87 Heaven

When it comes to documenting the history of Coventry City Football Club, Steve Phelps' already has a fine pedigree, having previously written two detailed books on the subject. Now he turns his pen to the  club's finest hour with, Sky Blue Heroes, an in depth account of the 1987 FA Cup run which ended in Wembley triumph. Steve logs all the key moments right from a low key home third round win against Bolton and onto that glorious day in May watched on TV by millions.
The books features a running commentary from all the key components, players, management, media and fans. Those who were right at the hub of the action and whose memories remain strong of a special time. It's that mix that makes the book so appealing as the recollections of the those creating history on the pitch intermingle with the those witnessing it through teary joyful eyes.
Published by the ever excellent Pitch Publishing, it contains many fine stories of a time when it felt like destiny was being fulfilled. Keith Houchen talks us through his Wembley wonder goal and BBC commentator on the day, the legendary John Motson chips in with a fond foreword. The club's kids mirrored the senior team's success that year by winning the FA Youth Cup and that too receives admirable coverage.
There are extensive archive reports from the Coventry Telegraph illustrating how a whole City got immersed as the run unfolded into a rapterous day at the shrine of football. Contained too within the pages are nods to the prices of day so you can marvel at paying a fiver for a major football match or just over a quid for a four pack of lager. Steve's gift is to let the protagonists do the talking while he seamlessly weaves all the nostalgic tales together in a Sky Blue heavenly real life script.
But this is not just about the past. The book provokes the thought that with hard work and belief, dreams can be realised and that is a important lesson for any generation. It was a time when top flight footballers didn't seem so detached from supporters and we see here that the emotions felt by both were very similar. The memory banks of over sixty people pay homage to a time something special took place in Coventry's sporting and social history. This delightful work records it perfectly and for any CCFC fan will be a great purchase or gratefully received gift.