The Team that Could Have Been : The Rise and Fall of Crystal Palace's Team of the 80s by Stephen Brandt

The Team that Could Have Been: The Rise and Fall of Crystal Palace's Team of the 80s looks back on a fascinating period for Palace, with meticulous research and supporter memories bringing the story to life. Under the leadership of Malcolm Allison and assistant Terry Venables, the Croydon side embarked on a project - later dubbed the `Team of the Eighties' - to transform a mediocre side into one of the most glamorous in the land. As part of the transformation, Allison changed the club nickname from `The Glaziers' to `The Eagles', and the club colours from claret and blue to the red and blue vertical stripes we know today, to emulate Barcelona. Set in a troubled area of London against a backdrop of racism, hooliganism, despair and a government working against its citizens, it's a story filled with colourful characters, cup runs and the hopes and dreams of a club punching above its weight for a short period of time. This is the first-ever book on the extraordinary Team of the Eighties.
Binding: Hardback