Rome Wasn't Built in a Day, Chapter 7; Boy, what a thrill it was

War-time football and tragedy as the game sought to get back on its feet following a lengthy cessation.

7. Boy, what a thrill it was

At least this time, the decision was taken out of their hands. Sensing the inevitability of the coming war, the British government passed an Emergency Powers bill through parliament upon the announcement of the Nazi-Soviet pact on the 23rd August 1939.

On Friday the 1st September, the Football League played its third round of fixtures of the season. By the end of the day, Blackpool were top of the First Division table, the only team left out of 22 with a 100% record. The following morning, the 3rd September, the British government declared war on Germany. The Football League was immediately suspended, and would remain so for almost seven years.