seagullsovergrimsby
#cpfctinpotclub
how long has that been the rule because i'm sure i can remember games relatively recently with players having only numbers.
Don't know when it was first introduced but it has been mandatory for a while. Football League rules are -:
33.10 Numbering of Players' Shirts. When playing in a Match each Player shall wear a shirt on the back of which shall be prominently displayed his shirt number and above that his name. At the start of each Season each Club must provide to the Executive on the appropriate form details of shirt numbers allocated to each squad Player. Each Player will retain his designated number for the Season unless he leaves the Club in which case his number may be re- allocated to a new Player. Each time a squad number is allocated during the Season the Club must provide full details on the appropriate form.
33.11 Numbering of Players' Shorts. Players' shorts must be numbered to correspond with the number on his shirt. The number will be on the front left leg of the shorts, measure no more than 4 inches and be clear and visible.