{"product_id":"what-if-turning-points-in-the-history-of-sunderland-afc-9781801501873","title":"What If?: Turning Points in the History of Sunderland AFC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eSunderland AFC's official historian Rob Mason explores alternative histories of the club, considering what could have happened if Brian Clough, Jock Stein, Bobby Robson, Diego Maradona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin Keegan, and Ruud van Nistelrooy had signed for the team. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 04 September 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pitch Publishing Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunderland AFC's official historian, Rob Mason, presents a captivating alternative history of the club, delving into intriguing possibilities of what could have transpired. In his thoughtful exploration, Mason ponders the impact if Sunderland had appointed Brian Clough, who was initially turned down as manager. He also considers the potential consequences if Jock Stein, who visited managerless Sunderland in search of an opportunity before taking over at Celtic, had been given a chance. Additionally, Mason speculates on what might have happened if Bobby Robson had not changed his mind after initially agreeing to leave Ipswich Town.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMason's analysis goes beyond these individual scenarios, envisioning a forward line that would have been nothing short of extraordinary. He imagines the likes of Diego Maradona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin Keegan, Jackie Milburn, and Ruud van Nistelrooy lining up in red and white stripes, each with the potential to make a significant impact on the pitch. The thought of such a formidable quintet is both exciting and intriguing, as it begs the question of how Sunderland's fortunes might have differed had these players been signed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, Mason delves into other key moments that could have shaped Sunderland's history. He explores the possibility of Coventry City kicking off on time against Bristol City in 1977, rather than delaying their kick-off and allowing a youthful Sunderland side to escape relegation. This decision could have had a profound impact on the club's trajectory, potentially altering the course of its success and failure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Mason presents a compelling account of what could have been. He invites fans and enthusiasts to engage in a thought-provoking journey, exploring the alternate paths that history could have taken and the potential consequences of different decisions. Sunderland AFC's official historian, Rob Mason, has provided a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the club's history, offering a glimpse into the possibilities of what could have been.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 222 x 144 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781801501873\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rob Mason","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44566888153338,"sku":"9781801501873","price":10.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1694772573298_book.jpg?v=1694862762","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/what-if-turning-points-in-the-history-of-sunderland-afc-9781801501873","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}