SEASONAL PRESENTS?

The first ever Boxing Day fixture was in 1860 between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC, which incidentally was the first ever association fixture. The home team won at the Sadnygate ground, 2-0. The last fixtures played on Christmas Day were in 1959, between Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool (1-0) in the old First Division and Coventry and Wrexham, in the old 3rd division, which ended 5-3.

The Scots last played on December 25th in 1976. Only two English clubs out of 22 anchored  at the bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day have survived relegation, although Norwich placed 7th on December 25th in 1994 free fell to be relegated, so perhaps clubs thinking they are safe mid-table might lay off the celebrations and invest in the their future. Have a look at this 1963 table; clearly too many seasonal sherries down the hatch?