{"title":"Lancashire Soccer Teams","description":"\u003cp\u003eLancashire Soccer Teams\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blackpool-the-glory-years-remembered","title":"Blackpool: the Glory Years Remembered MUST READ! '53","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large; color: rgb(16, 111, 1);\"\u003e Hardcover with dust jacket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003eWembley '53\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: x-large;\"\u003e\n  The Complete Story of the Matthews Final\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003e In the aftermath of World War Two, as Britain emerged from the shadows of conflict, football became more than just a game—it transformed into the nation's heartbeat. In his vivid account of Blackpool's golden era, Prestage masterfully captures this zeitgeist, painting a portrait of a seaside town whose football club would become legendary.\u003cbr\u003eThe author's meticulous research shines through as he describes how the Tangerines, resplendent in their distinctive orange kit, became one of English football's most captivating sides. Blackpool possessed a devastating attacking force that terrorised defences throughout the land, led by the magical Stanley Matthews weaving his spells down the right wing and Stan Mortensen's clinical finishing.\u003cbr\u003ePrestage's narrative particularly excels when recounting the build-up to those three memorable Wembley appearances. The heartbreak of 1948, when Manchester United prevailed, only served to strengthen the resolve of a team that refused to be denied their place in history. The author vividly depicts every moment of the remarkable 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers in his detailed account of the 1953 FA Cup Final, now forever known as 'The Matthews Final'.\u003cbr\u003eThrough carefully selected testimonies from players and supporters alike, Prestage reconstructs the electric atmosphere of Bloomfield Road during those heady days. His description of the relationship between Matthews and Mortensen is particularly enlightening, revealing how two of England's finest footballers combined to devastating effect. \u003cbr\u003eThe author's balanced approach doesn't shy away from addressing what might have been. Despite their attacking prowess, the League Championship somehow eluded Blackpool, with the runner-up position in 1955-56 representing their closest brush with the title. Prestage analyses this conundrum thoughtfully, suggesting that perhaps their cavalier style, while thrilling for spectators, occasionally proved their undoing in the gruelling league campaign.\u003cbr\u003eWhat emerges from these pages is not merely a football story but a social history of a town and era when the beautiful game truly captured the nation's imagination. Prestage's attention to detail extends beyond the pitch, encompassing the broader context of post-war Britain, when football provided a welcome escape from the lingering effects of rationing and austerity. \u003cbr\u003eThrough firsthand accounts and contemporary reports, the author brings to life an era when footballers travelled to matches on public transport and lived in terraced houses alongside their supporters. It's this ground-level perspective that gives the book its authentic voice and makes it such a valuable historical document. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd\u003cbr\u003ePublished: September 1, 2000\u003cbr\u003ePrice: £19.99\u003cbr\u003eHardcover: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003eISBN-10: 1859831982\u003cbr\u003eISBN-13: 978-1859831984\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 248 x 178 (mm)\u003cbr\u003eLavishly illustrated\u003cbr\u003ePostage Weight: 650g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cu\u003e NEW - MINT - PRISTINE - NEVER BEEN OPENED \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40426792321070,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/Blackpool_The_Glory_Years.png?v=1693728171"},{"product_id":"burnley-the-glory-years-remembered","title":"Burnley: The Glory Years Remembered","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium; color: rgb(0, 128, 0);\"\u003eHEROES OF WINTER SERIES – Hardback with Jacket Published 2000\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003e When Burnley Ruled English Football \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003eBurnley Football Club and the town's loyal supporters experienced a golden period following the Second World War. As rationing lingered and households rebuilt, Turf Moor became a place of escape and hope. Crowds packed the terraces, sometimes in their tens of thousands, to watch a Burnley side whose style and spirit embodied the best of English football’s post-war renaissance. For many, these were the days when football meant more than a game; it was a weekly ritual, a lifeline, and a source of civic pride. \u003cbr\u003eCentral to Burnley’s remarkable ascent during this era was the club’s ability to blend local talent with astute signings. The club's leadership fostered a sense of unity and purpose, and players emerged from the ranks determined to make their mark. The 1959-60 season stands out as a crowning glory, with Burnley clinching the First Division title for only the second time in their illustrious history. It was a triumph crafted on teamwork, tactical nous and the unwavering belief that a small-town club could beat the giants of English football. \u003cbr\u003eThe heroes of this remarkable period are remembered not merely for their achievements on the pitch but for their character and connection with the fans. Jimmy McIlroy, often cited as Burnley’s greatest ever player, was a maestro in midfield whose vision and skill inspired those around him. The likes of Ray Pointer, Brian Miller and Adam Blacklaw became household names, while manager Harry Potts masterminded victories that have since passed into football folklore. The FA Cup runs of 1947 and 1962 brought further glory, giving generations of supporters memories that endure to this day. \u003cbr\u003eDrawing on first-hand accounts from players and fans, as well as evocative newspaper reports, “Burnley: The Glory Years Remembered” captures the drama, the camaraderie and the sheer joy of a club’s finest hours. Winters forged dreams on muddy pitches, and the heroes of Turf Moor carried the hopes of an entire community. For anyone who loves football or cherishes the spirit of a proud northern town, the book is essential reading. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd\u003cbr\u003ePublished: 2000\u003cbr\u003ePrice: £19.99\u003cbr\u003eHardback: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 171 x 241 (mm)\u003cbr\u003eLavishly illustrated \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThis Edition is now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/ARCHIVAL_480x480.png?v=1648369055\" alt=\"This Edition now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"PUBLISHED 2000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55415218078076,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/HEROSOFWINTER_0002.png?v=1749377837"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.soccerbooks.co.uk\/sv\/collections\/lancashire-soccer-teams.oembed","provider":"SOCCER BOOKS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}