Programmes!

Programmes! A 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. 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. From early 2-3-5 formations and male-only officials to adverts for tobacco, local brewers and annual beauty contests for female supporters, the past feels like another world. Tackling everything from casual chauvinism to the rise of hooliganism and the birth of the Premier League, this book shows how dramatically both football and British society have changed through the lens of the humble matchday programme.