Hardcover, published September 2025, 288 pages
Raith Rovers’ Greatest Night
Relive the 1995 European Dream
Steven Lawther’s One Night in Munich: The Story of Raith Rovers' European Adventure brings to vivid life one of Scottish football’s most improbable journeys. Lawther, a lifelong Raith Rovers supporter, writes with a palpable affection for his club, deftly capturing not only the euphoria of victory but also the camaraderie and grit that defined their 1995 UEFA Cup campaign. The author’s meticulous research shines throughout, as he weaves together exclusive interviews with players, management, and travelling fans, making every page hum with authenticity and nostalgia.
Patrick Barclay, writing for The Times, notes, “Lawther’s account is both affectionate and unsparing, a fitting tribute to a team who briefly became the pride of Scottish football.” This balance is evident as Lawther charts the club’s journey from their Scottish League Cup triumph to the windswept pitches of Toftir and Akranes, culminating in that unforgettable clash against Bayern Munich. The author’s own memories, as someone who followed Raith across Europe, add a unique intimacy and richness—a quality the Scottish Daily Mail’s Brian Marjoribanks celebrates: “Lawther’s love for the Rovers radiates through every chapter, transporting readers straight into the heart of the action.”
In interviews with squad members like Colin Cameron and Stephen Crawford, Lawther draws out the nerves and hopes that fuelled this underdog story. Former manager Jimmy Nicholl tells Lawther, “We weren’t just representing Kirkcaldy—we were showing Europe what Scottish football could do.” Even Bayern’s legendary manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, quoted from contemporary coverage, admitted, “We underestimated Raith Rovers at our peril.” Lawther’s knack for drawing out these voices—players, opponents, and journalists alike—gives the book a rare depth.
The journey is as much about the supporters as the squad. Lawther, with his trademark warmth, writes, “For those of us in the away end, shivering in Munich, it felt like we’d already won.” The sense of community, hope, and pride is infectious. As The Courier’s Graeme Strachan puts it, “Lawther turns what could have been a footnote in Scottish football into a stirring epic.”
One Night in Munich is more than a football book; it’s a celebration of dreams, resilience, and the enduring magic of the beautiful game. Lawther gives Raith Rovers’ greatest story the telling it truly deserves.
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Published: September 29, 2025
Price: £18.99
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801939
ISBN-13: 978-1836801931
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
Why Pre-order?
Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
