LaticsPete

Yes

Good bloke. Edited the programme last season.

West Ham United: From East End Family to Globalised Fandom Jack Fawbert Pitch Publishing 2022 Hardback 352pp £16.99 A club rooted in working-class origins develops into a type of entity that has worldwide recognition. Not a unique story, indeed one that is probably shared by most clubs in the Premier League and beyond. The industrial and social changes of late Victorian and Edwardian Britain created hundreds of clubs that were based upon a distinct locality, drew players and support from working class communities, and, in many cases, established themselves as long-term entities. Do West Ham United have distinct characteristics? The author, a lifelong Hammers supporter, makes that case in an interesting if not wholly convincing manner. The start of the book is an overview of football’s development from public schools to the working man, set in the context of East End life. It’s peppered with references that give it the feel of a thesis rather than a general narrative but the context of society in which West Ham developed is well portrayed. There’s also considerable discussion of the movement of thousands of people away from the old docklands into Essex and beyond. The notion of local identification is not, it’s argued, based on immediate proximity to the club’s ground but on the sense of family and cultural ties that move as people do. If your family supported the Iron then you will too, even if you now live several miles away. There’s significant evidence put forward to back this for West Ham, but whether that’s a stronger characteristic than for other clubs is never questioned. Much of the second half of the book looks at the “globalised fandom” that surrounds clubs, and there is a list spanning five pages of “geographically based West Ham United supporters’ groups”. It seems as though most countries have at least one such group although the numbers involved for each are not always given. For Australia, however, there are apparently 4,242 members of 11 groups and Indonesia has 835 members in 11 also. For an old-fashioned football supporter like me I’m always sceptical of those from far way saying they “support” a club and the book does attempt to explore this. Expats can often genuinely claim a connection but the reasons given by several of USA based “fans” will cause a few raided eyebrows: “I watched the movie Green Street”, “ “I liked “Bubbles”, “I played FIFA”. In fairness to the author, he attempts to explore who these fans are, their backgrounds and motivations. The end result of the book is a demonstration of the shift of West Ham United’s appeal, and that is done well. How does that compare with other clubs is not a question that is attempted but this sets out a template for how that could be measured in the future.

NB: Garth Dykes is a lifelong Latics supporter and has written several books about the history of the club and its players. As this review shows, he's also produced a range of work on other football clubs. South Shields Who’s Who 1919 - 1930 Garth Dykes SoccerData 2022 Paperback, 78pp £12 South Shields may be nowadays known as the finish of the Great North Run, but for over a decade its football club held its own in the Football League. In 1904 South Shields Adelaide was formed, turning professional four years later, before dropping the suffix in 1910. The hiatus of the Great War meant that it was 1919 before League ambitions were fulfilled, and the club retained that status until 1930. There’s case for saying that they didn’t lose it even then but financial problems caused them to move up the Tyne to Gateshead , adopting the name of their new base , with the new entity remaining in the League until 1960. Garth Dykes is a prolific football historian , participating in 28 publications s, and his meticulous attention to detail is once again demonstrated in this book. Biographical notes of each player who turned out for Shields in the Football League or the FA Cup , from Frank Atkinson to Robert Young , are enhanced in many cases by contemporary photographs. Every player is given birth and , where appropriate, death, dates and locations, their debut match, and details of their career . Richard Robert Brown had a solitary appearance , against Grimsby in 1928, but went on to play for a series of non-league North-Easter clubs , ending with West Allotments FC. Meanwhile, Jock Hutcheson clocked up 199 games and, as club captain, led the side to three top nine finishes in Div 2. The football lives of players in the 1920s are well illustrated by the vignettes that the author provides, with some surprising twists and turns. Goalie Lancelot Holliday moved to Manchester United after 60 games for £1000 in 1923, went to Reading and then opted for a farming life in Argentina. George Reay worked as a railway locomotive fireman as well as being a winger for South Shields, whilst another goalie, Ernest Hoffman , although born in Wakefield, was of German descent and despite having two England amateur caps, was interned for part of World War I , also guested for Tottenham Hotspur as a wartime player, before spending three years with the south Tynesiders. Another International was outside-right Robert Faulkner( 20 appearances). but his three caps were for Canada where had emigrated in 1924, turning out for Toronto Irish and Toronto Clarkes as well as the US Providence Clamdiggers. There is also a complete record of all matches, lineups and attendances for the seasons , beginning with a 1-0 loss away at Fulham in 1919 and ending with a 2-2 home draw against Carlisle in May 1930. League tables are included and there’s a list of all FA Cup matches played by clubs from South Shields from 1888 right up to a 2nd Qualifying Round loss to Marske United in 2022.. Just over 100 years ago two Tyneside teams were vying for Football League success and this is the well-compiled story of the men behind one of them and who shouldn’t be forgotten.

