Since 1880, Bolton Wanderers (founded in 1874), was known to have unofficially offered professional terms to Scottish players ("Scotch Professors").

The subject remained a heated one through the 1880s, directly or indirectly involving many other clubs besides Bolton.

The FA espoused the ideal of amateurism promoted by the likes of Corinthian F.C.

The British Home Championship pitted the UK's four national teams (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) against each other in a league competition in which each played the other three once.

* England score given first Key Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour.