From Maine Road to the World
The Story of King of the Kippax
Selling King of the Kippax: In the Golden Age of Football Fanzines 1988–2024 captures the untold spirit of Manchester City supporters, tracing a remarkable era in English football through the lens of the beloved King of the Kippax fanzine. In a world before social media, grassroots football culture thrived in the exchange of printed words on matchdays, uniting generations of City fans under a shared love for their club. The book dives into the rollercoaster ride from the heartbreak of relegation to the euphoria of winning the Club World Cup—experiences chronicled in each issue sold outside Maine Road, the Etihad, and beyond.
With accounts of braving rain-soaked terraces, outwitting police and stewards, and navigating the often unpredictable energy of rival supporters, David Anthony Wallace weaves a candid, sometimes hilarious, and frequently moving narrative of life on the football fanzine frontline. King of the Kippax survived abuse, threats, libel, slander, and moments of praise from football legends and club officials alike. The stories offer a vivid snapshot of fan culture, at a time when football was far from the slick, corporate product it is today.
As Wallace details encounters with everyone from ex-hooligans to Knights of the Realm, King of the Kippax becomes more than just a magazine—it stands as a living chronicle of Manchester City’s transformation. From the grim depths of the third tier to the glory of the Premier League, Champions League, and World titles, each issue reflects changing hopes, frustrations, and dreams shared by the Blue faithful. The book is rich with fanzine stories, match reports, cartoons, and ground diagrams—brilliantly illustrating football’s power to shape community and identity.
Whether you’re a lifelong Blue, a casual supporter, or captivated by football history, Selling King of the Kippax is essential reading. It’s a tribute not just to Manchester City, but to the enduring culture of football fanzines, and the undying passion of fans who kept the faith when hope was thin. For anyone searching for Manchester City stories, football culture, fan journeys, or the history of English fanzines, this book belongs at the top of your list.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: November 20, 2025
Price: £16.95
Hardback: 172 pages
ISBN-13: 9780955705649
Dimensions: 234 x 156 (mm)