Maximum Wage was abolished in 1961 . Not all players received even that. It was despicable exploitation of working men. Whether top players today “deserve” enormous wages is completely different .

Political football Wyn Grant Agenda Publishing 2021 Softback 192pp £19.99 Written by a politics professor , albeit a lifelong Charlton Athletic supporter, this is a challenging analysis of the game as it exists in the global economy and 21st century society. That may be enough to deter some from opening its covers but, if you do, then you’ll be given what is almost certainly a clearer picture of what’s happening to football. Right from the start the author acknowledges that there are no easy answers to what he sees as the problems facing it, but the case for more regulation and oversight is adequately made. For supporters of most professional clubs in this country, the ability to influence their direction and affairs has shrunk inexorably this century. If we go on from the premise that , in most of our lifetimes, the club ha some links with us, usually from the sense of place then on nearly every front, that has dissipated or disappeared. Local business people owning the club? In most cases a thing of the past. Similarly with players either emanating from the locality or even living there in the same communities as supporters. Even the fan base has been diluted, “tourists” in increasing numbers in the seats, certainly in the Premier League. As global media has increased its coverage and moneyed influence, so football has become both an investment and an international ego trip. With a turnover of billions at the top, and bare bones at the bottom, it is an industry that appears to be ever more in danger of having an irreversibly fractured future. For some, mainly those who now control many clubs or the organisations that “govern” the game and have a gargantuan appetite for money, then the path to elitism is the one to follow. For the others it seems in both the short and long term a road to possible ruin. There is, it is argued, a narrowness of vision that leads to the football industry elite trying to maintain self-regulation (a situation that is in contrast to many other industries). Foreign State ownership of clubs is not done for altruistic reasons; Newcastle, PSG, Manchester City were not seen as deserving causes for purchase because of local economic or social need. Political alliances and regimes do, however, fall in and out of favour. Abramovitch’s close ties to Putin have created major instability even at the level of Chelsea. Global stability can no longer be taken for granted and the future of clubs, and their supporters thrown in doubt. Self-regulation has done very little to combat racism, homophobia , or misogyny , at least when compared to the resources available. Corruption at FIFA was exposed and yet the World Cup still given to a country whose government has a terrible record in some of these issues. Small clubs battle for existence - there has been an absence of action from the EFL or FA about the recent plights of Blackpool, Bury, Oldham , or Leyton Orient, all at the apparent mercy of individuals without threat of sanction. Some larger clubs exclude local supporters through restrict the number of Season Tickets for sale. This means there are more “tourist tickets” available. Across the piece, football is at a crossroads. Self-regulation is failing the game on many fronts. What form of external regulation is required is not clear, but this book makes the case for it extremely well

Tarky set to earn big money? https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-everton-offer-120000-a-week-deal-to-james-tarkowski-amid-newcastle-update/

