The Empire Stadium Wembley 1974-85 (that’s the ‘original’ one with Twin Towers)
“Get Off My Pitch” by Don Gallacher
“Get Off My Pitch” a book by by Don Gallacher with Colin Gallacher released on Amazon 26th August 2022.
Don Gallacher was the Head Groundsman of the original Wembley Stadium from 1974 to 1985, which in its heyday, with its iconic Twin Towers, was regarded as among the most famous sporting venues in the world. The stadium that Pele and many others called ‘The Cathedral of Football’.
Don had the pitch eye view of many historic events, sporting and musical:
Football, Rugby League, Hockey, Speedway, International events, sell out concerts. e.g:
Live Aid 1985
Ricky Villa’s incredible goal at the 1981 FA Cup Final Replay
Evel Knievel’s jump over 13 London Buses 1975
England v Scotland Football Home International 1977, when the Scottish fans invaded the pitch tearing down the goals and ripping up the turf, that sent images of Don in the midst of the debacle to TV screens and newspapers all around the world.
It’s a unique recollection, not only of Don’s management of the sacred turf of Wembley, but also the people, and the events that he was centre stage to.
Co-author Colin Gallacher is available for interview.