A New Formation: How Black Footballers Shaped the Modern Game

by Calum Jacobs

An original exploration of the ways in which leading Black British footballers have shaped the modern game. Tackling the big questions of representation and identity while acknowledging the influence a collective black identity has had on a very British sport. Through a series of essays by a collection of culture writers, including Musa Okwonga, Aniefiok Ekpoudom and Jeanette Kwakye, A New Formation will examine and celebrate the variance found in Blackness. From Ian Wright's impact on contemporary Black culture to Anita Asante's compelling journey, by way of Andy Cole's experience as a child of Windrush generation parents. A New Formation places footballers into contexts larger than themselves, and each moving essay found in this anthology reveals the rich cultural tapestry of Black life in Britain, and the essential role that Black footballers - past and present - have played in constructing it.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Soccer, Football, Essays, Audiobook

271 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Charlotte Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a book which pushes an “agenda” as some media and people would like to say. Instead, it’s an incredibly articulate, interesting and well thought book with various stories which highlight what important black footballers have had both on and off the field. Thought provoking, nuanced and enlightening, Jacobs and co place emphasis on viewing these players as humans first and foremost and how we can all be guilty of falling into the belief that these individuals have to be martyrs or black representatives, instead of seeing them as people who wish to do good things and enjoy the sport they love.

A highly recommended book

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best football book out there. A must read for any football fan.

[Lewis Isbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I can trace the lines now, join the dots between what happens out there on the giant stadium stages of the Premier League and the plastic posts fastened into grass playing fields in South London, realise that those early Saturday mornings—were always about more than ourselves, more than what was, more than we could see, that the greater was somehow at work—We are all threads of something or someone else.'

That one, 'South London Soil' by Aniefiok Ekpoudom punched me in heart; it's one hundred percent my favourite for many reasons (don't ask, won't explain).

'I still remember Hilly Fields. I still remember South London—Hilly Fields was where I played my first game—Ian Wright played these fields in the late sixties too, before Palace, before Arsenal and England, before 179 Just Done It and his jersey pulled over his face at Highbury. ‘I never lost a game playing in Hilly Fields,’ he once said. ‘Never lost a game.’

Footballers are symbols, their existence on the public stage an illustration of shifting social and economic dynamics, of immigration and new communities that have taken root. I was born during a time when Lewisham and South London had been imposing their will on British football. The early nineties, a time when David Rocastle had come out of the Honor Oak Estate in Brockley, and Ian Wright had come with him.

African immigrants began to settle en masse in South London from the eighties. My parents drifted in from Nigeria and Cameroon, as did my godparents, and my brother’s godparents too. When I arrived at Lewisham Hospital in the summer of ’92, and still when I became aware of football a few years later, Wright was centre stage. Fathers like mine, strangers in a new country who were fluent in football’s universal tongue.

I think about how Nketiah, like so many others, is the sum of community parts: coaches and part-time staff, immigrant parents and professional footballers, pulling and turning in South London for generations, paving the road Eddie would walk from Lewisham to the Premier League.

Rio Ferdinand saw a family friend of ours running late for school on a cold morning, stopped his car and drove him to the school gates; Rio Ferdinand spotted in a pie & mash shop on a local high street; the Wright-Phillips brothers Shaun and Bradley driving past my godbrother’s old house in Crofton Park.'

The rest of them are brilliant as well, but I think overall the book/writing could have benefited from a (better?) editor. My only complaint is that some of the writing can feel a bit 'academic' (in terms of style and tone). But in any case, undoubtedly a great collection of essays. To lazily conclude with a clichéd line : you don't need to like football to enjoy this book.

'Football occupies many roles. For fans, it can be the lifeblood of friendships and the common bond between strangers. It is often the source of fond memories—a staple fixture in a weekly calendar. Football is an institution. Football is a religion. This analogy may sound extreme, but it isn’t all that far-fetched. There are governing bodies, denominations, acts of worship, days of observance—there are even hymns. But, as with any religion, the purity of its core is easily corrupted by its leaders and devotees alike. As a result, capitalistic exploitation, toxic masculinity and white supremacy have sullied the game since its inception.'

'Avid football fans tend to become aware of talented young players long before they make their first-team debuts, via YouTube compilations set to EDM, youth tournaments, or the short clips that proliferate—These fans scrutinise the players’ games closely, analysing these young footballers as footballers. Conversely, for more casual watchers footballers tend to come to their attention via the classist and racist narratives propagated by the right-wing mainstream media. This latter lens, by far the more culturally dominant, delineates a now-familiar cycle of emergence, vilification, and re-vilification of rising Black players by the press.'