The Beautiful History Martyn Routledge & Elspeth Wills Pitch Publishing 2021 Hardback 192pp £16.99 The badges of football clubs are emblems of the past. Whether marking a particular event in local or national history, or the predominant local industry, local landmarks, or the topography of the area, they are symbols of what has taken place. Each of these has to have a significance sufficient for the club to believe that a visual representation has a meaningful impact to anyone seeing the badge.They are a shorthand and quick link to the occurrence or object that has had an impact on the club or its locality.Often overlooked, they deserve more appreciation as being at the heart of a club’s origins and identity. This superbly illustrated book examines the badges of 100 clubs , at many levels of the game. It links each to the development of British history and how that has become represented in the badge. A massive time span is embraced, from the ammonite fossils on Whitby Town’s badge , representing the 200 million year-old fossils found on the local coast, to more modern times. There are six stripes on Stevenage’s badge , each representing one of the six neighborhoods that became part of the “Stevenage New Town”. The reincarnation of Gretna FC in 2008 by its supporters’ trust displays a blacksmith’s forge , explained by a piece on the 1753 Marriage Act. That forbade it illegal in England for anyone under 21 to marry without parental permission. Thousands crossed the border to the Scottish village of Gretna Green where the blacksmith (thought to be a lucky talisman) conducted the wedding. Each page tells a different story, and there are footnotes suggesting a place to visit and something to do. So, for the year 832, when an army of Picts and Scots were in trouble in Northumbria, prayers resulted in the cross of St Andrew , the saltire, appearing in the sky and saving the troops. It became the flag of Scotland and appears on the badge of Ayr United. The “Why Not” suggests finding out how many other Scottish clubs use it , and “Visit” suggests going to the National Flag Heritage Centre in East Lothian. This might give the impression that the book is aimed at a younger reader(and there are activities at the end that reinforce this) and for anyone from ten to fifteen years old this would be a great gift. However, us seniors will also find it immensely readable and informative, fun and intelligently put together.

Fit And Proper People Martin Calladine & James Cave Pitch Publishing 2022 Softback 352pp £12.99 Who wouldn’t want to own , at least in part, a football club? The opportunity to help decide transfers, select the squad, or even plan training sessions? These were some of the carrots dangled by Stuart Harvey when he launched OwnaFC in 2018 , offering, for £99 (later £49) part ownership of a professional club. Which club wasn’t mentioned, mainly because nothing had been agreed with one, but it seemed an accessible path to playing Football Manager for real. The scheme failed and the authors untangle the reasons why; the concept, the delivery , and the overblown promises. In a personal saga there is the story of intimidation, legal action over harassment, and financial loss. In the wider narrative, the fragility of safeguards against dubious ownership of clubs and the precipice over which some have fallen as a result, with many more teetering on the edge, are put under the spotlight. Whether as long-term supporters of Bury, Derby, Oldham and many other clubs, or investors in this scheme, it is fans who are on the receiving end of vanity, incompetence, ineptitude or, in some cases, illegality. Is it possible for supporters to be safeguarded, can clubs with proud histories be safeguarded against the unscrupulous ?The authors argue that it s now that action has to be taken. The abortive launch of a Super League may be a temporary victory for fans at the pinnacle of the game but that has to be translated down through the pyramid and it has to be by involving the people who love football, the fans. The story of OwnaFc is intriguing and told clearly and, with hindsight, the warning signs were in pace early one. Launched as a different concept from the Ebbsfleet MyFootbalClub scheme, Stuart Harvey’s product was thrown into the limelight following an uncritical BBC feature. More media piggybacked this and the coverage gave it credibility. Hundreds of thousands of pounds flooded in but, despite publicised talks with Hednesford FC, no club was ever bought. Guarantees of refunds proved flimsy and Harvey himself appeared as a businessman who flitted between ideas and appears in this book as unpleasant ;a restraining order was placed on him in regard to one of the authors. In regards to OwnaFC itself, 15% of police forces in the UK received complaints in relation to it. Fans want their clubs to be safe . To have a future that is not at risk from those who have little interest in its heritage, or in the community, yet those charged with protecting this legacy seem to have neither the will nor the power to do so. This book illustrates some small-scale initiatives that are supporter-led and , it hopes, demonstrates that there are “fit and proper people” out there that can provide a healthier future for the clubs that make up our game.

