A Compelling Chronicle of West Ham's European Adventures
Mike Miles' "Over Land and Sea" arrives as a meticulously researched examination of West Ham United's European journey, offering readers an unprecedented look at the club's continental adventures. Following his well-received biography of Ron Greenwood, Miles demonstrates his deep understanding of the club's history in this comprehensive work. The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together both the triumphant and lesser-known aspects of West Ham's European story. Miles skilfully chronicles the 58-year span between the club's two major European trophies: the historic 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup victory and their [dramatic 2023 Conference League triumph . What sets this book apart is Miles' exploration of the lesser-known chapters in West Ham's European story. The author delves into fascinating historical details, such as how Upton Park's floodlights in the 1950s attracted elite European teams, creating a foundation for the club's continental connections. These early friendlies and exhibitions helped shape the club's European identity long before their competitive success. The narrative is particularly enlightening when discussing Ron Greenwood's influence on the club's European approach. Miles details how Greenwood's continental philosophy, heavily influenced by the Hungarian national team of the 1950s, transformed West Ham's playing style and European ambitions. The author's academic background in sports history from De Montfort University shines through in his methodical approach to research. He masterfully contextualises West Ham's European journey within the broader evolution of English football's relationship with continental competition. The book benefits from Miles' ability to balance scholarly rigour with engaging storytelling, making it accessible to both casual fans and serious football historians. Particularly compelling is the author's treatment of the 2023 Conference League campaign, which provides a fitting bookend to the narrative. The dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, secured by Jarrod Bowen's last-minute goal, is presented not just as a singular triumph but as the culmination of decades of European endeavour. The book's only minor shortcoming is that some readers might wish for more detailed analysis of the tactical evolution of European football and how West Ham adapted to these changes over the decades. However, this is offset by the wealth of historical detail and human interest stories that Miles brings to light. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publication: August 19, 2024 Price: £18.99 ISBN-10: 1801507481 ISBN 13: 978-1801507486 Dimensions: 222 x 144mm Hardcover: 320 pages Published with Illustrations
