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Conversation in the pub yesterday turned to football (or lack of it) during the two world wars. Does anyone know of a book or other resource with information about what happened? I'm interested in when/how the decisions were made to stop the leagues (considering war was declared in September), how many players fought, how the leagues were reconvened (same league make up in 1946 as in 1939?) and also I once read that a City team took part in a War Cup. Do we have any info about that? Was it a Dad's Army type affair?

Tony P wrote:Conversation in the pub yesterday turned to football (or lack of it) during the two world wars. Does anyone know of a book or other resource with information about what happened? I'm interested in when/how the decisions were made to stop the leagues (considering war was declared in September), how many players fought, how the leagues were reconvened (same league make up in 1946 as in 1939?) and also I once read that a City team took part in a War Cup. Do we have any info about that? Was it a Dad's Army type affair?

Gary James is the man you should pm or tweet. he will know it all.

There was an exhibition about football and the war at the football museum in IBIS. Not sure if it's still there or not though.

Lots of friendlies with players turning out for other clubs as guests, depending on where they were listed at the time. There were regional leagues in place, nothing nationwide though. Football did carry on but to a much lesser extent due to obvious reasons.

Oh, and the swamp got bombed. Every cloud and that

Aldershot became the football capital of England.

Most teams adopted a 2-2-2-2-2 formation.

Cost us 10 league titles, the agenda goes way back.

Arsenal was the media's darling.

Didn't Rosler's granddad do something?

Mase wrote:Didn't Rosler's granddad do something?

both sides agree not enough

johnny crossan wrote:

Mase wrote:Didn't Rosler's granddad do something?

both sides agree not enough

Nice

National football museum is certainly worth a visit. Sir Tom Finney lost his best years because of the war fighting in the Royal Armoured Corps.

He was adored in Preston and rightly so. A loyal player with enormous talent, true Gentleman and a humble plumber who never lost touch with the fans.

Mike Doyle is the nearest I can think of in those terms.

We all know about Salford using Maine Road I presume.

Tony P wrote:Conversation in the pub yesterday turned to football (or lack of it) during the two world wars. Does anyone know of a book or other resource with information about what happened? I'm interested in when/how the decisions were made to stop the leagues (considering war was declared in September), how many players fought, how the leagues were reconvened (same league make up in 1946 as in 1939?) and also I once read that a City team took part in a War Cup. Do we have any info about that? Was it a Dad's Army type affair?

Lots on this in my books Manchester The City Years (seasonal commentary)and Manchester City TheComplete Record (every result, lineup and attendance for all City's war league games). Basically, regional leagues were set up, as they had been in WW1. City won trophies in WW1 but not successful during WW2 Leagues. After the war the FA Cup was reintroduced in 1946 on a two legged basis, the the following season the FL resumed with the fixtures that had been scrapped from 1939-40.

Women started to play but the FA flew into a panic when they started to get big crowds so packed them all back off to there homes to do more kitchen work and child minding.

A pint of Stella was half a sixpence .

Parachute payments were introduced

BookJunior wrote:National football museum is certainly worth a visit. Sir Tom Finney lost his best years because of the war fighting in the Royal Armoured Corps.

He was adored in Preston and rightly so. A loyal player with enormous talent, true Gentleman and a humble plumber who never lost touch with the fans.

Mike Doyle is the nearest I can think of in those terms.

We all know about Salford using Maine Road I presume.

A whole generation of players lost their best years due to WW2, Joe Mercer being a notable example. Of course in context, lack of football was a minor inconvenience.

RodneyRodney wrote:Parachute payments were introduced

Made me chuckle

City64 wrote:A pint of Stella was half a sixpence .

If you could get it with your ration coupons.

zuricity wrote:

City64 wrote:A pint of Stella was half a sixpence .

If you could get it with your ration coupons.

Trade off with powdered eggs ?