1974: Football In The Seventies

Step into 1974 and explore the pivotal matches, captivating stories, and intriguing controversies that defined football during that unforgettable year. Written by the same author who brought us 1923: Life in Football One Hundred Years Ago and 1953: Life in Football Seventy Years Ago. In 1974, Britain was marked by strikes, power outages, a three-day working week, and the onset of the nation’s first official recession in half a century.
Fans facing financial difficulties were unable to attend live games, resulting in the prohibition of floodlit matches, the introduction of Sunday football, and a drop in attendance. This engaging read features:A gripping account of the descent into chaos within football culture, highlighting the tragic events surrounding the first terrace murder that cast a dark shadow over the game. An in-depth exploration of Brian Clough’s tumultuous 44-day tenure at Leeds United and the contentious aftermath that followed. The poignant story of Bill Shankly’s departure from his role as Liverpool manager, culminating in a bittersweet conclusion filled with sorrow and blame. An examination of Manchester United’s disastrous season and their first drop from the top tier in over three decades.
The FA's long-awaited decision to lift the 50-year prohibition on women's football marks a significant turning point in the sport's history. The landscape of amateur football is transforming dramatically with the introduction of paid players, a thorough restructuring of the league hierarchy, and the disbandment of the national England amateur team.
This narrative explores the journey of Leeds United and Umbro as they led the way in creating the multi-billion-pound replica kit market while also playing a crucial role in introducing sponsorship into the world of football. Discover all this and so much more in this captivating and thoroughly investigated exploration of a remarkable year in football.
About the Author
A former journalist, Marvin Close, has written numerous books with a football theme, including 1923: Life in Football One Hundred Years Ago, 1953: Life in Football Seventy Years Ago, and More Than Just a Game: Football vs. Apartheid: The Most Important Football Story Ever Told (with Chuck Korr). Marvin also writes for TV, radio and theatre, including TV shows such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 [Delivered to You 2nd Week June 2025]
Published: May 19, 2025
Price: £16.99
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801394
ISBN-13: 978-1836801399
Dimensions: 216 x 144 (mm)