England’s Nadir? by Christopher Alan Jones delivers a fresh, revisionist perspective on one of the most maligned periods in English football history: Don Revie’s tenure as England manager from 1974 to 1977. Instead of simply reinforcing the narrative that this era represented the ‘nadir’ of the national team, Jones meticulously analyses match reports, squad selections, and the tactical evolution that occurred under Revie’s stewardship. The book provides football fans with a detailed match-by-match breakdown of all 29 games, scrutinising the performances of the 52 players who wore the Three Lions shirt during this turbulent time. By reassessing England’s results alongside the broader context of the nation’s footballing fortunes, Jones invites readers to question long-standing assumptions.
Jones’s careful research extends beyond the pitch, exploring how factors such as industrial unrest, economic hardship, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland shaped both the England team and wider society in the 1970s. England’s Nadir? stands apart from other football books by weaving together sporting analysis with social history, demonstrating that the story of English football cannot be separated from the context in which it unfolds. Through vivid accounts and insightful commentary, Jones reveals how media narratives and a handful of influential voices – including Ball, Hughes, Macdonald, Hudson, and George – have unfairly coloured perceptions of Don Revie’s England.
What truly distinguishes Jones’s approach is his balanced treatment of Revie’s controversial methods, such as the infamous dossiers, bingo sessions, and carpet bowls, as well as his well-documented superstitions. Instead of dismissing these as mere quirks, Jones shows how they reflected Revie’s deep commitment to preparation and team cohesion. The book draws on 195 written sources and player testimonies, unearthing fresh perspectives from the entire squad and challenging the prevailing myths that have lingered for decades.
Christopher Alan Jones’s England’s Nadir? is essential reading for football enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of sport and society. This book does not simply retell the familiar story of failure; it asks meaningful questions about memory, reputation, and the forces that shape our understanding of English football’s most contentious era. For those searching for a nuanced, expertly-researched account of Don Revie’s time as England manager, Jones’s work is a standout contribution to the literature of the beautiful game.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Fascinating Selection of Books – A Must See!
Published: March 2, 2026
Price: £19.99
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1836802280
Dimensions: 22.2 x 14.4 x 3 cm
