Fathers, Sons and Football (Hardcover)

Most famous is Mike Summerbee, a former England international well known for the success he achieved at Manchester City in the 1960s and 1970s. The modern era is represented by Nicky Summerbee, a Premiership player with Manchester City and Sunderland who won representative honours with England at under-21 and 'B' level. But at least as much of the text is devoted to Mike's father George, the founder of the dynasty. Summerbee senior was a journeyman professional whose big move from Aldershot to First Division Preston turned sour and who played out his career in the game's lower reaches with Chester and Barrow after the War.

This is a deeply impressive book and is made so precisely by its breadth of scope. The author, amongst other things, is a part-time history lecturer at Cambridge University so it's perhaps not surprising that he seeks to place events in their historical context, and these passages are sometimes lengthy - three or four pages on occasion. Thus George Summerbee's disappointments at Deepdale are seen against the backdrop of a Britain ravaged by economic depression and on the verge of war. Mike's early days at City are set against the furious social upheaval of the 1960s. And Nick's turbulent spell at Maine Road three decades later is measured against the disposable consumerism of the 1990s.

Lest I give the impression that 'Fathers, Sons and Football' is nothing more than a treatise on twentieth century British social history, however, I should point out that first and foremost it's a good read. I'm familiar with both of Colin Shindler's previous works (in addition to 'Manchester United Ruined My Life', I've read his novel, 'High On A Cliff'), so it was no surprise to me that this latest work is also deftly written and punctuated by flashes of engaging humour. Of course, he has some terrific source material to work with in the story of the Summerbee family over three generations. That the tale is told from an original and revealing perspective only adds to its appeal.

For 'Fathers, Sons and Football' is not just the story of the fathers and sons of the Summerbee clan, but of the mothers, wives and sisters - a compelling human story as well as one with an interesting socio-historical slant. And much attention is therefore paid to the thoughts of Dulcie, George's wife and Mike's mother; Tina, Mike's wife and Nicky's mother; and Nick's sister Rachel. The women of the family offer a rare insight into the way football affects not just the lives of those directly involved in it but also the lives of those close to them, and this is at the heart of much of the best writing in the book. I particularly appreciated it in the context of the story of how George was consigned to the reserves at Preston yet, thanks to the abhorrent retain and transfer system, was unable to move on and better himself. And his mother's and sister's accounts of Nicky's problems with the Maine Road crowd and the tabloid press make for fascinating reading.

So ultimately, despite the social history slant, this is a compelling human story, which, in contrast with so many of the accounts of footballers' careers, is related without glamourising the life of the professional player. Both sides of the coin are viewed, and indeed, the last word is given to Dulcie, who despite her son's immensely successful footballing career, expresses the hope that the family's next generation will give the game a wide berth. Having seen her husband die a bitter and broken man in his early forties, this is probably not surprising, and it also demonstrates that the book doesn't at any point seek to gloss over any tricky issues in the lives of the protagonists. To this end, Dulcie's estrangement from her husband's family, Mike and his brother's strained relationship with their mother's new husband, and a holiday romance for Mike's future wife Tina which almost strangled the relationship at birth all feature in the narrative.

Perhaps the most eloquent assessment I can offer is that I'd finished the 310 pages within 36 hours of starting the book. Considering that I was asleep for seven of those hours and at work for another ten, that means I found it entertaining and absorbing enough to allow it to dominate my leisure time until I'd completed it. That's because, as an intelligent and pleasurable look at football, society and, most of all, life over almost three-quarters of a century, it comes highly recommended.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment

Thankfully, Schindler, as displayed in his debut work, is more than capable to handle this material sensitively, astutely and, on occasion, poetically.

As a snap-shot comparison of football and class across three generations it is heartbreaking. It also hardens those feelings that those lucky enough to be in the game now should appreciate the heritage of the game and the fortunate position they are in.

A page-turner and thought-provoker. I wish TalkSport listeners were given a copy before they were allowed on air.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment