Softcover Published October 2006, 208 pages Ultimate British Football Programme Collection!
Vibrant colour programmes throughout
Match Day: Football Programmes is a nostalgic trip through British football’s golden age, capturing the spirit of the sport through the vibrant artwork of programme covers spanning from the post-war years to the dawn of the Premier League. The book brings together official matchday programmes from every UK league club, offering a window into an era before football became a global business and every match a polished, branded event. The cover designs, with their bold graphics, playful fonts, and hand-drawn illustrations, channel the do-it-yourself optimism of the times—reminding us of muddy pitches, rattling terraces, and the “Roy of the Rovers” dreams that filled stadiums every Saturday.
Beyond the nostalgia for football, Match Day: Football Programmes is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the design, advertising, and visual culture of the mid-to-late 20th century. The book’s editors, Bob Stanley, Paul Kelly, Damon Murray, and Stephen Sorrell, have curated each page with an eye for both historical significance and artistic flair. You’ll find club mascots leaping across the page, heroic centre-forwards frozen mid-kick, and local sponsors who are as much a part of the club as the players themselves. There’s a charm and authenticity here that’s missing from today’s corporate matchday publications, making this collection a unique bridge between the worlds of sport and design.
At its heart, Match Day is a love letter to football culture, community, and creativity—a celebration of the days when programmes were keepsakes and every match felt like a local event. It’s the perfect gift for football fans, graphic designers, and anyone who appreciates the history and artistry of British sport. Each programme cover tells a story, not just of the teams and players, but of the towns, supporters, and generations who made Saturday afternoons unforgettable. Whether you're revisiting old memories or exploring this era for the first time, this book offers a vibrant, visual feast that revitalises the essence of football.
PLEASE NOTE:
The book’s interior is in excellent condition—tight binding, clean pages, and bright images. The front cover is complete; however, it seems that over the past 20 years, something has adhered to it, resulting in a missing strip. Please enlarge our cover photo for details. This title is becoming increasingly rare and highly sought after—don’t miss your chance to own a true collector’s item.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: FUEL
Published: August 1, 2006
Price: £29.99
Paperback: 208 pages
ISBN-10: 0955006147
ISBN-13: 978-0955006142
Dimensions: 222 x 320 (mm)