{"product_id":"football-from-the-goalmouth-by-frank-swift","title":"FOOTBALL FROM THE GOALMOUTH by Frank Swift","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(223, 143, 56);\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(223, 143, 56);\"\u003eHumour, Heart, and Heroics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(223, 143, 56);\"\u003eFrank Swift’s Unmatched Journey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003eFrank 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. \u003cbr\u003eCentral 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. \u003cbr\u003eReviewers 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. \u003cbr\u003eWhether 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(218, 32, 42);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\"\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\"\u003eNotably, 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\"\u003eInside, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(218, 32, 42);\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Sporting Handbooks London\u003cbr\u003ePublished: March 1948\u003cbr\u003ePrice: £29.99\u003cbr\u003eHardback: 226 pages\u003cbr\u003eISBN-13: Not issued in 1948\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 156 x 134 x 1.75 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"PUBLISHED MARCH 1948","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56575035900284,"sku":"35MAIL","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/FOOTBALL-FROM-THE-GOALMOUTH-FRANK-SWIFT.png?v=1775058684","url":"https:\/\/www.soccerbooks.co.uk\/products\/football-from-the-goalmouth-by-frank-swift","provider":"SOCCER BOOKS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}