The Frying Pan of Spain: Sevilla v Real Betis: Spain's Hottest Football Rivalry

by Colin Millar

Seville is the capital of Spain's Andalusian region and is the life and soul of the nation. Enchanted with effortlessly stylish bars and colourful buildings, this is a charismatic metropolis doused in the endless sun of southern Spain. The city is also home to two historic institutions of Spanish football - Real Betis and Sevilla - and when they go head-to-head to contest El Gran Derbi, the rest of Spain can only watch in awe. This is a pulsating and arresting experience which encapsulates the beautiful game in all its raw, spellbinding brilliance. Spanish football is more than Barcelona and Real Madrid. Much more. The city contrasts uptown Sevilla with downtown Betis. Los Rojiblancos pitted against Los Verdiblancos. Sevillistas and Beticos. Nothing can compare to this beautiful city and the crazy passion for football that it produces, either in Spain or Europe. Colin Millar - who made the city his home - charts the illustrious histories of football in the city and explores how both clubs represent a way of life for Sevillanos.

Genres: Football, Sports, Spain, Soccer

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2019

Reviews

[Johnny Keeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Probably one of my favorite soccer books that I’ve read. Learned so much about the culture of Seville, Andalusia and Spain which is intrinsically tied to the culture of the two largest clubs in the city. Would recommend to a friend! Viva Betis!

[Richard Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having spent time in Seville a few years ago, this book was really enjoyable - particularly enjoyed the description of Seville as a city, the significance of the Triana area and the chapters covering the most recent decades of the rivalry.

The book merges the history of both clubs but adds plenty of context about the wider social significance of football in Spain and the city, linking in politics, geography and lots of other elements too. Almost as much as a travel/history book as a football one.

Really recommend this if you enjoy Sid Lowe's Fear and Loathing in La Liga, or Morbo by Phil Ball.

[Jordan Britton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book really lacks life. The first 2/3 of the book just feels like a history that was read off of the internet. There’s no soul to it. The stories are dry. The book picks up as the history gets closer to the modern era, which makes me think that was easier for the author, as he likely lived through these stories and they were easier to tell with greater access to the characters and publications. I had hoped to read the Sevillian version of Sid Lowe’s Fear and Loathing in La Liga, but unfortunately I was let down. Informative, but again, it’s lacking.

[Darren H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Superbly written. Gives a great insight into an intense footballing rivalry from its origins right up to the present day. A cracking book, meticulously researched and brilliantly written. Very informative and written with a lot of heart and passion. If you have any interest in the beautiful game and the city of Sevilla I would highly recommend.

[Laura Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really engaging book detailing a football rivalry that I was not really aware of! Incredibly well researched and explained, with a strong narrative throughout. This definitely made me want to visit Seville and go to a game!

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millar accomplishes everything he seems to have set out to in this work. The talk goes on and on about El Clásico, however the El Gran Derbi is the sleeping giant the outside world searches for when it comes to passion. The Andalusia region has a rivalry its beauty and history deserves and all of that is captured here. The fire and animosity is extreme, but the mutual respect at the end of the day between these two historic clubs rings clear underneath the bitterness and hatred. Another amazing piece of literature to display the Beautiful Game and the way it can be an expression of a people and their culture. Probably the best English work on Seville’s relationship with fútbol. Seville has always been on the travel list, but the description and intimate portrayal of the town by Millar and the citizens has pushed it to near the top of Spain for me.

[Russ Lemley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Frying Pan of Spain tells a compelling story of a soccer (yeah, I'm American) rivalry that competes with the derbies between Real Madrid-Barcelona and Rangers-Celtic. Like Glasgow, Seville is home to two highly competitive teams that help define the character of the charming southern Spanish city. Millar describes the rivalry within the city's history, geography, and culture.

There are two general drawbacks with the book: one that is outside of his control, and one that isn't.

First, as the book draws closer to modern times, Millar places the teams' tales less within a general historical framework, and more into the ticks and ties of how each team did each year. Given that this is a book about sports, an author cannot escape providing such litanies of results. However, after reading this for a while, it gets overwhelming.

Second, Millar clearly favors leftist people and policies over Spain's conservative, Francoist past. While an argument can be made Franco rule over Spain held the country back, such arguments are unsurprisingly absent when discussing socialist policies over the last forty or so years. It's not a shock that current politics favor the left, but such clear biases nevertheless had to be noted.

Notwithstanding these two limits, this book was a fun read about one of the (literally) hottest soccer rivalries in Europe.

