In his masterful exploration of football's sacred spaces, John Gillard takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the world's most captivating stadiums. As noted by The Guardian's football correspondent Jonathan Wilson, "Gillard's intimate knowledge of these grounds transforms mere concrete and steel into living, breathing characters in football's ongoing narrative." From the mist-shrouded terraces of Scotland's Braemar Park, where Highland League matches unfold before a handful of hardy souls, to the pulsating cauldron of Buenos Aires' La Bombonera, where the very ground trembles beneath 50,000 passionate Boca Juniors supporters, each venue tells its own unique tale. The Athletic's David Ornstein praised the book's "remarkable ability to capture the soul of these sporting cathedrals." Gillard's nuanced understanding of how stadiums shape both matchday experience and community identity is evident in his experience with Brighton & Hove Albion and Union Berlin. He skilfully weaves together architectural details with human stories, creating a tapestry that celebrates both the grand and the humble. As FourFourTwo magazine observed, "This isn't just about bricks and mortar—it's about the dreams and memories these grounds contain." The author's keen eye for detail brings to life venues like the Faroe Islands' Tórsvøllur, where matches are played against a backdrop of dramatic North Atlantic cliffs and Milan's architectural marvel, the San Siro, whose spiralling towers have become synonymous with Italian football excellence. The stunning photography enhances each description, capturing the grandeur and intimacy of these spaces. Perhaps most compelling is Gillard's exploration of how these grounds reflect their local cultures. From the technologically integrated splendour of Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium to the charming simplicity of Cowdenbeath's Central Park, complete with its famous track for stock car racing, the book illustrates how football grounds serve as mirrors for their communities. The Times' Henry Winter aptly noted that "Gillard has created more than a reference book—he's crafted a love letter to football's spiritual homes." ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Visit Universe Publishing Published: September 2, 2025 Price: £29.99 Hardback: 320 pages ISBN-10: 1788216830 ISBN-13: 9780789345820 Dimensions: 254 x 195 (mm)
