Rod McDonald goes down with cramp as Crewe Alexandra look to protect a 2-1 lead against Northampton Town. Getty Images
Battles of attrition and tedious timewasting in the lower leagues are increasingly a turn-off for supporters, whose entertainment is sacrificed for points
Lee Clark tries to keep the ball in play as Newcastle United are defeated by Monaco in the UEFA Cup Quarter final at St James’ Park. Alamy
After playing a key role in Kevin Keegan’s promotion-winning Newcastle side, the midfielder repeated the trick with Sunderland – before things turned sour
England’s women after winning beach soccer’s European Championship. England Beach Soccer
England’s women have been European champions and are ranked third in the world, but neither they nor the men get support beyond being able to wear the kit
A sold-out Maiden Castle hosts Durham and Sunderland in the FA Women’s Championship earlier this season. Alamy
Interest has soared after England’s Euro 2022 win but, with only 12 teams in the top division, huge chunks of the country have no access to elite matches
Translated by Liz Waters
Simon & Schuster, £25
Reviewed by David Stubbs
From WSC 426, November/December 2022
Buy the book