English Football Reading?

[HoosiersUnited]

Can anyone suggest any English football books to read this summer? I am looking for something on the history of the game--I know the last 10 yrs or so, and I know the origins, but am looking for something in between.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sorry about cross-postings.

[petezuke17]

Not really historical, but as most people will agree Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby is a must read. He's the same guy who wrote High Fidelity and About A Boy. The book is about his obsession with Arsenal (you'll enjoy it even if you don't like Arsenal, as was my case). Gives an inside view to how the game is viewed in England and great sections on reaction to both Heysel and Hillsborough.

[Captain Splarg]

try reading "The Geezer's Guide to Football"

I enjoyed it. It was written by a Watford supporter.

[QPR Kevin H]

If you can find it - My Favourite Year (Nick Hornby ed). Great stories for a summer read. The Roddy Doyle chapter is easily the best piece of football writing ever put in print.

[HoosiersUnited]

I've read both Fever Pitch (which I plan to read again this summer), and most of My Favourite Year. You're right--the Ireland chapter is supurb, as is Hornby's on Cambridge United.

[QPR Kevin H]

Originally posted by HoosiersUnited
I've read both Fever Pitch (which I plan to read again this summer), and most of My Favourite Year. You're right--the Ireland chapter is supurb, as is Hornby's on Cambridge United.
The Raith Rovers one as well. Damn - Im gonna read some of that tonight.

Oh and if you watch The Van (movie adaptation of Doyle's book). Its contains the fictionalized version of Doyle's WC 90 experience.

[5 O'Clock Hero]

I suggest "The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw" by Robin Friday. Very enjoyable read, also Tony Adams "Addicted" is very good.

[Captain Splarg]

Originally posted by Captain Splarg
try reading "The Geezer's Guide to Football"



Really. FIND THIS BOOK.
the author is Dougie Brimson

[iman]

If you want to watch a movie, get mean machine.

Imagine the longest yard with vinnie jones in the burt rynolds role.
simply brilliant. (not really but it was entertaining)

[Matt Clark]

Not all about English football, but quality reads all the same:

'Parklife' by Nick Varley

'Faith of our Father' by Alan Edge

'Addicted' by Tony Adams

'Football Memories' by Brian Glanville

'After Rome, Africa' by Brian Glanville

'Football against the Enemy' by Simon Kuiper

'Morbo' by Phil Ball

'The Football Business' by David Conn (if you pick just one, make it this one ... )

'Hillsborough: The Truth' by Phil Scraton

[Rambler]

If coming from an American perspective, there is but one book on English Football you need to read. That book is "Among the Thugs" by Mr Bill Bruford.

[Mobile]

Originally posted by Rambler
If coming from an American perspective, there is but one book on English Football you need to read. That book is "Among the Thugs" by Mr Bill Bruford.

That book is a load of old wank. And yet is is completely, utterly and without question accepted as gospel by any Yank who reads it.

[Matt Clark]

I know ... I think we should point the lads across the Atlantic at something a bit more cerebral myself. To mention nothing of something a bit more true to life and true to football as it was then or is now. This being about football and not the Charlie-addled delusions of a fat, thick working class nobody.

[Rambler]

errrm, football is a working class game if it hadn't escaped your notice. I thought yous was a scouser not a prawn munching Manc.

[Matt Clark]

Football has nothing to do with fat, stupid, delusional working class nobodies like Bruford.

[Rambler]

I am not saying you can't be reviled by Brufords book but come on even you must admit it made a fascinating read in places, even for Brits.

Football will always have something to do with the "fat, stupid, delusional working class nobodies", because it is regarded as the "Peoples game". Take up Cricket or Tennis if you are offended.

[Matt Clark]

If that's what "fascinates" you then you are in poor mental shape. It's badly written, mostly composed of half-truths and outright lies, nakedly self-aggrandising and, ultimately, completely purile.

I never said the subject was not interesting, nor that the insider perspective does not have a special little spice to it, but this is easily the worst book of it's kind.

And I said football had nothing to do with fat, etc "like Bruford". His interest in football is as developed as your interest in intellectual balance.

[Dr. Wankler]

Originally posted by Matt Clark
Football has nothing to do with fat, stupid, delusional working class nobodies like Bruford.

In his real life, Bruford was an upper-middle class twit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He just played a yob for Granta when he wrote a few articles that later metastasized into Among the Thugs.

[Matt Clark]

Well there you go. Delusional nonsense. His "persona" is what makes this book so nauseatingly idiotic.

[Rambler]

You obviously need to refer to a Dictionary when you respond because you would know that "fascinate" is to rouse interest. Either that or you are a complete hypocrite considering you went on to say you found the subject "interesting" and Bruford "added some spice to it".