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Local: a club and its city: Liverpool's social history
On the banks of the River Mersey is a city with a radical character, shaped by its geography and the achievements of its community - in music, culture and politics. Liverpool is now defined mostly by its appetite for football and the continental successes of its most renowned club. What then does it mean to be a local 'Red' - sculpted by the city's social history - in an age of global expansion? Former players, dedicated fans and civic leaders explain the relationship between the club they support and the city of their birth, exploring the events and moments in time that moulded their unique identity. This is the story of Liverpool, a club and its city.
- GenresSports
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2019
23 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 29, 2019
A new view of Red glory
I thought this was a quite informative and interesting look at both the club and the city. I was quite surprised at the strength of feeling evident regarding people from outside the city who follow LFC. As a so called wooly from north Wales I can assure the author that I have supported the Reds since the sixties and have only felt slight resentment over the last couple of years, though I am at a loss to explain why this should be so.
On another point I take issue with the idea that in the "old days" criticism of players was not tolerated as I vividly remember some really strong barracking of Toshack, Keegan and co from the terraces and in the pubs after the game. Personally I have always thought Reds supporters to be discerning and not content to follow blindly especially if they witness lack of effort. Unfortunately I have seen many younger supporters take issue with other faithful supporters who have dared criticize Reds players.
Still an enjoyable and thought provoking read which opened my eyes to quite a few points of view.
I thought this was a quite informative and interesting look at both the club and the city. I was quite surprised at the strength of feeling evident regarding people from outside the city who follow LFC. As a so called wooly from north Wales I can assure the author that I have supported the Reds since the sixties and have only felt slight resentment over the last couple of years, though I am at a loss to explain why this should be so.
On another point I take issue with the idea that in the "old days" criticism of players was not tolerated as I vividly remember some really strong barracking of Toshack, Keegan and co from the terraces and in the pubs after the game. Personally I have always thought Reds supporters to be discerning and not content to follow blindly especially if they witness lack of effort. Unfortunately I have seen many younger supporters take issue with other faithful supporters who have dared criticize Reds players.
Still an enjoyable and thought provoking read which opened my eyes to quite a few points of view.
December 18, 2020
An excellent book, one which provides an excellent and unique insight into the character and radical culture of Liverpool and it's people. Focusing largely on the relationship between the city, Liverpool Football Club and the fans from the local region. The book provides a fascinating account of what it means and has meant over the course of the past century to be 'scouse'.
Featuring input from a host of former Liverpool players from the city, alongside contributions from cultural luminaries and civic leaders, this is an amazing and enjoyable read for any red or anyone with an interest in social history. A boss book which gives not only a fantastic account of the past and present of this wonderful club and city. Highly recommended.
Featuring input from a host of former Liverpool players from the city, alongside contributions from cultural luminaries and civic leaders, this is an amazing and enjoyable read for any red or anyone with an interest in social history. A boss book which gives not only a fantastic account of the past and present of this wonderful club and city. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2019
Great book.
A must read for all Liverpool fans. It's a very good account of the city's history since the inception of LFC and its also describing brief, but very important, moments in the clubs history
A must read for all Liverpool fans. It's a very good account of the city's history since the inception of LFC and its also describing brief, but very important, moments in the clubs history
March 14, 2020
A well researched book and a must-read for all LFC fans if you want to learn about the past and the present when it comes to the city of Liverpool, fan culture, the socio-economic changes and their impact on football in the city of Liverpool.
September 1, 2021
This is the best football book I have ever read. Intertwining the social history of Liverpool with Scouseness and football was incredibly interesting.
At times I thought "this should be on the reading lists for students studying modern British history". Many many times I thought "Yes I was there and it did happen like that" and other times I thought "Ah that is why we think that way".
Even as a red I did think sometimes it would have benefitted from inclusion of more material on Everton, and sometimes it fights against it's own argument of inclusivity by demonstrating exclusivity, but overall I almost wish I hadn't read it yet so I could read it again straight away.
It won't appeal to everyone but if you are studying modern British history then read this book. If you are Scouse, read this book. If you are a Liverpool supporter, read this book.
Off to find more from the author now...
At times I thought "this should be on the reading lists for students studying modern British history". Many many times I thought "Yes I was there and it did happen like that" and other times I thought "Ah that is why we think that way".
Even as a red I did think sometimes it would have benefitted from inclusion of more material on Everton, and sometimes it fights against it's own argument of inclusivity by demonstrating exclusivity, but overall I almost wish I hadn't read it yet so I could read it again straight away.
It won't appeal to everyone but if you are studying modern British history then read this book. If you are Scouse, read this book. If you are a Liverpool supporter, read this book.
Off to find more from the author now...
May 22, 2025
A perfect look into the history and culture of the city. Loved it.
January 9, 2026
This is a fantastic read for any LFC fan. So informative.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews