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Soccer at War 1939-45 Jack Rollin

Soccer at War 1939-45 By Jack Rollin

Soccer at War 1939-45 by Jack Rollin


£5.80
New RRP £12.99
Condition - Very Good
5 in stock

Summary

A work on British football and footballers during the WWII. It reveals how it was during the war years that football not only continued to be played and watched but also grew in popularity and stature. It explains how, while the country fought for freedom, the sport offered morale-boosting appeal to war workers, servicemen and civilians alike.

Soccer at War 1939-45 Summary

Soccer at War 1939-45 by Jack Rollin

"Soccer at War" is the compelling account of the national game during this defining moment in history and, as such, makes an important contribution to the literature of football. Jack Rollin reveals how it was during the war years that football not only continued to be played and watched but also grew in popularity and stature. He explains how, while the country fought for freedom, the sport offered morale-boosting appeal to war workers, servicemen and civilians alike. The book tells of the hundreds of professional footballers who joined up, those who became heroes and those who did not come back, the enthusiasts who administered the game in their spare time and the players who turned out for thirty bob a week. The servicemen who went AWOL to play and others who hitch-hiked just to get to a game also find their place in the story, along with the record-breaking goalscoring achievements. Looking further afield to occupied Europe, "Soccer at War" also exposes the role of football in Hitler's regime.

Soccer at War 1939-45 Reviews

Of all the books I have read on football, none have given me more pleasure than 'Soccer at War'. -- Stan Cullis, Wolves and England While it will be compulsive reading for nostalgia buffs, those too young to remember gasmasks and ration books should still find the work a rewarding experience. -- David Lacey, Guardian A valuable social history as well as an invaluable work of soccer reference. -- Patrick Collins, Mail on Sunday The definitive record of football amidst the blackouts and skirmishes engineered by Adolf Hitler. -- John Richardson, Newcastle Journal Any football fan who lived through that historic period will surely derive great pleasure from this nostalgic story. -- Donald Saunders, The Daily Telegraph A buff's buff book. -- Simon Barnes, The Times

About Jack Rollin

Jack Rollin was soccer columnist for the Sunday Telegraph for 21 years. Born in London in 1932, his most vivid recollections of the war are of being bombed out twice, then of being evacuated to Devon - only to be machine-gunned on the beach by a stray enemy plane. He is co-editor of SKY SPORTS FOOTBALL YEARBOOK and PLAYFAIR FOOTBALL ANNUAL with his daughter, Glenda.

Additional information

GOR001803754
9780755314317
075531431X
Soccer at War 1939-45 by Jack Rollin
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Headline Publishing Group
2005-06-06
480
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Soccer at War 1939-45