All football clubs have supporters who are passionate about their team but the North East have cornered the media tag of the "hotbed of football". It's another example of lazy journalism, but, they're surely in contention for the tag of being the "hotbed of literature". In this blog I'll point out a few books which are recommended and add a few pics of Northern League grounds for good measure.
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Win a copy, see below.
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First up is former Northern League Chairman, Mike Amos, a prolific writer and former journalist for the Northern Echo, which, like the rest of the local newspaper industry, has seen it's best days some time back. I imagine it's similar to my local paper and relies too much on what someone said on their Facebook and twitter pages instead of employing someone to go and search out a story. Though Mike is now retired from journalism he still produces a blog almost every day of the week, you can catch it here.
Whilst Chairman of the Northern League Mike published a regular magazine called Northern Ventures Northern Gains and sold it for 30p a copy thanks to a generous sponsorship deal which was passed on to the readership. Whilst Mike was Chairman the Northern League became one of the most high profile leagues outside the 92 thanks to his efforts and character.
His autobiography "Unconsidered Trifles" is a pleasurable stroll through North East life, mostly covering his journalism days with a decent sprinkling of football and humour included. It's written in a manner I can only envy with his skill for turning a phrase, his knowledge of the region and it's folk is impressive. Click on the link above to Mike's blog and there are details of how you can buy his book. There will also be details at the end of this blog on how you can win a copy.
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Peterlee Newtown 2004
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In 1989, to celebrate the Centenary of the Northern League, a book called "Northern Goalfields" was published. That's now as rare as a fact check for a Donald Trump statement being true but luckily the author, Brian Hunt, produced "Northern Goalfields Revisited" an updated version of his original to take the project up to the millenium.
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Essential History.
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You may find Northern Goalfields Revisited difficult to find too as it's not available on ebay or Amazon such is its popularity and historical significance for the League. It includes a season by season review, complete with league tables and results and is a must for any football historian and especially so for anyone with North East connections.
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Billingham Synthonia, 2000
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I met John Phelan in 2004 when I took the former Crook Town player (and legend) Bobby Davison to the 50th Anniversary celebration of their FA Amateur Cup win over Bishop Auckland. These were the days when Crook & Bishops were the northern powerhouse we hear so much of today, though, obviously in a very different context. John is a member of the Durham Amateur Football Trust which makes him officially Football DAFT. His historical knowledge of football in the Durham area is second to none. |
The Magic of the Cup, literally.
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John Phelan's book covers South West Durham, an area roughly within a 15 mile radius of Bishop Auckland. How he's come to uncover such a treasure of information I can only imagine has he tells stories of long forgotten teams representing their neighbourhood in the FA Cup. It's another historical gem from the region and if you want details of how to buy the book get in touch with me, details at the end of this blog, and I'll get the details from John. |
Brandon United, 1996.
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Though Harry Pearson didn't write this book about Jack Charlton, he did write "The Far Corner" and followed that up with "The Farther Corner". I've yet to get either book but they are on my list to purchase. The reason I mention Harry Pearson here is because he is one of the many reason's I buy When Saturday Comes the half decent football magazine. WSC is blessed with very good writers, Harry is just the cherry on top of a very scrumptious cake.
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Harry Pearson didn't write this.
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The words seem to tumble from Harry's mind, sometimes slightly warped but mostly warmly and passionately as he talks about football and describes the subject matter with his wonderful phraseology like no-one I've read before. One of my previous blogs was about Jack Charlton, see there is a link, and a week or so after I'd published on the web Harry had done such a funny and moving article on Jack in WSC I was in awe and a tiny bit jealous. I couldn't have written that, possibly no-one could, but Harry of course. I mention Harry Pearson here because he is another writer from the North East who I admire and recommend, if you don't subscribe to WSC, please do, its worth supporting and here's the link to WSC. |
New Feren's Park, 2000.
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Guisborough Town.
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My favourite book is this one about Bob Hardisty. Alan Adamthwaite has put together a truly great piece of work on a character well known in the amateur heydays throughout Britain. Representing England at Amateur level and Great Britain in the Olympics the story of Bob Hardisty's life is interesting and moving. The Amateur Cup campaigns of the 1950's in Bishop Auckland's greatest era are written in a way that keeps you gripped to the end of each season's exploits. |
Legend.
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Another with historical interest for football supporters but the biography of the man is equally significant in an era totally different socially as well as sporting wise. You can get a copy from the Bishop Auckland website for a fiver + postage. Click Bishop Auckland to buy it. |
Penrith 1999.
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| West Allotment Celtic, 2006 |
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Prudhoe Town, 2001
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Win a copy of Unconsidered Trifles.
To win a copy of Mike Amos' excellent trip through the North East just answer this question.
Q. Which Northern League team does Mike support?
The first correct e-mail received wins.
You can also use this e-mail to enquire about John Phelan's book "Hopes And Heroes"
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