Brawls, Bribes and Broken Dreams: How Dundee Almost Won the European Cup

In 1962, Dundee won the league and chased European Cup glory. AC Milan, Benfica, and Real Madrid were at the peak of their powers, and Ipswich would represent England. Despite low expectations, Dundee destroyed Cologne 8-1 in a blitzkrieg at Dens Park. They shared the same bill as boxing legends Sonny Liston and Sugar Ray Robinson and were rescued from a mass riot by the British Army. Fans of city rivals Dundee United hitch-hiked across the continent to watch Dundee, but it ended in brawls, bribes, and broken dreams.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

When Dundee secured the league title in 1962, they were considered the unlikely underdogs as they embarked on their quest for European Cup glory. At that time, AC Milan, Benfica, and Real Madrid were at the peak of their powers, while Ipswich would represent England after winning the league under Alf Ramsey. Dundee was about to enter a new world of glamour. Despite the low expectations, only ten Dundee fans expressed interest in a special flight to commemorate the club's first venture into the unknown. However, the Dark Blues were determined to prove themselves and showed their fighting spirit by thrashing Cologne 8-1 in a breathtaking display at Dens Park. In the same week, they shared the stage with boxing legends Sonny Liston and Sugar Ray Robinson, and the British Army had to intervene to prevent a mass riot during the return leg. As this remarkable Cinderella story unfolded, fans of city rivals Dundee United were hitchhiking across the continent to witness Dundee's incredible journey, which came close to conquering Europe before it ultimately ended in brawls, bribery, and broken dreams.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801501019