In “And Then There Was Football: A History of Merseyside Football: 1878-2025,” author Philip Ross masterfully weaves the tale of football’s meteoric rise in Liverpool and its surrounding areas. By tracing the sport from its earliest roots—when church teams and factory workers kicked battered balls on muddy fields—Ross reveals how soccer became the beating heart of Merseyside. His detailed research shines light on the pivotal moments that saw local clubs not only form, but also transform into giants of the global game. Everton’s humble beginnings as St. Domingo in 1878 and Liverpool’s dramatic birth from the Anfield boardroom split in 1892 come alive through Ross’s storytelling, offering readers a front-row seat to football’s most iconic regional drama.
Philip Ross doesn’t just highlight the celebrated clubs; he digs deep into the grassroots, documenting how works teams, Sunday League sides, and school squads all contributed to Merseyside’s football DNA. The book uncovers the passion in every corner of the region, from the historic construction of Goodison Park and Anfield’s legendary Spion Kop, to the gritty pitches of the Wirral and the packed terraces of Tranmere Rovers. Ross’s narrative captures both the glory of European Cup nights and the sweaty camaraderie of local derbies, showing how football impacts every level of the community.
Football’s social, economic, and cultural influence on Liverpool is a key theme throughout Ross’s work. The book explores how the beautiful game has driven local identity, shaped urban development, and provided hope and pride during challenging times. Ross’s engaging prose gives voice to the countless forgotten clubs, unsung competitions, and the tireless characters who built the region’s football legacy. He demonstrates how Merseyside’s football tradition transcends sport, becoming a vital thread in the fabric of everyday life.
With exhaustive appendices, detailed club histories, and summaries of every major and minor competition—Premier League to I Zingari League—Philip Ross delivers the definitive account of Merseyside football. “And Then There Was Football” is essential reading for anyone searching for the origins, spirit, and continuing story of soccer in Liverpool and beyond. Ross’s contribution ensures these stories will inspire future generations and cement Merseyside’s place at the heart of world football.
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Publisher: Visit De Coubertin Books
Published: November 5, 2025
Price: £24.99
Hardback: 458 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1917064927
Dimensions: 156 x 233 (mm)