Danny Rowe https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/danny-rowe-willl-bring-new-dimension-to-chesterfield-after-almost-seven-months-out-3674424

Decent bloke

I give you …..Bobby Collins

Ron Greenwood Mike Miles Pitch Publishing 2021 Hardback 320pp £19.99 Who was Ron Greenwood? In factual terms he was an ex-player who turned coach, managed West Ham United from 1960 to 1975, as well as England u-23s for nearly three years, and had a 60%-win record as England boss in his 55 matches between 1977 and 1982. To give that some colour, during this career he won the FA Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup with the Hammers, coached Peters, Hurst, and Moore to be players who have iconic status in the English game, and had to reinvigorate a national side left floundering after Don Revie’s departure for the money of the Middle East. Just on that basis there is reason to ask, as the author does, why is Greenwood “Football’s Forgotten Manager”? Is, however, that record one of under-achievement, where missed opportunities and personal principles denied both him and others greater success? There’s evidence both that he delivered against the odds and that he perhaps created some of those odds himself. Like a man he admired greatly, and worked with in many roles, the first England Manager Walter Winterbottom, Greenwood had been born in Lancashire. Often identified with London, he was ten before his dad’ s work took him to London where, eventually, Mr Greenwood senior became painting maintenance manager at Wembley Stadium. A playing career started in the war, taking him to Chelsea, Bradford Park Avenue, Brentford, Chelsea again, and Fulham, and then coaching in non-league found him involved with the England Youth team, and then Arsenal. Again, like Winterbottom, he was amazed and excited by the Mighty Magyars and their 6-3 demolition of England in 1953, and his determination to succeed led him to learn and implement as much as possible about coaching. When, in the late 50s, Arsenal made it clear that, despite being head coach, there was no managerial role for him there, the opportunity to take over at West Ham was accepted – even if his Highbury connections didn’t go down well with some Hammers’ supporters. It's here that the evaluation of success really begins. There’s no questioning Greenwood’s achievements in establishing the club as a constant presence in the top-flight, and cup victories against English and Continental teams deserves all the plaudits. Whilst West Ham may not have won the 1966 World Cup, tactics developed by Greenwood certainly helped. The quick freekick and cross to the near post’ leading to England’s equaliser in the final, was worked on as part of club training. His development of young players brought through many notables, and he helped pioneer the presence of black players, despite the notoriously racist elements in the Boleyn Ground crowd. The author suggests factors that indicate that even more could have been delivered. One was Greenwood’s weakness in not building on any success the team had. A reliance on those who had been there, whilst demonstrating loyalty, didn’t let the club “kick on”. Another was the admirable principles he had. He was offered Gordon Banks from Leicester City for £50000 but, as he had already agreed with Kilmarnock to sign Bobby Ferguson for £65000, turned down England’s No 1 for Scotland’s No 2. There was also his perceived weakness in some matters of discipline. Greenwood liked to believe that if he respected and trusted players, they wouldn’t let him down. Unfortunately, a drinking culture at the club showed otherwise and weakened performances. Ron Greenwood, and his tactical nous, his coaching passion and his integrity did, however, help England out. Revie had departed ignominiously, and a steady but talented replacement was needed. Initially for three matches Greenwood took over but, by the end of 55 games, he had got the team back into the World Cup Finals, a quarter-final finish something that a few years earlier would have been longed for. For over twenty years Ron Greenwood had managed with a determination that there was a “right” way of going about things. Without the charisma of Clough, or the ruthlessness of Revie, he still carved out a presence that has to be admired, regardless of any “if only” provisos.

And West Midlands.

Note to Latics fans. As well as an interview with Rick Holden in the book it's worth noting that Wibble Books is run by Dave Moore and Rick. Dave is a massive Latics supporter in Canada. Before the Premier League Paul Whittle Wibble Publishing 2021 Softback 216pp £9.99 From the abolition of the maximum wage, the end of regionalised lower divisions, through the impact of television and sponsorship right up to the Premier League in 1992, the Football League went through a transformational thirty years. Whilst it tried to innovate and adapt, it ended up as a junior partner in the football pyramid hierarchy. Was the new reality brought about by external forces that the League had no way of controlling, and what were the experiences of clubs and players in that period? With hindsight, the thirty years saw massive changes, not only in football but in society generally, changes that seem vast in such a short time. It had taken a while to emerge from the effects of war, but there then came an explosion of consumerism, a shrinking sense of deference, challenges to the existing order, and the beginnings of globalisation. Victorian structures and hierarchies were always going to be at risk, and the Football League was one of those. It’s probably both true and sad that the author is correct in concluding that the incremental decline of the League will continue as less and less of the game’s assets are passed on to it from the financial elite. Paul Whittle has taken on his task of producing “A History of the Football League’s Last Decades” in a manner that attempts to satisfy different perspectives. There are some hard facts and figures from the full story of the League – everything from Most Goals Conceded in a season, to Most Career Appearances, Longest Run of Defeats, and the like. There’s also narrative in the form of chapters looking at aspects such as Attendances, the Transfer market, Sponsorship, or Television, and, in an engaging way, interviews with a range of players, fans and historians that occupy half the book. It's an eclectic mix: Rick Holden, Ron Futcher and Nigel Gleghorn are some of those there along with Everton’s official statistician Gavin Buckland. Maybe there’s not a great analytical theme to the interviews but the stories they tell and the perceptions the individuals have of “being there” in those immediate pre-Premier days do capture the reader’s attention. It’s an enjoyable book, partly because of this three-pronged look at the League in this period, but also because the style is readable and obviously that of someone who cares about his subject. It’s not a massive tome but a definitely useful one for anyone that wants to get a feel and understanding of how things were pre-1992.

