Fathers, Sons and Football - Hardcover

Chronicles not only the changing face of English football but also England itself (GQ)

Unusual but excellent ... Compelling stuff. The football book of the year, perhaps. (Richard Whitehead, The Times)

'The football book of the year, perhaps' The Times

A readable account of a traumatic journey through the realignment of the classes (Chris Maume, Independent)

'Football books are usually dull and bereft of good personal anecdotes, but the book is amusing and candid...' Evening Standard

Amusing and candid and throws a bit of light on the dysfunctional nature of many in the beautiful game (Martin Chilton, Evening Standard)

`... readable account.. handles a sweeping history with ease' Independent

He is particularly good on evoking the atmosphere of provincial England ... An enjoyable and informative book (Leo McKinstry, Sunday Telegraph)

`Shindler is excellent on the crueller side of English football... he is particularly good on evoking the atmosphere of provincial eras... an enjoyable and informative book' Sunday Telegraph

Brilliantly written and outstandingly researched ... Surely the best book written about the beautiful game this year (Matt Donlan, Yorkshire Evening Post)

The Summerbee family business is unique: three generations have played professional football - George in the 1930s was a struggling journeyman; Mike, in the 1960s starred for England and Manchester City, and George Best was his best man; Nicky currently plays for Bolton Wanderers. Colin Shindler weaves together their family story, including the women closest to them, in a remarkably evocative account of how football and the players have changed over the last 70 years, from living alongside the fans, earning similar amounts, to the modern heroes who are paid fortunes and hide away in exclusive developments.