'(Ian Wright) It just upset the right kind of person, when I let them know how much I loved England. Yes, my heritage is Jamaica, but I’m England. People for some reason can’t put it together that you’re Black and English, proud to be English as well. Why wouldn’t I be proud to be English? I was born in this country. It’s given me a lot of opportunities. It’s given me a lot of hard times and stress. But this is where I was born—If you look at the current English football side, and you look at the white guys involved in it—Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, James Maddison—they are so in with the Black culture. I would love England, especially in these times, with the amount of mixed-race and Black players involved with England now. Nothing would make me happier than England winning something with this generation. There’s not a better generation to represent England.'

'It’s often remarked that footballers die twice—once when they retire and again when they actually pass. The same can also be said of their birth: players are born first into the world, and then they come into our world.'

[Tom Everest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book excels in delivering important stories that need to be heard and understood individually and on a personal level. The independent essay format and the opening introduction from Cal is delivered in such a way that these stories are just that - they are personable, they are unwavering and they are all built on the purity of an individual connection, expression and experience.

I think that’s the real beauty of the book. It’s a pure cultural expression of pride and history captured and delivered in a way that is incredibly refreshing. Refreshing in its ability to critically analyse and deconstruct the culture that surrounds the game. Refreshing in its reverence and ability to offer a deeper understanding of the game that so many people have overlooked or never knew how to truly explain.

For that reason, the book is a milestone and a marker for what modern sports and culture is all about; unity, celebration, and empowerment. Giving everyone a greater reason to believe in themselves, in other people and in the communities and clubs they represent. So, I hope that the book over the next five years - and in the form of even more iterations and editions - continues to paint new colours, write new stories and offer new opportunities for people to enjoy, learn, uplift, understand and see the world in a greater light.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learnt alot of football history reading this book. Particularly loved the chapter on Hope Powell, what a woman! I already knew plenty about her, but reading again how much she contributed to the game, it's amazing. Plus, when she left the FA, her replacement "was given two senior figures who took on some of what had been Powell's responsibilities - or, in other words, she had spent years working too hard and being paid too little, doing the job of three people. This predicament is one with which Black women are painfully familiar."

I now want to read Hope: My Life in Football, Pitch Black: The Story of Black British Footballers and Race, Sport and Politics: The Sporting Black Diaspora.

[Gunnar Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely fascinating look at the world of professional football (specifically in England) and viewing it through the lens of blackness. Growing up I always thought the idea of racism existing in professional sports was overblown because professional athletes were clearly some of the most privileged people on the planet. Over the years I have come to realize how reductive and absurd that idea actually is and this book really drives the point home. I had heard of several of the athletes spoken about in this book but I didn't really know their stories or their struggles. It is so fascinating to hear the story told, both in their own words and in the words of the black people writing the essays. Racism undoubtedly exists and is pervasive in professional sports and if you're not sure about that then please read this book. Or just think about the fact that pundits and fans will jump over themselves to heap praise on a white guy for being successful professionally while continually expecting more from those that are not.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read. The essays and topics are as varied and interesting as the subjects of the assorted essays in this collection. Enjoyed the chapters on womens footballers, and those that were about identity, as much as those about famous individuals I was more familiar with. Perfect present for your football loving friend. They'll thank you for it.

[Henry Hood · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredibly illuminating and thought-provoking read that reveals narratives that white-biased journalism and media have ignored. The introduction, as well as the essays on Andy Cole, Ian Wright and Danny Rose are outstanding, although other essays in the collection read more as explanatory overviews of societal intersections.

With the relationship between Black footballers and British media constantly evolving, and with new figures emerging and playing more prominent roles, it would be fascinating to see another edition of this come out in years to come.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not recommend this book more highly. As an American who has been watching English soccer for over two decades, A New Formation provides context for the British cultural environment which has been largely missing in coverage of the sport in America. While awareness of and reactions to more recent soccer-related events are widespread due to social media, international coverage in the 1990's and 2000's was often one-dimensional. The essays in A New Formation unveil the additional depths of individuals with a duty of care and respect that the subjects undoubtedly deserve.

The introduction by Calum Jacobs, in particular, stands out. Providing an efficient but comprehensive overview of critical events to set the stage for the essays, it could (and should) be expanded to a book of its own.

[Joshua Wroath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays on the significance and importance of black British football players on the British football landscape is a must read for any football fan. With each essay focusing on a player (bar the black Muslim chapter), each chapters writer paints a delicate, thoughtful and insightful piece on why that player is so important to the game we love. I found the chapter on Andy Cole to be truly eye opening, showcasing the raw talent Cole had and carefully analysing his life, career and achievements in a way I had never appreciated before.
A well designed, and thought provoking book from Jacobs, I look forward to seeing what he does next.

