Crystal Palace is staking a claim to be recognised as the oldest league club in existence still playing professional football after new research found a direct connection to the team established in 1861, who were founder members of the Football Association.
The claim overturns 150 years of conventional footballing wisdom and is sure to trigger a debate amongst supporters and historians.
According to the Football Association, non-league Sheffield F.C., founded on October 24th 1857, is the world’s oldest club, and Notts County, founded in November 1862, is the oldest league club.