Search results for ""pitch publishing ltd""

From the thousands of matches ever played by Swansea City, stretching from their early days at the Vetch to their wonderful Premier League era, here are 50 of the club's most intense, emotional and thrilling games of all! Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, Swansea City's Greatest Games offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in everything from their first ever game against Cardiff and Toshack's rampant rise to their glorious Premier League days, and beyond. An irresistible cast list of club legends - Alan Curtis and Ivor Allchurch, Leon Britton, Roger Freestone and Lee Trundle - springs to life at breathtaking moments including epic cup finals and Premier League giant-killings, European nights and unforgettable South Wales derby triumphs. In all, a journey through the highlights of Swansea's 102-year history which is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.

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Got, Not Got: The Lost World of Liverpool is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Anfield's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Reds-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - Reds stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Liverpool. If you're a lifelong Liverpool fan, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from when Shanks won his first '60s silverware to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Keegan, Dalglish and St John, Rush, Barnes and Souness - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

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Got, Not Got: The Lost World of Manchester City is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Maine Road's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a City-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - Blues stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Manchester City. If you were a Junior Blue, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from when Joe Mercer's lads won the league to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Marsh and Bell, Summerbee, Tueart and White - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

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Punk Football tells the story of how supporters have made the incredible journey from the terraces to the boardroom. Initially intrigued by the rise of AFC Wimbledon, the supporter-owned club set up after Wimbledon FC's relocation to Milton Keynes, Jim Keoghan was drawn into a world in which ordinary fans have started new clubs, taken a stake in those they once followed and sometimes saved clubs from disappearing altogether. The fan-ownership movement has touched every echelon of the game, challenging the private model that has dominated football for over a century. There have been highs and lows, successes and failures, but through it all the dogged determination of fans to be more than paying customers has shone through. Regarded as a revolutionary force in modern sport, the story of Punk Football is one that will appeal to every fan who has ever thought, "I could run this club better myself."

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Edward Whitaker is publicly acknowledged as one of the best racing photographers ever. And A.P. McCoy is undoubtedly the most successful jumps jockey ever to have sat on a horse. The fact that the two have been around at the same time provides a stunning, revealing and sometimes shocking collection of amazing photographs from over 20 years. Whitaker claims McCoy has been one of the key studies of his career and in this beautifully produced book you have one extraordinary life told through the supremely talented lens of one extraordinary photographer.

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Got, Not Got: The Lost World of Leeds United is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Elland Road's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Whites-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - United stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, records, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Leeds. If you were a Junior White, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from Don Revie's lads first lifting the title to the '91 championship, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Bremner and Giles, Gray and Currie, Sheridan and Strachan - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

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A dozen Sunderland legends come together to tell the stories behind their favourite ever games for the club - enabling Black Cats fans of all ages to relive these magic moments through the eyes and emotions of the men who were there, playing their hearts out for the red-and-white stripes...Niall Quinn relives the rollercoaster 1998 League Division Two play-off final which went to 4-4 before Charlton pinched it 7-6 on penalties; Jim Montgomery recounts heroic tales of the landmark 1973 FA Cup Final. Ever the crowd pleaser, Gary Rowell waxes lyrical about a 4-1 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park, while the club's all-time record scorer Bobby Gurney remembers a ten-goal thriller back in 1935! Sunderland greats Marco Gabbiadini, Len Ashurst and Charlie Hurley also turn in characteristic star performances, winding back the clock to relive treasured memories of the Match of Their Lives for the Black Cats.

