Life in Football Seventy Years Ago

1953 offers a unique snapshot of life in and around football during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation year. Wembley saw its most exciting FA Cup Final ever, the top flight witnessed its closest-ever finish, the Mighty Magyars thrashed England and players went on strike over the contract system. An extraordinary year in football.

1953 offers a unique snapshot of life in and around football during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation year – exploring the matches, personalities and events that lit up the game.

Wembley saw its most exciting FA Cup Final ever with Stanley Matthews finally lifting the trophy. The top flight witnessed its closest-ever finish, and internationally the Mighty Magyars gave England a footballing lesson, as did Uruguay and Argentina.

Sheffield Wednesday’s star striker Derek Dooley tragically lost a leg, and exasperated players went on strike over the unfairness of the contract system and the maximum wage. Others travelled to Colombia in a bid to make mega-money in a FIFA-banned rebel league. Many negotiated the first-ever image rights deals and endorsed everything from football boots and Lucozade to cigarettes and paint.

In a fitting tribute to the new queen, eight of England and Scotland's best teams would clash in a one-off tournament to mark the start of Elizabeth II's reign, the Coronation Cup.