diff --git a/src/CHANGELOG b/src/CHANGELOG
index f57cac21a..72e578a9b 100644
--- a/src/CHANGELOG
+++ b/src/CHANGELOG
@@ -116,6 +116,9 @@ ECL 0.9i
    defined, so that the compiler no longer issues warnings when they are
    referenced.
 
+ - The slot GENERIC-FUNCTION of a method is initially set to NIL instead of
+   left unbound.
+
 * Documentation:
 
  - The HTML manuals now use CSS for a more appealing look.
diff --git a/src/clos/kernel.lsp b/src/clos/kernel.lsp
index 43e177b8e..8a9387942 100644
--- a/src/clos/kernel.lsp
+++ b/src/clos/kernel.lsp
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@
 
 (eval-when (compile eval)
   (defparameter +standard-method-slots+
-    '((generic-function :initarg :generic-function
+    '((generic-function :initarg :generic-function :initform nil
        :accessor method-generic-function)
       (lambda-list :initarg :lambda-list
        :accessor method-lambda-list)