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Derby County Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Rams. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the player who went on strike in extra time because he claimed he was only contracted to play 90 minutes? How about the fishing trawler named in the club's honour? Or the future Bishop of Egypt and Sudan who turned out for the Rams? Do you know who first wore contact lenses for Derby and England? How Cloughie planned to make the Rams play like the national side? Or which players marketed their own board game in the 1970s? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Rams fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

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Leeds United Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Whites. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about David Harvey's suicidal monkey? How about the chairman who spent GBP240 on a goldfish for his office? Or the gypsy who urinated on Elland Road's corner flags to help Don Revie lift an ancient curse? Do you know when a Leeds side last wore sock tags? The fate of the orange kit worn once in 1970? Or how many miles of pipe make up the undersoil heating system at Elland Road? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Leeds United fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart. Featuring a foreword by Leeds legend Eddie Gray.

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Norwich City Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Canaries. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the first Brazilian-born player in English football? How about the stand built on the site of an ancient hunting camp, dating back to 11,500BC? Or the fashion designer who was worried about City getting his kit muddy? Do you know which 'England Manager' led City to the Mr Clutch Cup? Which winger was locked in the toilet by his team-mates for a four-hour away coach trip? Or how many days it took to build the new stadium on Carrow Road? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Canaries fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

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The Albion Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about West Brom. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the Albion star who thought there was a different, hotter sun on a pre-season trip to Portugal? How about the winger who bought a shed off a fan during a series of corners? Or the GBP2 million acquisition who turned out to be Cyrille Regis's nephew? Do you know who gave rise to the club's 'Baggies' nickname? Why Albion officials painted a match ball with gold and stuck a stuffed thrush on top? Or which club record Lateef Elford-Alliyu holds? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Baggies fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

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The Albion On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from West Brom's illustrious history, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Baggies diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1878 as West Bromwich Strollers to the Premier League era, Albion fans have witnessed League and Cup triumphs, promotions and relegations, hard times and hard-fought local derbies - all featured here. Timeless greats such as John Wile and Bob Taylor, Cyrille Regis, Jeff Astle and Bryan Robson all loom larger than life. Revisit 25th April 1931, when the Throstles won Division Two to take a unique FA Cup and promotion Double. 18th April 1952: the appointment of manager Jesse Carver, architect of the 'Team of the Century'. Or 6th March 1977: the signing of Laurie Cunningham, first of the 'Three Degrees'!

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Norwich City On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the Canaries' rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1902 to the Premier League era, City fans have witnessed promotions and relegations, European adventures and Cup runs, hard times and hard-fought local derbies - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Duncan Forbes and Martin Peters, Ron Ashman, Kevin Keelan, Darren Huckerby and Mark Bowen all loom larger than life. Revisit 9th February 1980, when Justin Fashanu volleyed home the Goal of the Season against champions Liverpool. 18th March 1959: an FA Cup semi for the Third Division giantkillers of Man U and Spurs. Or 20th October 1993: City become the first and only British team to win away at Bayern Munich.

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Blackpool FC On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Seasiders diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1887 through to the Premier League era, the Bloomfield Road faithful have witnessed top 6 finishes, promotions and relegations, breathtaking Cup runs and triumphs - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Stanley Matthews and Alan Suddick, Charlie Adam, Stan Mortenson and Mickey Walsh all loom larger than life. Revisit 2nd May 1953: the day of the 'Matthews Final', and Blackpool's finest hour. 5th August 1966, when a World Cup civic reception was held for England stars Alan Ball and Jimmy Armfield. Or 5th August 1989, which saw inflatable Towers on the terraces for the very first time!

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Watford FC On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Hornets diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1881 through to the Premier League era, the Vicarage Road faithful have witnessed promotions and relegations, breathtaking Cup runs and title tilts - all featured here. Timeless greats such as John Barnes, Luther Blissett and Tony Coton, John McCelland, Ross Jenkins and Duncan Welbourne all loom larger than life. Revisit 27 August 1927, Watford's first game in blue after changing from black-and-white stripes. 15th April 1969: victory over Plymouth gained the club's first promotion to the second tier. Or 14th May 1983, when Watford beat Division One champions Liverpool in the season's final game to claim runners-up spot!

