Feature On New Book "Underdog" By Tim Quelch


By TheLongside.co.uk
October 2 2011

The Longside are pleased to feature the latest book from the pen of Tim Quelch. Tim is a retired government officer, he previously wrote Forever and Ever, a book of supporters recollections of following Burnley FC 1960-2000, and more recently Never Had It So Good, the tale of Burnley's incredible 1959/60 league title winning triumph.

Tim has been supporting Burnley over the last forty years, also following the ups and downs of clubs such as Brighton, Brentford, Aldershot and Kingstonian, and taking in games from as far afield as Southampton and Newcastle.
This latest offering from Tim, "Underdog," is his romantic story of 50 years spent following the fortunes of some of British footballs struggling sides and less-fashionable teams. It is a fascinating insight into the most dramatic half century in English football, and includes interviews with a wide number of footballers and managers from that period.
Burnley72/73champs_021011_aOn this occasion,Tim largely avoids the bright lights of the top clubs in preference of the beautiful game lower down the league pyramid. He looks at the temporary hardships experienced by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City; witnesses the victims of changing economics, like Burnley and Preston North End; and revels in the glories of the likes of Northampton Town, Workington, Carlisle and Leyton Orient, who punched briefly, yet triumphantly, well above their weight.
Tim also reflects on some of the greater cup runs involving Norwich City, Hereford United, QPR, and Wimbledon; the phoenix like recovery of Aldershot; the struggles of clubs which over-reached themselves, such as Oxford, Swansea, and Bristol City and the stories of other lesser known teams, who remained well below the radar, like his first love Hastings United, and Matlock Town.
overheadkickleeds_021011_aUnlike his other offerings this is not just about the Clarets, although Burnley Football Club is covered in the book, mainly "The Team Of The Seventies" with help from Martin Dobson, Geoff Nulty and Steve Kindon. There is extended coverage and recollections from some of the players who took to the field in that never to be forgotten 4-1 victory over Leeds at Elland Road, remembered by all for that Paul Fletcher wonder goal.
Tim is attempting to generate funds for a cause that is close to his heart, the Alzheimer's Society a care and research charity. All the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to this very worthwhile cause, recognising the accelerated risk of early-onset dementia among former footballers who frequently headed the heavier ball, particularly those who played in the two decades following World War Two. Our very own Tommy Cummings was one such victim but there are other ex-BFC players,too, whom it wouldn't be right to identify.
The book of over 400 pages is being published by Pitch Publishing this week and is priced at £14-99. The ISBN number is 9781908051134, it can be ordered on various websites e.g. Amazon, Smiths, Waterstones and should also be available from the club shop.
Having personally read both of Tim's previous books, which have been excellent, I am looking forward to reading this one too.
The Alzheimer's Society is a fantastic cause that deserves our support, what better way of helping than buying a good read, knowing that the proceeds will be helping with the ongoing research, and care that victims and families need in the battle against this terrible disease affecting so many.
 
We as Clarets fans are lucky to have two such esteemed writers as Tim Quelch and Dave Thomas within our midst, we should support them as much as we can and keep them writing.
 
On this occasion it is Tim that needs our support so please help him to reach his goal.

Bookmark or share this story with:

Feature On New Book "Underdog" By Tim Quelch
Discussion started by TheLongside.co.uk , 02/10/2011 21:09
TheLongside.co.uk
02/10/2011 21:09
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report
Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net
 

StreamFootball - Burnley