[A A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that centers black voices, and highlights the journeys of groundbreaking black soccer players.
As a child of the 80’s it had me questioning some of the beliefs that I held when I was younger, and revealed the MANY ways that these players succeeded DESPITE the actions of those who were supposed to help them.
The game is better BECAUSE of these players, and I am better because of hearing stories such as these, and reading books such as this one.

[Jordan Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this book over the past two days. Having already researched inequalities and injustices in women's football, I definitely feel as though my knowledge of how other groups of people have experienced the game and have been impacted by the traits, behaviours and injustices throughout history in the game. My favourite essays were about Hope Powell, Andrew Cole, and Raheem Sterling.

[David Macnamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read, detailing the stories of a wide range of footballing greats!

[Jess]

I haven't come back to this in ages but I own it so I am just going to adjust the shelf to stop making myself feel bad.

[Paul Whitman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's current generation of soccer players have the platform and spotlight they enjoy because of who have come before them. In a sport with international superstars from every country and continent, it still remains a daily challenge for the diaspora that has found themselves in England playing soccer and still being treated unfairly. These collections of essays, about black British men and women who just by existing and playing paved the way for so many others, show a world I have no understanding or insight and it was truly incredible to learn their stories. In the face of racism, homophobia, general xenophobia, these players became icons even if they never got as much credit as they deserved.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Some essays were stronger than others (the Danny Rose one felt particularly disconnected from the rest of the collection because it diverged so sharply from its actual subject), but overall this was a very interesting read. You really get a sense of the personalities of former players like Ian Wright and Hope Powell. There are also a couple of essays that are more personal in nature, like the reflection on Muslim identity in football and the celebration of South London's football culture. It filled in some of the gaps in my historical knowledge of football on both the men's and women's sides of the sport.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories about footballers that every fan should know about.

It’s more than a book about a game, each story shows resilience and strength in a sport that for a long time rejected anything that they deemed other. It speaks to people who move to a new country and grapple with identity and feeling torn between different cultures.

As someone new to football in the UK, I found it insightful and informative to hear about the history of the sport through these players life stories. Must read for all football fans!

[Francis Wight · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and important book - would highly recommend for any football fan. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Ian Wright and Andrew Cole, as well as Musa Okwonga’s (one of the best writers out there - football and more broadly) reflections on Justin Fashanu.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prose from a variety of perspectives. If you’re a lover of “the beautiful” game, this is a must. If you don’t make space in your understanding of modern football/soccer for these stories, you’re not a fan. PERIOD.

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning Jacobs makes it very clear he is not trying to push an agenda, he is simply writing about pieces of football history that have not been given sufficient light. If you truly love football and its progress/history, this is required reading.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the style of each chapter being on a different player and written by a different writer. The chapters on Sterling and Andy Cole were certainly most thought-provoking. Has definitely helped reshaped my thoughts and understanding on black professional footballers in this country.

[Sam Diss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply the most important football book of the last decade. Calum’s writing mixes thought, feeling, and academia like only someone who cares so deeply about the true meaning of sport and its effects on people can.

[Collins Nemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for ALL fans of football. The intro alone is breathtaking and sets the tone for an array of great essays detailing the true scale of black footballers profound impact on the game as we see it today

[Will Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional read and an important text in the pantheon of football literature.

[Kevin Coaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Collection of essays. Some Wikipedia(ish), others more sociological. Would have liked more on the trailblazers of the 70s.

[Jay Wolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book to read. Truly informative, bouncing between different outlooks and view points. I loved every page.

[Tim Gleig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. I found it extreme eye opening, it gave me a whole new perspective and understanding on what it means to be a black sports men or women in the modern game. The book humanise the athletes, deep diving into untold stories of the pressures of life, sport and society within the overpowered white media and a white sporting system. This book opens you up to empathy, understanding and the learning of all the different kind of micro aggressions black athletes endure. While still celebrating the important role and powerful impact that they have on their communities to be seen within in this beautiful sport.

[Kaio Grizzelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read, providing a vital new lens through which to discuss the beautiful game in ways that are nuanced and human at the core. Always generous in its capacity to see Black footballers as so much more than mere players - understanding not only how they have shaped the modern game through their talent and mere existence, but in turn how our society shaped their lives, and how our media culture shaped their stories and stole their voices time and time again. These are important essays for any lover of the game as well as those who seek to better understand recent British sporting history and culture. Massively recommend.

[Owen Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply compassionate writing with a distinct human focus. Where an essay focuses on a specific individual, the contributors don’t retrospectively cast their subjects as willing figureheads or intentional activists in their field, an all-too-common trope of contemporary writing on race.

Rather, the reader is presented with captivating accounts of professional football as embodying the strife, fortitude and joy that characterise the human experience, but which have hitherto avoided proper examination by sports journalism. A must-read, particularly for non-football fans.