International Football Book No.9

Published in the afterglow of England's historic 1966 World Cup victory, International Football Book No. 9 stands as a remarkable artefact of football literature that captures a pivotal moment in the sport's history. This annual publication, known for its comprehensive coverage of the global game, proves particularly special as it documents the sport during one of its most transformative periods.
The book's contributor list reads like a who's who of 1960s football. Sir Matt Busby, the legendary Manchester United manager, shares his insights alongside the incomparable Eusébio, fresh from his spectacular performances in the 1966 World Cup. What's particularly striking is the publication's prescient eye for emerging talent. Its coverage of a young Franz Beckenbauer, who would go on to become one of football's greatest figures, demonstrates the annual's knack for identifying future stars. Similarly, its spotlight on Hungary's Ferenc Bene and England's World Cup heroes Alan Ball and Geoff Hurst shows remarkable editorial judgement. 
The inclusion of Bela Guttman's tactical wisdom alongside Jimmy Tarbuck's lighter reminiscences creates a perfect balance between serious analysis and entertaining anecdotes. This blend of content would become a template for modern football writing, though few publications today manage to achieve such a harmonious mix.
Perhaps the book's most significant feature is its extensive photographic content, boasting over 150 exclusive images. In an era before widespread television coverage, these photographs provided fans with a rare glimpse into international football, making the annual an invaluable resource for football enthusiasts seeking to connect with the global game.
Reading this volume today, what's most striking is how it captures football at a crucial juncture. The sport was becoming truly international, with stars like Eusébio and Beckenbauer beginning to transcend national boundaries. The book's focus on emerging talent alongside established names shows football's evolution from a locally focused sport to the global phenomenon we know today.
International Football Book No. 9 represents more than just a sports annual—it's a historical document that captures football's transition into modernity. Its combination of insight, foresight, and comprehensive coverage set a standard that many modern football publications still aspire to match. For contemporary readers, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a period when football was simultaneously simpler and on the cusp of its global explosion.
While some of its content may now seem quaint, the publication's core values—its international outlook, its eye for emerging talent, and its blend of serious analysis with entertainment—remain remarkably relevant to modern football coverage. This edition stands as a testament to thoughtful sports journalism and its crucial role in documenting the beautiful game's evolution.

ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Publisher: Souvenir Press Ltd., London
Published: 1967
Price: £19.99
Hardcover: 144 pages
This annual, bound in green boards, is in excellent condition. The binding remains secure, and the pages are clean and crisp, showing only the faintest foxing. The dust jacket, despite its sixty years of age, displays only slight shelf wear. A minor repair has been performed on a small tear at the base of the spine. To ensure long-term preservation, we have encased the dust jacket in archival-grade protective material.