What do you think?
Rate this book
32 Programmes
The hilarious and moving story of a man called Dave (a football fan) and his most precious possessions.
When Dave Roberts relocates to the USA, his wife informs him that they can only take what is 'absolutely essential'. Packing his collection of football programmes (1,134 of them -- football fans are sticklers for statistics), Dave is aghast to be informed that the programmes do not fall into that category. He must whittle down his treasured archive to only what will fit inside a Tupperware container the size of a Dan Brown hardback.
32 Programmes tells the story of how Dave made the selection of his most important programmes, and how the process brought back a flood of nostalgia for simpler times. As the sights, sounds and smells of those 1,134 football matches return, the choices Dave makes reflect the twists and turns that life takes. Finally, with just hours to go before the flight, the container is full to the brim. One more programme will be added to the collection - one that Dave never thought he would see and which means more to him than any other.
32 Programmes is the story of youthful football obsession, crushes on disinterested girls, rubbish jobs and trying to impress skinheads. But most of all, it is the story of a man's life and loves, of family, friends and football.
When Dave Roberts relocates to the USA, his wife informs him that they can only take what is 'absolutely essential'. Packing his collection of football programmes (1,134 of them -- football fans are sticklers for statistics), Dave is aghast to be informed that the programmes do not fall into that category. He must whittle down his treasured archive to only what will fit inside a Tupperware container the size of a Dan Brown hardback.
32 Programmes tells the story of how Dave made the selection of his most important programmes, and how the process brought back a flood of nostalgia for simpler times. As the sights, sounds and smells of those 1,134 football matches return, the choices Dave makes reflect the twists and turns that life takes. Finally, with just hours to go before the flight, the container is full to the brim. One more programme will be added to the collection - one that Dave never thought he would see and which means more to him than any other.
32 Programmes is the story of youthful football obsession, crushes on disinterested girls, rubbish jobs and trying to impress skinheads. But most of all, it is the story of a man's life and loves, of family, friends and football.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2011
4 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 12, 2019
Another winner from Dave Roberts.
Having loved both 'The Bromley Boys: The True Story of Supporting the Worst Football Team in Britain' and 'Home and Away: Round Britain in Search of Non-League Football Nirvana', I was confident that '32 Programmes' would deliver more Roberts magic, and so it proved.
Dave Roberts consistently hits that sweet spot between sport and sentiment via his perfectly judged combination of football obsession and memoir. Each of the 31 programmes Dave chooses to take to the USA from his treasured collection of 1,134 has a touching and interesting story attached, and it charts his journey from child to adulthood. The 32nd programme is the perfect end to a wonderful read.
So, in short, another heart warming, funny and beguiling book from the ever reliable Dave Roberts.
5/5
Having loved both 'The Bromley Boys: The True Story of Supporting the Worst Football Team in Britain' and 'Home and Away: Round Britain in Search of Non-League Football Nirvana', I was confident that '32 Programmes' would deliver more Roberts magic, and so it proved.
Dave Roberts consistently hits that sweet spot between sport and sentiment via his perfectly judged combination of football obsession and memoir. Each of the 31 programmes Dave chooses to take to the USA from his treasured collection of 1,134 has a touching and interesting story attached, and it charts his journey from child to adulthood. The 32nd programme is the perfect end to a wonderful read.
So, in short, another heart warming, funny and beguiling book from the ever reliable Dave Roberts.
5/5
January 12, 2020
An emotive read, full of sacrifice and optimism. A move to the USA necessitates the protagonist whittling down his extensive, and sentimental football programme collection. To thirty-two.
The humour is on the mark and the writing easily palatable. Above all else the emotion contained sets this book as a unsung gem and it has a dramatic finale I didn't forsee.
The humour is on the mark and the writing easily palatable. Above all else the emotion contained sets this book as a unsung gem and it has a dramatic finale I didn't forsee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Probably the most enjoyable book I've ever read. So much so I've read it a few times, which I never usually do. Middle aged football fans will love it as Dave's character recalls memorable moments throughout his life, good and bad, by linking them to his favourite "32 Programmes". Dave the author sadly passed away last year but this and his other books on football and Bromley FC in particular mean we can appreciate him and his work for years to come.
September 15, 2021
Brilliant book. Everybody with a nostalgic longing for English football before the Premier League and ludicrously big money (in some clubs) would enjoy this book
I love the way a story from Dave Robert’s life is connected to every programme. It’s almost like his life is chronicled by the programmes he has selected.
This book is definitely on my shortlist of favourite football books.
I love the way a story from Dave Robert’s life is connected to every programme. It’s almost like his life is chronicled by the programmes he has selected.
This book is definitely on my shortlist of favourite football books.
