Paperback 352 pages
When Glory Turns to Dust
Football's Greatest Capitulations
In the pantheon of sporting catastrophes, some defeats linger like persistent phantoms, haunting both players and supporters long after the final whistle has blown. Phil Harrison, known for his characteristic wit and meticulous research, expertly guides us through these moments of sublime sporting torture, drawing on his extensive experience of football heartbreak.
Consider the tale of Bayer 04 Leverkusen's 2002 collapse. The German side, nicknamed 'Neverkusen' by their supporters, managed to finish second in the Bundesliga, lose the DFB-Pokal final, and suffer defeat in the Champions League final—all in the space of two weeks. Harrison's portrayal captures the essence of sporting despair with haunting clarity as Michael Ballack, the team's talismanic midfielder, trudges off the Hampden Park pitch after the Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. The author's exploration of Barcelona's politically charged defeat in the 1960s was a masterclass in contextualising football within broader historical narratives. Harrison deftly weaves together the social upheaval of Franco's Spain with the Catalans' desperate attempt to assert their identity through football, only to face crushing disappointment that resonated far beyond the confines of the pitch.
Perhaps most compelling is Harrison's recounting of Ajax's spectacular 2014 KNVB Cup Final implosion. Through interviews with supporters who witnessed the debacle firsthand, he reconstructs the atmosphere of disbelief as PEC Zwolle, the underdogs, dismantled the Amsterdam giants. The author's keen eye for detail brings to life the stunned silence of the Ajax faithful as their team's proud legacy crumbled before their very eyes.
What sets Harrison's work apart is his ability to find universal truth in specific moments of sporting anguish. Whether he depicts Manchester City's decline in the late 1960s or Arsenal's torturous 70-game streak of mediocrity, Harrison consistently shows how these moments of defeat often reveal more about a club's character than their victories ever could. His inclusion of guest chapters, featuring voices ranging from ex-professionals to musicians, adds depth and variety to the narrative, proving that football's capacity for heartbreak knows no boundaries.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 3rd Week, August 2025
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Published: August 11, 2025
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801653
ISBN-13: 978-1836801658
Dimensions: 198 x 129 (mm)
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