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<p><b><i>1953</i> offers a unique snapshot of life in and around football during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation year – exploring the matches, personalities and events that lit up the game. </b></p><p>Wembley saw its most exciting FA Cup Final ever with Stanley Matthews finally lifting the trophy. The top flight witnessed its closest-ever finish, and internationally the Mighty Magyars gave England a footballing lesson, as did Uruguay and Argentina. </p><p>Sheffield Wednesday’s star striker Derek Dooley tragically lost a leg, and exasperated players went on strike over the unfairness of the contract system and the maximum wage. Others travelled to Colombia in a bid to make mega-money in a FIFA-banned rebel league. Many negotiated the first-ever image rights deals and endorsed everything from football boots and Lucozade to cigarettes and paint. </p><p>In a fitting tribute to the new queen, eight of England and Scotland''s best teams would clash in a one-off tournament to mark the start of Elizabeth II''s reign, the Coronation Cup.</p>