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Plymouth Argyle On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Pilgrims diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's Victorian foundation as Argyle FC through to the 21st century, the green-and-white faithful have witnessed League Cup and FA Cup semi-finals, Second and Third Division titles, play-off thrills and relegation battles - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Paul Mariner, Kevin Hodges and Sammy Black, Jack Chisholm, Tommy Tynan and Mickey Evans all loom larger than life. Revisit 16th May 1963, when a record crowd of 100,000 watched Argyle play Legia Warsaw in Poland. 14th April 1984: the Pilgrims take on Watford looking to book a date at Wembley. Or 3rd May 1930, when Third Division (South) title celebrations involved a giant pasty!

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Oldham Athletic Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Latics. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the insulting newspaper article that ended Ken Bates' 1960s reign as chairman? How about the fan who changed his name to Oldham Athletic? Or the successful stopper who was inspired by Brian Clough on a Sunderland beach? Did you know comedian Eric Sykes was on the Oldham board in the '70s? That Athletic have beaten, once or more, every team that they've ever played in the League and FA Cup? Or that Roger Palmer's pre-match ritual involved watching horse-racing before kick-off? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Latics fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

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The Saints Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about Southampton FC. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the TV pundit who vowed to appear naked if Richard Dryden was a success? How about the Saints player who was less important to his manager than a pot of yoghurt? Or the new signing who arrived at the club in a battered brickie's van? Do you know which Saint gained a medal in the 1950 World Cup final? Which player was sent off on a stretcher? Or which coach who has been sacked three times by the club? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia, essential for any Saints fan who holds the riches of red-and-white history close to their heart.

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From the thousands of matches ever played by Sunderland, stretching from the club's Victorian foundation across more than 120 years to the Premier League era, here are 50 of the club's most glorious, epochal and thrilling games of all! Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, Sunderland Greatest Games offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in the games that sealed six top-flight titles, all four of the lads' FA Cup finals and the all-time top-flight record away win of 9-1 at Newcastle in 1908. An irresistible cast list of club legends - Niall Quinn and Bobby Gurney, Marco Gabbiadini, Raich Carter and Ian Porterfield - springs to life in a thrilling selection of cup crackers, promotion parties and hard-fought derbies. In all, a journey through the highlights of Black Cats history which is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.

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From the thousands of matches ever played by Stoke City, stretching from the club's Victorian foundation across more than 150 years to the Premier League era, here are 50 of the Potters' most glorious, epochal and thrilling games of all! Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, Stoke City Greatest Games offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in Wembley victories, promotion parties and famous triumphs, as well as a wealth of fantastic stories from less 'glamorous' victories down the leagues. An irresistible cast list of club legends - Stanley Matthews, Tom Slaney and Jimmy Greenhoff, Mark Stein, Gordon Banks and Jimmy Broad - springs to life in these thrilling tales of goalscoring feats, great comebacks, last-ditch survival efforts and the odd glorious yet crushing disappointment. In all, a journey through the highlights of Potters history which is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.

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Celtic's Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Parkhead faithful - not necessarily the greatest footballers, but a unique brotherhood of mavericks and stalwarts, local lads and big signings. The cast list alone is enough to stir up the memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Hoops fan - Stein, Johnstone and Nicholas, Larsson, McInally and Aitken - recalling how these charismatic personalities used to ignite passion on the terraces. Find out which Celtic icon scored direct from a corner, was made to retake it and promptly scored again. Who celebrated his Scottish Cup Final hat-trick with a somersault, and which heroes were affectionately known as 'Yogi Bear' and 'The Golden Crust'. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the green half of Glasgow.

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Are you ready for the upcoming flat season? The Racing Post Guide to the Flat is the one best-selling book that every flat-racing enthusiast should have each and every season.In this comprehensive guide you''ll find insightful content written by the Racing Post''s best-known expert writers, edited by one of their long-standing editors and illustrated with colour photos throughout. It features exclusive and extended trainer interviews and specialist selections for horses to follow, plus dark horses unearthed and set to shine in the upcoming season, as well as Topspeed and Racing Post Ratings.This invaluable guide is a must-have for every horse-racing enthusiast and sports better, and should be in the back pocket of every follower ready for the start of the season.

