Soccer at War 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.
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
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.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780755314317 |
| ISBN 10 | 075531431X |
| Title | Soccer at War |
| Author | Jack Rollin |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Headline Publishing Group |
| Year published | 2005-06-06 |
| Number of pages | 480 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |