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WELCOME Wind the clock back 12 months, when we were still in the midst of the first winter World Cup, and the big question was how it would impact players and clubs once domestic football returned. In Manchester City’s case, it didn’t seem to cause too many problems – they went on to win the Treble, with Erling Haaland breaking all sorts of records along the way. In this issue, we celebrate the Sky Blues’ memorable year. England’s Lionesses fell agonisingly short of the ultimate glory in the summer, but we honour their achievement of reaching a first ever World Cup final by speaking to Lucy Bronze, as well as looking back on the rise of Mary Earps. Never has the National League garnered such attention than during 2023 – Wrexham’s promotion gained coverage far and wide thanks to Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. We hear the inside story from the man who orchestrated that success, gaffer Phil Parkinson. On a personal level as a Fulham fan, this was the year we lost former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, so in this mag we reflect on the maverick’s reign at the Cottage. This month also marks 50 years since the first replica shirt was sold – we find out how it all started. That was 2023, now roll on 2024. WA n T MORE? FI nD US HERE... FOURFOURTWO.COM @FOURFOURTWO @FOURFOURTWOUK FACEBOOK.COM/ FOURFOURTWO FOURFOURTWO James Andrew @JamesAndrew_ @FourFourTwo 5 THINGS YOU’LL LEARN I nSIDE SCA n TO SIG n UP FOR OUR nEWSLETTER 1 2 3 4 5 Which current England hero almost decided to represent Portugal instead Which cricket star scored the winner for Carlisle against Spurs in 1974 Which boss received deer’s testicles from Mohamed Al Fayed Which team had 16 players booked at the same time during a match Which former striker has been ordered to give his ex-wife a petrol station SUBSCRIBE FROM £4.23 PER ISSUE Get FFT sent direct to your door every month for £54.99 per year – with 13 issues published in total, you’ll make some great savings. Head to magazinesdirect.com and find FourFourTwo, or phone 0330 333 1113 FourFourTwo.com October 2018 48