By Chris Wright
Before the Europa League was the UEFA Cup, and before that came the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – so called as the competition was originally designed to promote trades fairs across the continent and, as such, was solely contested by teams from European cities which hosted trade fairs.
The competition began in 1955 and ran until 1971, when UEFA finally stuck their oar in and transmogrified it into the UEFA Cup we know and love today (click for the full-sized images)…
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- An atmospheric shot of the game between London and Frankfurt – the first game to be played under floodlights at Wembley, 1955
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- Roma ‘keeper Fabio Cudicini (father of Carlo) limbers up before the first round tie against Chelsea, 1965
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- Chelsea’s Barry Bridges squares up to the entire AC Milan defence after flooring ‘keeper Balzarini with a “robust” challenge, 1966
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- Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Enrique Yarza offers his commiserations as Leeds’ Jimmy Greenhoff, draped in a St John’s Ambulance coat, is stretchered off with an ankle injury, 1966
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- Chelsea’s Peter Osgood kneels incredulously after being enied by a terrific save from Morton ‘keeper Bobby Russell, 1969
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- Newcastle’s Bobby Moncur celebrates after scoring his first goal against Ujpest Dozsa in the 1969 final
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- Newcastle fans swarm outside St James’ Park to get a glimpse of the Fairs Cup, 1969
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- Arsenal ‘keeper Bob Wilson jumps for joy as his side score a third goal in the 1970 Final against Anderlecht
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- Arsenal’s George Graham and Charlie George become embroiled in a shirt-swapping melee after beating Anderlecht in the 1970 final
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- Arsenal captain Frank McLintock parades the Fairs Cup at Highbury before a league game against Man Utd, 1970
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- Arsenal full-back John Roberts flies in on Lazio’s Giorgio Chinaglia, 1970
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- Leeds captain Billy Bremner holds the trophy aloft after winning the 1971 tournament
(Photos: PA)