Interest in Tom Hamer https://the72.co.uk/263556/nottingham-forest-and-hull-city-vying-to-sign-burton-albions-tom-hamer/

Natalie to FCUM http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/news-story/fc-united-strengthens-senior-leadership-team

Chris Taylor to FCUM

Scottish Football: Souvenirs from the Golden Years Robert Marshall & David Stuart Pitch Publishing 2021 Hardback 320pp £20 For the authors, the Golden Years were 1946 to 1986. Between the latter and the present day, a Rangers/Celtic duopoly had won the Scottish championship for 36 consecutive seasons. Yet, in the 40 previous years, there had been eight teams as champions. Nine had won the Scottish Cup, and 10 the League Cup. Fifteen different clubs had picked up at least one of the trophies. In two seasons the big two Glasgow clubs won nothing. However, as well as glorying in the broad spread of clubs jockeying at the top, that period generally witnessed a time when Scottish football punched strongly. There were victories in both the European Cup and the Cup-Winners Cup, and the national team appeared in six World Cup Finals. The game was booming, and it was recognised in the activity levels off the pitch. A thriving print media generated Football Scot, Scottish Football, and Scottish Football Weekly. Post-war crowds boomed everywhere but the appetite north of the border seemed immense: on one day in 1948, two Scottish Cup semi-finals were played in Glasgow with a combined attendance of 212,000. Programmes too developed and both Clyde and Aberdeen won regular awards in “the well-respected” Programme Monthly. Motherwell even featured on the cover of “Soccer Star”! The 1950s began with Hibs dominating and ended with Hearts at the top, further evidence of a club network that was still a meritocracy. Every season in the forty years is covered, not only with narrative but with pictures of programmes, magazines, cards, tickets and the like so it’s a book that’s rich with the “souvenirs” of its title. It would have been helpful to identify them as not every reader will know for example, which series of cards the illustration relates to, but the visual impact and array is strong. The programme element of these illustrations is, of course, easy to follow through match details on the cover and there are some wonderful examples of the breadth of design across the period. The Partick Thistle programme of 1979/80 looking both in style of illustration and the player’s kit like a “Roy of the Rovers” publication, compares with a neat, restrained DTP issue from Threave Rovers v Keith. Club names in Scotland often seem romantic and, to an Englishman, hard to locate. Rothes, Chirnside United, and Vale of Athol, or Duns all made (and in some cases) still make Cup appearances. As mentioned, European forays were frequent and rich. Six times in finals, and 14 clubs beaten in European semi-finals. Celtic were actually the sixth Scottish team in the European Cup, winning at their first attempt. In 1983 a ticket for Rangers v Inter Milan could be had for £3, but to see The Stranglers at Glasgow Apollo was £4.50. Quasi-international was the Texaco Cup (later the Anglo-Scottish) which saw 25 Scottish teams participate. It was pre-dated by the 1953 Coronation Cup, four from each country involved and Celtic winning. There’s a wonderful final section to the book: a “Gallimaufry”. Bringing together more strands of the Caledonian football tapestry like the Home Championship, 5 & 6-a-side competitions and lost or revamped grounds. A book that a tribute to the breath and depth of Scottish football, compellingly written, very well illustrated, and one that can be enjoyed by any football supporter or collector anywhere.

