iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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ScotsFoundedFootball @gedboy58.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

2 of 6 They were able to be specific in labelling me as an ‘anti English crank’. I cherish that name. It is a mark of pride. However, they had an important announcement about the oldest ever documented reference to team formation. 19 June 1865. Leeds v Sheffield Norton Royal Park, Leeds.

Unknown Yorkshire newspaper 'Sheffield Briefing' with subtitle 'Blue Plaque Recognises Use of Football Tactics for the First Time'. There is a photo of various Sheffield protagonists pointing at the plaque on a wall.

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ScotsFoundedFootball @gedboy58.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

3 of 6 The newspaper article says how positions came from cricket. John Stock says that the captain in his red cap ‘orchestrated the state of play. This switch made passing in the game inevitable’. Until this point - says the journo Christopher Hallam - ‘passing had not been a key element’.

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ScotsFoundedFootball @gedboy58.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

4 of 6 Add ‘in Sheffield’ in case you think this applies to Scotland. Thanks to Scottish historians, we know that Shinty and Football shared an idea of positions: the box in Shinty being replicated in the four defenders protecting the goalkeeper. This is the scientific aspect of Scottish culture.

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