The 1883–84 season was the 13th season of competitive football in England. 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. Their neighbours, Blackburn Rovers (founded in 1875) and Darwen (founded in 1870) had also signed Scottish players on a 'shamateur' basis using side jobs, either real or fabricated, to facilitate payment. The FA espoused the ideal of amateurism promoted by the likes of Corinthian F.C. from whom the phrase "Corinthian Spirit" came into being.

Overview

1883–1884 saw the world's first international tournament begin. 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. Scotland won the first contest with England finishing second.

National team

• England score given first Key

Honours

Notes = Number in parentheses is the times that club has won that honour.

• indicates new record for competition

Events