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The history of the Livingston Lions' rise to fame is one of the most remarkable stories in British football. The Scottish Premier League side began life after World War II as a junior parks team. The club was called Ferranti Thistle and the factory side battled their way up through the ranks of Scottish soccer. Eventually they turned professional - and changed their name to Meadowbank Thistle. Now, under their third name, Livingston FC, the club's remarkable rise to glory continues with Premier League football and their first taste of European competition. "From Thistle to Lion" tells the astonishing story of this rapid ascent by one of Scotland's most extraordinary clubs. Ferranti, Meadowbank, Livingston - call it what you will - this unfashionable club has always been known as one of the friendliest in Scotland and one with a family atmosphere. Yet, like all the best families, it has also had to face rows, splits and bitter controversy along the way. This book reveals how Ferranti Thistle developed from a wartime factory team to become one of the best-run clubs in non-League Scottish football. And how they had to fight to be allowed to play in the Scottish Cup. The book sheds light on one of the many controversial episodes in this club's short history - when the Football League forced it to change both its ground and its famous old name. It then details the most bitter controversy of all to hit the club - its decision to leave Edinburgh and head for Livingston. Few clubs in Scotland can boast such an explosive history in such a short period of time as Livingston. This narrative brings those events to life and highlights the colourful characters who have assisted in building the club over the years and helped create its unique identity. From a factory works team to European football - not bad, as they say, for a parks team.
21 x 15 cms, softback, 176 pages.
2004
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