Programmes!

History Through Football Programmes traces the evolution of the game from the Victorian era to today, revealing how matchday programmes reflect the social, economic and cultural changes of the last 150 years.

From Richard Crooks, author of six previous football books, including the acclaimed Wednesday v United: The Sheffield Derby.

Exploring every decade – including major events such as both World Wars, Munich, Ibrox, Heysel and Hillsborough – the book uncovers seismic societal shifts captured in the programme content:

• Highlights how programme content has evolved over 150 years – from early 2-3-5 formations to adverts for tobacco, local brewers and annual beauty contests for female supporters, the past feels like another world! • Examines the two World Wars and their impact on football, daily life and society • Explores reactions to the 1958 Munich tragedy from Manchester United and other clubs • Takes a focused look at the rise of hooliganism and how programmes portrayed it • Examines the 1985 Heysel disaster (its impact and the response from Liverpool, the authorities and other clubs) and the 1989 Hillsborough disaster (the context, reactions, concerns, and its lasting impact) • Charts the creation of the Premier League, capturing both positive and negative reactions

A must-read for anyone interested in football programmes, social history or the development of the game, this book shows how dramatically both football and British society have changed through the lens of the humble matchday programme.

© 2026 Pitch Publishing (Ebook): 9781836804116

Release date

Ebook: 5 October 2026