Book reviews

Matthew Brown on player power, principles and racism in the modern game

Suddenly player-power seems to be all the rage. But the England squad weren’t the first footballers this season to stand up to their employers on a matter of principle. Just a few weeks earlier, former Chelsea striker Mark Stein and two of his team-mates declared they would never play for Dagenham & Redbridge again following allegations of racism against the Daggers manager Garry Hill and the club chairman Dave Andrews’ instant and unequivocal backing for his man.

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Plenty of clubs are in financial difficulties but only a couple can appeal to recording artists for salvation. Port Vale fan Rob Rushton talks about Robbie Williams's unwillingness to provide financial help to his hometown club

I cannot recall the exact date, but I vividly remember Port Vale playing Watford in Division Three in the mid-1970s, when the Vale fans behind the goal sang: “You can stick your grand piano up you arse,” to Watford chairman Elton John. Either good advice, or pure jealousy – you decide – as Elton’s millions boosted Watford up the league to the First Division.

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David Harrison savours Elton John's support for Watford when many clubs don't have the luxury of celebrity backers to help ensure their survival

It happens wherever you go, without fail. Has done for the best part of 30 years. Most recently this summer at a bus stop in California. As soon as the international lang­uage of the tormented traveller has been ex­hausted, there’s an absolute inevitability in the ex­change that follows. “So, you guys are English. Where you from? Sure I’ve heard of it – that’s Elton John’s ball-club!”

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Terry Staunton investigates the changing of the guard at Pride Park

Having spent the best part of two years reading stories with more than a hint of obituary about them, fans of Derby may not appreciate the irony that the club’s new chairman is more used to presiding over inquests.

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  Neil White on the pros and cons of UEFA's plans for football's future pitches

When an irate Gerry Collins launched into a vitriolic rant at a post-match press conference last week, it had nothing to do with his Partick Thistle side’s insipid performance in their defeat by Dunfermline. Collins’ ire was dir­ected exclusively at Dunfermline Athletic’s new artificial pitch – UEFA’s view of football’s future.

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