The 1962-63 season was a remarkable year for English and European football, with several memorable achievements worth celebrating. In the domestic competitions, Everton claimed their sixth English First Division title, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. The FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium saw Manchester United defeat Leicester City 3-1, with Denis Law and David Herd (who scored twice) securing United's third FA Cup triumph.
North of the border, Rangers continued their impressive run in Scottish football, claiming both domestic honors. In European competition, AC Milan brought an end to Benfica's dominance by defeating them in the European Cup final at Wembley Stadium. This victory marked a significant moment in European football history, as it represented the emergence of Italian football as a dominant force.
Beyond the football pitch, the world was experiencing significant historical moments. The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear confrontation, marking one of the most tense periods of the Cold War. In the United Kingdom, a devastating outbreak of smallpox in South Wales affected 45 people and tragically claimed 19 lives, leading to a massive vaccination campaign of 900,000 people in the region.
The year 1963 would prove to be equally momentous, particularly with the Great Train Robbery in Buckinghamshire, where £2.6 million was stolen, making headlines across the nation. The cultural landscape was also changing dramatically, with The Beatles reaching #1 for the third time with "I Want to Hold Your Hand," signalling the beginning of their dominance in popular music.
The season captured in this annual represents more than just football statistics and match reports – it provides a snapshot of a pivotal time in both sporting and world history. Through its pages of detailed coverage, colourised photographs, and comprehensive statistics, the Big Book of Football Champions 1962-1963 stands as a valuable historical document of an era when football was increasingly becoming the global game we know today.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Purnell, London
Published: 1962
Price: £4.99
Hardcover: 62 pages
