A new perspective on the lives, careers and experiences of ground-breaking black footballers in England. Ninety-two chapters tell the unique stories of the first black players to represent each of the Football League Clubs.

Four years of original research have not only identified these history makers but have also uncovered a wealth of fascinating and often eye-opening personal tales. This collection of rich and hugely varied stories spans the period from Arthur Wharton’s debut for Sheffield United in 1885 right up to the present day, covering over 130 years of social history.

They include personal interviews with many of the players – including Viv Anderson MBE, Chris Kamara, Tony Ford MBE, Neville Chamberlain and Roland Butcher – and family members of stars from the more distant past.

Football’s Black Pioneers features an incredible variety of emotive human stories and forgotten characters, together with a powerful theme of struggle against now-unthinkable attitudes, and the revelation of many unexpected historical facts.

Read our review here: Book Review: Football’ (footballbookreviews.com)

(Publisher: Conker Editions Ltd. August 2020. Paperback: 228 pages)