They are real pieces of local history, descriptive of the local economy, how people travelled, the cost of living, and the local social stratum. The number of Aldermen and JPs on boards of directors ....! The artwork is great isn't it? I look at the covers of Latics programms in 61-63 (the leaping players against a tangerine background) or in 65 with a firece looking player in Latics strip dominating, and always feel it's a shame that the designers aren't credited. The same with many other clubs - maybe there's a book to be witten about the missing football artists ! Thanks for all the work you're doing to help save the club. I have to admit that I'm probably not helping insofar as I write for the programme which might be said to be supporting the regime but I was chuffed to little mintballs to be asked !! I keep some of the books I review and pass on others to people who would appreciae them. If you don't mind letting me have an address, I'll send the Programmes! Programmes! to uou. Best wishes

Programmes! Programmes! Cliff Hague Pitch Publishing 2021 Hardback 384pp £16.99 The eternal cry of the programme seller (I know, I was one) is fitting for this journey over 60 plus years. It’s a personal narrative, one that uses programmes as an aide memoire to matches seen, but also as illustrative of changes in the game, in society, and in the world. Like many of us, the author has a collection that not only follows a specific interest but has gathered items both randomly or with a purpose that seemed important at the time. In fact, it’s not just his collection but that of his son too, someone obviously brought up in the right manner. Born in Manchester in the 1940s, the author’s Uncle Arthur convinced him that United was the better of the local clubs, and off he went to his first game in 1952. His first programme, however, was from a match he and his father were locked out of, United v Blackpool Boxing Day 1952, bought, he thinks, as a compensation for missing out. This was the start of a collection, albeit stuck in a scrapbook with Sellotape, before graduating to a shoebox under the bed, and accumulating through swaps, from adverts in “Football Monthly”, and writing to clubs asking for a copy. Many of us have been down a similar route, and that accounts for some of the “oddities” in our collections dating from years ago. The personal story of university, employment, and holidays allows the author to perceptively describe not only the differences in programmes across the years but across nations too. His description of early Communist-era issues from central Europe, whether local league matches or their prestige clashes with Capitalist nation teams is done with recognition of the origin of many of the clubs there and the environment in which they operated. So too were early MLS publications, large, sponsor advertising, and with an expectation that spectators might not know much about “soccer”. DC United had a “buzz word” column in their programme: for the match against LA Galaxy in 1996 it was “nut-megged”, and against, New England Revolution, “magic sponge”. The bulk of this entertaining book is a look at British programmes. The evolution from primarily local advertising, again an example of setting the game in the economy and society of the time, to national companies dominating the programme, is set against the move from football being described as a “slum sport watched by slum people” in the Sunday Times to the corporate, media domination that emerged in the late 80s and early 90s. Matchday magazines replete with ads from banks, IT companies, and property companies , replaced the “programme” with ads for the local Co-op and pubs. The FA Cup Final programme for 1999, between the Uniteds of Newcastle and Manchester, was for a match “brought” to us by AXA. In 1982 the match was played at “Wembley Stadium”, by 1990 it was described on the cover as “Wembley – Venue of Legends”, and the game was the “Cup Final” rather than “Final Tie”. It is the football programme that is the historical document that evidences the explosion of branding and marketing that the game has undergone. There are 63 programmes from a collection of 2000, that are given a highlighted status each with a photograph and separate description. The combination creates a read that, whilst possibly not unveiling new truths, articulates with a warmth and understanding the fascination of programmes, and their reflection of football itself. One to get hold of.

