FOOTBALL FROM THE GOALMOUTH by Frank Swift

Frank Swift’s "Football from the Goalmouth" remains one of British football’s most memorable autobiographies, capturing the spirit and challenges of goalkeeping in the golden era of soccer. Swift’s journey from a Blackpool boatman to Britain’s Number 1 goalkeeper is a testament to grit, humour, and relentless dedication. Throughout the book, Swift recounts his early days—borrowing his brother’s boots for a trial with Fleetwood—and the fateful Christmas Day in 1933 when he made his League debut, a match that marked the start of a legendary career.
Central to "Football from the Goalmouth" are Swift’s invaluable insights into goalkeeping. He shares honest reflections on his “homework” after each match, detailing how he analysed every goal conceded to improve his technique—wisdom that continues to inspire aspiring keepers today. Frank Swift’s writing is filled with light-hearted anecdotes and candid stories, including his famous fainting episode after winning the 1934 FA Cup Final before King George V, and the camaraderie of his 2,500-mile England team tour.
Reviewers have praised Frank Swift’s autobiography for its warmth, wit, and unique perspective on football’s pre- and post-war eras. Critics highlight Swift’s ability to make the reader laugh and reflect, seamlessly blending humour with serious commentary on the Players’ Union and life in the Football League. The narrative is not just a chronicle of matches and medals, but a lively portrait of the personalities, challenges, and triumphs that shaped British football.
Whether you’re a young footballer seeking practical tips or a lifelong fan eager for behind-the-scenes stories, "Football from the Goalmouth" delivers an authentic view from the heart of the action. Frank Swift’s legacy, both as an exceptional goalkeeper and as an author, endures through this classic, much-loved volume.
CONDITION
The binding of **Football from the Goalmouth** by Frank Swift is impressively tight, with the yellow cloth boards remaining clean and well-preserved. The dust jacket is complete, showing only minor rubbing at the top and bottom of the spine, and has been carefully protected with an archival cover.
Notably, the dust jacket retains its original price of nine and six, which has not been clipped—a charming detail for collectors and fans alike. The pages show some very faint foxing to the edges, a natural sign of aging, but quite mild considering the book is 80 years old.
Inside, the photographic plates remain clean and bright, including an iconic Army team photo featuring many stars of the time and future. The overall condition preserves the book’s historical and nostalgic value, making it a treasured item for any football enthusiast or author of vintage sports literature.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Sporting Handbooks London
Published: March 1948
Price: £29.99
Hardback: 226 pages
ISBN-13: Not issued in 1948
Dimensions: 156 x 134 x 1.75 cm