Peter Seddon’s *Destroying Angel: Steve Bloomer – England’s First Football Hero* offers an enthralling exploration of one of football’s earliest legends. Seddon, a respected historian and lifelong Derby County supporter, brings his deep knowledge and passion to the story of Steve Bloomer, whose remarkable goalscoring record and enigmatic personality helped shape English football’s formative years. Through Seddon’s meticulous research and engaging narrative, readers follow Bloomer’s journey from his tough Black Country beginnings in 1874 to his extraordinary exploits with Derby, Middlesbrough, and England.
Seddon’s expert storytelling reveals lesser-known chapters in Bloomer’s life, including his harrowing four-year imprisonment in a German camp during wartime and his pioneering coaching career across Europe. The author’s detailed account of Bloomer’s time in Germany, Holland, and Spain highlights his influence beyond the pitch, bringing glory to clubs like ‘the Accrington Stanley of Spanish football’. Seddon’s work enriches football history by uncovering these vital episodes with clarity and respect.
The author also chronicles Bloomer’s later years as a scout, pundit, and honoured figure at Derby’s Baseball Ground, where his legacy lives on in the club’s anthem, ‘Steve Bloomer’s Watching’. Seddon’s dedication to football history shines throughout, making this book essential for fans seeking a vivid portrait of a true football pioneer.
*Destroying Angel* by Peter Seddon is a masterful tribute that captures the spirit, trials, and triumphs of England’s first football hero, making it indispensable for enthusiasts of British football heritage.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Fascinating Selection of Books – A Must See!
Published: August 8, 2013
Price: £12.99
Hardback: 224 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1859837771
Dimensions: 13.59 x 1.3 x 21.01 cm