[Revista Panenka]

Colin Millar se enamoró de Sevilla cuando la visitó en 2014, aunque lo que realmente cautivó a este periodista norirlandés fue la rivalidad futbolística que percibió en sus calles. Cinco años después de aquel primer viaje, presentaba en Londres The Frying Pan of Spain, un libro de más de 300 páginas con un selecto anecdotario sobre el Betis-Sevilla y que podría traducirse como 'la sartén de España', en una clara alusión a lo 'caliente' del derbi andaluz. Asegura Millar que la mayoría de libros en inglés sobre fútbol español ponen el foco en Barça y Madrid; de ahí que sintiera la necesidad de cubrir esta rivalidad, menos conocida fuera de nuestras fronteras. El libro, que espera traducción al español durante este 2020, cuenta con historias que sorprenderán a muchos sevillanos.

----
Puedes encontrar esta review en el #Panenka94. Disponible en
tienda.panenka.org.

[Аркула · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

Good things about this book: It's the only book about this rivalry on the English language, and therefore the best and most detailed source of information on it.

Bad things about this book: sometimes written poorly and confusingly, I felt like I was reading the most boring account of events from the history of these clubs and the city. Dry, no soul, overly detailed, but not with interesting details, especially before the modern era part. Essentially, it's not a worthwhile read because it's 300 pages of rather small letters, which is just too much when the style is as it is.

P.S. Viva el Betis Manqe Pierda

[Juddea Matoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an avid follower of Spanish football and love to learn about the history of football then this is the book for you! Brilliantly written and telling the story of the rivalry from the very beginning you will learn not only about football but life in Spain and Andalusia in particular in pre & post civil war.
You can really feel Colins passion and enthusiasm for the beautiful city of Seville and it’s two football teams come to life on the pages! You will also find yourself laughing at the wonderful Joaquin later on in the book too!

[AC AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and exciting read! Passionately and comprehensively written about not only the fiery Derbi Sevillano but also the extensive history of both these wonderful clubs. Really insightful, once you start reading you won’t want to put it down. Looking forward to a trip to the beautiful city of Seville next season to witness for myself. Highly recommend this brilliant book for all football fans.

[Brendan Barca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Millar takes the reader through the history of Spanish politics, football, and the complex interplay of sports and culture. Seville is definitely now on my travel radar, and Real Betis has a new supporter!

Recommending this book to anyone who loves european football, history and culture.

Great read 👍👍

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough history of Seville’s two largest clubs - very interesting to learn about La Liga outside of the usual Clasico teams. Dotted with interesting stories and great information about the city of Seville and and it’s people.

[John Ewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and insightful account of the history of the rivalry between Andalusian giants, Sevilla and Real Betis, Spain’s biggest cross-city derby. A must read for any fan of Spanish football or anyone fascinated by the passions inspired by a local derby.

[Maarten de Groot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have really been helped with some final editing. The first and last parts are interesting and well-written, but in the middle part the book becomes a bad-written history book where the storyline is totally lost. Had great potential but did not live up to the promise unfortunately.

[Patrick Tarbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an extremely well researched and informative book, but deserved to have more personality and more from that perspective. If you read the chapter about Seville in Phil Ball’s Morbo, this book needed a little more of that to earn that fifth star! Still a good read for Spanish football fans!

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a big Betis fan in the late nineties and early noughties so was excited to hear about this book. I skipped the middle section because I felt the writing was a little dry. Picked it up again in the last third (coincidentally when I first starting watching football) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Stephen Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a fun book to read. I've wanted to read something on the other clubs in La Liga for a bit. I know Euan McTear has two la Liga books out, but this is non-Basque country.

[Colm Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to read. Perfect for those interested in Spanish football culture and obviously Sevilla and Real Betis.

[Barry Mcareavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Jordan Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and gripping. In love with both teams a bit after reading this.

[David Macnamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read but I can’t help but feel that more is made of the significance of the teams than they actually are.

[Jake Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - a great detail of life in the city, its significance within Spanish culture and history, and how instrumental football has been in it. Musho Betis!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the most particular rivalry in Spain. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in Spanish football.

[Ian King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative. A deep delve into Spanish history, society, divisions and culture that is well worth your time.

[Ettore-Gregorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic but way too dense for the casual reader. Maybe if I ever travel to Seville I'll pick it up again.

[Brenton Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the beginning, the full history of two of Spain's most exciting clubs. A bit rambly at times. Overall a really great read.

[Jackie Pablop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best football based book published last year and anyone with an interest in Spanish football in particular will find it's content most intriguing and it well worth reading. The book has been well researched and is loaded with the history of the city of Seville and the two big football clubs (Real Betis & Seviila) that have their roots there. I found the entire book absolutely fascinating and can recommend it to all football lovers as well as anyone thinking of visiting the wonderful city of Seville aka The Frying Pan Of Spain.

[Mo Ruddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read on the history of both Betis and Sevilla. Some really good stories throughout.