When reading this book, I was almost persuaded that I had been transported back in time, and was looking over the shoulders of the members of the England party, and bearing personal witness to those dramatic and poignant events.
The author also weaves into the tale a sense of the changing times in the wider world, and how these were reflected in the realms of football. He evokes the tenor of the era; a period of uncertainty and opportunity, innovation and upheaval. Football was enduring its own parallel growing pains with the onset of commercialism, the increasing role and power of television, and a perception that artistry was being negated and marginalized by violent play, negativity and "pragmatism".
To be frank, I found the "behind-the-scenes" parts of Back Home, dealing with England's preparations and training camp, much more entertaining than what happened out on the pitch. The main incidents in England's four contests in the tournament have been recounted a million times over, but many aspects of the build-up and aftermath were less familiar.
The story is partially told through the eyes of the media and press, perhaps aptly, because 1970 was when the media and commercial circus and hype surrounding the World Cup really began in earnest. Colour television pictures, beamed by satellite into every living room, coupled with the "reflected glory" from 1966, undoubtedly contributed to this. Dawson deftly conveys how the World Cup had become a global communal celebration, which of course it remains to this day. The novelty and freshness of this concept at that time is one of the things which created a mythic glow around the 1970 event.
The Bobby Moore/Bogota saga is covered in some detail, the most comprehensive account of it which I have encountered.
Alf Ramsey is treated quite sympathetically overall, I think, although the book does not shrink from pointing out his occasional lapses, and the shortcomings in his team from an aesthetic standpoint.
The over-riding feeling which emerges from this highly enjoyable work is how well prepared England were for the 1970 event, even more so than for 1966. Much is said about how they addressed the problems of altitude and heat. The first-choice eleven, and indeed the overall squad, was stronger, more experienced and more resilient than before. However, I think that the team fell victim to its own compactness. The preparation may have been too meticulous and rigid, failing to allow some slack for unforeseen occurrences, and possibly omitting any credible Plan B. The lack of wingers, and the consequent burden placed on overlapping full-backs, were also factors in the downfall.
Overall, Back Home really brings to life a fondly remembered event, being evocative, amusing and informative. Highly recommended.
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