November 21, 2021
I have no idea how authentic the premise is, in which the author can only take 32 football programmes with him when he moves to America from New Zealand, but this was an endearing and interesting read as Dave Roberts recounted 32 football matches he'd attended.
Although the football itself was featured heavily, it was also quite autobiographical, which saved it from becoming too repetitive. One nice touch was the more childlike voice in the early matches, which spanned his life from primary school to his late twenties. I do have to allow a lot of artistic license though as even the most significant 30 matches surely can't be recalled in such detail up to 40 years later, even if a childhood crush probably can be. The warmth came from self-deprecating humour, and a fairly nerdy passtime didn't get bogged down in the minutiae too much.
I had thought that the matches spanned quite a short period, only half his football-supporting life, but the reason for this was rather sadly and suddenly revealed later on. Like Adam Kay's diary, the jovial topics of fainting at Highbury or catching a return train to Nottingham after school became a lot more serious and while only briefly covered, it did change the mood quite considerably, although the end was more upbeat.
Unlike Fever Pitch this was not about football fandom in general and so I did have to read it in smaller chunks, but there was enough biography to stop it becoming dry. Football was the backdrop and Roberts managed to capture the childlike awe and more mature enjoyment quite well in his prose. It didn't quite strike a chord with me, but perhaps that is reflective of him being much older than me who has only known football in the Premier League era.
Although the football itself was featured heavily, it was also quite autobiographical, which saved it from becoming too repetitive. One nice touch was the more childlike voice in the early matches, which spanned his life from primary school to his late twenties. I do have to allow a lot of artistic license though as even the most significant 30 matches surely can't be recalled in such detail up to 40 years later, even if a childhood crush probably can be. The warmth came from self-deprecating humour, and a fairly nerdy passtime didn't get bogged down in the minutiae too much.
I had thought that the matches spanned quite a short period, only half his football-supporting life, but the reason for this was rather sadly and suddenly revealed later on. Like Adam Kay's diary, the jovial topics of fainting at Highbury or catching a return train to Nottingham after school became a lot more serious and while only briefly covered, it did change the mood quite considerably, although the end was more upbeat.
Unlike Fever Pitch this was not about football fandom in general and so I did have to read it in smaller chunks, but there was enough biography to stop it becoming dry. Football was the backdrop and Roberts managed to capture the childlike awe and more mature enjoyment quite well in his prose. It didn't quite strike a chord with me, but perhaps that is reflective of him being much older than me who has only known football in the Premier League era.
March 17, 2018
I took my time with this book, but because I genuinely loved it. As a massive sports fan, and a massive soccer/football fan in general, this appealed to me. Loved reading about every program and the story that went behind it. It was also hard to predict, at times I would expect a situation to go a certain way and it would end up in something complete different. I credit that to Dave Roberts writing style more than the fact that real life is unpredictable. Would probably read again in the future, and for me that says a lot.
January 5, 2025
A beautiful book that all football fans should read.
It’s not just about football programmes but about Dave Robert’s’ life, his coming of age and adulthood mostly told through football matches.
I was sad to learn that Dave passed away a few years ago and never got to see his beloved Bromley make it to the Football League for the first time.
It’s not just about football programmes but about Dave Robert’s’ life, his coming of age and adulthood mostly told through football matches.
I was sad to learn that Dave passed away a few years ago and never got to see his beloved Bromley make it to the Football League for the first time.
February 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It has a feel of Nigel Slater's 'Toast' about it, except using football rather than food as a way to tell a life story. The individual stories are engaging and reminiscent to any football fan. The 'twist' towards the end is unexpected, but sets the finale up well.
July 21, 2018
If you love football this is a great read. Many of us fans will have programmes stashed away for keepsakes. What if we had to part with most of them?
July 17, 2023
Great fun
October 12, 2024
Lovely. If you like football as a hobby, not a premier league glory tool, read it.
If you know a football fanatic buy them this
If you know a football fanatic buy them this
October 11, 2025
A really enjoyable read that interwove life with a growing love of football and match day programs.
I did feel the last couple of chapters rushed the life story but a great read!
I did feel the last couple of chapters rushed the life story but a great read!
July 6, 2011
Finally, kick-off is nearly upon us! Euro free and World Cup free summers are always a sad time for football fans, the only things to look forward to are the release of the fixture list and the pre season friendlies. This summer though, there is a bonus, the release of 32 Programmes a week before the Premiership season starts will invigorate and delight football fans and get everyone in the mood for the season ahead.
For those who don’t know, Dave Roberts also wrote The Bromley Boys, an absolute gem about Bromley FC, a fantastic read and not just because it’s based in my home town! The passion and enthusiasm that made me love The Bromley Boys so much is revisited in 32 Programmes and it does not disappoint.
Imagine, you have to cut down your precious, irreplaceable football programme collection to move abroad, a nightmare decision for any die-hard football fan. How can you choose?
