The 125 Committee held its first meeting shortly before Christmas.

Because of doubts over the exact date on which the club was founded, the anniversary celebrations will take place throughout the year.

Peter Garrett, the committee's press officer, said: "The club's records from the last century were kept in a solicitor's office in the town, but were lost in a fire. And, because details of the club are a little bit vague from that period, we can't pin-point the exact date it came into being. But we do have a report of a match against Comberbach from that year."

Indeed, because 1875 is widely regarded as the first year Northwich Vics played on The Drill Field, the committee have two years of events planned.

The highlights for 1999 include a Celebration Dinner on September 23 and a proposed pre-season friendly with a Premiership club. The club, yet to be confirmed, is said to share similar longevity with Vics. With that in mind Everton, Blackburn and Aston Villa could be in contention.

The Celebration Dinner will include high-profile footballing dignitaries such as Gordon Taylor from the PFA. Tickets cost £30 each with Vics' fans being actively encouraged to attend. A staggered payment scheme is available. Watch this space for other events...

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