Vintage Soccer Wisdom from the Legends!
For the seventh year in a row, The Football Association Book for Boys returns, offering a vibrant snapshot of the 1953-1954 football season. This cherished hardback is more than just a book—it's a time capsule packed with the sights, stories, and statistics that defined football in the post-war era. Any young football enthusiast, whether still in school or freshly graduated, will find something to spark their imagination within these pages. The book’s lively illustrations and photographs bring every league table and match highlight to life, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
A major strength of this edition is its roster of contributors: celebrated players, seasoned coaches, and well-regarded journalists share wisdom and anecdotes that both entertain and educate. One standout feature is an interview with the legendary Stanley Matthews, offering rare insight into the mindset of an all-time great. Alongside, readers will find practical tips for improving their game, from training advice to treating minor injuries—guidance that’s as close as most will get to a private coaching session.
Beyond the pitch, the book widens its lens to showcase football’s global reach, with stories from Sweden, Japan, Hungary, and beyond. The Soccer Chronicle delivers a unique focus on schoolboy and youth football, capturing the dreams and struggles of the next generation. Regular columns like Football Forum and Fun and Games ensure there’s always something new to discover, while quizzes and puzzles challenge even the most dedicated fans.
This edition is more than a record of the previous season; it’s a celebration of everything that makes football thrilling, unpredictable, and deeply communal. Whether you’re revisiting classic matches, absorbing league statistics, or enjoying the vibrant artwork, The Football Association Book for Boys 1954-1955 is a perfect gift and an essential read for anyone who cherishes the beautiful game’s history.
This copy stands out for its outstanding condition. There’s no fading or tears anywhere, the binding is tight, and the pages are crisp. The original price of 10/6d is still unclipped. There’s just the faintest spotting on the publisher’s endpapers, a common issue with this series, but here it’s very minimal. The dust jacket, which is so often missing or battered on books of this age, is present and in excellent shape, with only the lightest shelf wear, most noticeable at the top of the spine. We’ve carefully cleaned the jacket with Absorene, deodorised it, and added a protective sleeve for the dust jacket. The result is a book that preserves a piece of football history and offers future generations a glimpse into the past in a remarkably well-cared-for edition.
