Work and Play: The Industrial Roots of English Football

Work and Play: The Industrial Roots of English Football is a fascinating examination of the roots of some of English football's most famous clubs, and how the relationship between industrial communities and football clubs still survives at a local level throughout the semi-professional and grassroots game.

"History for me is "what about the people?" And this book does it in spades. The format is great: big boys should attract fans of the big boys; the history is great; it''s a book about people; so many clubs were based around sport in general (cricket and athletics); there''s a real love of Lancashire, Yorkshire and the North-East that comes across; it reminded me of training to teach in Adwick-le-Street, which had been decimated by pit closures; it''s about the importance of community and what football/sport brings in the face of industrial decline, greed at the top and government apathy or deliberate policy of decline."

"Work and Play is an encyclopaedic survey of the origins of English football in the history of proletarian labour, as well as a lively tour around the grassroots clubs of the modern game. Above all, it is a humane exploration of contemporary working-class experience that puts to shame any number of patronising travelogues about the so-called Red Wall."

What role has industry played in the growth and development of English football? What were the origins of some of the country''s most famous clubs? Do the links between industry and football still endure today?

Work and Play: The Industrial Roots of English Football takes a look at the roots of some of English football''s most famous clubs, and how the relationship between industrial communities and football clubs still survives at a local level throughout the semi-professional and grassroots game.

Writer David Proudlove visits post-industrial cities, towns and villages around the country examining the places and facilities - including grounds and former grounds - that sustain clubs that were born as works teams. He talks to supporters, volunteers and club officials, while sharing his own experiences, and celebrates the continued survival of these clubs in this fascinating exploration of the ties between football and industry.

• | Author: David Proudlove
• | Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
• | Publication Date: Oct 21, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781801507622
• | ISBN-10: 1801507627