Harry Clarke signs for Hibs on loan from Arsenal

The Collection: Leeds United Robert Endeacott & Ben Hunt Pitch Publishing 2021 Hardback 272pp £25 This is a lavishly illustrated documentation of the kits of Leeds United from the club’s origins but with especial emphasis from 1960. Given that, since then, Leeds have been associated with all-white, the variety of shirts is surprising, enhanced by the number of away kits that have been used. The book, however, looks at earlier times, from the founding of the club in 1919, after the demise of Leeds City, and, although, actual shirts from those days do not exist, there is significant evidence of the light blue and white shirts that lasted until 1934. It was then that the nickname of “The Peacocks” began to be earned, blue and gold halved shirts being introduced, a colour combination that was to last for nearly thirty years. The legend is that Don Revie decided to bring in the all-white strip to get the players to think in terms of Real Madrid. There is evidence of it being used as early as 1957, albeit with a blue & yellow trim, and as a change kit, and a suggestion it was first worn at Elland Road against Middlesbrough on 17th September 1960. In club programmes it was 1961/2 when the description became “all white” but the season after when the colours were first officially registered as the home strip. It’s from this time, the mid-60s, that the major thrust and style of the book takes off. For each incarnation of the shirt there’s a full-page photo, with one player who wore it highlighted and often with comments from him, plus a smaller photo of the back of the shirt. In 1980/1, for example, the Admiral home shirt is exemplified through Eddie Gray. By 1982, sponsors’ names were allowed (although not in televised matches) and so shirt designs may remain for two years, but the sponsor changed. Of course, the opposite would happen, “Top Man” was sponsor for 1989 through to 1991 but alterations in collar and trim meant two different shirts. As well as designs, the book traces and explains the movement in manufacturers. At the very beginning it was probably Bukta, but by 1960 Umbro had become involved, and on the 1968 League Cup Final shirt their logo appears, although at the bottom where it would be hidden by shorts. The iconic Admiral shirt, replete with “Smiley” came in 1973, an association with that company that lasted until 1981, before returning in 1992. The merry-go-round of suppliers has continued apace since then; Asics, Puma, Nike, Macron, Kappa, and Adidas being introduced. Many away kits are featured too, along with goalkeeper shirts, tracksuits, and the “Leeds special”, sock tags. For a Leeds fan, this is must-have book, but its interest must appeal to anyone interested in the history of club kits, from the colour to the fabric to the manufacturer. An excellently researched and put-together publication.

Goal Along With The Cherries Neil Vacher AFC Bournemouth 2021 Softback 252pp £15 Back in 1971, when Boscombe and Athletic were still parts of the club’s name, and it played at Dean Court, Bournemouth started the long climb from Div. 4 – its first ever promotion in the Football League. Most of the club’s present-day supporters will have no memory of that season, and it wasn’t even one that brought silverware, runners-up slot securing a return to Div. 3. It could, therefore, be seen as a brave move to publish such a comprehensive and well-presented book as this, well into the Premier League period. With a design style that is similar to a scrapbook, there’s lots of scope for the generous inclusion of programme covers, tickets, and newspaper cuttings that will warm the heart of PM readers. That’s on top of a match report, line-ups and attendance figures. There’s the additional bonus of illustrations of football ephemera that isn’t Bournemouth centred. To take a random example, the double-page spread for the match at Darlington has the game report and associated details, the programme, a Darlington lapel badge, a picture of the Subbuteo Continental Club Edition box, a Bovril jar, cover of the International Football Book no 13, and two newspaper photos of Cherries’ players. Plus, there are “Soccer Shorts”, taking a quick look at that week’s European action and a report from the Bournemouth FA Jubilee Dinner. That’s replicated for 51 league and cup matches, a truly impressive piece of research and presentation from Neil Vacher, the club historian. To add to the comprehensive nature of the book there are profiles not only of the players and managerial/coaching staff but also of the backroom team, from physio to pools promoter. It’s worth recalling some of the characters who played a big part in the promotion season. Manager John Bond started that phase of his football life at Dean Court in June 1970 and, along with Coach Ken Brown, the duo had success at Norwich and Manchester City. Their development of Ted McDougall into 49 goals a season player, alongside the signing of Phil Boyer, created one of the most lethal strike forces in the Football League. “Super Mac” went on to play for Scotland, had an unhappy time at Manchester United, but teamed up again with Bond and Boyer at Norwich to earn another promotion in 1974/5, this time from Div. 2, becoming top goal scorer in Div. 1 the following season. Alongside the Cherries in the promoted top four were Notts County (Champions), Oldham Athletic, and York City. Ironically two of those are now non-league with Oldham hovering close, both the latter and Notts having enjoyed topflight status along the way. The vagaries of footballing existence are many and maybe this fine book isn’t just a celebration of Bournemouth’s success in 1971 but also of what the club has achieved in the fifty years since.