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Bound in simulated leather, the Racing Post Desk Diary is the perfect office accessory for every horseracing fan. This stylish diary includes all the UK and Irish racing fixtures at the time of publication – jumps, Flat and the all-weather – plus the principal races and bloodstock sales dates in a week-to-view format. It also includes major sporting fixtures, a racecourse guide plus a marker-ribbon and gilt edging. It’s a great Christmas gift for any fan of the sport.

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This is the story of ‘Cockney’ Cliff Lines and his memories of 70 years spent in horseracing. Knowing nothing about racing or even how to ride, Cliff started as a 14-year-old apprentice to Noel Murless, and the book details his life, from riding a winner for the Queen, trying to make it as a jockey, through being a work rider/head lad to Michael Stoute, pre-training and eventually training himself. It covers the trials and tribulations he endured: apprentice accommodation, bullying, doping scandals, the stable lads’ strike and his own health issues including a brain tumour. The stories of famous horses he worked with, such as JO TOBIN, SHERGAR and SONIC LADY, and those he nurtured in their early years, including PILSUDSKI and FUJIYAMA CREST, the last runner in Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven, are all covered, as are his travels with horses around the world by boat and plane from 1954 to the present day. And despite all the ups and downs, Cliff genuinely has no regrets about his lifetime in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

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Miscellaneous matters are what keep us fascinated by what’s going on around us while we indulge our own favourite interests. If one of those interests happens to be horseracing, then The Racing Post Horseracing Miscellany, full of marvellously magnificent moments - many magically memorable - from racing’s several centuries of excellent equine existence, and an amazing, amusing, absorbing collection of little-known jockey japes, trainer and turf trivia, owner observations, punter punditry and bookie banter, is a book you will love. Every race meeting produces winners and also-rans, but every off-beat, intriguing story chronicled in this cornucopia of course and distance action will be an odds-on favourite with racegoers young and old. As the title suggests, you'll find literally thousands of little-known, unexpected yarns, tales and stories from the off to the finish line; the starting stalls to the winning post, the first to the last page. And you can bet it’s an odds-on shot you'll know you have really backed a winner.

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If you enjoyed The Racing Post Quiz Book by Mart Matthews, published in 2019, you are sure to appreciate this follow-up to the hugely popular first volume. The author has delved deep into the archives of the horseracing world to come up with another 1,000 questions on one of the nation s favourite sports, sure to challenge every fan. Try these questions for size: which Classic has been won this century by a capital city, a poet, a country and a cricketer? Which surname has cropped up twice among Derby-winning jockeys since the war? And which King George VI Chase winner sounds optimistic concerning a fish, but pessimistic in regard to a dog? Put your horseracing knowledge to the test again and see if you can come out on top. This is the perfect gift for all horseracing fans from anoraks to armchair fans alike it really does have something for everyone.

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How much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Everton quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to Bob Dylan, the London Underground, Pink Floyd, The Godfather, the Beatles, Shakespeare, Rising Damp and The Who, but this one does! Call Yourself a Toffees Fan? is a quirky, challenging affair for real Everton fans who can test themselves or take on each other, with the emphasis on enjoyment and discovery. Try these for size: in the 1966 FA Cup Final between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, which surname appeared on both sides? What was unique about the 1962/63 season at Goodison Park? Who is the only Everton manager to score the winning goal in a European Cup Final? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. It s a must for Everton fans of all ages and you might not see anything quite like it again.

