The International Football Book No.11

In the vast library of football literature, few publications capture a moment in time quite like The International Football Book Number 11 from 1969. This annual compilation, which proudly proclaimed itself the largest-selling publication of its kind, offers modern readers a fascinating window into football's golden age. 
The book's most striking feature is its impressive roster of contributors. At a time when crossing national football borders was rare, this publication managed to gather voices from across the global game. The book features a diverse range of prominent figures from 1960s football, including Sir Matt Busby, Gianni Rivera, Bobby Charlton, the recipient of the Football Sword of Honour that year, and Franz Beckenbauer.
Particularly intriguing is the book's timing—published just before the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Several articles hint at the tournament's looming presence, with Martin Peters boldly declaring, "We can win in Mexico," and Mexican legend Antonio Carbajal promising the tournament "should be a smash!" Reading these predictions with historical hindsight adds an extra layer of poignancy, knowing Brazil's magnificent 1970 team would soon dazzle the world.
The publication's scope is remarkably comprehensive. It doesn't just offer match reports or player profiles; instead, it delves into the structural challenges facing football. Dr Geza Kalocsai's plea for a March-November season in Europe and Franz Beckenbauer's concerns about television's impact on attendance numbers feel surprisingly relevant to modern discussions. Albert Batteaux's piece on "The great threat to the game's future" reminds us that football has always been grappling with existential challenges.
What makes this edition particularly special is its connection to football history. The inclusion of Dr Kalocsai, one of the architects of the legendary pre-1954 Hungarian team, provides a direct link to what many still consider football's greatest national side. The book's new feature, 'Giants from the Past,' shows an awareness of preserving football's heritage that was ahead of its time.
The mix of voices is carefully curated—from established legends like Sir Matt Busby to rising stars like Leeds United's Gary Sprake and Chelsea's Bobby Tambling. Even entertainment crosses over into the sporting world with the inclusion of Des O'Connor, a former professional footballer turned showbiz personality.
Reading this book today feels like stepping into a different era. The concerns about money in football (addressed by Belgian star Roger Claessen), the tactical discussions, and the regional rivalries all paint a picture of a sport in transition. Yet what's most striking is how many of these discussions mirror contemporary debates in football. 
For historians, statisticians, and football enthusiasts, The International Football Book Number 11 serves as both a valuable historical document and a reminder that football's fundamental questions—about entertainment versus results, money versus tradition, and the sport's future direction—have remained remarkably consistent over the decades.
This publication captures a unique moment in football history, when the game was both global enough to unite diverse voices and intimate enough for many of its greatest figures to contribute to a single volume. It's a snapshot of football at a pivotal moment, just before the modern era truly began.

ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Publisher: Souvenir Press Ltd, London
Published: 1969
Price: £19.99
Hardcover: 144 page