The first of two magnificent volumes from Emeritus Professor of History, John Maynard, on the Socceroos journey through World Cup qualifying campaigns. Volume 1 starts with the campaign to make the 1966 World Cup in England, which ended for Australia in Phnom-Penh in 1965; includes the first time Australia qualified for the World Cup held in West Germany in 1974; and ends with the defeat in Montevideo in 2001 in the final play-off match against Uruguay. Socceroos - A World Cup Odyssey is an in-depth look at the team's history with commentary on every qualifying match, the role and decisions of governing bodies such as FIFA and Football Australia, media coverage, and the reception afforded to players and coaches. It is a significant history of the game: simultaneously viewed through the expert eyes of an eminent historian, and written by a passionate, lifelong fan. When you get to the end of Volume 1, you will want to keep reading Volume 2 (2006 to 2022).
Professor John Maynard is a Worimi Aboriginal man from the Port Stephens region of NSW and a Professor of Indigenous Education and Research at the University of Newcastle. He has held several major positions and served on numerous prominent organizations and committees including Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Executive Committee of the Australian Historical Association, New South Wales History Council, Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, Australian Research Council College of Experts, National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network and the NSW Fulbright Selection Committee. He gained his Ph.D. in 2003, examining the rise of early Aboriginal political activism. He has worked with and within many Aboriginal communities, urban, rural, and remote. Professor Maynard’s publications have concentrated on the intersections of Aboriginal political and social history, and the history of Australian race relations. John is a passionate football fan and the author of several books on Aboriginal people and sport.
* History of the Socceroos in every World Cup campaign written by an Emeritus Professor of History, who is also a passionate fan.
* Includes insights into what was going on in the broader football administration context at the time.
* In two volumes: first volume covers the first time we tried in 1965 (for 1966 World Cup) to 2002, and includes our successful qualification for 1974.
* This book is released during the Women's World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia from 20 July to 20 August.
* Will be launched at Football Writers' Festival in Sydney in July.
* Media release.
* Author available for literary/writers' festivals, book signings etc.
