The Resumption of Professional Football After World War Two

On August 31, 1946, professional football in England resumed after a seven-year hiatus due to World War Two. This historic day saw nearly a million fans attending matches across the country, marking a significant moment in the sport's history.

Football legends such as Wilf Mannion, Jackie Milburn, Tommy Lawton, and Tom Finney scored on this opening day of the 1946-47 season. The excitement was palpable as clubs prepared to welcome back players who had served in the war, with many teams having survived the conflict through various means.

Brian Halford's book, Kicking Off Again, chronicles the day's events, providing a game-by-game account of the matches played, alongside insights into the social history of the time. The book highlights the challenges clubs faced in the post-war era, including rationing and the need for community support to restore bomb-damaged stadiums.