So begins a warm, funny and nostalgic journey back over his life as he painstakingly selects each programme, each bringing back memories of good and bad times for him, girls, money problems, family. I laughed, I cried and smiled at players and games I recognised, but mainly I felt overwhelming affection for this book that brought up so many feelings that all football fans can identify with.
That’s the beauty of Dave Robert’s books, he is a real person, a real football fan which make his books and his writing completely relatable. The writing style, as skillful as a Bergkamp backheel. The tone of the book, warm, like a welcomed cup of tea at a cold evening kick off in December. The passion of a Stuart Pearce tackle. The book, as satisfying as a last minute winning penalty away at Man Utd.
So if you’re a real football fan looking for a real football book, then pencil in the 4th August in your diary along with your fixture list, pop along to your local bookshop and treat yourself to this book. Other than your season ticket, it will be your best buy.
For those who don’t know, Dave Roberts also wrote The Bromley Boys, an absolute gem about Bromley FC, a fantastic read and not just because it’s based in my home town! The passion and enthusiasm that made me love The Bromley Boys so much is revisited in 32 Programmes and it does not disappoint.
Imagine, you have to cut down your precious, irreplaceable football programme collection to move abroad, a nightmare decision for any die-hard football fan. How can you choose?
So begins a warm, funny and nostalgic journey back over his life as he painstakingly selects each programme, each bringing back memories of good and bad times for him, girls, money problems, family. I laughed, I cried and smiled at players and games I recognised, but mainly I felt overwhelming affection for this book that brought up so many feelings that all football fans can identify with.
That’s the beauty of Dave Robert’s books, he is a real person, a real football fan which make his books and his writing completely relatable. The writing style, as skillful as a Bergkamp backheel. The tone of the book, warm, like a welcomed cup of tea at a cold evening kick off in December. The passion of a Stuart Pearce tackle. The book, as satisfying as a last minute winning penalty away at Man Utd.
So if you’re a real football fan looking for a real football book, then pencil in the 4th August in your diary along with your fixture list, pop along to your local bookshop and treat yourself to this book. Other than your season ticket, it will be your best buy.
March 6, 2012
The premise for this book was good: the author had to reduce his treasured collection of 1,134 football programmes down to 32 because he was emigrating. So I was looking forward to reading it but in the end it turned out to be a book of two halves.
The good half was where the author had something to say, for example where he related the programmes to childhood crushes or to meeting his first wife for the first time. I particularly enjoyed him meeting a fellow programme collector in the very early stages of his football match attending life. Could that have been the spur for the obsession that followed? Also there were good moments where the author talked specifically about various aspects of the programmes themselves.
Then there was the not so good half where the author didn't have a lot to say that hasn't been said before (as another reviewer already picked up on) like the obligatory first-match experience, which is the standard fare of all football memoirs, and the match report moments that you could have got from a newspaper.
Then I came to the end and the author dropped a bombshell saying that he was going to ship across the other programmes he left behind anyway at a later date so this made the preceding part of the book seem a bit pointless and I felt a little like I'd been lied to as he was going to be re-united with all his programmes anyway.
But it was a nice, easy-to-read book with the programmes being varied enough to cover lots of different teams and keep my interest.
The good half was where the author had something to say, for example where he related the programmes to childhood crushes or to meeting his first wife for the first time. I particularly enjoyed him meeting a fellow programme collector in the very early stages of his football match attending life. Could that have been the spur for the obsession that followed? Also there were good moments where the author talked specifically about various aspects of the programmes themselves.
Then there was the not so good half where the author didn't have a lot to say that hasn't been said before (as another reviewer already picked up on) like the obligatory first-match experience, which is the standard fare of all football memoirs, and the match report moments that you could have got from a newspaper.
Then I came to the end and the author dropped a bombshell saying that he was going to ship across the other programmes he left behind anyway at a later date so this made the preceding part of the book seem a bit pointless and I felt a little like I'd been lied to as he was going to be re-united with all his programmes anyway.
But it was a nice, easy-to-read book with the programmes being varied enough to cover lots of different teams and keep my interest.
September 5, 2015
When I bought this book I definitely did not expect what I read. At first I thought it will be just some boring stories of an old man remembering his old football days. To my surprise I was reading a breathtaking experience of a football games. The way it's written is absolutely magnificent and it just won't let you to put this book down. Dave Roberts creates very nice and clear picture of how it was then, when I still didn't experience my first breath. I don't quite know how he did it, but Dave made this book one of the best football books I have ever read.
January 17, 2014
Delightfully nostalgic and sincere. Roberts writes with a sentimental humour. A very enjoyable read which has made me immediately track down his earlier works.
August 11, 2012
Every record has its own story behind it. This book made my day. Sewel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews