Author Archive

Well, the season draws towards its close. FC Deportivo Galicia and Gillingham failed to win promotion and Arsenal have bottled it yet again. Tonight Spurs and Manchester United fight for glory in Europe and a final in the Europa League awaits …… which Ange and Amorim claim will be a massive achievement for their respective clubs! Meanwhile Chelsea are in the Conference League against Djurgårdens IF Fotboll who are towards the bottom of the mighty Swedish league. So, theoretically three teams in their finals. Presumably if this week’s Chelsea manager fails to win a trophy he will go the way of 23765 others over the past 25 years. Ditto United, ditto Spurs. I see a picture emerging.


Other new is that Clare McEwen is writing about icebergs! I will let her explain…

“Hi Steve

I spent an hour planning this week’s football training for my team.

I spent a further 30 minutes chasing up parents about playing with us next season and availability for training/matches this week.

30 more minutes were used setting up a friendly match.

From door-to-door, I spent 2hrs 45 minutes at training.

More time was taken up with other admin.

I’ve probably spent 5 hours this week on coaching duties. But no parent knows this. Why would they? Unless they’ve coached or married a coach, they can’t possibly know the time we invest and all the prep that goes into an hour training session and an hour match.

It’s the same with women’s football. We are now seeing the tip of the iceberg.

We get to watch major finals (FA Cup and Champions League finals are on their way, plus the Euros of course) and amazing matches week in week out, but this is still very new.

If you want to learn about the rest of the women’s football iceberg, it’s not too late to buy my book “She Can Kick It” all about the history of women’s football across the world. Before the Euros in July, you could be right up to speed with all that’s happened in women’s football before this point.
You can find it on Amazon here but also from various retailers in paperback and ebook versions.

If you already have it, thank you so much. I celebrate every sale with a retro rave to Prodigy’s “Breathe”. Please consider leaving a review to help the visibility (if you’ve done that too, you also caused a rave to “Born Slippy”).

In other news, I’ve yammered on about the history on the Women’s Football Hub podcast . Check out the other episodes too if you’re interested in the health and wellbeing of players.”

In other other news Darren’s season as an intrepid vlogger is also coming to an end. He got wet (no, not French kisses or icebergs) but has a couple of tidy reports on Market Harborough and Brackley Town. As a Gillingham fan just the word b.r.a.c.k.l.e.y means November or December cold, wet weather and defeat in the FA Cup. Luckily he did not need to suffer. In the words of Thomas Mann, A vlogger is somebody for whom vlogging is more difficult than it is for other people. I am sure he was thinking of Darren at Market Harborough and Brackley. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to enjoy Darren’s Chris Kamara moments before the end of the season. His entire collection of vlogs is here. Mmm, wonder what the collective noun is for “collection of vlogs”?????

I am always keen to spotlight artists who focus on the Beautiful Game so was delighted to be introduced to Izzy by her mother on a Facebook group.

“Our daughter is an A level fine art student. She is hand drawing her own gallery of sporting arenas in the medium of pen and ink and water colour. She has recently created The City Ground, Stamford Bridge, The Emirates, Anfield, Villa Park, Meadow Lane and Hillsborough. She has created a portfolio of multiple stadiums which can be found on her Instagram and will happily paint whatever stadium that people would like. If anyone is interested please let me know or message izzy on her instagram account. It would make a lovely gift for a sporting fan and they look very stylish in pen and ink as izzy has a unique style.

Give Izzy a follow on Instagram: football.fineart” See a small selection below.

So, good luck to Izzy. I wish you every success. Here are a few she has already completed but she says she can create a stunning piece of art for any stadium. Hopefully we will see the UK’s premier stadium (AKA The Priestfield Stadium with its iconic Ginger Rogers Stand.

In other news Liverpool have won the Premier League in style with a 5-1 demolition of Spurs whilst Arsenal’s weak attempt at a challenge has fizzled out to nobody’s surprise and will presumably be overtaken by Manchester City and Newcastle United in the remaining weeks. Arteta will moan about the number of games, Harold’s defence in 1066 and anything else he can to avoid the word “bottled.” Congratulations to Burnley too. They have conceded 15 goals all season. Millwall are dark horses and go to Turf Moor on Saturday. A win or maybe even a draw could see them in the play offs. Birmingham and Wrexham are up from league one with plenty to decide in those play-offs. Tragically Gillingham did not make it to the play offs but at least didn’t drop to the National League and we finish above the Plastics.

I was in contact with John O’Donnell this week on Facebook and he kindly offered to send more details of his recent books.

This self published guide takes a detailed look at men’s international football management and begins with information on the major continental and global competitions, listing the countries and managers who have finished in the top four positions in every edition of them. A points based metric is then explained and applied, recognising the difficulty level of each tournament, to identify and provide further detail on the 50 most successful international managers coming from 21 different countries. Full of fascinating facts you’ll read about the Paraguay boss who then went to Real Madrid, the top scorer at the first World Cup who managed his country for 20 years, the qualified doctor who led a nation in two World Cup finals, the coach in charge of 18 national teams and much more. As for deciding who is the greatest international manager, that’s up to you.

More details here

Now that was interesting and we can all debate the contenders but the second book below is , one some ways, more interesting as it is a path less trod – the manager’s of the women’s game.



This guide takes a detailed look at women’s international football management and begins with information on the major continental and global competitions, listing the countries and managers who have finished in the top four positions in every edition of them.

A points based metric is then explained and applied, recognising the difficulty level of each tournament, to identify and provide further detail on the 25 most successful international managers coming from 14 different countries.

As for deciding who is the greatest international manager, that’s up to you.

More details here

Well, nearly Easter and there seems an awful lot of things to update on so without delay.

Darren continues to vlog. This week he was not vlogging a dead horse (sorry, I’ll get my coat) but revisiting his friends at Harborough Town. What a story! One hundred plus Spanish fans came to see the Step Three/Level Seven team. What’s the story?

“Spent Saturday afternoon at the wonderful Harborough Town FC, where, due to absence of some of their brilliant media team, I was asked do the post match interview with charismatic manager Mitch Austin…yep, I was really looking forward to doing this one, especially after ‘The Bee’s’ lost to a stoppage time wonder strike which brought their 10 match unbeaten run to a sudden end ….as always though, Mitch was fantastic and delivered, yet again, interviewee gold!

Here is us trying to make ourselves heard in front of an amazing Spanish contingent of over 100 fans ……oh, and the sort of vlog I did of the match is here “

So, who are the Spanish fans and what brings them to Market Harborough? “La Media Inglesa” is a Spanish “company” that says “La Media Inglesa es un medio dedicado al fútbol inglés. Todo con un toque de humor. No siempre inteligente.” Basically it is a Spanish language channel ALL about English football …all with a touch of humour. Think Skinner and Baddiel, TWTWTW, HIGNFY etc etc. Banter, news, rumours etc etc Whilst I love “Il Calcio a Londra” their Spanish cousins take an altogether more irreverent view of the Beautiful Game. I will be inviting them to FC Deportivo Galicia next season and hope they can double their numbers. Heathrow’s suburbs are a lot easier to get to than deepest, darkest Leicestershire. you can literally walk to our ground from the runway! See their video here

In news still breaking it looks like Gillingham will stay up 9despite having had more managers tahn goals this season, that FC Deportivo Galicia will not be promoted and that Arsenal have BLOWN IT AGAIN! (Oh, dear. How sad!)

Happy Easter.

Well, this is a bit different from my recent blogs but absolutely in keeping with TheShirt2010.co.uk
I heard about Kilo Warehouse from a flyer and read they had a good collection of second hand football shirts. So, Steve “Nil to Landfill” and obsessed with shirts took had a double reason to visit. It’s on the Elizabeth Line to West Drayton (Hayes & Harlington would do to but then with a short bus.)

In a huge, huge warehouse there are rows and rows and rows (and rows!) of second hand clothes all at discount prices. Interesting enough, indeed, and I love the ethos but what I really wanted to see were the football shirts and I was not disappointed. There was a huge selection and not just the usual Liverpool, Spurs, West Ham and Barca knock-offs. No, this was a very eclectic mix. If you in or around West London, it’s definitely worth a rummage.

Their website states ” High Street and Vintage Clothing by KG

Welcome to Kilo Warehouse in West Drayton, London which is open to the general public. We have a network of vans collecting pre-loved, vinted and sustainable unwanted clothes throughout the UK which can include retro, branded and vintage high-street fashion. Our team carefully selects desirable clothing so the public can visit our depot and buy clothes by kilo weight. Our warehouse is now open daily so come down to grab yourself some bargains.

We are one of the largest second-hand clothing specialists in London with a warehouse covering roughly 1000 square feet and 10000kg of clothes including footwear, sportswear, childrenswear, womenswear, menswear, summer and winter wear and a variety of accessories like handbags, wallets, purses and decorative items. You can expect to find fashion brands like Nike, Adidas, Denim, Top Shop, Marks and Spencers and many more.

Due to demand we are now open Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 16:00

We have been working in a second hand clothing business for over 35 supplying our best quality product to various customers across the world. We are very proud of the positive environmental impact our second hand product have and now we are very happy that we can share our best British, Worldwide, vintage brands we have with you. All our clothes are checked and prepared by our dedicated team. Please, visit our shop and go on a hunt for best brands and price available only at our store.

We open our warehouse doors to the public 7 days a week. See our Contact Us page for our opening hours.

You can browse through our extensive collection of clothing and purchase items by kilo weight. With the cost of living crises upon us all, we provide a much cheaper alternative to buying brand-new clothing. Our friendly staff are always ready to assist in any way they can.”

The website has full details of contact details, directions and opening hours etc …. and if the chance of finding a Peruvian Fifth Division match-worn away shirt is not enough you could always throw eggs at Stockley Park* right next-door.

* Stockley Park, most famous for the VAR studios for the English Premier League!

Oh, the life and loves of a Brighton fan. Just when you were recovering from being kicked out of your home, playing your home matches at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, the embarrassment that was the Withdean …you draw at home to Leicester City! Yes, Brighton and Hove Albion reminded every football supporter why we love and hate football in equal ratios by drawing 2-2 at home to the surely-doomed Leicester yesterday. Note Leicester had not previously scored since January and had lost their last eight HOME games without scoring a single goal.

The good news is that a new book about the trials and tribulations of being a Seagull has hit the shelves. Maybe today’s fans can take solace in that and muse over how instead of pushing for European qualification they might well have been playing Horsham, Dover Athletic or Chatham Town in the Isthmian League or worse!

The writer, David Atherall, kindly sent me his press release.

Brighton fan and local writer, David Atherall has chosen Brighton and Hove Albion for his latest novel, ‘Embers.’ The novel is set in 1996/97, an iconic season for the Albion. They looked destined to drop out of the football league and potentially go extinct. They’d sold their home ground, The Goldstone Ground and the situation for the club looked desperately bleak. Every Brighton fan knows that the arrival of Steve Gritt as manager and Dick Knight as chairman changed everything for Brighton that season.

The novel follows the chaos of that season alongside the life of sixteen-year-old fan, Danny. Not only did it look like he was losing his football club, his dad had walked out on his family and without a job, his days were filled with watching Neighbours and playing Sensible World of Soccer. All he wants is to follow the Albion up and down the country but getting and keeping a job are tough tasks. Brighton fans have immediately connected with the book, enjoying the nostalgia of going back to the toughest time in Brighton’s history. Steve Gritt has written the foreword; super-fan, Atilla the Stockbroker has described it as an ‘excellent tale’ and Brighton winger, Paul McDonald has called it an ‘amazing story.’

Find out more here

Sadly, I did not hear about this until after the event but it deserves a BIG shout-out and if nothing else I want to show my respect.

The University of Bradford Stadium’s centre circle was the finishing line for the 56for56 Walk – a fundraising campaign marking the 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster – prior to last Saturday’s match against Crewe Alexandra.

Crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Bradford Fire Station embarked on a remarkable 75-mile journey from Lincoln City to Bradford, raising vital funds for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) in memory of the 56 supporters who tragically lost their lives and the hundreds more left with life-changing injuries on May 11 1985.

The walk will began on Friday April 4 from Lincoln City’s LNER Stadium, with firefighters from Lincoln Fire Station accompanying the Bradford crew on their journey towards Valley Parade.

Among those joining the walk at its halfway point were Bradford City legends Gary Jones and James Hanson. They will bring with them a football that has been partially signed by the Lincoln City squad. After the match, the ball will be completed with signatures from the Bradford City squad before being auctioned to raise additional funds.

Fans can still show their support and donate via the following channels:

• Online: https://www.justgiving.com/page/56for56
• Text donations: Text 10BRADFORD or 20BRADFORD to 70470 to donate £10 or £20.

The 56for56 campaign also includes car washes, fire station open days, a Legends match and a black tie dinner, with all proceeds going towards PSBRU, with the target of raising £56,000.

Here is a short video for those who don’t want to go on Twitter

Friend of TheShirt2010 and a huge ambassador for non-league football, Christian Obray kindly sent me details of this interesting event. I am of course, delighted to share it. To catch up with Christian, his tours of the UK and his various endeavours click on his website.

Christian explains, “In the latest edition of Parks to Pitches I sat down with Michael from the amazing charity The Harvey McWilliams Foundation . A charity named after Michael’s late son Harvey, they provide kit and equipment to those most in need.

They have just announced their 2025 annual event, where they will have a team of 6 walking approximately 350 miles starting from Darlington FC in County Durham and finishing at Exeter Royals FC in Devon. These are the last two teams Harvey played for. This is to help spread awareness & to raise funds to help us continue the work we are doing in the community.

