Field of Dreams: 100 Years of Wembley in 100 Matches

The 1923 FA Cup final was the first football match played at Wembley Stadium, marking the beginning of its long and eventful history. Over the past 100 years, Wembley has become the home of the beautiful game and the world's most famous football stadium, hosting iconic matches and events such as World Cups, FA Cups, European Cups, play-off finals, and Live Aid. This book selects 100 matches that have shaped Wembley's legacy and tells a lively and original alternative history of football and Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

100 years of Wembley Stadium told through 100 matches.

The 1923 FA Cup final, also known as the "White Horse final," marked the inaugural football match played at the British Empire Exhibition Stadium, which would later become renowned as Wembley. While the event is best remembered for its massive, well-beyond-capacity crowd, which required the assistance of a policeman atop a white horse to manage, it also signaled the beginning of the stadium's long and storied history.

Over the past 100 years, Wembley has firmly established itself as the epitome of the beautiful game and, arguably, the most renowned football stadium in the world. It holds a unique place in the hearts of players and fans alike, serving as the pinnacle of a fan's lifetime of support and the realization of a childhood dream. Watching a team play at Wembley is an unforgettable experience, while playing there is the ultimate fulfillment of a player's aspirations.

The sacred pitch at Wembley has witnessed countless classic matches across various decades, including World Cups, FA Cups, European Cups, play-off finals, and more. It has also hosted events such as greyhound racing, stunt motorcycles, American football, and the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985, where 72,000 music fans gathered to celebrate the power of music.

In this captivating book, Nigel Tassell selects 100 matches that have played a significant role in shaping Wembley's legacy. These matches range from well-known classics to lesser-known gems, providing a lively and original alternative history of the past 100 years of football and British society. From the perspective of a ball boy who witnessed the tragic injury to Bert Trautmann during the FA Cup Final, to the story of the other commentator who provided commentary on the 1966 World Cup final, and the controversy surrounding a cup-winning team of eleven unemployed men who did not receive a trophy from a future king, Tassell delves into the rich tapestry of Wembley's history.

Furthermore, "Field of Dreams" explores the fascinating story of how football found its home at Wembley. It sheds light on the challenges and controversies that accompanied the stadium's construction, as well as the remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition. The book also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and logistics involved in hosting major events at Wembley, from the meticulous planning to the final touches that ensure the smooth running of each match.

In conclusion, "100 Years of Wembley Stadium: Told Through 100 Matches" is a must-read for football enthusiasts, history enthusiasts, and anyone who has a passion for the beautiful game. It offers a captivating and insightful journey through the past 100 years of Wembley's history, providing a unique perspective on the stadium's evolution, the iconic matches that have taken place there, and the profound impact it has had on the world of football and beyond.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398518544