Football doesn’t look much like it did back in the days of centre partings, laced balls, and muddy pitches, but one thing’s stayed the same for over a century: fans still buy matchday programs. What began as a basic teamsheet to help spectators figure out who was on the pitch has slowly evolved into today’s glossy, magazine-style souvenir, packed with player profiles, interviews, and trivia. Through all the changes—from cloth-capped crowds to stadiums filled with smartphones—football supporters have always wanted to be in the know and, more recently, to be entertained.
This book digs into the fascinating history of the football program, tracing how it’s grown from humble beginnings into a serious collector’s item. It’s part history lesson, part guide for new and seasoned collectors alike: where to find programs, what makes them valuable, and how to preserve them. There’s plenty of attention given to some of the rarest and most sought-after issues, like the 1915 FA Cup final program from Old Trafford, which sold at auction for an eye-watering £11,500. Written by John Litster—editor of Britain’s top program collectors’ magazine and a genuine expert—The Football Programme features more than 150 iconic examples and captures the story of these nostalgic treasures that hold a special place in the hearts of thousands of fans.
Soccer programmes have become a smart investment for collectors and fans alike. Unlike mass-produced memorabilia, each programme is a unique time capsule—capturing the teams, players, and cultural quirks of a specific match day. As football’s popularity has soared, rare programmes from historic games or milestone events have only grown in value, often fetching impressive sums at auction. Beyond the financial rewards, they offer something priceless: a tangible link to the past, filled with stories, adverts, and lineups you won’t find anywhere else. Collectors know that as clubs evolve and digital replaces print, these physical programmes will become even scarcer. Whether you’re after the thrill of the hunt, the joy of nostalgia, or the hope of future profit, investing in soccer programmes is a way to own a piece of the game’s living history—a small, paper window into football’s soul. ~ The Soccerbooks Team ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Price: £12.99
Published: 2007
Softcover: 160 pages
Lavishly illustrated
