*Shattered Dreams, Sliding Doors – The Republic of Ireland's 1982 World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Hardback Price:

£18.99 GBP

Shipping calculated at checkout

Author(s): Paul Little

SKU: 9781836801832 Barcode: 9781836801832

The definitive story of Ireland's infamous 1982 World Cup qualification campaign, while painting a vivid picture of 1980s Ireland through the eyes of a young football fan.

Primarily written in the present tense to give a 'real-time' feel to events, this riveting book:

  • Draws on meticulous research of Irish newspapers and TV to bring to life all eight of the Republic of Ireland's 1982 World Cup qualifying matches
  • Discusses how Eoin Hand took over from John Giles as Ireland manager after the first qualifier in Cyprus
  • Covers the build-up to games in detail, from the squad announcements to the starting 11 on the day, including the pre- and post-match thoughts of many of those involved
  • Describes matches in the present tense to convey a sense of immediacy
  • Features the author's childhood memories of life in Dublin in the early 1980s – the games children played, home life and what was on TV – with Irish and world news providing a backdrop to the qualifying campaign
  • Finishes with a 'what if' chapter considering what might have happened had Ireland qualified for the 1982 World Cup, including the thoughts of Eoin Hand himself

Perfect for all nostalgia-lovers and fans of Irish football, this book transports the reader back to a depressed 1980s Ireland and a troubled world where football dreams offered a thrilling escape.

CHOOSE ANY 2 OF THIS WEEK'S NEW ARRIVALS TO SAVE 10% OR ANY 3 (OR MORE) TO SAVE 20%

Size: 143mm x 223mm – 224 pages.