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Horses in Training is an institution in racing. It is an encyclopaedia of invaluable information on the horses each trainer has in their care. The book lists, in alphabetical format, British, Irish and French trainers, their horses, the ownership and breeding of each horse, foaling dates of two-year-olds, and the trainer's contact details. It is fully indexed, with over 200 pages of statistics and details of almost 20,000 horses and 595 trainers, and it is an invaluable source of a wide variety of racing statistics, from details of UK racecourses to big-race winners. It is presented in an easy-to-follow style and is an invaluable tool for anyone who works or has an interest in racing. Horses in Training is expertly edited by Graham Dench, a senior reporter and former Form Book editor for the Racing Post.

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The History of Horse Racing in 100 Objects is an ambitious and extensive work that embraces the vast sweep of a global sport, condensing its heart and soul into a century of milestones that connect its ancient past and its vibrant present. It takes the reader on a wild ride from racing's earliest organised blossoming in the 16th century to its most modern technological advances, via the innovations that have contributed to the shape of the sport and the great horses, characters and events that have delighted and intrigued countless generations. Here are the 100 objects that make horse racing what it is, that describe its journey through the ages, that express its eternal fascination for all those who fall under its intoxicating spell. By turns inspirational, informative, revelatory and thought-provoking, this evocation of the sounds, colours and history of horse racing will appeal to both devotees of the great sport and those discovering it for the first time. It's a sure-fire winner.

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Double Diamond is the story of Umbro, an ever-present figure in the development of modern football and the multi-billion-pound sportswear industry.From Sir Geoff Hurst''s World Cup Final hat-trick to Sergio Agüero''s 2012 injury-time Premier League-winning strike, Umbro has featured in more iconic footballing moments than any other brand.Football writer, kit collector and university academic Alex Ireland charts the Manchester sportswear firm''s 100-year existence, from its 1924 foundation in a Cheshire pub backroom to clothing 85 per cent of British clubs and half the World Cup finals teams by 1966.You''ll discover the central role Umbro has played in the evolution of sportswear, the firm being a leader in the application of new technologies and innovations. From the invention of the replica kit in 1959 to supplying 11 teams in the inaugural 1992/93 Premier League season, Umbro has remained a key player amid the growing commercialisati

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Under the Floodlights! is the fascinating story of the League Cup, charting its rich history through 64 seasons, with contributions from the people who were there - players, fans, managers, journalists and match officials.The competition was conceived in 1960 as an alternative to the FA Cup, with midweek cup matches to be played under the floodlights. Initially, though, it was met with indifference by clubs and derision by Fleet Street.The format of the competition was changed several times, and it wasn''t until 1967 that it really picked up traction when the final was moved to Wembley and changed to a single leg.It went from strength to strength, with all 92 clubs competing over the next few years and European places up for grabs. Unlike the FA Cup, the League Cup final has featured clubs from the bottom tiers of the Football League.As the competition approaches its 65th anniversary, this book brings us the full untold story.

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Harry Lockett: Football''s Unassuming, Unknown and Unsung Founding Father, is a biography of the man who became first secretary of the Football League and later manager of Stoke Football Club in the late Victorian era.Harry Lockett lived a quite remarkable life. Born to parents who lived in Derby, when football was outlawed, he moved to the Potteries and experienced tragedy as a child, before becoming a well-known athlete, match official and sports administrator.It was those abilities which led to his work in football, while also running a substantial printing business and volunteering for over three decades as an Army Reserve Soldier. He was secretary and treasurer of the Football League, holding power and status until temptation caused his downfall.Lockett did bounce back however, donated time and money to charities, socialised with celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and established a consortium to save Stoke when the club was on the b

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Since 1921, Rochdale AFC had always competed in the English Football League. Their continued membership - albeit isolated to the bottom two tiers - was a badge of honour in the face of little on-field success. However, in May 2023, the unthinkable happened and Rochdale AFC were relegated out of the Football League for the first time in the club''s history.A nightmare scenario for most football fans, author Chris Fitzgerald decided to embrace Rochdale''s newfound non-league status and planned out a season which would see his club compete against the likes of Dorking Wanderers, Ebbsfleet United and Solihull Moors; as well as some other traditional Football League names battling for a return to the ''92 club'', such as Chesterfield, Hartlepool United, and York City.Into the Unknown is the story of a club and its fans finding their feet in the uncharted territory of non-league football... and the colourful clubs and characters encountered along the

