done, many of the items that I have within the collection have a high individual value but I would never sell any of it, I have paid thousands of pounds to put it together over a very long time and got to know many of the ex players along the way over the years and have earned their respect so it’s nice when they see the bigger picture of what I am trying to do in preserving the history of the club, John Gregory recently let me take ownership of his collection of Derby shirts, it is my intention to sit down with David Clowes and to take things forward in such a way that we can all benefit and share in the history of the club, had you seen the project has been completed on the Racecourse years shirts ? The collection of five ?

Alan Hinton has always been interested in and appreciative of the work I put in to preserve the history and rich heritage of the club going back a long time so it was a great surprise to hear from him that he wanted to send over his iconic match worn, signed white Hummel boots from the early 1970s.
He was one of the first to go against the grain and you had to have confidence in your ability to stand out to that extent, he did of course have ability in abundance and could ping in a cross from any angle with either foot, he was also top scorer in the Championship Winning season in 1971-72.
A real piece of our history.

'Enjoyed' all your posting about the financial stuff for the last 18months..and previously your academy insights. Its  really good to see your other posting is every bit as informed. Best poster on here, talk lots of (non knee-jerk) sense.

Reel em in B4. Good one.

Reel em in B4. Good one.

The Rams looking bloody beautiful in the black socks today in case anyone has missed it.

I'd love a Rams shirt with Rolls-Royce on the front!

Yes yes yes yes yes
We have won the freaking war

Sorry I saw my first match in 1959 but I am in tears now together with my 40 year old daughters. ?