Every year it is becoming more and more difficult for football clubs of any standing to meet their friendly engagements and even arrange friendly matches. The consequence is that at the last moment, through cup-tie interference, clubs are compelled to take on teams who will not attract the public.

I beg to tender the following suggestion as a means of getting over the difficulty: that ten or twelve of the most prominent clubs in England combine to arrange home-and-away fixtures each season, the said fixtures to be arranged at a friendly conference about the same time as the International Conference.

This combination might be known as the Association Football Union, and could be managed by representative from each club. Of course, this is in no way to interfere with the National Association; even the suggested matches might be played under cup-tie rules. However, this is a detail.

My object in writing to you at present is merely to draw your attention to the subject, and to suggest a friendly conference to discuss the matter more fully. I would take it as a favour if you would kindly think the matter over, and make whatever suggestions you deem necessary.

I am only writing to the following - Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, West Bromwich Albion, and Aston Villa, and would like to hear what other clubs you would suggest.

I am, yours very truly, William McGregor (Aston Villa F.C.)

وبدأ الدوري الانجليزي في الثامن من سبتمبر 1888م (8/9/1888) بمشاركة اثناعشر فريقا وتكون هذه هي اول بطولة دوري انجليزي بل في العالم اجمع والفرق المشاركه بذلك العام هي :استون فيلا,بلاكبيرن,بولتون,ويست بروميش,بريستون نورث,ايفرتون,اكرينغتون,بروكلي,ولفرهامبتون,نوتس كاونتي وستوك سيتي.

وبعدها بدات الانديه بازدياد وشاركت كل من نيوكاسل , مانشستر يونايتد وليفربول الذي حقق اول بطولاته بالدوري عام 1901 من 18 بطوله احرزها ... واستمرت البطوله حتى بداية الحرب العالميه الاولى لتقف عام 1915و تعود من جديد عام 1919 وتواصلت دون انقطاع حتى بداية الحرب العالميه الثانيه وتوقفت عام1939 لمدة ستة سنوات وتبدا عام 1946 من جديد... حالها حال باقي دوريات اوروبا.