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When the Covid-19 lockdown hit in March 2020, millions of people suddenly found themselves confined to their homes, with their lives on hold as the planet fought a deadly pandemic.Land of the Giants: My Journey Through the World of Table Football chronicles the author's discovery of a vibrant Subbuteo sub-culture and the emergence of an online community that was determined to keep alive a game under threat.Over a period of three years Derek Air met and interviewed dozens of those dedicated to the game.This book tells their stories: the collectors who scour the charity shops, collectors' fairs and online auction sites in search of that rarity they hope will complete their collections; the players who take the game so seriously that they train as hard for competition as their 11-a-side counterparts; the artists, who paint their figures and bring to life great teams, past and present and even those that recreate famous stadia at sc

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La Vie Jamais Racontée is the story of sporting suffragette Alice Milliat, and a captivating exploration of a forgotten pioneer of women''s sport.In an era when women''s sport is gaining well-deserved recognition, Milliat''s work remains largely unknown, yet she played a crucial role in advancing its cause.Born in 1884, Milliat fearlessly fought against societal barriers, orchestrating four editions of the Women''s World Games and establishing a French women''s football team that toured the UK.Milliat relentlessly lobbied for the inclusion of women''s athletics at the Olympics, and although she was ultimately successful, her victory proved bittersweet. Instead of being lauded, she was sidelined and faded from public view.This book sheds light on Milliat''s extraordinary life and celebrates the sportswomen she elevated during the early 20th century. With her story finally told, her invaluable contributions can be rediscovered and

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Fifty Great World Cup Matches and Why You Should Watch Them ! is a highly entertaining guide to the most memorable matches of the last 13 tournaments, from West Germany 1974 to Qatar 2022, analysing 50 great games.Each match is discussed in detail, including the events leading up to it and its legacy. Written in an engaging style, the book brings to life the thrilling match-ups, the legendary players and the surrounding controversies, immersing the reader in every tournament.For those who remember the games, the book will revive fond memories and provide a fresh perspective, while readers who do not are in for a treat in discovering for the first time a plethora of magical World Cup moments.This fascinating book will give you a deeper appreciation of the great teams and players, and how they fit into the World Cup narrative of the last 50 years, reminding you why the World Cup is the greatest football competition on Earth.

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Heart of Poland is an incredible journey through the country''s football culture, and an intensely personal exploration of a nation as it stands at the crossroads of a sporting revolution.In much the same way British football transitioned in the early 1990s, Poland faces its own moment of reckoning. Told through the lens of photojournalist Alex Webber, the essence of Polish football is revealed via its many layers of football: from its highest echelons to the tough realities of the lower leagues.Working as a photographer, covering football and fan culture across the Polish leagues, Webber''s all-areas access has allowed him to document these changes; and the result is his portfolio of stunning images.Shooting on a match-by-match basis to tell the story, Webber documents a series of footballing contrasts: from heated derbies and riotous rivalries, to sedate village matches and arcane, forgotten grounds. Beautiful photographs, repro

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Forgotten Pioneers tells the extraordinary tale of the world''s first professional women cricketers. Founded in 1890, the ''Original English Lady Cricketers'' played exhibition matches all over Britain. Enormous crowds flocked to see them and sceptical journalists were gradually won over by their obvious skill. However, the women were more than just cricketers: most evenings, they performed in local theatres and music halls, singing, dancing, fencing and putting on acrobatic displays.But after their triumphant first season, something went wrong; midway through 1891 the organisation collapsed acrimoniously. Although poor weather and changes in personnel played a part, there was a strong suspicion of fraud by the team''s (largely male) managers. A court case followed in 1892 and the OELC vanished from the headlines.As women''s cricket continues to reach new heights in the 21st century, this book tells the story of the forerunners of today''s professi

