Description

Book Synopsis

What Was Football Like in the 1980s? provides a fascinating and insightful perspective on the game in a decade when football faced major challenges on and off the field. The author's own memories and experiences are augmented by a wealth of research to bring you a compelling account of the clubs, players, managers, referees, grounds, crowds and competitions that defined '80s football. The book highlights the Hillsborough, Heysel and Bradford tragedies, along with the increasingly commercialised aspects of the game and the evolution of televised football. The scourge of hooliganism - which reached its height in the 1980s - is brought to the fore. What Was Football Like in the 1980s? is an enthralling and illuminating account of a truly remarkable decade for the beautiful game, penned by a respected football author. How different was the sport 30 to 40 years ago? Richard Crooks gives you the answer, leaving no stone unturned.



Trade Review

"Thanks for whisking me back to the 1980s with this new book. I'd forgotten so much of it ! A nostalgic and intensely thought-provoking reminder. Exhaustively researched and a great read."

-- Alan Biggs * Talksport football reporter and Sheffield Live host *

"Get the book it really is a fascinating read."

-- Steve White * BBC Radio Sheffield *

"Throughout there is a recollection of nuggets from the decade - the government's failed membership scheme, the television blackout... the book allows the reader to reflect on thinking from another age."

* TheSubstantive.com *

"For a child of the 90s and early 2000s, this is very educational."

-- Raf Diallo * Sports Journalist, RTE *

"Fabulous book packed with stories of how the game was changing at a national and international level coupled with anecdotes."

* My Kind of Town magazine *

"A must for all soccer fans."

-- Keith Hackett * ex-FIFA referee *

What Was Football Like in the 1980s?

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    £11.69

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    RRP £12.99 – you save £1.30 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 24 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Richard Crooks

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of What Was Football Like in the 1980s? by Richard Crooks

      Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
      Publication Date: 03/08/2020
      ISBN13: 9781785315534, 978-1785315534
      ISBN10: 1785315536

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      What Was Football Like in the 1980s? provides a fascinating and insightful perspective on the game in a decade when football faced major challenges on and off the field. The author's own memories and experiences are augmented by a wealth of research to bring you a compelling account of the clubs, players, managers, referees, grounds, crowds and competitions that defined '80s football. The book highlights the Hillsborough, Heysel and Bradford tragedies, along with the increasingly commercialised aspects of the game and the evolution of televised football. The scourge of hooliganism - which reached its height in the 1980s - is brought to the fore. What Was Football Like in the 1980s? is an enthralling and illuminating account of a truly remarkable decade for the beautiful game, penned by a respected football author. How different was the sport 30 to 40 years ago? Richard Crooks gives you the answer, leaving no stone unturned.



      Trade Review

      "Thanks for whisking me back to the 1980s with this new book. I'd forgotten so much of it ! A nostalgic and intensely thought-provoking reminder. Exhaustively researched and a great read."

      -- Alan Biggs * Talksport football reporter and Sheffield Live host *

      "Get the book it really is a fascinating read."

      -- Steve White * BBC Radio Sheffield *

      "Throughout there is a recollection of nuggets from the decade - the government's failed membership scheme, the television blackout... the book allows the reader to reflect on thinking from another age."

      * TheSubstantive.com *

      "For a child of the 90s and early 2000s, this is very educational."

      -- Raf Diallo * Sports Journalist, RTE *

      "Fabulous book packed with stories of how the game was changing at a national and international level coupled with anecdotes."

      * My Kind of Town magazine *

      "A must for all soccer fans."

      -- Keith Hackett * ex-FIFA referee *

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