Fields of Wonder: The incredible story of Northern Ireland's journey to the 1982 World Cup

A never to be repeated qualification against the odds and a disallowed goal away from a World Cup semi-final. A snapshot in time for the football romantic ...

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Against the odds triumph

What this NI team achieved is quite remarkable. With a population of just 1.5 million and a country at war, Billy Bingham brought together a solid group of players to play above and beyond themselves to provide one of THE great results in World Cup history. But it wasn't a one-off. He took them to Mexico in 86 and along the way beat West Germany home and away in Euro qualifiers (still the only team to inflict this on the Germans). This is book for football lovers everywhere and can't be recommended highly enough!

I am old enough to remember names from the early days of the (GAWA) ‘Green and White Army’ through my childhood 1050’s and teenage 1060/70s and early adult life in the 1980s and beyond - Danny Blanchflower, Harry Gregg, George Best, Gerry Armstrong, Norman Whiteside, Sammy McIlroy, Pat Jennings to name just a few and of course manager Billy Bingham. Those nostalgic names and bygone days are captured perfectly in this detailed but easy to read book.It is a fitting testament to a team and outstanding players who shone and gave hope and entertainment on the pitch to many against the background of the dark days of our casually referred to ‘Troubles’.Players who showed that the sectarian divide could be forgotten and the spirit of believing that they could achieve success was all that mattered. And were proved right in that memorable wonderful world cup field of dreams in Spain in 1982.Even if you are not a seasoned football fan this is an enjoyable read complete with a series of photographs that I certainly enjoyed.

An expertly written look at Northern Ireland’s football team in the 1970s and early ‘80s, against the backdrop of the Troubles and culminating in the 1982 World Cup campaign. Extensively researched, with current interviews with many of the leading participants (Bingham, Jennings, O’Neill to name but a few). What stands out is the great team spirit amongst players not necessarily playing at the highest levels of the domestic game, along with the many inadequacies of the Irish FA. Highly recommended.