Darlington FC,
Blackwell Meadows,
Grange Rd,
Darlington
DL1 5NN

to

Exeter Royals FC,
King George V Playing Fields,
Topsham Road,
Exeter EX2 6HE.

For Harvey Walk 2025. Start Sunday 25th of May – 31st of May 2025 Open invite to the general public to meet us at Blackwell Meadows home of Darlington FC at 9am for a start time of 10am in which you can walk with us as we head out of Darlington.”

Want to find out more and donate to this amazing cause?

More info:

https://gofund.me/c40091e4

Christian, by chance I was looking at Darlington and Dagenham&Redbridge for the Programme Project today. O-M recently completed the full 50 years of Darlington programmes. One per season since 1967. We had great support from the Darlington Football Club Supporters Group so I know they are a good set of lads up there!

Full details here https://theshirt2010.co.uk/uncategorized/o-m-matihalti/

Please pass my best wishes to the guys on the walk. If between them they can fill any of O-M’s gaps I am sure we can make an even more generous donation to the Harvey McWilliams project. Go, warriors!

Many of you will know that COPA have been a long time supporter of The Shirt project. Recently I was in their flagship store in Amsterdam and was amazed at how big the range has become. I am not sure of the Dutch for “From little acorns, great apples grow,” but that is definitely the case.

As you may be aware their AS Roma (#DajeRomaDaje) has been a major part of their range and it just got bigger and better.

“From the unforgettable kits of the past to timeless casual styles, our AS Roma Retro Collection is one of our most popular and most extensive collections to date. Featuring retro shirts, jackets, casual styles and everyday essential accessories like scarves, socks, and beanies, this collection celebrates the rich history of the Giallorossi.”

Some favourites of mine …

View their entire collection here

…and in other news just in, Stanchion Books have been busy again. A favourite writer Miguel Lourenço Pereira launches Pasión – journeys into the heart and soul of Spanish football

Pasión journeys into the heart and soul of Spanish football, examining the rich diversity of the country’s footballing culture and how the game unites the nation.

Follow-up to Pereira’s widely acclaimed study of Portuguese football, Bring Me That Horizon. If you loved that, you’ll love this!

Taking you on a road trip through space and time, this immersive book:

• Will help you to understand what has made Spain the greatest continental football power so far this century
• Brings you exclusive insider views and insights on Spanish football, from World Cup-winning managers, to elite players, to renowned football writers and journalists
• Takes you around dozens of cities and football grounds, presenting Spain as one of the most complex and diverse nations in Europe
• Tells of the love story between Real Madrid and the Champions League as well as fairy-tale triumphs involving footballing minnows
• Investigates the origins of Iniesta and the political and social struggles that left an imprint on Basque, Galician and Valencian football
• Explores the cultural nature of vanguard managers such as Pep Guardiola and the social relevance of Spain’s sporting press

From European glory nights to the lower leagues, this compelling book celebrates the diversity of the nation’s cultural and footballing identity.

The author:

Miguel Lourenço Pereira is a Portuguese journalist and football historian. Author of several sporting books, including Bring Me That Horizon: A Journey to the Soul of Portuguese Football, Noites Europeias, Sueños de la Euro and Cruyff: Anatomy of a Genius, his work has been published in Portugal, Spain, Brazil and the UK for more than ten years. He has also written for Panenka, Libero, Futebol Magazine, In Bed With Maradona and Corner.

More about him here and an opportunity to hear Miguel live:

Brentford FC partners with tech provider SmartFrame

Brentford announces new partnership with SmartFrame Technologies to revolutionise sharing club photography

Brentford FC has signed a partnership with SmartFrame Technologies, a leading UK-based image streaming platform

SmartFrame’s technology allows Brentford to widely distribute and share its official photography taken on matchdays and at other official events with publishers through a digital image library. The club will retain all associated rights to the images and SmartFrame’s technology will also create new opportunities for advertising and commercialising the images.

A London based company, SmartFrame Technologies was founded in 2015 and brings together sports brands and content owners with publishers, advertisers and online audiences.

Fran Jones, commercial director of Brentford FC, said “At Brentford FC, a forward-thinking approach and innovation is a part of our DNA. We’re pleased to be partnering with SmartFrame who align so well with us on these values. Our partnership will give us access to their advanced technology for documenting and sharing our moments both on and off the field.

“We look forward to collaborating with SmartFrame and transforming the way we present and licence the club’s imagery going forward.”

James Prosser, global sports director of SmartFrame Technologies, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Brentford FC to the SmartFrame family. We have already built a strong rapport with the club’s commercial team over the past few months, and their positivity and openness have made it clear that we share many common values. As more high-profile organisations join us, we move closer to our goal of revolutionising online image publishing and commercialisation.”