Never Had It So Good (Tim Quelch)

[tiger76]

Started this book today, and it's a great read, both from the footballing and social aspects of the 50's and 60's some fantastic anecdotes from the title winning squad and their wives, I'm only 2 chapters in, but what is apparent was the camaraderie amongst everybody at the club from the chairman right down to the tea lady, and anybody that got ideas above their station was soon put in their place, it's also telling that most footballers didn't earn much more than an average worker, and even the supposed stars like Jimmy Mac etc had to supplement their income throughout the summer by helping out the groundsman and other various tasks.

It's also enlightening that we were one of the most progressive clubs in that era regarding training methods and treating injuries in Billy Dougall's case, and of course Gawthorpe was one of the first custom built training complexes, and was probably ahead of it's time hence why we were able to compete with the big city clubs on a level playing field in the days of the minimum wage.

I guess a lot of you already know, but a fair number of UTC members are name checked in the introduction.

[ClaretTony]

Started this book today, and it's a great read, both from the footballing and social aspects of the 50's and 60's some fantastic anecdotes from the title winning squad and their wives, I'm only 2 chapters in, but what is apparent was the camaraderie amongst everybody at the club from the chairman right down to the tea lady, and anybody that got ideas above their station was soon put in their place, it's also telling that most footballers didn't earn much more than an average worker, and even the supposed stars like Jimmy Mac etc had to supplement their income throughout the summer by helping out the groundsman and other various tasks.

It's also enlightening that we were one of the most progressive clubs in that era regarding training methods and treating injuries in Billy Dougall's case, and of course Gawthorpe was one of the first custom built training complexes, and was probably ahead of it's time hence why we were able to compete with the big city clubs on a level playing field in the days of the minimum wage.

I guess a lot of you already know, but a fair number of UTC members are name checked in the introduction.

Tim has become a good friend of mine in recent years, spoke to him on the phone just a few days ago. He's a lovely writer and his book "From the Orient to the Emirates" is a very good read.

[boatshed bill]

It's a very good read.

[huw.Y.WattfromWare]

Proud owner of both books mentioned, thanks to my daughters and Xmas. I’m hoping for one of his cricket books this year. Good old Amazon and wishlists.

[tiger76]

Tim has become a good friend of mine in recent years, spoke to him on the phone just a few days ago. He's a lovely writer and his book "From the Orient to the Emirates" is a very good read.

Yes "From the Orient to the Emirates" will be the next one on my list, that's very much my era having started watching the Clarets in the late 80's.

[ClaretTony]

Proud owner of both books mentioned, thanks to my daughters and Xmas. I’m hoping for one of his cricket books this year. Good old Amazon and wishlists.

Tim loves his cricket too

[rdp2eps]

Underdog by Tim Quelch is a good read too

[ClaretTony]

Underdog by Tim Quelch is a good read too

I'd forgotten that one - another good read

[rdp2eps]

I'd forgotten that one - another good read

Yes I borrowed it from the library when I was trying to be firm with myself on the book buying ... it didn’t last long ... once I discovered some decent second hand sellers I can’t move for books again mainly work related in my defence