Last Saturday, a rare event took place at Anfield when Burnley took to the field against Liverpool with a starting squad numbered 1-11 -- the first Premier League team to do so in 23 years.
This is in an era when you are more likely to see a No.21 linking up with a No.37.
The Clarets were the first team to field a side in the top flight with only the traditional 1-11 numbers since Charlton Athletic in the second game of the 1998-99 season.
Manager Sean Dyche commented: "Another old fashioned thing about me. 1-11, who would have thought it?"
Unfortunately, the traditional numbers did not turn out lucky for the Clarets as they lost 2-0 to the powerful Liverpool side.
It might be an appropriate time to look back to the days when the 11 players on the pitch knew their place and always wore the right number:
The Goalkeeper: Nearly always had a moth-eaten green jersey, although in internationals for some reason, this would change to yellow. In school sides, he would usually be the tallest person in the class and chosen because he was the only one who could touch the crossbar.
No.2/3: Right and Left Back -- Would not stray from their position just outside their own penalty area. Prime task was to kick wingers on the shin, or any other part of the anatomy, and hoof the ball upfield to no one in particular. Even better was to wallop the ball into the stands. Often took penalty kicks. Favourite on-field expression "didn't touch him ref!"
No.5: Centre Half -- Usually the biggest player in the side with a nickname like "Cruncher" or "Knocker". Did much the same as the backs but was confined to a short stretch on the edge of the penalty area. Main duty was to incapacitate the opposing centre forward -- a knee in the groin usually did the trick. If his side were losing with five minutes to go he would go up to the other end for corners, prompting shouts from the terrace "watch the big centre half".
No.4/6: Right Half/Left Half -- Were allowed to venture across the halfway line but not too far. For some reason, they always had to take the throw-ins. Scored about two goals a season. Captain would often play in that position so he would be discretely anonymous if he had a bad game.
No.7: Right Wing -- The quickest and often the smallest player on the pitch. His main job was to sprint down the wing, tread on the ball and fall over spectacularly, hoping for a free-kick. Often provided the most exciting moments of the match. Had to take the corners even if his kicks couldn't reach the penalty area.
No.8/10: Inside Right/Inside Left -- Regarded as the "schemer" and one of the few players on the pitch capable of completing a crossword puzzle. The only player who understood the offside rule. Usually far too greedy and sometimes a bit fragile. Rarely got his shorts dirty, even on a muddy pitch.
No.9: Centre Forward -- Often the ugliest-looking player as a result of assorted collisions with the goalposts and defenders' elbows. Tended to lurk outside the opposition's penalty box and shout abuse at the rest of his team the entire match. Would often score the winner when the ball hit his knee.
No.11: Left Wing -- At school by far the least popular position. Usually featured the only person who could kick with his left foot. Hardly ever touched to ball. The first to be blamed when the team lost.
So much for the good old days. With the large squads required by Premier League clubs, we naturally get all sorts of numbers more associated with basketball than football.
Some numbers maintain a special aura for certain clubs. Since the days of Jackie Milburn the No.9 shirt at Newcastle has been revered and among those keeping up the tradition have been Malcolm Macdonald, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer.
No.7 is particularly special at Liverpool. Among No.7s that have graced Anfield are Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Peter Beardsley and Steve McManaman.
The same goes for Manchester United where No.7s have included Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Interestingly, when Beckham moved to Real Madrid, he chose No.23, the same as US basketball legend Michael Jordan.