In the golden age of football journalism, when the beautiful game was experiencing seismic changes, the International Football Book series stood as a premier chronicle of the sport's evolution. Issue #12, published in 1970, captures a fascinating moment in football history, featuring an all-star cast of contributors during what would prove to be one of the most pivotal years in the sport's development.
The book's timing is particularly significant, coinciding with the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, which would become a landmark event that changed the face of global soccer forever. This edition opens with a contribution from FIFA President Sir Stanley Rous, who provides unprecedented insight into World Cup refereeing—fitting, as Rous was awarded the publication's Football Sword of Honour that year.
What makes this volume particularly compelling is its remarkable assembly of voices from every corner of the football world. Sir Matt Busby, fresh from his role transition to Manchester United's general manager, leads a stellar lineup that includes Don Revie, who was then crafting one of English football's most formidable sides at Leeds United. The inclusion of Malcolm Allison during Manchester City's golden spell between 1968 and 1970 adds particularly sharp commentary, especially his controversial views on Scottish football.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to capture multiple perspectives on the game's evolution. From Karoly Soos's candid admission of Hungary's declining football supremacy to Pietro Anastasi's reflections on becoming the world's most expensive player, the publication offers an unvarnished look at football's rapidly changing landscape. The inclusion of voices from diverse football cultures—from Mali's Salif Keita to Yugoslavia's Dragan Dzajic—provides a truly global perspective rarely found in publications of that era.
Particularly noteworthy is the section featuring Tostão's insights on his partnership with Pelé, offering readers an intimate glimpse into what would become one of football's most celebrated attacking duos. The statistical analysis by Gordon Jeffery and Brian Glanville's "Top Twenty" adds valuable context to the narrative pieces, while the tribute to Alfredo Di Stefano by editor Stratton Smith provides historical depth.
This edition stands out for its bold approach to tackling controversial topics. Francis Lee's proposal for referees to embed with clubs, Oscar Mas's defence of Argentine football's reputation, and David Webb's appeal for defenders to receive more recognition all speak to issues that, remarkably, still resonate in today's game.
The International Football Book #12 stands as more than just a historical document—it's a time capsule that captured football at a crucial turning point, when the game was becoming truly global, more tactical, and increasingly professional. Through its pages, readers gain insight into not just how football was played in 1970, but also how the sport's leading figures envisioned its future.
For modern readers, this volume offers an invaluable perspective on how many of today's football debates and developments have deep historical roots. It's a reminder that while tactics and technologies may evolve, the fundamental questions about football's identity, purpose, and future remain remarkably consistent across the decades.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Souvenir Press Ltd, London
Published: 1970Price: £19.99Hardcover: 144 page
This edition, published over 55 years ago, remains in exceptional condition. The book features sturdy red cloth boards and a remarkably well-preserved binding. The pages retain their original brightness and clarity, unmarked by any inscriptions or blemishes.
The dust jacket, while showing signs of its protective duty over the past five decades, has been professionally restored. There is some shelf wear evident, including minor chipping along the spine's top and bottom edges and a small tear at the bottom right corner of the front cover. Our conservation team has carefully cleaned and repaired the jacket, which is now preserved in an archival protective sleeve. The original price has been clipped from the jacket.
