This remarkable annual serves as more than just a record of football achievements – it's a window into one of the most transformative periods in British football and society at large. Through its vivid full-page colour photographs and detailed black-and-white snapshots, the book captures a season that would help define modern football.
The 1968-69 season saw Leeds United claim their first Division One title under the legendary Don Revie, with Liverpool finishing as runners-up. The championship marked a turning point for Leeds, who had built a formidable side through shrewd management and tactical innovation. Meanwhile, Brian Clough's Derby County secured promotion to the top flight by winning Division Two, foreshadowing the club's golden era to come.
Perhaps the most memorable cup triumph of the season belonged to Swindon Town, who shocked Arsenal in the League Cup final at Wembley. The Third Division side's 3-1 victory remains one of football's greatest giant-killing acts. The FA Cup final provided its own drama, with Manchester City defeating Leicester City to claim the trophy.
North of the border, Celtic continued their dominance of Scottish football, securing a remarkable treble by winning the League Championship, Scottish FA Cup, and Scottish League Cup. Their fierce rivals Rangers finished runners-up in both the league and FA Cup, maintaining Glasgow's iron grip on Scottish football.
In European competition, Newcastle United brought pride to English football by winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (predecessor to the UEFA Cup), defeating Hungarian side Ujpest Dozsa. This victory marked Newcastle's last major trophy to date, making it particularly poignant for Tyneside supporters.
The season saw a unique occurrence in the Footballer of the Year award, with Manchester City's Tony Book and Derby County's Dave Mackay sharing the honour – the only time in history the award has been shared. Both men exemplified leadership and skill, with Mackay helping guide Derby to promotion while Book captained City to FA Cup glory.
Beyond the pitch, 1968-69 was a period of remarkable social and cultural change. Man landed on the moon in July 1969, changing humanity's perspective forever. The Beatles performed their final public concert on the rooftop of Apple Records in January 1969. In the UK, the voting age was lowered to 18, giving young people a stronger voice in democracy.
The Christmas charts reflected the era's musical diversity. In 1968, Lily the Pink by The Scaffold topped the festive charts, while in 1969, Two Little Boys by Rolf Harris claimed the Christmas number one spot. These songs played through transistor radios as fans walked to matches across the country.
This annual, with its meticulous documentation and stunning imagery, preserves a pivotal moment in football history. From Watford's Division Three triumph to Doncaster Rovers' Division Four success, it chronicles every level of the professional game. The comprehensive coverage of amateur football, including North Shields' Amateur Cup victory over Sutton United, demonstrates football's deep roots in local communities.
The book's value lies not just in its statistical record, but in how it captures the atmosphere of late 1960s football – the mud-packed pitches, the packed terraces, and the distinctive style of play that characterised the era. Through its pages, we glimpse a time when football was on the cusp of modernisation yet retained its fundamental connection to working-class culture.
For historians, nostalgists, and football enthusiasts alike, this annual serves as an invaluable resource, documenting a season that helped shape the modern game while preserving the spirit of a bygone era. Its detailed records and vivid imagery make it an essential addition to any serious football library.
This vintage soccer history book, published over 55 years ago, remains in very good condition. The binding is very tight, with all pages crisp and bright.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Purnell, London
Published: 1969
Price: £9.99
Hardcover: 62 pages
British Pound Sterling
Danish
