The Premier

LoveReading Says

Rather than being a blow-by-blow chronological history of the Premier League, Jimmy Burns’ The Premier is a fascinating episodic presentation of pivotal moments from the world’s most popular football league, both on and off the pitch. Mixing up detail on particular matches with thoughts from fellow journalists, and stories from players, managers and fans, this is a “colourful history of English Club football”, to quote the author’s intentions as laid out in the first chapter.

Interesting juxtapositions of notable players like Stanley Matthews and Gazza. Lioness success and Wagatha Christie mystery. Boozy pre-match bonding with fellow supporters, and accounts of how England fans have “a proven track record of exporting their worst habits” — The Premier is as diversely intriguing as the league itself. Unsurprisingly, money is covered too, including the quickly quashed 2021 proposal for a European Super League. 

Personal, lively and loaded with memory-sparking nuggets, it’s a thought-provoking read for football fans, thanks to its even-handed coverage of even the less-than-beautiful aspects of the beautiful game.

Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen’s lifelong love of reading and writing began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, and very much wished that witches (and Mrs Pepperpot) were real.
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About The Premier

The Premier: Big Business and Great Football explores the history and evolution of the world's most popular football league.

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