Some sports stories are so extraordinary they seem impossible until they actually happen. "Is There Time for a Winner?" isn't just a book about a football season; it's a testament to the raw power of belief against astronomical odds, penned by two journalists who had front-row seats to history.
Alex Miller and Joe Crann's account of Sheffield Wednesday's 2022/23 campaign captures what the Reuters news agency called "the greatest comeback in English Football League playoff history." The numbers alone tell an incredible tale: 96 points in the regular season, a remarkable 28 wins, and yet still finishing third—but it's the human drama behind these statistics that makes this book truly special.
The authors' unique positions—Crann as a lifelong supporter and Miller as a relative newcomer who fell in love with the club—provide complementary perspectives that enrich the narrative. Their daily coverage for The Star newspaper gives them unparalleled insight into the season's ebbs and flows, from the pre-season optimism in Portugal to the gut-wrenching playoff first leg against Peterborough.
The book's crescendo centres on 17 days in May that will forever live in football folklore. Down 4-0 after the first leg against Peterborough, Wednesday's promotion dreams seemed shattered. What followed was sporting drama of the highest order: a stunning 5-1 victory in the second leg, followed by a penalty shootout triumph, before Josh Windass's stoppage-time winner in the final against Barnsley sealed their return to the Championship.
Miller and Crann's insider access provides fascinating details about the personalities behind the miracle. Their portrayal of manager Darren Moore is particularly compelling, a man who would guide his team to both the club's record points total and one of football's most remarkable comebacks, only to depart the club shortly after promotion.
The writing style expertly balances journalistic precision with emotional resonance. The writers adeptly balance between allowing the drama to unfold naturally and incorporating context that only those deeply involved in the club can offer. Their decision to weave player and fan perspectives throughout the narrative helps readers understand both the technical and emotional dimensions of this remarkable season.
What sets this book apart from typical sports narratives is its attention to the broader context. It's not just about the games; it's about a city, its people, and a football club seeking redemption. The authors skilfully capture the weight of history on a club that has experienced both historic highs and recent struggles, making the triumph all the sweeter.
The book's structure, building toward those 17 days in May, creates a natural tension that mirrors the season itself. Even readers who know the outcome will find themselves caught up in the moment-by-moment drama of the playoff campaign. The detailed recounting of the Peterborough second leg, in particular, is a masterclass in sports writing, capturing both the tactical adjustments and the raw emotion of one of football's greatest comebacks.
Soccerbooks synopsis:"Is There Time for a Winner?" succeeds on multiple levels as a piece of sports journalism, as a historical document, and as a human drama. Miller and Crann have produced more than just a season review; they've created a lasting testament to one of football's most remarkable campaigns, told with the insight of insiders and the passion of true believers.
For football fans, this book offers a reminder of why we love the game and its capacity for miracle moments and redemption stories. For Sheffield Wednesday supporters, it provides a definitive account of their greatest modern triumph. And for anyone who appreciates a great story well told, it stands as a compelling narrative about hope, perseverance, and the power of believing in the impossible.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Vertical Editions
Published: September 28, 2023
Price: £12.99
ISBN-13: 978-1908847294
Hardback: 264 pages
