Overview

Journey into the Unknown explores the early years and development of pan-European football competition alongside changing British attitudes to overseas teams. There was once a belief in Britain that England and Scotland were among the leaders in the development of football and therefore de facto champions of the game. But when UEFA introduced a competition for Europe’s top clubs, the Brits got a rude shock. It soon became clear that sides like Real Madrid, AC Milan and Benfica possessed more technically gifted players, and that Football League clubs had much to learn. This fascinating book: Examines the development of pan-European football competitions, from the Mitropa Cup and Latin Cup to the introduction of the European Cup in 1955 Explores the reluctance of England to get involved, from the stand-off with FIFA to the Football League denying Chelsea the chance to enter the first European Cup Covers Scotland’s early adventures, with Hibernian the first club to play in European competition and Rangers making early strides Looks at Manchester United’s early years in Europe, ending with the Munich tragedy in 1958, including Sir Matt Busby’s role in encouraging British involvement Includes how Europe influenced clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, the first English trophy in 1963, Celtic’s success in 1967 and Manchester United winning the European Cup in 1968, Cup Winners’ Cup successes and Liverpool’s domination of Europe Turns the spotlight on British xenophobia and the threat of playing abroad, with violence on and off the pitch and suggestions of cheating Discover how European club competition became an exciting spectacle that opened the football community’s eyes to just what was possible. Scotland and England gained a foothold in Europe, but things took a disastrous turn with the Heysel Stadium tragedy in 1985.

Full Product Details

9781836801580

Table of Contents

Reviews

""A fascinating read as well, in part because it opens a window on a very different era, when little was known about foreign and seemingly exotic opposition, but also as a contrast to the present day, when football has reached saturation point and the much-touted European Super League still lurks in the background. The book also mixes examples of almost comic amateurism across all levels of the game, with tales of wonderful drama, as well as touching on some of the most tragic episodes in the sport, building up a picture of European competitions that gradually took hold in the British psyche."" * On Yorkshire Magazine *

Author Information

Neil Jensen is a football and finance writer who has written for outlets such as The Economist, The Blizzard, World Soccer, The New European and Football Weekends. He has also written for Football Benchmark, Soccerex, Brand Finance and the World Football Summit. His previous books include The Great Uncrowned and The Summer of Total Football, both published by Pitch. He is the founder and editor of Game of the People, an award-winning website.

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