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90+2: Last-Minute Moments that Changed Football History is a thrilling, exhilarating and rousing journey through some of the most dramatic sporting events of the last 40 years. The book takes the reader on an unforgettable trip through the late twists that defined some of football’s biggest matches, with late goals of great consequence that deserve a lasting place in history. There are the title races brought to stunning conclusions, the roller coaster of emotions that come via last-gasp goals in relegation battles and incredible cup final finishes that left one side elated and another in despair. There are the scarcely believable second-leg recoveries and some epic international tournament showdowns.90+2 is a glorious look at some of the craziest conclusions that football has ever seen. The board going up to signal the amount of added time marks the very moment the chaos begins. This is football at its most intense!

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The Rangers Story celebrates the rich history of Rangers FC, one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in the world. This is the story of a special city, the story of the birth of football and of a club that is revered by fans throughout the world. It is a story of humble beginnings in 19th-century Glasgow that charts the development of the 'Association game' in Scotland. Drawing on 36 years of research, the author tells of the triumphs - a record number of Scottish championships and victory in Europe - but also of the disasters, like the 1902 and 1971 Ibrox tragedies, each reverberating throughout the UK. The book explores the importance of men such as Struth, Souness, Smith and Gerrard, who with determination and ambition built this great club and its traditions. Then there were the great players such as Baxter, Gascoigne, and Laudrup. It is no wonder Rangers has followers worldwide, each carrying the emotional attachment of their fathers and grandfathers before them. To them the club is everything - the beginning and the end.

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Fighting Men of London explores the lives of seven former professional boxers who fought in the capital between the 1930s and 1960s. Set around a series of interviews, it resurrects a golden age of the sport when boxing was as popular as football and Britain's leading fighters were working-class heroes. Dramatic, poignant, inspiring and at times funny, the book covers such subjects as booth fighting, exploitation in boxing, East End poverty, World War Two London, Jewish culture, fame and success, crime, prison life and encounters with such figures as the Kray twins, the Great Train Robbers and Britain's most infamous inmate, Charles Bronson. Fighting Men of London takes us on a journey through a lost era of smoky fight halls, ramshackle boxing arenas and courageous fighting men. It features the previously untold stories of 1950s boxing star Sammy McCarthy, Bethnal Green knockout specialist Ted Berry (an associate of the Kray twins) and Sid Nathan, who as one of Britain's last surviving 1930s boxers once shared a fight bill with the great Jack Kid Berg. This isn't a single story, but seven stories of seven very different men. The common bond they shared was boxing.

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In this compelling memoir, Roy Massey tells the fascinating story of his 50 years in football as a player, coach and scout, including a long spell at Arsenal during the Wenger glory years. As a player, Massey overcame a series of injuries to score goals for Rotherham, Orient and Colchester only for another serious injury to end his career at an early age. Unperturbed, he became a PE teacher and combined this with behind-the-scenes work to discover and nurture talent at Colchester United and later full-time at Norwich, where he helped the Canaries as they revolutionised their youth programme. When the FA agreed to allow clubs to attract and train children from eight years upwards, it was Massey whom Gunners legend Liam Brady asked to join him at Arsenal in 1998 as assistant academy manager. Over the next 16 seasons Massey helped build a new academy structure that would unearth and develop a wealth of young talent capable of playing at the top of the football ladder. Massey later scouted for three Premier League clubs.

