Here we have a selection of original 1940s press photos, from the period shortly after the end of the Second World War.
They offer a fantastic snapshot into the state of the game during the period, with terraces packed to the rafters with fans.
The above photo shows Tom Woodward going down for Bolton, watched closely by John Harris of Chelsea in August 1946 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea would run out 4 – 3 winners.
- Bell of Chesterfield FC clears the ball away from Eddie Baily of Spurs, Christmas Day 1947.
- Foreign Minister Ernest Bevin greets the visiting French team at Highbury in May 1947.
- Tom Finney takes on Swedish captain Erik Nilsson at Highbury, November 1947.
- Swiss player Rudolf Gyger clears the ball front in front of Raich Carter, as they go on the beat England 1 – 0 in a friendly in 1947 in Zurich.
- Charlton see an effort on goal smothered as they go down 6 – 0 to Arsenal.
- It’s Barass vs Compton as Arsenal take on Bolton Wanderers.
