British Olympic Trial Match Booklet 1948

Olympic football memorabilia collector

This is an official booklet handed to players ahead of the 1948 British Olympic team trials at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool, as players vied for a spot under Matt Busby.

The A & B teams were both stationed at the Palatine Hotel in Blackpool, which was located close to the famous tower in the seaside town.

Players from across the UK had to arrange their own travel to arrive on time, with train times arriving and leaving Blackpool given for the main stations in England, Scotland and Wales.

They even had to bring their own boots, shin guards, soap and towel for use during and after the match.

The A team beat the B team 3 -1, and an excerpt in the Guardian covering the match can be viewed here.