Hardcover 240 pages
Lads, Wembley’s Red Again!
Brian Barwick’s Anfield South: 75 Years of Liverpool at Wembley is a heartfelt tribute to Liverpool FC’s enduring love affair with the national stadium. Barwick, a lifelong Liverpool supporter and broadcasting legend, brings a uniquely personal perspective to this remarkable chronicle. His credentials are impeccable—Match of the Day editor, a guiding force behind the BBC’s World Cup and Olympic coverage, and former chief executive of the FA. It’s this mix of professional insight and pure passion that makes Barwick’s writing so engaging.
The book opens with Liverpool’s maiden trip to Wembley in 1950, weaving together the drama, hope, and heartbreak that have coloured every visit since. Barwick’s narrative sparkles with tales from both the pitch and the stands—stories of fans packed onto trains, nerves jangling as the Red men march down Wembley Way. The legendary 1965 FA Cup win, under Bill Shankly’s indomitable leadership, is rendered with the reverence it deserves. Barwick captures the relief and jubilation of finally lifting the trophy after decades of near misses, spotlighting the personalities who made it happen.
Moving through the decades, Barwick highlights the transition from Shankly to Bob Paisley—Liverpool’s ‘quiet genius"—and the club’s transformation into serial winners. The retelling of European triumphs, including retaining the European Cup at Wembley, brims with pride. The 1980s bring fierce Merseyside derbies—Wembley was never louder than when Liverpool faced Everton, and Barwick paints these clashes in vivid colour, recalling the electric atmosphere and unforgettable moments.
Barwick doesn’t shy away from the quirks either. The infamous white suits of 1996—the birth of the ‘Spice Boys’ legend—get plenty of mention, showing his appreciation for the lighter, occasionally less glorious, side of the club’s Wembley history. Into the modern era, Barwick lauds Jürgen Klopp for reigniting the magic, guiding the Reds to more memorable days under the Wembley arch.
Throughout, Barwick’s love for Liverpool shines. He understands that, for fans, Wembley is more than just a stadium; it’s a second home, ‘Anfield South’. His ability to blend historical detail, personal anecdote, and genuine Scouse wit sets this book apart. Every match, every journey, every goal is a story worth telling—and Barwick tells them brilliantly. Anfield South is a must-read for any Red, a celebration of a unique bond forged over seventy-five memorable years.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 2nd Week, August 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: August 4, 2025
Price: £19.99
Paperback: 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801556
ISBN-13: 978-1836801559
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
Why Pre-order?
Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