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Today, high-profile derby games trigger a febrile atmosphere and the odd brawl. But Derby Shrovetide Football was truly wild. One mob pitted its wits and muscle against the other. Players broke down walls, dived into freezing rivers and crawled through sewers. Thousands of fans filled the streets and civilised behaviour was suspended. But why did this game achieve national notoriety and then disappear in 1846? The Derby Game charts the century-long struggle to kill a tradition and the fanatical resistance of players and supporters. It is a fascinating tale of mobs and magistrates, bobbies and brickbats, dragoons and defiance. The book then explores the rise of the local derby, as football fever grips the UK. It covers the early clashes of local rivals in the Victorian football hotspots, tracing the roots of some time-honoured rivalries and separating the friendly derbies from the hostile. Discover how the derby became part of a global language as Britain exported football to the world.

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Scotland 42 England 1 is an English OAP's light-hearted and affectionate look at Scottish football. Growing up in the 60s when 'abroad isn't for the likes of us' was a common refrain, Mark Winter developed a fascination with Scotland and its football clubs, his interest piqued by listening to the football results in compulsory silence as his grandad's pools coupon was checked. The process provoked many questions in the mind of the impressionable eight-year-old. Why had Third Lanark, apparently out of pure spite, won and stopped his grandad becoming a rich man? If East Fife was a town, why wasn't it on a map? When playing those cunning continentals, why did Scottish teams suddenly become British when they won? Fifty years later, Mark decides to visit all 42 league clubs north of Hadrian's Wall to separate the myths from the facts. Setting off from Dover each time, invariably he is met by a warm welcome, a hot pie and a strong drink. Along the way he has to climb the odd mountain. What he expects and what he finds are quite different.

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1923: Life in Football 100 Years Ago takes a deep dive into the matches, personalities and events that lit up the game a century ago. Based on exhaustive archival research, it’s also a social history that reveals how fans and footballers lived their day to day lives and how they were affected by the year’s happenings. What they ate, drank and how they spent their leisure time. How players trained and what they earned. Who the top clubs and players were and what type of tactics they used. What kit and boots they wore and how they prepared and travelled to games, often alongside the fans. The book explores why mining communities produced so many of the year’s top footballers, and how an amateur playing army captain made an unlikely debut for the full England side. From the infamous White Horse Cup Final and the shocking murder of footballer Tommy Ball, to the painful legacy of World War One on the game and the emergence of top professional football in Europe, it’s a unique look at a memorable year in football and beyond.

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What were Darlington FC's most memorable matches of the last 50 years? Paul Hodgson is better placed than most to weigh in on the matter. He's been a regular presence at games for the past half-century. What's more, as a disabled fan attending games in a wheelchair, he offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the matchday experience. The story begins in the 1972/73 season when Paul's mother took him to his first game: Southport at home. The Quakers were soundly thrashed 7-0, yet the seven-year-old Paul was hooked. The book takes us through the 1970s when Darlington had to apply for re-election almost every season, on to the 1980s when their fortunes improved and through to the modern day. Paul hasn't just chosen the 100 best results - some were horrific defeats - but each match made an indelible impression on him. One Hundred of the Best is an interesting mix of match reports and Paul's experiences of not just the games, but his adventures of getting there in his wheelchair. The book is a 'must' for every Darlington fan.

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Zurich, 2 December 2010. Sepp Blatter pulls the name of Qatar from the envelope. The accusations fly and the recriminations start. And once it s all sunk in, we start looking at maps and temperature charts and try to scrape together any fragments of knowledge about kingdoms in the Arabian desert. The Armchair Guide looks underneath some of the myths and preconceptions and tries to provide the average fan if there s any such thing with some sound information about what a World Cup in the desert might look like. Was the bidding process corrupt? How many people actually did die building stadiums? How hot will it really be? Can I go there with my mates and have a drink anywhere? What will the legacy be both in the region and for the global game? A light-hearted, sideways glance, Armchair Guide uses stories from within and beyond the game to cover everything about the 2022 Winter World Cup. It can t boast that it will pick a winner, but it ll go some way to shedding light on football s place in a changing world.

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