Fields of Wonder

For six glorious years and two astonishing World Cup campaigns in the 1980s, tiny Northern Ireland stood up to the global football giants, including mighty host nation Spain. The inspiring story of the squad, which matched legendary experience with extraordinary youthful talent, is one of battling spirit and good humor against the odds.

Spirit of ’82 tells the full story of how Northern Irish football flourished again for the first time since the glory days recounted in Spirit of ‘58, and after a period when not even the mercurial presence of George Best could lift the team beyond the occasional flash of brilliance in the midst of defeat.

Including interviews with 10 players and their manager, the book will transport football and sports fans pitch-side to revel in the drama of Northern Ireland’s fluctuating fortunes and footballing heroics on international stages from Wembley to Mexico City.