Relive Scotland's epic journey to and at the 1990 World Cup in Italy: the trials and tribulations, the dramatic games and goals that defined Scotland's fifth World Cup in a row.
It was 1986 and Alex Ferguson had just led Scotland to a disastrous World Cup in Mexico. Coming away with just one goal and one point in three games, he resigned and joined Manchester United a few months later. Andy Roxburgh, a former PE teacher who had never managed a league club, was his shock replacement. 'Andy who?' asked the press.
In this engrossing book you'll discover:
- Why Roxburgh was such a shock appointment, assessing the other contenders for the job - Roxburgh's management style and the background of his assistant Craig Brown - The roller-coaster ride that was Scotland's dramatic qualifying campaign, with full game reports and analysis - The aftermath: Scotland qualifying for Euro 1992, their first European Championship
Featuring players' and fans' stories, this is the definitive account of that glorious long hot summer. It's a must for all Scottish football fans and anyone who loves the iconic 1990 World Cup.
"This offering by Abdallah is very timely and an excellent addition to the books available about the finals... the author's in-depth research, knowledge and passion makes this an informative read. Crucially, there's plenty of content and context from those involved, featuring interviews with players, coaches and, most excellently, from supporters who made the trip to Italy for the finals, as well as around Europe during the qualifying campaign... [It's an] excellent account of a fascinating period in football history."
Karl Hornsey
"Shareef Abdallah's version of events, which included players and fan stories, had me wallowing in the nostalgia of it all... Five in a Row is a welcome addition to Scotland's World Cup and European Championship chronicles, capturing as it does, the pleasure, the pain and the disbelief."
