The author of this book, Brian Bollen, tongue in cheek, describes the history of Airdrieonians FC as starting with the invention of THE crossbar and ending with the destruction of A crossbar. It's fair to say that the throwaway line barely starts to describe the colourful history of our once proud club.

This new pictorial history of Airdrieonians FC is certainly a more comprehensive read than other club history book released over a decade ago for more than just the simple fact that it covers more time. Brian's book is a far more colourful and indepth look at our distinguished past. There is a wealth of interesting photos and memorabilia from the beginning, archive stories, footage and reports, till the bitter end. Not to mention the glorious 120 odd years in between. One of the features of this book is the range of personal testimonies of generations past that bring our past to life.

I have found it difficult to put this book down since first attempting a brief read at it. I thought I'd have known it all but have been surprised with just how deep Brian must have dug to bring this project to life. I was expecting chapter and verse on the last couple of years but Brian has delicately sidestepped the politics in the context of the book and his decision to do so probably lets the book have an enjoyable atmosphere that makes it a must read for all Airdrie fans and neutrals alike.

Whether you want to read about the 1924 cup team in depth, Stanley Matthews and what Bobby Flavell really made of it, Ian McMillan's career - what would we give to have that kind of quality again?, Whiteford and the Texaco Cup years, etc., this book has it in wonderful grapic detail. The younger fans especially will probably be overwhelmed by a history in pictures that have left me feeling humbled by the scale of what has been achieved in years gone by.

Our historical wee team may well be gone but Airdrieonians contribution to world football will live on as long as the game itself. Just read about it if you don't know. The team lives on in the spirit of the fans and the Diamonds of Jim Ballantyne's Airdrie United, but Brian's book provides some closure on the end of part one. The book would make an ideal Christmas present for your nearest and dearest Airdrie fan or simply a must have read if you've any interest in one of the games most colourful teams